Riley J. Williams III, MD

11/20/2025

That ache along the outside of your thigh? It might be your IT band which is a thick strip of tissue that can become tight or inflamed from overuse. Gentle stretches and strengthening can help restore balance and ease pain. https://www.hss.edu/health-library/move-better/it-band-stretches Hospital for Special Surgery

This thick strip of tissue can become inflamed and cause pain in the leg.

11/18/2025

Loose bodies in the elbow are small pieces of bone or cartilage that break off and float inside the joint. They can form after trauma, repetitive sports activity, or due to a condition called synovial chondromatosis.

These fragments can cause pain, swelling, catching, loss of motion, or even locking of the elbow. Removing loose bodies often restores smooth motion, reduces discomfort, and helps patients return to normal activity.

Elbow Arthroscopy Doctor Are you unable to bend or straighten your elbow completely? Are you experiencing pain, stiffnes or even a crunching or popping sound in your elbow? You may have a condition called loose bodies in the elbow which can occur from pieces of bone, or bone spurs in the

11/14/2025

Shoulder acromioplasty is a surgical procedure that helps relieve pain caused by subacromial impingement or rotator cuff disease.

The acromion, the “roof” of the shoulder, can sometimes press on the rotator cuff tendons, causing irritation and pain.

During acromioplasty, a small portion of the acromion is shaved away to create more space, reducing pressure and allowing smoother shoulder movement.

Shoulder Acromioplasty - Subacromial Decompression Doctor Are you experiencing shoulder pain and pinching, especially when lifting the arm or performing overhead tasks? If so, you may have subacromial impingement, or an inflamed rotator cuff. Shoulder acromioplasty is a surgical treatment used to re...

11/13/2025

The inside-out meniscus repair is a trusted way to fix a torn meniscus. A pre-threaded needle passes from inside the knee to the outside, where sutures are tied to secure the tear. This technique is effective for many types of meniscus tears and has decades of success.

Knee Meniscus Surgeon Do you participate in sports or activities that running, jumping or a quick change of direction? If so, you may be at risk of tearing your meniscus. A meniscus tear can occur due to a traumatic event or from degeneration. Meniscus surgeon, Doctor Riley J. Williams provides diag...

11/11/2025

🇺🇸 Today, we pause to honor those whose strength began long before recovery: our nation’s Veterans. At the Hospital for Special Surgery, we’re inspired every day by the resilience, discipline, and spirit that Veterans bring to their care and to our communities.

Dr Williams and our entire team salute you. Your service continues to inspire our own commitment to helping people move and live without limits.

11/06/2025

MCL insufficiency occurs when the medial collateral ligament (MCL) completely fails which often following a severe (Grade III) injury. Without a functional MCL, the knee becomes unstable and may give way during daily activities or sports.

Interestingly, these knees often aren’t painful, but the instability makes movement difficult. Surgical repair or reconstruction is usually required to restore stability and function.

Knee MCL Injury Specialist Are you an athlete who participates in contact sports, or jumping and landing? If so, you may be at risk of tearing your MCL. An MCL injury can be sustained during an awkward landing in athletic activities, from a sports tackle or from a kick in mixed

11/05/2025

“Someone’s below the line? The herd gets them back in line.” That’s how Dan Campbell describes the culture flip with the Detroit Lions. The standard now feeds itself—from weight room to game day.

Lions players reveal how coach Dan Campbell's culture has made Detroit — once a laughingstock — into one of the best-run teams in the NFL.

11/04/2025

A distal biceps tendon tear often happens when lifting or catching something heavy: the tendon that connects your biceps to your forearm pulls away from the bone.

Symptoms include pain, swelling, and weakness when bending or rotating the arm.
Surgery helps restore strength and function.

Distal Biceps Tendon Repair Surgeon Do you have a job that regularly requires heavy lifting? Are you an athlete who enjoys weightlifting? If so, you may experience a distal biceps tendon tear which occurs when the tendon becomes detached from the forearm at the elbow. Distal biceps tendon repair sur...

10/31/2025

When the ACL is torn, surgeons can rebuild it using a graft: either your own tissue or a donor’s.

In an anatomic ACL reconstruction, the graft is placed exactly where the original ligament was, restoring your knee’s natural stability and movement.

This modern, minimally invasive technique helps athletes and active individuals return to what they love in a safe way.

ACL Reconstruction and Repair Surgeon Are you an athlete who participates in sports that involve jumping or quick stopping? If so, you may be at risk of tearing your anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL. An ACL injury is one of the most common injuries suffered by athletes. ACL surgeon, Doctor Riley

10/30/2025

Thinking about staying at your home program for residency?
✅ Pros: Comfort, mentors you know, local support
❌ Cons: Less exposure to new ideas, perceived favoritism
One in four students choose this path: learn why it works for some but not all.

About one in four medical students stay at their home program for residency. Find out why it may—or may not—be right for you.

10/29/2025

A surprise injury took Peloton instructor Jess Sims - Peloton off the tread. Hospital for Special Surgery helped her get back to helping others. Watch her inspirational comeback story: https://abc7ny.com/post/hospital-special-surgery-move-better/18028101/ With Riley J. Williams III, MD

10/28/2025

During a total shoulder replacement, the worn portions of the shoulder joint are replaced with prosthetic components:
· A metal ball attached to a stem replaces the humeral head
· A smooth plastic cup resurfaces the socket

This modern outpatient procedure relieves arthritis pain, restores movement, and often lets patients return home the same day.

Total Shoulder Replacement Surgeon Have you been diagnosed with shoulder arthritis? Have conservative measures failed to alleviate your shoulder pain caused by arthritis? If so, you may be a candidate for a total shoulder replacement. Total shoulder replacement surgery is an excellent option for pat...