Hospital for Special Surgery

Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) is a nonprofit academic medical center that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal conditions. Its core services include orthopedic surgery, rheumatology, rehabilitation, and sports medicine, delivered through inpatient units, outpatient clinics, and specialized centers located in New York City and surrounding areas. The institution provides care to a diverse patient base that includes local residents, patients from across the United States, and individuals who travel internationally for specialized procedures. In addition to clinical care, HSS maintains active education programs that train physicians, fellows, and allied health professionals, and it conducts research aimed at improving surgical techniques, implant design, and rehabilitation outcomes. The organization’s mission emphasizes delivering high‑quality, evidence‑based care while advancing knowledge in the field of musculoskeletal health.

HSS distinguishes itself through its deep specialization in orthopedics and rheumatology, a focus that has earned it consistent recognition as a leading orthopedic hospital in national rankings. Its academic affiliation with Weill Cornell Medicine integrates clinical practice with medical education and research, allowing the institution to function as a teaching hospital where residents and fellows receive hands‑on training. As a nonprofit entity, HSS reinvests surplus revenue into patient care, facility improvements, and scientific inquiry, supporting a robust research portfolio that includes clinical trials, biomechanics studies, and outcomes research. The hospital’s notable competencies encompass complex joint replacement, spine surgery, and pediatric orthopedics, areas in which it has developed specialized programs and expertise. A notable event in the organization’s history occurred in 2013 when a former IT employee misused administrative privileges to install keyloggers and steal data, resulting in significant remediation costs and a federal prosecution; this incident prompted a comprehensive overhaul of HSS’s information security practices.