Lena CaldwellAs a writer with poor posture, it was only a matter of time before I experienced wrist pain. I finally noticed that it was bad when, on a night out, holding a bowling ball became too painful—it dawned on me that I needed to see a specialist, ASAP.
When typing on a keyboard is your job, riding out the pain is a no-no. It’ll get worse, and not being able to do anything with your one hand is something you’re going to regret (I’ve been there, and it was so bad).
If you have limited mobility or are experiencing pain in your joints, it’s time to see a doctor. These are Charlotte’s top orthopedic specialists, the names we trust who have proven themselves through successful surgeries!
How much is an orthopedic specialist in Charlotte?
Seeing an orthopedic specialist in Charlotte usually ranges between $150 and $500, depending on the expertise and clinic.
1. Dr. Howard Homesley, Jr. – Novant Health
Address: 4741 Randolph Rd, Suite 100 & 200
Contact: (704) 365-6730
Hours: Monday – Friday: 7 am – 5 pm (by appointment)
It wasn’t a surprise that Dr. Howard Homesley, Jr. became one of our top orthopedic surgeons in Charlotte. His experience spans over two decades, specializing in adult reconstructive orthopedic surgeries, which require a great deal of expertise.
That’s not his only focus, as his main interests include osteoarthritis surgeries, like knee and hip replacements. Plus, he utilizes advanced technologies in his procedures, ensuring safer surgeries, less blood loss, and shorter recovery times.
He’s also an Advanced Practice Provider (APP), making him highly skilled in diagnosis and treatment due to his clinical background. His care team is also worth mentioning, given the high level of care they provided their patients.
From what we’ve seen, he and his staff have excellent bedside manner, with their professional yet friendly demeanor. Their supportive nature could ease any worry, even for patients who had undergone complex orthopedic procedures.
But it can be tough to book a post-op appointment sometimes. It’s a good thing that the patients we spoke with have had a good recovery process, and we understand that Dr. Homesley is a busy man.
A very successful experience
“I felt very confident with Dr Homesley and his team. I was comfortable that they would keep me in capable hands. Now, two months after my surgery, I frequently forget that I have undergone major surgery. I will note that competent PT following the procedure was also critical. Complimenting each other, the total package has been a very successful experience. Kudos to Dr Homesley and his team!”
-Mike Farrell, Google Review
Every single person I dealt with was great
“I thought Dr. Homesley was fantastic! After visiting a competing doctor from another hospital, I was not satisfied and decided to try Dr. Homesley at Novant. I was extremely pleased with the entire doctor’s visit — every single person I dealt with was great. I feel like I’m getting good guidance now.”
-Kaye Smith, Google Review
2. Dr. Scott Burbank – OrthoCarolina Pineville
Address: 9101 Pineville-Matthews Rd, Suite D
Contact: Online appointment system
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8 am – 5 pm (by appointment)
When speaking about orthopedic experience in Charlotte, Dr. Scott Burbank is one of the names at the top. He has an impressive background, including being the Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at CMC-Pineville Hospital.
He specializes in a lot of procedures, which is another solid quality. For example, his main interests include sports medicine, shoulder replacement surgeries, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, and hip surgeries.
We were also impressed, as he and his staff were praised for putting their patients at ease. When we spoke with his past patients, many mentioned how genuine, caring, and honest Dr Scott and his staff were.
Just note that his Pineville clinic tends to have a long waiting time, even with an appointment. That’s kind of normal for hospitals, isn’t it? Although it still doesn’t erase the fact that almost an hour of waiting is pretty frustrating, so bring a book or something.
Nevertheless, the consultation is informative, and Dr. Burbank knows how to explain things clearly and always provides other possible options.
So kind and understanding
“I really liked Dr Burbank. He was so kind and understanding. He explained my x-rays and showed me the problem, then gave me some options. The option that we chose is working, so grateful not to have surgery. I liked all the staff at this office too, they make you feel at ease.”
-Carol Lewis, Google Review
Finest orthopedic surgeon ever
“Dr Burbank is the finest orthopedic surgeon ever. He has operated on me 3 times, knee replacement and 2 reverse shoulder replacements. Caring, personable, honest and sincere. He has always treated me like a family member. His PA, Tony Connot is awesome as well. Best surgical team I’ve ever had and I’ve had over 20 surgeries. Thank you, Dr Burbank”
-Patricia, Google Review
3. Dr. Marcus Cook – Novant Health
Address: 2826 Randolph Rd
Contact: (704) 358-0308
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8 am – 5 pm (by appointment)
Dr. Marcus Cook is an orthopedic specialist at Novant Health who focuses on orthopedic knee and shoulder surgeries. He covers other areas as well, like orthopedic sports medicine and arthritis-related conditions.
His track record is proof of his high level of expertise, as his patients have had their lives changed for the better after their procedures. They also mentioned that Dr. Cook shows all the possible treatment plans to support better decision-making.
He’s easy to book as well, with plenty of appointment slots on weekdays. However, expect a bit of a wait at Novant Health, which, unfortunately, happens quite a lot in hospitals.
Then again, the advantage is that patients with insurance plans will find him accessible since his clinic accepts various insurers, like Medicaid and Blue Cross.
Judging by what we’ve seen, he’s worth the wait for his direct yet professional approach. We appreciate how he doesn’t sugarcoat things, but keeps it clear and informative, ensuring the patient knows what’s going to happen.
Shows concern and interest in his patients
“Dr Marcus Cook , shows concerns and interest about his patients needs and is very knowledgeable about his patients diagnosis and presents the best treatment plans while allowing patients to give their input. Excellent staff working together as a team to support patients.”
-Barbara Lucas, Google Review
Very friendly and helpful
“Dr. Cook and his team are very friendly and helpful. I never feel rushed or hurried, and they always address all my concerns. Several years ago, Dr. Cook did meniscus surgery on my knee, and he has been providing orthopedic care since then. I highly recommend them.”
-Mike Lasley, Google Review
4. Dr. Glenn Gaston – OrthoCarolina
Address: 1915 Randolph Rd, 2nd Floor
Contact: Online appointment system
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8 am – 5 pm (by appointment)
One of the advantages of Dr. Glenn Gaston is his clinic in OrthoCarolina, which accepts orthopedic urgent care in Charlotte, and even when he’s busy, an available doctor at the hospital can see you.
That’s a good thing because he’s tough to book if you have a packed schedule, since his opening days are limited per week. In this case, patience pays off, given his expertise in hand, wrist, and elbow surgeries.
He has a decorated CV and has been recognized for his expertise and research contributions in orthopedic upper extremity conditions. It’s no wonder he’s busy and booked.
Once you do get an appointment, we think you’ll be pleased (like we were!). Dr. Gaston’s bedside manner is top-notch—he’s easy to talk to, approachable, patient, and helpful.
Plus, he’s one of the doctors who don’t have long waiting times. Sure, he’s not available every day of the week, but once you’re outside his clinic, you’ll normally get seen by the doctor quickly—that’s not something you see every day.
Kind, listens to your concerns, and explains everything
“Dr. Gaston is what you have been looking for in a Doctor! He is kind, listens to your concerns, explains everything to you in terms that you can understand (without being a Doctor yourself), gives you options to consider and then takes action. I feel fortunate to have found Dr. Gaston, I think that you will feel the same way.”
-Charles McIver, Google Review
Impressed with the efficiency
“The clinic was able to get me in quickly due to a cancellation. I was checked in and was seen by the nurse within 10 minutes of arrival. Saw PA and had X-rays and was back waiting for the doctor in another few minutes. Was seen, diagnosed and brace prescribed and checked out to go home in 30 minutes. Was early morning and was impressed with efficiency.”
-Donna McCall, Google Review
5. Dr. Ryan M. Garcia – OrthoCarolina
Address: 1915 Randolph Rd, 2nd Floor
Contact: Online appointment system
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8 am – 5 pm (by appointment)
If you’re looking for an orthopedic surgeon in Charlotte who has been widely recognized in their field, Dr. Ryan M. Garcia from OrthoCaroline should be on your list. He’s been named as one of the top doctors in the city based on peer reviews.
Another impressive thing is his expertise, which covers a whole lot of simple and complex orthopedic surgeries. Aside from specializing in hand, wrist, and elbow procedures, he also focuses on trauma and reconstructive surgeries.
And he’s a surgeon you can trust. Based on our surveys, he knows how to provide the right treatment plans, and the patients we talked to noted their successful surgeries and quick recoveries.
He’s direct, which leaves little room for misunderstandings. However, we’ve noted that it could sometimes backfire when the patient isn’t used to a straightforward approach.
Still, we appreciate the top-notch care he and his staff have provided, and he stood out for his ability to explain the whole thing clearly without sugarcoating. The most important part is that he’s efficient and is widely available.
Takes the time to put your mind at ease
“Dr Garcia is personable, knowledgeable and has a good bedside manner (from previous hand surgery). He provided a steroid injection into my hand to alleviate pain. He also explained the medical condition. He takes the time to put your mind at ease. I highly recommend Dr. Garcia.”
-Dawn Smith, Google Review
Knowledgeable, professional, and thorough
“Dr. Garcia and his team are knowledgeable, professional, and thorough as well as welcoming. He recently resolved my carpal tunnel syndrome, a pinched nerve in my elbow, and removed a problematic wrist plate from an old fracture. Five well-deserved stars!”
-Sharon, Google Review
