Meet Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Richard Savino

Why It Matters

Savino’s patient‑centric, conservative‑first model expands access to top‑tier orthopedic care on Long Island, lowering costs and recovery times for the region’s patients.

Key Takeaways

• Dr. Savino turned personal injuries into orthopedic career motivation.
• Emphasizes patient‑centered, non‑cookie‑cutter treatment planning for each case.
• Prioritizes conservative care options before recommending any surgical intervention.
• Leads a large NYU Langone orthopedic team for referrals.
• Provides world‑class care locally, reducing need to travel to Manhattan.

Summary

The video introduces Dr. Richard Savino, chief of orthopedics at NYU Langone Hospital Southampton, a sports‑and adult‑reconstruction specialist who performs total hip, knee and shoulder replacements. He attributes his career choice to multiple childhood injuries that left him disabled until orthopedic surgery restored his function.

Savino stresses a patient‑first philosophy: he conducts thorough interviews, tailors treatment plans, and avoids a one‑size‑fits‑all approach. Conservative measures—physical therapy, injections, and other non‑operative options—are exhausted before surgery is considered, and his extensive team acts as a gatekeeper to match patients with the appropriate surgeon.

He shares personal anecdotes, noting how his own recovery inspired his vocation, and highlights his involvement in international medical missions teaching orthopedic techniques. He also reassures hesitant patients that surgery is not the default recommendation, emphasizing shared decision‑making.

The broader implication is that Long Island residents now receive world‑class orthopedic care close to home, reducing the need to travel to Manhattan and potentially improving outcomes through personalized, conservative‑first treatment pathways.

Original Description

Richard Savino, MD is an orthopedic surgeon and Chief of Orthopedics at NYU Langone Hospital Suffolk. He specializes in sports medicine and adult joint reconstruction, treating patients with injuries and arthritis of the hip, knee, and shoulder, as well as a wide range of other orthopedic conditions.

Dr. Savino’s interest in orthopedics began after experiencing serious injuries as a child that limited his mobility. After receiving care and surgery, he was able to return to an active life. That experience shaped his commitment to helping patients regain function and return to the activities they enjoy. He believes in listening carefully to each person, understanding how their condition affects daily life, and creating a treatment plan that reflects their goals.

Expertise

Dr. Savino treats many common and complex orthopedic conditions, including:

• Shoulder, knee, and hip injuries

• Sports injuries in teens and adults

• Arthritis of the hip, knee, and shoulder

• Rotator cuff tears

• Meniscus tears

• Ligament injuries, including ACL tears

• Joint pain and stiffness from wear and tear

Dr. Savino starts with conservative treatments whenever possible. Many patients improve with physical therapy, medications, or injections and do not need surgery. When surgery is appropriate, he uses minimally invasive techniques such as arthroscopy to diagnose and treat joint injuries. He also performs total shoulder replacement and robotic assisted total knee and total hip replacement. Open surgery is recommended for more complex cases when it provides the safest and most effective option.

As Chief of Orthopedics at NYU Langone Hospital Suffolk, Dr. Savino works closely with a large team of orthopedic specialists, physical therapists, and other clinicians. If a patient needs a different subspecialist, he helps connect them with the right physician within NYU Langone’s orthopedic network. His goal is to ensure patients receive coordinated care close to home.

Learn more about Dr. Savino: https://nyulangone.org/doctors/1659381200/richard-savino