Daniel J. Kaplan, MD

As a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and shoulder surgery at the Joseph S. and Diane H. Steinberg Ambulatory Care Center—Cobble Hill, I have the most rewarding job in the world. Every day, I help patients get back in the game, whatever that game may be.

I was previously a team physician for the Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox, and Chicago Fire, but the majority of my patients are everyday athletes. This includes weekend warriors with a meniscus tear after jogging, a retired teacher with rotator cuff tendinopathy from years of handling books, or someone who took a wrong step on the sidewalk while pushing a stroller. I focus on all types of sports-related injuries and their treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention.

Although I am a surgeon with extensive experience in arthroscopic surgeries of the shoulder, hip, elbow, and knee, most patients I meet are treated with nonsurgical interventions such as medication, physical therapy, ultrasound-guided injections, or cutting-edge biologic treatment, like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow concentrate injections.

When surgery is necessary, I always use a meticulous technique, relying on the latest evidence-based methods to ensure state-of-the-art treatment. I specialize in minimally invasive arthroscopic and advanced open reconstruction procedures of the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee. My specialty training allows me to treat shoulder conditions such as instability, rotator cuff tears, and arthritis, including shoulder replacement; and hip conditions such as impingement (labral tears), hamstring, and abductor tears. The knee conditions I most commonly treat include ligament or meniscal tears, patellar instability, and malalignment as well as cartilage defects with joint preservation techniques, including cartilage or meniscal transplant.

I am heavily involved in orthopedic research. My work has led to innovations in both nonoperative and operative management. I have published over 150 papers and chapters in some of our field’s leading journals and textbooks. My research efforts help guide my understanding of how I can give my patients the best care possible.

I work closely with highly trained physical therapists, nutritionists, and other support specialists to help you get back to doing what you enjoy. When you see me and my team, your injury is a primary concern, but we also understand there is a lot more to you than just your hip, knee, or shoulder. We take the time to understand who you are, how your pain impacts your life, and your goals and how we can help you achieve them. We will also discuss the next steps in your care so you know what to expect and how you will feel at every stage of treatment.