A renowned expert and pioneer in the treatment of Dupuytren contracture with needle aponeurotomy and Xiaflex®, Dr. Gary Pess specializes in minimally invasive hand, wrist, and elbow procedures. In practice at Central Jersey Hand Surgery for over 36 years, Dr. Pess has lectured nationally, internationally, and co-invented a minimally invasive trigger finger release knife. “I treat big hand problems with little incisions,” he says. “This allows patients to return to normal function more quickly.”

Dr. Pess, who works with colleagues Drs. Raymond Decker, George Gabuzda, Teddy Atik, Gregory Fedorcik, and Jeremy Ruskin, provides total upper extremity care, from the fingertips to the shoulder. They utilize cutting-edge technology for quicker recovery after tendon lacerations, wrist and hand fractures. Since 1990, the practice has successfully performed more than 25,000 carpal tunnel releases using endoscopic techniques. Their philosophy is to provide personalized care, always trying non-surgical treatments first and only recommending surgery when absolutely necessary.

Dr. Pess is board certified in orthopedic surgery and received the prestigious added qualifications in hand surgery. A clinical senior instructor in orthopedic surgery at Drexel University College of Medicine, he is a member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Pess’s philosophy is to provide conservative, non-operative care first and to treat patients like family. “Seeing the look of amazement when a patient views straight fingers for the first time in years is my most enjoyable moment,” he says.

MEDICAL TRAINING: NYU/Bellevue Hospital (orthopedic surgery residency); Massachusetts General Hospital (fellowship, hand, upper extremity surgery and microsurgery)