Hand, Wrist, Elbow, & Shoulder

Restoring strength and movement from shoulder to fingertip

Overview

From reaching overhead to turning a doorknob or typing on a keyboard, the upper extremities are essential to everyday life. That’s why injuries or conditions affecting the shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand can quickly become life-disrupting. At Catskill Orthopedics, Dr. Charles Episalla brings over 30 years of experience treating these complex structures — helping patients recover from injury, reduce pain, and regain full function.

Dr. Episalla has treated thousands of patients with upper extremity issues ranging from fractures and tendon tears to nerve compressions and arthritis. Whether you’re an athlete, a manual laborer, or simply want to return to a pain-free daily routine, we tailor care to your specific needs — from conservative treatment through advanced surgery when necessary.

Why Choose Catskill Orthopedics for Upper Extremity Care?

Extensive surgical experience in complex cases
Dr. Episalla is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon trained in advanced surgical techniques including arthroscopy, tendon and ligament reconstruction, fracture repair, and nerve decompression. He has served as Director of Orthopedic Surgery at both Bon Secours Community Hospital and Garnet Health–Catskill, and is known for providing high-quality care throughout the Hudson Valley and Catskills.

Team physician for 25+ years
As the long-standing Team Physician for SUNY Sullivan, Dr. Episalla has deep experience treating sports- and activity-related injuries of the arm and shoulder, from rotator cuff tears to UCL injuries and labral tears.

A patient-first approach
We begin with conservative care such as injections, bracing, and therapy when possible. When surgery is necessary, we offer minimally invasive and microsurgical techniques that shorten recovery time and improve outcomes.

On-site access and continuity of care
We coordinate imaging, consultations, and post-operative recovery close to home — with offices in Ferndale and Goshen.

Common Upper Extremity Conditions We Treat

We treat a wide range of upper extremity conditions, including:

  • Rotator cuff tears

  • Shoulder dislocations and instability

  • Labral tears (including SLAP lesions)

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

  • Cubital tunnel syndrome

  • Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)

  • Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)

  • Dupuytren’s contracture

  • Trigger finger and mallet finger

  • De Quervain’s tenosynovitis

  • Arthritis of the hand, thumb, and shoulder

  • Nerve entrapments and nerve injuries

  • Ligament injuries of the wrist, elbow, and hand

  • Scaphoid and distal radius fractures

  • Complex traumatic injuries and dislocations

  • Pediatric hand and elbow conditions

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Care:

  • Activity modification and bracing

  • Anti-inflammatory medications

  • Corticosteroid injections

  • Physical or occupational therapy referrals

Surgical Procedures:

  • Minimally invasive arthroscopy for shoulder, elbow, and wrist

  • Surgical management for symptomatic Dupuytren’s disease

  • Carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel release

  • Rotator cuff and labral repair

  • Ligament reconstruction (hand, wrist, elbow)

  • Microsurgery for nerve and vessel repair

  • Fracture fixation with pins, screws, or plates

  • Wide-awake hand surgery using local anesthesia

  • Shoulder replacement (arthroplasty)