Robert H. Ablove MD

Robert Ablove

Robert H. Ablove
MD

Professor

Department of Orthopaedics

Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences

Specialty/Research Focus

Elbow Surgery; Hand; Hand Surgery - Orthopaedic Surgery; Orthopaedic Surgery; Shoulder Surgery

Contact Information
462 Grider Street
Buffalo, New York 14215
Phone: (716) 898-3457
ablove@buffalo.edu
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Patient Care

This faculty member is affiliated with UBMD, practicing physicians who are also professors in the Jacobs School.

View this physician on UBMD

Overview Research Publications Activities Latest News

Professional Summary:

My clinical expertise focuses on upper extremity surgery with an emphasis on shoulder and elbow reconstruction and replacement. I also care for multiple common hand conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome, Dupuytren‘s disease, arthritis, trigger finger and tendonitis. I was attracted to orthopaedic surgery because it is problem-focused and gives me the opportunity to restore function and improve people‘s lives. I was initially attracted to upper extremity surgery because of its multifaceted nature, a complex interplay of bone, tendon, nerve and ligaments. I was also attracted by the ability to perform microvascular surgery to help patients. I am most passionate about taking care of people and making their lives better. There is nothing more gratifying than a patient who experiences better function and less pain as a result of my care.

I have three research areas. One focus is anatomy research, and my goal is to increase understanding of the structure of joints and soft tissues. I also conduct demographic studies of different types of surgery, with a goal of increasing understanding of how patients can best utilize health resources. My third area of research is the immunohistochemistry of degenerative tendon. Research results will help physicians treat people with degenerative conditions such as arthritis, tennis and golfer‘s elbow.

As associate program director of the hand fellowship and co-chair of the resident research committee, I lead fellow and resident research. I direct medical student research as well and run the summer orthopaedic medical student research program. In this ten-week course, students have the opportunity to learn research methodology and conduct research while being mentored by a faculty member, including me.

Though I am well known for my clinical expertise in treating complex upper extremity conditions, I value teaching because it compels me to evaluate what I do on a daily basis and assess how to improve it. I also participate in national efforts regarding resident education: I write questions for the hand surgery board examination and serve as a board examiner for the oral boards in orthopaedic surgery. Inspired by Dr. Charles Severin, my mentor during my master’s degree in anatomical sciences at UB, I teach this essential subject to medical students and residents. I serve as course director of the integument-musculoskeletal module for first-year medical students. I feel indebted to my teachers and think about them daily as I work with fellows, residents and medical students.

Education and Training:
  • Fellowship, Hand Surgery, Section of Upper Extremity and Microsurgical Reconstruction, University at Buffalo (1996)
  • Residency, Orthopaedic Surgery, University at Buffalo (1996)
  • MA, Anatomical Sciences, University at Buffalo (1993)
  • Internship, General Surgery, University at Buffalo (1990)
  • MD, State University of New York Health Science Center (1989)
  • BS, University of Michigan at Ann Arbor (1985)

Employment:
  • Clinical Professor, Orthopaedics, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2020-present)
  • Consultant, Buffalo Sabres Ice Hockey Team, National Hockey League (2013-present)
  • Medical Director, University of Wisconsin Hospital Orthopedic Clinic (2009–2013)
  • Chied, Hand Surgery Service, Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin Medical School (2003–2013)
  • Consultant, University of Wisconsin Athletic Department (2003–2013)
  • Division Chief, Orthopedic Surgery, Seton Health System, St. Mary's Hospital (1998–2003)

Awards and Honors:
  • Visiting Professor (2024)
  • Visiting Professor (2024)
  • Guest Lecture (2023)
  • Visiting Professor (2022)
  • Research Captain (2019)
  • Castle Connolly's Top Doctor 2016-present (2016)
  • Young Leader Award (2008)
  • First Alternate Region I (1993)
  • Delegate to World Conference on Soviet Jewry (1983)
  • Freshman Scholar Award (1981)

Grants and Sponsored Research:
  • April 2022–April 2022
    Serum metal ion concentrations in total shoulder arthroplasty
    ecmc/lifeline
    Role: Co-Principal Investigator
    $25,000
  • –January 2007
    The Effect of Metacarpal Length on Tendon Excursion (Crum)
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • –January 1991
    Combination of high energy phosphates and oxygen free radical scavengers in maximizing replant/free flap survival
    American Society for Surgery of the Hand
    Role: Co-Investigator

Journal Articles:

See all (31 more)

Books and Book Chapters:

  • Ablove RH. (2023) In: Elbow Instability. ASSH
  • Ablove RH, Sayegh M. (2018) In: Hand Extensors.
  • Ablove RH. (2017) In: Shoulder Arthroplasty in Orthopedic Surgery Clerkship.
  • Ablove RH. (2015) In: Fractures and Dislocations: Elbow.
  • Ablove RH. (2015) In: Ligamentous Reconstruction of the Elbow.
  • Ablove RH, Moy, OJ. (2005) In: Work-Related Illnesses, Cumulative Trauma and Compensation.
  • Ablove RH, Moy OJ. (1996) In: Microvascular Surgery. McGraw Hill

Professional Memberships:
  • ABOS; Board examiner, case selector, question writer
  • American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons
  • American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeons
  • American Society for Surgery of the Hand

Presentations:
  • "Total Shoulder Arthroplasty" Orthopedic Grand Rounds; State University of New York at Buffalo (2015)
  • "Emergent Treatment of Common Hand Conditions" Emergency Medicine Grand Rounds; State University of New York at Buffalo (2014)
  • "Common Hand Fractures" UB MSI Module (2014)
  • "An Investigation of Late Stage Lateral Epicondylitits" American Society for Surgery of the Hand Meeting (2014)
  • "Compression Neuropathies in the Upper Extremity" Orthopedic Grand Rounds; University at Buffalo (2013)
  • "Near Misses in Shoulder Surgery History" Spring Visiting Professor; University of Wisconsin, Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation (2013)
  • "The Use of BMP-2 and Screw Exchange in Treatment of Scaphoid Fracture Non-Union." American Society for Surgery of the Hand Meeting (2013)
  • "The Epidemiology of Acromioplasty in the State of Wisconsin" Mid-American Orthopedic Society Meeting (2012)
  • "The History of Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty" Orthopedic Grand Rounds; University at Buffalo (2012)
  • "What's New in Shoulder Arthroplasty" Orthopedic Grand Rounds; University of Wisconsin (2012)
  • "Tendon Transfers for Rotator Cuff Insuffiency" Orthopedic Grand Rounds; University of Wisconsin (2011)
  • "Upper Extremity Injuries and Clinical Reasoning" Occupational Therapy Conference (2009)
  • "Hand Injections" Orthopedic Hand Conference (2009)
  • "Carpal Tunnel Syndrome" WPS Health Insurance Nurses Lecture (2009)
  • "Compartment Syndrome Insufficiency and Replantation" Orthopedic Hand Conference (2009)
  • "Elbow Injuries in the Throwing Athlete" ; University of Wisconsin Medical School (2009)
  • "Elbow Injuries in the Throwing Athlete" ; University of Wisconsin Medical School (2009)
  • "The Effect of Metacarpal Shortening on Digital Flexion Force" American Society for Surgery of the Hand Residents and Fellows Meeting (2009)
  • "Anatomy and Diagnosis of Lateral Epicondylitis" Upper Extremity Symposium; Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center (2008)
  • "Ulnar Nerve Transposition and Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repairs" Upper Extremity Symposium; Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center (2008)
  • "Kienbock's and Preiser's Disease" Orthopedic Hand Conference (2008)
  • "What's In a Name: Ortho Eponyms" Orthopedic Grand Rounds; University of Wisconsin (2008)
  • "Wrist Anatomy and Carpal Mechanics; Carpal Instability" Orthopedic Hand Conference (2008)
  • "Congenital and Acquired Deformities" Medical Lectures in Occupational Therapy; University of Wisconsin (2008)
  • "What Was I Thinking? Management of Surgeon Initiated Disasters" Orthopedic Grand Rounds; University of Wisconsin (2007)
  • "Knives, Machetes, and Axes" Orthopedic Grand Rounds; University of Wisconsin (2007)
  • "Hand Infections" Orthopedic Grand Rounds; University of Wisconsin (2006)
  • "Wrist Arthrosis" Orthopedic Grand Rounds; University of WIsconsin (2006)
  • "Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries" Madison Sports Medicine Symposium; University of Wisconsin (2006)
  • "Position of the Extensor Carpi Ulnaris Relative to the Ulnar Grove in the Sixth Dorsal Compartment During Forearm Rotation by Ultrasound Examination" American Society for Surgery of the Hand Meeting (2006)
  • "Ligamentous Reconstruction of the Elbow" Orthopedic Grand Rounds; University of Wisconsin (2005)
  • "AO ASIF Basic Operating Room Personnel Course" (2005)
  • "What's New in Shoulder Arthroplasty" Orthopedic Grand Rounds; University of Wisconsin (2005)
  • "The Capsular Attachment of the Ulnar Coronoid Process: an MRI Arthrography Study" American Society for Surgery of the Hand Meeting (2005)
  • "What's In a Name? Who Originally Described Common Hand Conditions" Fall Visiting Professor Lectureship; University of Wisconsin, Department of Orthopedics (2004)
  • "Diagnosis and Treatment of Carpal Instability" Wisconsin Orthopedic Society Meeting (2004)
  • "Soft Tissue Attachments of the Ulnar Coronoid Process" Fall Visiting Professor Lectureship; University of Wisconsin, Department of Orthopedics (2003)
  • "Common Upper Extremity Injuries in the Throwing Athlete" ; St. Mary's Hospital (2002)
  • "Vascularized Grafting of Scaphoid Fractures" Orthopedic Grand Rounds; University of Wisconsin (2002)
  • "Upper Extremity Problems in the Young Athlete" Scientific Assembly and Sports Medicine Conference; ; New York State Academy of Family Physicians & Lake Placid Sports Medicine Society (2001)
  • "Combined Sports Hand Injuries" Scientific Assembly and Sports Medicine Conference; ; New York State Academy of Family Physicians & Lake Placid Sports Medicine Society (2000)
  • "Vaginal Wall Sling with Bone Anchors- Incidence of Osteomylitis Pubis" International Urogynecologic Society Meeting (2000)
  • "The Effects of Ischemia and Reperfusion on Skeletal Muscle" Combined Hand Conference; Albany Medical Center (1998)
  • "Early vs. Delayed Treatment of Enchondroma" Residents and Fellows Conference in Hand Surgery (1994)
  • "The Effect of High-Energy Phosphates and Free-Radical Scavengers on Replant Survival in an Ischemic Extremity Model" American Society for Surgery of the Hand Meeting (1994)
  • "Biomechanical Effects of Phalageal Shortening and Lengthening on Digital Function" Residents and Fellows Conference in Hand Surgery (1993)
  • "Pressure Changes in Guyon’s Canal After Carpal Tunnel Release." American Society for Surgery of the Hand Meeting (1993)
  • "Abductorplasty with Carpal Tunnel Release" American Society for Surgery of the Hand Meeting (1991)
  • "Morphologic Changes Following Endoscopic and Two-Portal Subcutaneous Carpal Tunnel Release" American Society for Surgery of the Hand Meeting (1991)
  • "Activation of Wrist and Forearm Muscles During a Wrist Shout on High Level Hockey Players" Cuttign Edge Meeting 2023
  • "Factors Affecting Internal Rotation in Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty" Cutting Edge 2023
See all (41 more)

Service Activities:
  • first year course director meeting; phase 1 committee (2023)
  • as above; abos part ii examiner, case selector, and question writr (2023)
  • Board Member, Camp Ramah Camp Ramah, Canada; Board Member (2013–present)
  • Commercial Support Committee; Member (2012–present)
  • At-large Board Member Medical Board of University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics; Board Member (2010–2012)
  • American Society for Surgery of the Hand Resident Education Committee; Member (2009–present)
  • USA Hockey Level 3 Youth Coach USA Hockey Level 3 Certification Mite and Squirt Level Youth Hockey Coach; Other (2009–present)
  • Reviewer, Skeletal Radiology; Reviewer (2008–2010)
  • Reviewer, Journal of Hand Surgery; Reviewer (2008–present)
  • Member, University of Wisconsin Health Sciences Institutional Review Board; Member (2007–2013)
  • Founder, Board Chair, Madison Jewish Community Day School Madison, Wisconsin; Chair (2007–2010)
  • Reviewer, Clinical Orthopedics and Related Research; Reviewer (2007–present)
  • Local Director, American Society for Surgery of the Hand "Lending a Hand" Project; Director (2005–2013)
  • Director, Combined UW Orthopedics and Plastic Surgery Monthly Hand Conderence University of Wisconsin; Director (2003–2013)
  • Faculty Mentor, Shapiro Summer Research Program University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health; Other (2003–2013)
  • Faculty PDS 4 University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health; Other (2003–2013)
  • Board Member, Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York; Board Member (2000–2003)
  • Co-chair, Board of Education Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York; Co-Chair (2000–2003)
  • Director and Lecturer, Medical Student Summer Research Program State University of New York at Buffalo, Department of Orthopedics; Director
  • Director of Research, Hand Fellowship State University of New York at Buffalo/Excelsior Orthopedics; Director

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Contact Information

462 Grider Street
Buffalo, New York 14215
Phone: (716) 898-3457
ablove@buffalo.edu
View map

This faculty member is affiliated with UBMD, practicing physicians who are also professors in the Jacobs School.

View this physician on UBMD
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