Newswise — Once again, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) has been ranked the No. 1 hospital in the country for orthopedics by U.S.News & World Report in its 2014 “Best Hospitals” survey. The hospital is also nationally ranked No. 3 in rheumatology, in association with NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

“We are honored to be recognized nationally as the best in our specialized field for the fifth consecutive year,” said Louis A. Shapiro, president and CEO of Hospital for Special Surgery. “The entire HSS family consistently meets and exceeds the high standards that we set for ourselves; providing compassionate care with unsurpassed excellence. Patients from 105 countries have traveled to Hospital for Special Surgery for their treatment because of our unmatched commitment to quality care, safety, and results.”

Last year, more than 29,000 surgeries were performed at HSS. Areas of expertise include joint replacement, spine surgery, sports medicine, orthopedic trauma, hand surgery, foot and ankle surgery, limb lengthening and osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease. Additionally, the hospital has established a number of specialty centers, including innovative centers for Women’s Sports Medicine, Hip Pain and Preservation, Osteoporosis Prevention, and Computer Assisted Surgery, as well as the newly opened Lerner Children’s Pavilion. Other special services include the Mary Kirkland Center for Lupus Research, the Barbara Volcker Center for Women and Rheumatic Disease, the Gosden-Robinson Inflammatory Arthritis Center, and the Center for Skeletal Dysplasias.

“It is a tremendous honor for me to be part of a hospital that offers extraordinary care for patients who are eager to return to their active lives,” said Todd J. Albert, M.D., the new surgeon-in-chief and medical director of Hospital for Special Surgery. “Our laser-like focus on musculoskeletal medicine ensures an exceptional patient experience and the best outcomes for whatever procedure or treatment patients may receive. Our challenge now is to continue to build on this success and recognition and continue to find new ways to improve the lives of our patients every day.”

HSS was also highly ranked in rheumatology. “As specialists in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including those that are particularly complex and difficult to diagnose, our patients trust us to help relieve their pain, to recommend the most effective treatments, and to provide individualized advice,” said Mary K. Crow, M.D., physician-in-chief and chair of the Division of Rheumatology. "By integrating the latest research with comprehensive clinical care, our goal is to provide the best possible outcomes for patients with challenging diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative arthritis.”

Major professional sports team organizations continue to choose physicians from Hospital for Special Surgery's Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service as a Center of Excellence and to oversee care in official capacities. These include the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), New York Giants, New York Mets, New York Knicks, New York Liberty Basketball and New York Red Bulls Soccer. HSS is also designated as the first National Medical Center of the United States Olympic Committee’s (USOC) National Medical Network.

About U.S.News & World Report's "America's Best Hospitals"

U.S.News & World Report's "Best Hospitals" is a resource for consumers seeking the highest quality care in 16 medical specialties. With more than 5,000 hospitals evaluated nationwide, rankings are based on reputation and measures of quality, such as patient volumes and mortality rates as well as nursing care and technology services.

About Hospital for Special Surgery Founded in 1863, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) is a world leader in orthopedics, rheumatology and rehabilitation. HSS is nationally ranked No. 1 in orthopedics, No. 3 in rheumatology and No. 7 in geriatrics by U.S.News & World Report (2014-15), and is the first hospital in New York State to receive Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Service from the American Nurses Credentialing Center three consecutive times. HSS has one of the lowest infection rates in the country. HSS is a member of the New York-Presbyterian Healthcare System and an affiliate of Weill Cornell Medical College and as such all Hospital for Special Surgery medical staff are faculty of Weill Cornell. The hospital's research division is internationally recognized as a leader in the investigation of musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases. Hospital for Special Surgery is located in New York City and online at www.hss.edu.