After-Hours Urgent Ortho Care is now available in Wilton, Monday to Friday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm and Saturdays from 12:00 to 4:00 pm. Walk-ins welcome.

Marc S. Kowalsky, MD

Specialties
Sports Medicine
Located In

Greenwich, Stamford, Harrison

About

Dr. Marc Kowalsky is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in Sports Medicine and Shoulder & Elbow Surgery, practicing at the ONS offices in Greenwich, Harrison, and Stamford. With fellowships both in Sports Medicine from Lenox Hill Hospital and in Shoulder & Elbow Surgery from Washington University, Dr. Kowalsky is known for his thoughtful, personalized approach to complex sports injuries and degenerative conditions in the shoulder, elbow, and knee. His commitment to a meticulous, evidence-based practice allows him to effectively treat active patients with challenging conditions. 

Dr. Kowalsky has an in-depth understanding of the nuances within shoulder and elbow surgery, from the structural complexities of shoulder instability and trauma to the evolving array of procedures and treatments available. His careful approach, grounded in scientific rigor, enables him to customize care for each patient to achieve optimal outcomes—a hallmark of his practice. 

Dr. Kowalsky’s empathetic approach is central to his patient care philosophy. He believes that connecting with patients and understanding how their conditions impact their lives is as essential as the technical aspects of surgery. He prioritizes educating patients about their conditions, fostering a collaborative environment where patients feel informed and supported. 

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Kowalsky is actively involved in research and has published extensively on shoulder and elbow surgery.  He serves as a reviewer for several prominent orthopedic journals. He is Past President of the American Clinical Elbow and Shoulder Surgeons and an active member of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons. Throughout his career, he has cared for athletes at all levels and currently serves as team physician for the USA Rugby National Team, along with several local rugby clubs and high school teams. 

Aetna
  • Commercial Plans (Including APCN Plus, We do not accept regular APCN)
  • Managed Medicare
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of CT
  • Commercial and Exchange
  • Managed Medicare
Blue Cross Blue Shield (Plans Outside CT)
  • Cards with the “PPO” inside the suitcase logo
CarePartners of Connecticut
  • Managed Medicare (HMO/PPO)
Cigna
  • Commercial, MetroNY, and LocalPlus
  • Cigna+Oscar, Cigna+MVP (CT Locations Only)
ConnectiCare
  • Commercial and Exchange (Except “Value” Network)
  • Managed Medicare
Connecticut Medicaid
Connecticut State Workers’ Compensation
EmblemHealth
  • Emblem Commercial and Exchange (Except for Millennium and Enhanced Care Prime Networks)
  • Managed Medicare (VIP Prime, Bold, Reserve)
Harvard Pilgrim
  • Through United Shared Services – ONS Harrison location only.
Medicare (Including Railroad Medicare)
New York State Workers’ Compensation
Oxford
  • Liberty and Freedom Plans
UHC/NYSHIP/NY Government Empire Plan
United Healthcare
  • All Commercial Plans (Except Indemnity and Compass)
  • Managed Medicare

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists (ONS) accepts most major insurance plans. Please see the list of accepted insurance plans above and confirm that ONS participates with your plan prior to scheduling an appointment. Certain insurance plans are limited to specific regions and physicians. If you have additional questions, please call our offices at (203) 869-1145 ext. 279 and our team will be happy to provide additional information.

Fellowship

Fellowship in Sports Medicine: Lenox Hill Hospital/Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine & Athletic Trauma, New York, NY

Fellowship in Shoulder & Elbow Surgery: Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO

Medical School

MD/MBA in Health Management: Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA

Residency

Residency in Orthopaedic Surgery: Columbia University Medical Center/New York Orthopaedic Hospital, New York, NY

College

Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH

  • American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery: Orthopaedic Surgery Board Certification
  • American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery: Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Subspecialty Certification

Memberships
  • American Academic of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Fellow 
  • American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Diplomate 
  • American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Active Member 
  • American Clinical Elbow and Shoulder Surgeons, Past President 
  • American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, Member 
Team Physician Responsibilities
  • USA Rugby National Team, Team Physician 
  • White Plains Rugby Football Club, Team Physician 
  • Iona University Rugby Team, Team Physician 
  • Greenwich High School Rugby Team, Team Physician 
  • Ardsley High School, Team Physician 
  • Eastern FC Football Club, Medical Director 

  • Castle Connolly Top Doctor, 2022-Present
  • Castle Connolly Top Doctor in NY Metro Area, 2022-Present
  • Greenwich Magazine Top Doctor in Fairfield County, 2022-Present
  • New Canaan/Darien Magazine Top Doctor in Fairfield County, 2022-Present
  • Stamford Magazine Top Doctor in Fairfield County, 2022-Present
  • Westport Magazine Top Doctor in Fairfield County, 2022-Present
  • New York Super Doctors, 2015–2021
  • New York Super Doctors Rising Stars, 2013–2014
  • Vitals.com Patient Choice Award
  • Vitals.com Compassionate Doctor Recognition
  • Best Fellow Research Presentation Award, Lenox Hill Hospital Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
  • Alexander Garcia, MD Senior Resident Award, New York Orthopaedic Hospital
  • Rosamond Kane, MD Pediatric Resident Award, New York Orthopaedic Hospital

Publications
  • Ward BA, Kowalsky MS. “Treatment of race and ethnicity in shoulder and elbow research: An analysis of the most cited papers on rotator cuff repair”.  J Orthop. 12:55:86-90.  2024 Apr. 
  • McDermott D, Wakefield D, Kowalsky M, Sethi P, Vitale MA, Morrey BF. “Intrabursal Doxycycline Sclerotherapy for Recurrent Olecranon Bursitis of the Elbow: A Case Control Study”. J Hand Surg Glob Online.  8;6(4):504-509. 2024 Apr. 
  • Talamo MJ, Quintana JO, Voigt C, Delos D, Greene RT, Kowalsky MS, Vadasdi KB, Cunningham JG, Sethi PS.  “Arthroscopic Visualization Is A Reliable Method of Confirming Femoral Button Placement During Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction”.  Arthroscopy.  2023 Apr (Online). 
  • Hill BW, Churchill R, Carducci MP, Joyce CD, Kirsch J, Bassora R, Brosnick D, Kowalsky MS, Alberta F, Byram I, Jawa A, Abboud JA.  “Assessment of Glenoid Version on MRI and CT with Partial Scapular Inclusion”.  Seminars in Arthroplasty: JSES, 2023. 
  • Hillesheim RA, Kumar P, Brolin TJ, Bernholt DL, Sethi PM, Kowalsky MS, Azar FM, Throckmorton TW. “Periarticular Liposomal Bupivacaine Mixture Injection versus Single Shot Interscalene Block for Post-operative Pain in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial”.  JSES.  1058-2746. 2021 Sept. 
  • Kamdar PM, Liddy N, Antonacci C, Mandava NK, Delos D, Vadasdi KB, Cunningham JC, Kowalsky MS, Greene RT, Alberta FG, Sethi PM.  “Opioid Consumption After Knee Arthroscopy”.  Arthroscopy.  35: 575-580.  2020 Nov. 
  • Brameier DT, Hirscht A, Kowalsky MS, Sethi PM.  “Rehabilitation Strategies After Shoulder Arthroplasty in Young and Active Patients”.  Clin Sports Med. 37(4): 569-583. 2018 Oct. 
  • Davis DE, Maltenfort M, Abboud JA, Getz C, Rothman Institute Shoulder Consortium Group, Association of Clinical Elbow and Shoulder Surgeons. “Classifying glenohumeral synovitis: a novel intraoperative scoring system”.  JSES. 26(11): 2047-2053, 2017 Nov. 
  • Conroy C, Sethi P, Macken C, Wei D, Kowalsky MS, Mirzayan R, Pauzenberger L, Dyrna F, Obopilwe E, Mazzocca AD.  “Augmentation of a Distal Biceps Repair with an Acellular Dermal Graft Restores Native Biomechanical Properties in a Tendon Deficient Model”.  AJSM. 45(9): 2028-2033, 2017 Jul. 
  • Porter DA, Birns M, Hobart SJ, Kowalsky MS, Galano GJ.  “Arthroscopic Treatment of Osseous Instability of the Shoulder”.  HSS Journal.   13: 292-301, 2017 May. 
  • Ponzio DY, VanBeek C, Wong JC, Padegimas EM, Anakwenze OA, Getz CL, Abboud JA, ACESS Group.  “Profile of Current Opinion on Arthroscopic Acromioplasty: A Video Survey Study”. Arthroscopy. 32(7): 1253-62, 2016 Jul. 
  • Kowalsky MS, Zuckerman JD. “Chronic Glenohumeral Dislocation: Anterior and Posterior”.  In Clinical Decision Support: Shoulder and Elbow.  Zuckerman JD, Oh L, Strauss E, ed. Decision Support in Medicine, LLC, Wilmington, DE.  2015. 
  • Kowalsky MS, Galatz LM, Shia DS, Steger-May K, Keener JD.  “The relationship between scapular notching and reverse shoulder arthroplasty prosthesis design”.  JSES.  21(10): 1430-41, 2012 Oct. 
  • Kowalsky MS, Keener JD.  “Revision Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: Repair Integrity and Clinical Outcome.  Surgical Technique”.  JBJS (Am).  93(supplement 1): 62-74, 2011 Mar. 
  • Kowalsky, MS. Kremenic IJ, Orishimo KF, McHugh MP, Nicholas SJ, Lee SJ.  “Effect of distal clavicle excision on in situ graft forces in CC ligament reconstruction”.  Am J Sports Med.  38(11): 2313-19, 2010 Nov. 
  • Kowalsky MS, Levine WN.  “Traumatic posterior glenohumeral dislocation:  Classification, pathoanatomy, diagnosis, and treatment”.  Orthop Clin North Am.  39(4): 519-33, 2008 Oct. 
  • Kowalsky MS, Dellenbaugh SG, Erlichman DB, Gardner TR, Levine WN, Ahmad CS.  “Evaluation of suture abrasion against rotator cuff tendon and proximal humerus bone”.  J Arthroscopy.  24(3): 329-34, 2008 Mar. 
  • Kowalsky MS, Bell John-Erik, Ahmad CS.  “Arthroscopic Treatment of Subcoracoid Impingement Caused by Lesser Tuberosity Malunion:  A Case Report and Review of the Literature”. J Shoulder Elbow Surg.  16(6): e10-4, 2007 Nov-Dec. 
  • Kowalsky MS, Goldberg S, Strauch R, Rosenwasser M. “Metacarpal shaft fractures”.  Orthopaedics Hyperguide. http://www.ortho.hyperguides.com.  2006. 
  • 20.  von Knoch F, Jaquiery C, Kowalsky MS, Schaeren S, Alabre C, Martin I, Rubash HE, Shanbhag AS.Effects of bisphosphonates on proliferation and osteoblast differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells”.  Biomaterials. 26(34): 6941-9, 2005 Dec. 
  • von Knoch F, Kowalsky MS, Martin I, Jaquiery C, Freiberg A, Burke D, Rubash HE, Shanbhag AS.  “Bisphosphonates enhance osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells in vitro”.  Orthop J Harvard Med School. 2003. 
  • Leno M, Kowalsky MS, Robert-Guroff M. “CD8 T cell anti-HIV activity as a complementary protective mechanism in vaccinated chimpanzees”.  AIDS.  14(7): 893-894, 2000 May. 
Textbook Chapters
  • Kowalsky, MS.  “SLAP Tears and Lesions of the Biceps Tendon”.  In AAOS Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review, 4th Ed.   Martin I. Boyer, MD, ed.  Chicago: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Rosemont, IL.  2024.   
  • Kowalsky, MS.  “SLAP Tears and Lesions of the Biceps Tendon”.  In AAOS Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review, 3rd Ed.   Martin I. Boyer, MD, ed.  Chicago: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Rosemont, IL.  2019.   
  • Kowalsky, MS.  “Minimally Invasive Treatment of Elbow Articular Cartilage Injury”.  In Minimally Invasive Surgery in Orthopedics, 2nd Ed.  Scuderi GR, Tria AJ, ed.  Springer, New York. 2016. 
  • Kowalsky, MS.  “SLAP Tears and Lesions of the Biceps Tendon”.  In AAOS Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review, 2nd Ed.   Martin I. Boyer, MD, ed.  Chicago: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Rosemont, IL.  2014.   
  • Kowalsky MS, Galatz LM.  “Arthroscopic Repair of Massive Rotator Cuff Tears”.  In Operative Techniques: Shoulder & Elbow, Neviaser RJ et al., ed. Elsevier, Philadelphia, 2011. 
Podium Presentations
  • Kowalsky MS. “Free Will in Medical Decision-Making”. ACESS 2024 Annual Meeting. Miami, FL.  November 2, 2024. 
  • Kowalsky MS, McDonald PB, Muh SJ, Nagda S, Phipatanakul WP, Wright Melissa. “Shoulder Instability: Remplissage, HAGL and Bone Loss.”  2023 ASES Shoulder & Elbow Course for Residents & Fellows.  Rosemont, IL.  November 18, 2023. 
  • Kowalsky MS. “Outpatient Total Shoulder Replacement”.  13th Annual ONS Foundation Medical Education Conference, ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education.  Greenwich, CT.  November 6, 2021. 
  • Kowalsky MS.  “Is Physical Therapy Required After Shoulder Arthroplasty”.  MASES 2022 Annual Meeting.  Washington, DC.  September 8, 2022. 
  • Kowalsky MS.  “Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for a 50-year Old Patient With Osteoarthritis”.  MASES 2021 Annual Meeting.  Washington, DC.  September 10, 2021. 
  • Williams G, Krishnan S, Lutton D, Kowalsky MS.  Gulotta (moderator).  “Cuff Arthropathy With Severe Glenoid Bone Loss”.  MASES 2021 Annual Meeting.  Washington, DC.  September 10, 2021. 
  • Kowalsky MS. “Don’t Forget the Humeral Side: Techniques for HAGL Repair”.  AAOS 2021 Annual Meeting, AANA/ASES Specialty Session.  San Diego, CA.  September 3, 2021.   
  • Kowalsky MS. “Opioid Free Surgery”.  Annual ACESS Meeting, Association of Clinical Elbow & Shoulder Surgeons.  Dana Point, CA.  August 1, 2021. 
  • Kowalsky MS. “Novel Solutions to Shoulder Instability”.  12th Annual ONS Foundation Medical Education Conference, ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education.  Greenwich, CT.  November 14, 2020. 
  • Hsu JE, Kim MH, Kowalsky MS, Richetti ET, Sperling JW. “ICL #305: Evidence-Based Infection Prevention Strategies in Shoulder Arthroplasty”.  ASES 2020 Annual Meeting.  October 2, 2020. 
  • Kowalsky, MS. “Posterior Family of Elbow Approaches”. ASES Resident Course, American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeons.  Rosemont, IL.  November 23, 2019. 
  • Kowalsky MS, Watters N, Wright V, Lopez M.  “Sports Medicine Panel: ACL Tears, Hip FAI and Labrum Injuries in Athletes, and Blood Flow Restriction Therapy”.  USA Rugby Sports Medicine Symposium, USA Rugby.  Las Vegas, NV.  February 28, 2019.   
  • Abboud J, Kowalsky MS, Murthi A, Ricchetti E, Carroll R.  “The Symptomatic Irreparable Large Rotator Cuff Tear”.  Annual ACESS Meeting, Association of Clinical Elbow & Shoulder Surgeons.  Boca Raton, FL.  November 8, 2019.   
  • Wolf B, Kowalsky MS, Gulotta L, Sethi P, O’Brien M.  “Complex Shoulder & Elbow Sports Medicine Cases”.  Annual ACESS Meeting, Association of Clinical Elbow & Shoulder Surgeons.  Boca Raton, FL.  November 8, 2019.   
  • Kowalsky, MS.  “Is Opioid-Free Surgery Possible?”.  10th Annual ONS Foundation Medical Education Conference, ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education.  Greenwich, CT.  November 10, 2018. 
  • Kowalsky, MS.  “Infection Prevention in Shoulder Surgery”.  Annual ACESS Meeting.  Association of Clinical Elbow & Shoulder Surgeons.  Bolton Landing, NY.  July 28th, 2018.   
  • Levine WN, Ticker J, Kowalsky MS, Jobin C, Cadet E, Cohen N.  “Does Superior Capsular Reconstruction Work and What Are the Alternatives?”.  76th Biennial NYOH Alumni Meeting, New York Orthopaedic Hospital.  New York, NY.  May 4, 2018. 
  • Kowalsky, MS.  “Emerging Technology in Shoulder Arthroplasty”.  Annual ONS Foundation Medical Education Conference, ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education.  Greenwich, CT.  November 18, 2017. 
  • Kowalsky, MS. “Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty”.  Annual ACESS Meeting. Association of Clinical Shoulder & Elbow Surgeons.  Scottsdale, AZ.  November 10, 2017.   
  • Sethi P, Galatz L, Walch G, Kowalsky MS, Hasan A.  “45-year Old Male with Irreparable Cuff”.  6th Annual MASES Meeting, Mid-Atlantic Shoulder & Elbow Society.  Washington, D.C.  September 9, 2016 
  • Kowalsky, MS.  “Has Proximal Humerus Plating Improved Patient Outcomes?”  Annual ACESS Meeting, American Clinical Elbow & Shoulder Surgeons.  Tabernash, CO.  July 30, 2016. 
  • Kowalsky, MS.  “Stiff Shoulder with Rotator Cuff Tear”.  NYOH 150th Anniversary Alumni Meeting, New York Orthopaedic Hospital.  New York, NY.  May 13, 2016. 
  • Kowalsky, MS.  “The One Thing I Learned This Year That Has Changed My Practice”. Annual ACESS Meeting, American Clinical Elbow & Shoulder Surgeons.  Miami, FL.  November 14, 2015. 
  • Kowalsky, MS.  “Rotator Cuff Tears in the Overhead Athlete”.  7th Annual ONS Foundation Medical Education Conference, ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education.  Greenwich, CT.  November 7, 2015. 
  • Kowalsky, MS. “Elbow Injuries in the Throwing Athlete”. Grand Rounds, Roosevelt Hospital CV Starr Hand Surgery Center.  New York, NY.  March 3, 2015. 
  • Kowalsky, MS.  “AC Joint Reconstruction: Options and My Technique”.  Annual ACESS Meeting,  Association of Clinical Elbow & Shoulder Surgeons.  Scottsdale, AZ.  November 15, 2013.  
  • Kowalsky, MS.  “Shoulder Injuries in the Overhead Athlete”.  3rd Annual Orthopaedic Surgery Symposium, New York Hospital Queens Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.  Queens, New York.  October 4, 2013. 
  • Kowalsky, MS.  “Acromioclavicular Joint Resection / Reconstruction”. New Technologies in Shoulder and Elbow Surgery 2013:  Arthroscopy to Arthroplasty, Yale Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation Shoulder and Elbow Service.  New Haven, CT.  August 16, 2013. 
  • Kowalsky, MS. “Traumatic Anterior Glenohumeral Dislocation: Pathoanatomy and Evidence-based Management”. Grand Rounds, Roosevelt Hospital CV Starr Hand Surgery Center.  New York, NY.  April 2, 2013. 
  • Kowalsky, MS.  “Complex Shoulder Surgery Case Presentation”.  Annual ACESS Meeting.  Association of Clinical Elbow & Shoulder Surgeons.  Whitefish, MT.  August 4, 2012.   
  • Kowalsky, MS. “Acromioclavicular Separation: Injury and Surgical Intervention”. Grand Rounds, Roosevelt Hospital CV Starr Hand Surgery Center.  New York, NY.  April 17, 2012. 
  • Kowalsky, MS.  “My Two Most Difficult Elbow Cases and What I Learned”.  Annual ACESS Meeting.  Association of Clinical Elbow & Shoulder Surgeons. Palm Beach, FL.  November 12, 2011.   
  • Kowalsky, MS.  “Acromioclavicular Joint Separation: Evidence-based diagnosis & management”. Rehabilitation Lecture Series, North Shore-LIJ Rehabilitation Network.  Syosset, NY.  July 27, 2011. 
  • Kowalsky MS, Galatz LM, Shia DS, Steger-May K, Keener JD.  “The relationship between scapular notching and reverse shoulder arthroplasty prosthesis design”.  AAOS 2011 Annual Meeting.  San Diego, CA.  February 16, 2011. 
  • Kowalsky MS.  “Reverse shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humerus fractures”.  Grand Rounds, New York Hospital Queens Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.  Queens, New York.  September 29, 2010. 
  • Kowalsky MS. Kremenic IJ, Orishimo KF, McHugh MP, Nicholas SJ, Lee SJ.  “Effect of distal clavicle excision on in situ graft forces in CC ligament reconstruction”.  AOSSM 2010 Annual Meeting.  Providence, Rhode Island.  July 17, 2010. 
  • Kowalsky MS. “Effect of distal clavicle excision on in situ graft forces in CC ligament reconstruction”.  Annual Alumni Meeting, Lenox Hill Hospital Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.  June 8, 2009. 
  • Kowalsky MS. “Effect of distal clavicle excision on in situ graft forces in CC ligament reconstruction”.  West Point Sports Medicine Fellowship Day, United States Military Academy.  June 4, 2009. 
  • Kowalsky MS.  “Evaluation of suture abrasion against rotator cuff tendon and proximal humerus bone”.  Residency Graduation, Columbia University Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.  June 19, 2008. 
  • Kowalsky MS, Chung W, Gonzalez-Lomas G, Su BW.  “Locked Plating: Biomechanics and Clinical Applications”.  Grand Rounds, Columbia University Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.  June 22, 2005. 
  • Kowalsky MS, Hwang M, Lobo M.  “Dysfunction of the Posterior Tibial Tendon”.  Grand Rounds, Columbia University Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.  April 21, 2005. 
  • Kowalsky MS.  “Musculoskeletal Tumors: Giant Cell Tumor of Bone”.  Grand Rounds, Columbia University Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.  February 3, 2005. 
  • Kowalsky MS, Moore D, Lobo M.  “Pathology of the Achilles Tendon”.  Grand Rounds, Columbia University Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.  July 22, 2004. 
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