Meet Mark A. Yaffe, MD

Education

• B.S., Academic Distinction and Honors in Economics
  University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
  2000 - 2004
• M.D.
  Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
  2004 - 2008

Training

• Fellowship in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery
  The Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
  2013 - 2014
• Residency, Orthopaedic Surgery
  Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
  2009 - 2013
• Internship, General Surgery
  Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
  2008 - 2009

Board Certifications

• Orthopaedic Surgery
  American Board of Othopaedic Surgery
• Hand Surgery (Subspecialty)
  American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
• Fellow
  American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons

Awards

• Alan W. Yasko, MD, MBA Memorial Award
  Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
  2013
• Mid-America Orthopaedic Association Grant Award
  Amelia Island, Florida
  2013
• The Knee Society Award Nominee
  Rosemont, Illinois
  2011
• The Knee Society Award Finalist
  Rosemont, Illinois
  2008
• AAOS Award of Excellence Winner
  Chicago, Illinois
  2006
• Academic Distinction with Honors in Economics
  University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
  2004
• University Honors
  University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
  2004

Hand and Wrist

• Fractures of the fingers, hand and wrist(opens in a new tab)
• Hand Tumors(opens in a new tab)
• Mallet Finger(opens in a new tab)
• Peripheral Nerve Repair
• Hand Infections
• Trigger finger(opens in a new tab)
• Wrist Arthroscopy
• Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery(opens in a new tab)
• Wrist Ligament Reconstruction(opens in a new tab)
• Wrist Joint Replacement

Elbow

• Fractures of the Elbow(opens in a new tab)
• Elbow Tendon and Ligament Repair(opens in a new tab)
• Tennis Elbow Surgery(opens in a new tab)
• Cubital Tunnel Syndrome(opens in a new tab)
• Biceps Tendon Tears at the Elbow(opens in a new tab)
• Tennis Elbow(opens in a new tab)
• Elbow Arthritis(opens in a new tab)
• Golfer's Elbow(opens in a new tab)

 Shoulder

• Fractures of the shoulder(opens in a new tab)
• Shoulder Arthroscopy(opens in a new tab)
• Shoulder Impingement(opens in a new tab)
• Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair(opens in a new tab)
• Shoulder Stabilization(opens in a new tab)
• Shoulder Labrum Reconstruction(opens in a new tab)
• SLAP Repair(opens in a new tab)
• Bicep Tendon Rupture at Shoulder(opens in a new tab)
• Shoulder Joint Replacement(opens in a new tab)

Elbow injuries can be debilitating and life-changing in a negative sense. In Susan’s case, her injury marked the beginning of a series of surgeries with Dr. Mark Yaffe at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists. Her treatment ultimately improved her life, led to significant improvements in her mobility, and alleviated her daily pain.

Susan was kind enough to share her story below and explains how Dr. Yaffe enabled her to regain strength, mobility, and quality of life:

Tell us about your right elbow prior to your procedures. What was your diagnosis? How did it affect your life?

On 3/6/21 I tripped over a board at home, falling on my right side and elbow, crushing my arm, elbow bones, and ligament. I am very active and right-handed so it was life-changing. I was transported to NW Community Hospital via ambulance and was told I needed a trauma specialist. The emergency room gave me a list of their trauma specialists. (This was also during COVID.)

What made you choose Barrington Orthopedic Specialists and Dr. Yaffe?

I have been going to Dr. Schroeder at Barrington Orthopedics since he began his practice 40 years ago and have all the confidence in him. I assumed that he would only have quality doctors as part of his practice so I looked up Dr. Yaffe. I am thankful I did.

You required multiple procedures for your elbow. What were they? What was the end goal for you and Dr. Yaffe?

Our end goal was to make my arm, elbow, and hand as fully functional as possible, and also to help with the ulnar nerve pain. I had 3 surgeries in total. The first [was] to put it all back together with hardware. [Second,] I experienced such nerve pain that Dr. Yaffe had to reroute my ulnar nerve. This is a very delicate procedure. And third, I just had my hardware removed to see if it would allow more mobility [in] turning my hand.

How was your experience with Dr. Yaffe and the BOS team? How did they help you prepare for your procedures?

I cannot say or praise enough [about] Dr. Yaffe, his nurses, the surgery staff, rehabilitation team. His nurses always responded promptly to our calls and questions. I always felt better before surgery to see my surgical nurses there to take care of me. I knew I was in good hands. Thank you Ana, you were there for every surgery. My rehabilitation [with] Katie (occupational therapist) was excellent too.

And Dr. Yaffe, I so admire his expertise and dedication. He always listened to me and evaluated what I was saying about my symptoms. He also consulted with other doctors about my case and nerve issues. I couldn't ask for better.

Tell us about your recovery process. How did the BOS team assist you? What was the most rewarding part of rehabilitation? The most difficult part?

The rehabilitation team was wonderful. The most difficult was my first few visits with the pain, but they encouraged me. I chose Katie to be my therapist and to work with me ongoing. She was very skillful and helped me to continue to do certain exercises that I continue to do.

How is your elbow feeling today? How has the outcome of your surgeries changed your daily life?

My last surgery was in February to remove the hardware so it is still tender in places. I can turn my hand better so I can now put on my eye makeup… very important. I still have to eat with my left hand but can manage. I still have numbness in my hand due to the ulnar nerve.

Is there anything you’d like to say to Dr. Yaffe and the team?

You all have changed my life and I am so thankful to each and every one of you!