How to Know If You Have an ACL Tear
There are many different roads to knee pain, but anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries account for about half. Here, we look at signs of ACL damage and what steps you should take next.
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
About Practice
Dr. William Schell, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in New York City, specializing in sports medicine, arthroscopic surgery, and shoulder, knee, elbow, hip and ankle injuries. Recognized by Castle Connolly as one of the region’s top doctors, Dr. Schell provides expert care for patients seeking relief from shoulder pain, knee pain, and sports-related injuries.
Dr. Schell treats a wide range of orthopedic conditions, including shoulder instability, rotator cuff tears, ACL injuries, meniscus tears, ankle sprains, and elbow or wrist pain. His patient-centered approach focuses on restoring function, relieving pain, and helping individuals return to the active lifestyle they enjoy.
Personalized, One-on-One Orthopedic Care
Every appointment with Dr. Schell is a one-on-one consultation — ensuring patients receive individualized attention, clear communication, and a customized treatment plan. He combines state-of-the-art technology with minimally invasive surgical techniques to deliver optimal outcomes in both surgical and non-surgical care.
Whether treating a professional athlete or an active New Yorker, Dr. Schell’s goal is to help every patient achieve lasting musculoskeletal health.
Education and Training
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Undergraduate: Stanford University – B.A. in Human Biology
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Medical School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Residency: Orthopedic Surgery, St. Luke’s–Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York City
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Fellowship: Orthopedic Sports Medicine & Arthroscopy, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City
Professional Experience
Dr. Schell has served as an associate physician for the New York Islanders, New York Jets, the U.S. Tennis Open, and Hofstra University, and as team physician for the New York Titans professional lacrosse team.
Before his medical career, he was a world-class swimmer, competing on the U.S. National Team, setting multiple American records, and becoming an NCAA champion — experiences that shaped his understanding of sports performance and recovery.
Dr. William Schell, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in New York City, specializing in sports medicine, arthroscopic surgery, and shoulder, knee, elbow, hip and ankle injuries. Recognized by Castle Connolly as one of the region’s top doctors, Dr. Schell provides expert care for patients seeking relief from shoulder pain, knee pain, and sports-related injuries.
Dr. Schell treats a wide range of orthopedic conditions, including shoulder instability, rotator cuff tears, ACL injuries, meniscus tears, ankle sprains, and elbow or wrist pain. His patient-centered approach focuses on restoring function, relieving pain, and helping individuals return to the active lifestyle they enjoy.
Personalized, One-on-One Orthopedic Care
Every appointment with Dr. Schell is a one-on-one consultation — ensuring patients receive individualized attention, clear communication, and a customized treatment plan. He combines state-of-the-art technology with minimally invasive surgical techniques to deliver optimal outcomes in both surgical and non-surgical care.
Whether treating a professional athlete or an active New Yorker, Dr. Schell’s goal is to help every patient achieve lasting musculoskeletal health.
Education and Training
-
Undergraduate: Stanford University – B.A. in Human Biology
-
Medical School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
-
Residency: Orthopedic Surgery, St. Luke’s–Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York City
-
Fellowship: Orthopedic Sports Medicine & Arthroscopy, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City
Professional Experience
Dr. Schell has served as an associate physician for the New York Islanders, New York Jets, the U.S. Tennis Open, and Hofstra University, and as team physician for the New York Titans professional lacrosse team.
Before his medical career, he was a world-class swimmer, competing on the U.S. National Team, setting multiple American records, and becoming an NCAA champion — experiences that shaped his understanding of sports performance and recovery.
Insurances Accepted
For questions about your insurance provider, please call our office.
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Testimonials
Words from our patients
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"Dr. Schell has done my ACL surgery and I am perfectly happy with the results. It had minimum invasion and was a quick recovery."
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"Dr. Schell is not only a great surgeon but also has an unusually good way of relating to his patients."
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"Dr. Schell is an incredibly talented surgeon who took on my complicated case which other surgeons were not able to fix."
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"Dr. Schell has been an incredible, patient doctor who has been a tremendous help to my significant knee problems."
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"Dr. Schell is a caring physician and has treated me, my family members and many of my friends. He has a wonderful bedside manner and is very competent."
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"Very impressed. He explained well about the problems and symptoms and makes patients calm."
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"He had a great, comforting (and funny) demeanor. Would highly recommend him!"
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"I recently had a visit with Dr. Schell and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. Dr. Schell displayed superior bedside manner."
Location
5 Columbus Circle, 10th Floor
Upper West Side, Columbus Circle
New York, NY 10019
Phone: 646-381-2646
Fax: (212) 265-5077
Office Hours
