Name: Dr. William J. Smith, MD

Specialty: Orthopedics (General Orthopedic Surgery)

Qualification/Board Certification: SUNY Upstate Medical University; NY State Medical License (Active through 2027)

Affiliation(s): Adirondack Medical Center | Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center | Lake Placid Sports Medicine, PLLC

Locations (City/State): Lake Placid, New York

Languages Spoken: English

Accepting New Patients: Yes

NPI Number: 1952309411

About the Doctor

Dr. William J. Smith is a highly experienced and broadly trained orthopedic surgeon based in Lake Placid, New York, with over 20 years of experience in the surgical and non-surgical management of musculoskeletal conditions, joint replacement, and upper and lower extremity disorders. He earned his medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University, one of New York’s established public academic medical institutions, and completed his Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium (SAUSHEC) (1992–1996), a prestigious military-affiliated training program known for producing highly skilled and disciplined surgeons who provide care across a diverse and demanding patient population.

Dr. Smith currently practices at Lake Placid Sports Medicine, PLLC, a well-regarded orthopedic and sports medicine group located on Old Military Road in Lake Placid, where he works alongside fellow orthopedic surgeons, a family medicine physician, and physician assistants to deliver comprehensive musculoskeletal care to patients throughout the Adirondack region. He is affiliated with two regional hospitals — Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake and Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg — providing patients with access to hospital-based surgical care across a broad geographic service area. Dr. Smith has demonstrated above-average treatment volumes in inflamed tendons of the upper body, knee replacement, arthritis, and rotator cuff injury compared to the New York state average, reflecting significant surgical expertise in both upper and lower extremity orthopedic conditions. He is recognized by patients for his knowledge, professionalism, and clear explanations, earning three patient experience awards including Makes Time for Patients, Clearly Explains, and Performs Thorough Exams. He accepts Medicare, Medicaid, Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Elevance, Highmark, Regence, and United Healthcare, and is currently welcoming new patients.

Highlights at a glance:

• Over 20 years of experience in general orthopedic surgery
• Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at SAUSHEC — a prestigious military-affiliated academic surgical training program
• Above-average treatment volumes in upper body tendon conditions, knee replacement, arthritis, and rotator cuff injury in New York
• Expertise in both upper extremity (shoulder, rotator cuff, tendons) and lower extremity (knee, hip, joints) orthopedic surgery
• Affiliated with two regional hospitals — Adirondack Medical Center and Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center
• Three patient experience awards including Clearly Explains and Performs Thorough Exams
• Part of Lake Placid Sports Medicine, PLLC — a dedicated orthopedic and sports medicine group
• Accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and multiple major commercial insurance plans
• Active New York State Medical License through 2027
• Currently accepting new patients

Education & Training

• Medical School: SUNY Upstate Medical University
• Residency: Orthopaedic Surgery – San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium (SAUSHEC) (1992–1996)
• Fellowship/Additional Training: General Orthopedic Surgery subspecialty focus with expertise in joint replacement, shoulder surgery, and sports medicine

Medical Conditions Treated

• Knee arthritis and degenerative joint disease requiring replacement
• Rotator cuff injuries and shoulder disorders
• Inflamed tendons and ligaments of the upper body
• Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis of the joints
• Sports-related injuries (ACL tears, meniscal injuries, shoulder instability)
• Hip arthritis and degenerative hip conditions
• Bursitis and tendinitis
• Fractures and traumatic bone injuries
• Lower back pain and lumbar spine conditions
• Shoulder impingement and labral disorders
• Elbow conditions (epicondylitis, olecranon bursitis)
• Carpal tunnel syndrome and hand disorders
• Cartilage damage and chondral defects
• Bone spurs and calcific deposits
• Post-surgical orthopedic rehabilitation needs
• Work-related and occupational musculoskeletal injuries

Medical Procedures Performed

• Total knee replacement (TKR)
• Partial knee replacement (unicompartmental)
• Total hip replacement (THR)
• Arthroscopic shoulder surgery (rotator cuff repair, labral repair, impingement surgery)
• Arthroscopic knee surgery (ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair/resection)
• Rotator cuff repair (arthroscopic and open)
• Fracture fixation and repair (ORIF)
• Tendon repair and reconstruction of the upper extremity
• Joint injection therapy (corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid)
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
• Carpal tunnel release surgery
• Elbow surgery (epicondyle release, bursa excision)
• Bone spur removal and joint debridement
• Musculoskeletal ultrasound-guided procedures
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation coordination
• Pre- and post-surgical orthopedic consultations

Services Offered

Dr. Smith provides a comprehensive range of orthopedic surgical and non-surgical services at Lake Placid Sports Medicine, PLLC, serving the orthopedic health needs of patients throughout the Adirondack and North Country region of New York. His breadth of training and decades of experience allow him to address the full spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions — from acute sports injuries and fractures to advanced degenerative joint disease requiring joint replacement — with clinical depth, clear communication, and genuine commitment to each patient’s outcome.

Joint Replacement Surgery:

With above-average treatment volumes in knee replacement in New York, Dr. Smith is an experienced joint replacement surgeon who performs total and partial knee replacements and total hip replacements for patients with advanced arthritis and degenerative joint disease. His approach to joint replacement emphasizes thorough preoperative evaluation, precise surgical execution, and structured postoperative rehabilitation to maximize functional recovery and long-term implant success.

Rotator Cuff & Shoulder Surgery:

Dr. Smith has particular expertise in the management of rotator cuff injuries and shoulder disorders, with above-average treatment volumes in both rotator cuff injury and upper body tendon conditions in New York. He performs arthroscopic and open rotator cuff repairs, labral reconstructions, and shoulder impingement surgeries, restoring shoulder function for patients whose daily activities and quality of life have been affected by injury or degeneration.

Arthritis & Joint Disease Management:

Dr. Smith evaluates and manages arthritis and inflammatory joint conditions across the full spectrum of severity, from early-stage disease managed conservatively with injections and physical therapy to end-stage joint destruction requiring surgical replacement. His patient-recognized ability to clearly explain conditions and treatment options empowers patients to make well-informed decisions about their care.

Sports Medicine & Injury Care:

Practicing within a dedicated sports medicine group in the heart of the Adirondacks — a region known for skiing, hiking, and year-round athletic activity — Dr. Smith manages a full range of sports-related injuries including ACL and meniscal tears, shoulder instability, and overuse tendon conditions, developing individualized recovery plans that support a safe return to sport and activity.

Fracture & Trauma Care:

Dr. Smith evaluates and manages acute fractures and orthopedic trauma, performing surgical fixation procedures when clinically indicated and coordinating comprehensive rehabilitation to restore full function following injury.

Services at a glance:

• Comprehensive orthopedic evaluations and second opinions
• Total and partial knee replacement
• Total hip replacement
• Arthroscopic shoulder surgery (rotator cuff repair, labral reconstruction)
• Arthroscopic knee surgery (ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair)
• Rotator cuff and upper extremity tendon repair
• Fracture management and surgical fixation
• Joint injection therapy (corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid, PRP)
• Arthritis evaluation and management
• Sports injury diagnosis and treatment
• Elbow and upper extremity surgery
• Carpal tunnel release
• Bone spur removal and joint debridement
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation coordination
• Pre- and post-operative orthopedic consultations

Accepted Insurances

• Aetna – EPO, HMO, Medicare, POS, PPO
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts – Medicare, PPO
• Cigna – PPO
• CMS Medicare – Medicare
• Elevance (formerly Anthem) – EPO, HMO, Medicare, POS, PPO
• Highmark – EPO, HMO, Medicare, PPO
• NY State Medicaid – Medicaid
• Regence Health Plans – PPO
• United Healthcare – HMO, Medicaid, Medicare, POS, PPO

Please contact the practice directly to confirm your specific plan is accepted before scheduling an appointment.

Practice Locations

Location 1 Address: 203 Old Military Rd, Lake Placid, NY 12946 Phone: (518) 523-1327

Hospital Affiliations

• Adirondack Medical Center — Saranac Lake, NY
• Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center — Ogdensburg, NY