We took my 14 year old son to Dr. Nirschl for a second opinion after working with OrthoVirginia for over a year with no progress. He had a stress fracture in his elbow due to pitching compounded by his tendons growing faster than his bones in his arm. Dr. Nirschl told us more in 30 minutes than we learned in a year with OrthoVirginia including that my son's shoulder was weak, he had possible rotator cuff injury and nerve damage that extended to his pinkie. After 1 1/2 months of physical therapy, he is back on track and has started a throwing program again just in time for baseball tryouts. The person who gave Dr. Nirschl 1 star and has reported on all doctor review sites had a very unique experience.

Submitted Feb. 3, 2016

Dr. Nirschl is a very likeable person and is very accessible, which is why I gave him a few stars. BUT he screwed up his treatment of a finger that I fractured in two places, as well as damaged tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. I originally called to set up an appointment with their much younger hand doctor, but was told that she had no openings for a couple of weeks, but I could see Dr. Nirschl that afternoon--and that he still sees patients, but doesn't do surgery. He identified one (of two) fractures in the bone, and noted the ligament and tendon problems (but not cartilage). He immobilized it for the next six weeks, and then buddy taped it for another six weeks. Even though it had blown up to almost double its size---and stayed that way---was painful, and could barely flex, he kept telling me to wait it out. After three months, I went to the Curtis Hand center in Baltimore (one of the best hand places in the country), where one of their doctors (using Nirschl's own x-rays!) showed me a second fracture that Nirschl hadn't seen, as well as cracks in the cartilage that Nirshl hadn't seen. He gave me a steroid shot and sent me to hand therapy (I'm using someone unrelated to him near my office). He said that I should have been moving the finger very soon after the injury. He seemed surprised that Nirschl had not recommended a steroid shot or hand therapy. It's now three weeks after switching doctors and starting hand therapy. My finger now looks almost normal, has almost no pain, and I have maybe 80% of its flexiblity back already. Dr. Nirschl was clearly once a great doctor, and he is still a great person to meet, but he both misdiagnosed and failed to properly treat my finger. I'd definitely go elsewhere, or at least insist on being seen by one of the other doctors in this practice.

Submitted Oct. 26, 2015

Dr Nirschl performed orthoscopic surgery on my knee Dec 2011 to clean out debris. Before the surgery, I was going to aerobics twice a week, lifting weights 3x/week, dancing, riding the bike, I walked about 7 miles on July 4th and swam a mile but my knee swole badly,So much so that I stopped biking to work.Dr Nirschl said that he could fix it.it was not a complicate surgery.In fact, he did the same surgery for me before. this time it became infected. I had 101 fever & elevated white cell count 36 hours after surgery. he was not on call. his back up Dr wellborn performed a 2nd surgery & removed too much. required 3 night hospital stay & was in bed for a week at home;off work 2.5 weeeks. now have a handicap parking permit. I cannot bike, dance, do areobics, walk > a couple of blocks,lift leg weights. I have been crippled by the surgery. sometime I have to walk with a cane b/c the pain is so bad. Worst decision I ever made.My entire health is significantly diminished.

Submitted May 31, 2013

My family and friends have used Dr Nirschl's services for years. He has one of the best bedside manners of any doctor I have known. I really appreciate Dr. Nirschl's attitude of trying alternative strategies before resorting to surgery, but if surgery is needed, he is the man for the job! I highly recommend Dr. Nirschl if you have an orthopedic issue!!

Submitted Nov. 26, 2012

The best surgeon and PT in DC area. Dr. Nirschl is very attentive and knowlegable. He has several patents for orthopedic aid.

Submitted May 18, 2011

This guy is the sharpest thing in town. I had been to two other orthopaedists before him and Nirshcl did the job. If you read his biography, he is outstanding.

Submitted April 5, 2009