About Dr. Messina
James C. Messina, MD
Orthopaedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine Specialist
Dr. James C. Messina is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at NYU Langone Orthopedics – Long Island. He specializes in the care of athletes and active individuals of all ages, combining advanced surgical expertise with personalized, patient-centered care.
Clinical Focus & Special Skills
Dr. Messina’s clinical practice emphasizes both surgical and non-surgical management of musculoskeletal injuries. His areas of expertise include:
ACL and Multiligament knee reconstruction
Patellofemoral instability
Tendon reconstruction and complex soft tissue repair
Cartilage restoration and joint preservation
Shoulder Instability
Rotator cuff Pathology and Shoulder Replacement
Hip arthroscopy and hip preservation
Osteotomies for alignment correction and ligament protection
He applies evidence-based strategies and modern surgical techniques to optimize movement, restore function, and prevent future injury, helping patients return to high performance at every level.
Education & Training
Dr. Messina earned his undergraduate degree from Connecticut College, where he was a four-year varsity lacrosse player. His experience as a collegiate athlete provides him with a unique understanding of the physical and mental demands of sport, as well as the drive to safely return to peak performance after injury.
He received his Doctor of Medicine from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society in recognition of his academic excellence and leadership.
Dr. Messina completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Connecticut, where he gained comprehensive training in the management of complex musculoskeletal conditions and developed a strong foundation in both operative and non-operative care.
He then pursued advanced fellowship training in orthopaedic sports medicine at NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital in New York City—one of the nation’s leading centers for orthopaedic care. During his fellowship, he trained in cutting-edge arthroscopic and open techniques with a focus on shoulder, hip, and knee injuries, as well as advanced approaches to athlete care and evidence-based rehabilitation.
Team & Performance Medicine Experience
Dr. Messina has extensive experience caring for athletes across professional, collegiate, and high-level amateur settings. During his fellowship at NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, he was involved in the care of the Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL), gaining exposure to the management of elite football athletes at the highest level.
He also contributed to the care of professional hockey players, including work with the New Jersey Devils (NHL), and has experience managing high-demand athletes across a variety of sports.
Currently, Dr. Messina is involved in the care of collegiate athletes at Long Island University (LIU), where he supports the evaluation, treatment, and return-to-play of Division I athletes. These experiences have shaped his multidisciplinary, performance-focused approach to injury management and recovery.
Philosophy & Approach
Dr. Messina is known for his focused, approachable style and his ability to connect with patients ranging from elite athletes to active individuals. His treatment philosophy emphasizes:
Injury prevention and risk reduction
Precision diagnostics and advanced imaging
Individualized, sport-specific treatment strategies
Evidence-based rehabilitation and safe return-to-play
He is committed to delivering high-level, personalized care that not only treats injury but optimizes long-term performance and durability.
Current Practice
Dr. Messina currently sees patients at NYU Langone Orthopedics – Long Island, where he specializes in conditions of the shoulder, hip, and knee. He welcomes referrals for orthopaedic sports medicine consultation, second opinions, and advanced surgical care.
In addition to his clinical practice, he remains actively involved in athlete care and community sports coverage throughout Long Island.
Education
Undergraduate – Connecticut College, B.A., Biochemistry Cellular Molecular Biology (BCMB)
Medical School – SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University College of Medicine, M.D.
Professional Training
Residency – University of Connecticut, Orthopaedic Surgery
Fellowship – NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, Sports Medicine
Click here for more information on the NYU Langone website or to schedule an appointment