Contact
David J. Mitten, M.D.
View Contact & SchedulingLocations
Marketplace
10 Miracle Mile Drive
Rochester, NY 14623
About Me
Orthopedic surgeries require a high level of technical expertise and experience in managing challenging conditions. My patients may be infants with congenital malformations, older adults with incapacitating osteoarthritis, professional athletes with sports injuries, classical musicians with overuse syndromes, or workers injured in occupational accidents.
I work closely with patients to create a treatment plan that will lead to a quick recovery. Often, treatment simply consists of therapy, a cast or splint, or an injection. If surgery is required, I use the convenient and efficient Clinton Crossings Procedure Rooms for outpatient surgical procedures when possible. The Procedure Room team of nurses and technicians that assist me are experts in the care of patients undergoing outpatient procedures. I also work closely with our specially trained hand and upper extremity therapists in the Hand Rehabilitation program to direct your post-surgical care and to ensure a fast and successful recovery. When bracing is ordered, our hand therapists are prepared to fashion custom orthoses on site the same day as your appointment.
At the UR Medicine, we get to know our patients, so we can personalize our approach and tailor treatment to each individual. I try to impart to residents and fellows the importance of making a connection with patients. Listening to my patients helps me to better understand their needs and expectations.
Certified Specialties
Orthopaedic Surgery - American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Faculty Appointments
Professor - Department of Orthopaedics (SMD)
Professor - Department of Surgery, Plastic Surgery (SMD) - Joint
Credentials
Residency & Fellowship
Fellowship, Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA Medical Center. 1997 - 1999
Residency, Orthopaedics, University of Rochester Medical Center. 1993 - 1997
Internship, Surgery (General Surgery), University of Rochester Medical Center. 1992 - 1993
Education
MD | University of Rochester School of Medicine/Dentistry (USA). 1992
Awards
2017 Sherman Award for Excellence in Patient Engagement (for innovation in Healthcare). 2017
Meliora Award - PROMIS Team. 2016
AOA. 1992
Doctor of Medicine with Honor. 1992
Tau Beta Pi. 1988
Research
Publications
Journal Articles
Liao H, Mitten DJ, Knox WH
Biomedical optics express.. 2025 February 116 (2):679-689. Epub 01/27/2025.
Waddell EM, Dinesh K, Spear KL, Elson MJ, Wagner E, Curtis MJ, Mitten DJ, Tarolli CG, Sharma G, Ray Dorsey E, Adams JL
Journal of Huntington's disease.. 2021 10 (2):293-301. Epub 1900 01 01.
Greenstein AS, Teitel J, Mitten DJ, Ricciardi BF, Myers TG
Arthroplasty today.. 2020 December 6 (4):850-855. Epub 10/14/2020.
Bernstein DN, Houck JR, Gonzalez RM, Wilbur DM, Miller RJ, Mitten DJ, Hammert WC
Hand : official journal of the American Association for Hand Surgery.. 2020 March 15 (2):185-193. Epub 08/03/2018.
Tecle N, Teitel J, Morris MR, Sani N, Mitten D, Hammert WC
The Journal of hand surgery.. 2020 March 45 (3):175-181. Epub 01/17/2020.
Bernstein DN, Fear K, Mesfin A, Hammert WC, Mitten DJ, Rubery PT, Baumhauer JF
Musculoskeletal care.. 2019 March 17 (1):120-125. Epub 01/07/2019.
Judith F. Baumhauer, MD, MPH, Christopher Dasilva, BS, David Mitten, MD, Paul Rubery, MD & Michael Rotondo, MD.
New England Journal of Medicine Catalyst. 2018; .
St John MJ, Mitten D, Hammert WC
The Journal of hand surgery.. 2017 September 42 (9):705-710. Epub 07/12/2017.
M. O. Papuga C. Dasilva A. McIntyre D. Mitten S. Kates J. F. Baumhauer.
Health Systems. 2017; 6(15): 1-13.
Chimenti PC, Mitten DJ
Plastic and reconstructive surgery.. 2015 August 136 (2):328-330. Epub 1900 01 01.
Buckley T, Mitten D, Elfar J
The Journal of hand surgery.. 2013 February 38 (2):366-71. Epub 01/03/2013.
Loiselle AE, Bragdon GA, Jacobson JA, Hasslund S, Cortes ZE, Schwarz EM, Mitten DJ, Awad HA, O'Keefe RJ
Journal of orthopaedic research : official publication of the Orthopaedic Research Society.. 2009 June 27 (6):833-40. Epub 1900 01 01.
Hasslund S, Jacobson JA, Dadali T, Basile P, Ulrich-Vinther M, Søballe K, Schwarz EM, O'Keefe RJ, Mitten DJ, Awad HA
Journal of orthopaedic research : official publication of the Orthopaedic Research Society.. 2008 June 26 (6):824-33. Epub 1900 01 01.
Basile P, Dadali T, Jacobson J, Hasslund S, Ulrich-Vinther M, Søballe K, Nishio Y, Drissi MH, Langstein HN, Mitten DJ, O'Keefe RJ, Schwarz EM, Awad HA
Molecular therapy : the journal of the American Society of Gene Therapy.. 2008 March 16 (3):466-73. Epub 01/08/2008.
Gooch CL, Mitten DJ
Neurology.. 2005 June 2864 (12):2006-7. Epub 1900 01 01.
The Cost of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Medicine
Judith F. Baumhauer, MD, MPH, Christopher Dasilva, BS, David Mitten, MD, Paul Rubery, MD & Michael Rotondo, MD.
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Ratings & Comments
At URMC, we believe that patients should be empowered to make the right decisions regarding their personal healthcare. To do so, transparency is critical. URMC partners with Press Ganey, to survey our patients about all aspects of their care experience. We are now putting this pertinent information at your fingertips by displaying star ratings for our providers along with anonymous patient comments on our website. This will help you make better-informed choices about how and with whom you seek care. Click here to learn more about the surveys used to generate this vital information. Learn more about our survey process.
Ratings
Concern the care provider showed for your questions or worries
Care provider's efforts to include you in decisions about your care
Explanations the care provider gave you about your problem or condition
Likelihood of recommending this care provider to others
Care provider's discussion of any proposed treatment (options, risks, benefits, etc.)
Patient Comments
Always EXCELLENT care!
Jan 25, 2025
Dr. Mitten was extremely helpful for my problem. Very concerned.
Jan 10, 2025
Dr. Mitten has already been recommended to my of my family and friends
Dec 26, 2024
Dr. Mitten is WONDERFUL. The best type of Dr to have: listens, calmly informs, kind, friendly, intelligent, reassuring, takes time with you, sense of humor, warns before taking action.... Much to praise.
Dec 13, 2024
Highly recommended
Nov 22, 2024
Doctor Mitten offers a level of care well beyond my expectations; the best I have seen in my 80 years of living. He gets a rating of 20 from me on a scale of 1 to 10. I am blessed to be under his care.
Nov 17, 2024
Good
Oct 31, 2024
Dr Mitten is the best. He is kind and listens to all my concerns.
Oct 30, 2024
Dr. Mitten and his nurse practitioner are the best you could ever ask for.
Oct 12, 2024
Took a great deal of time with me to explain istep by step details on what to expect & ensure I understood all details and answered all of my questions, very comfortable and at ease . I did not feel rushed and left pletes good feeling & complete understanding.
Oct 01, 2024
I recommend Dr. Mitten to all my friends with hand issues.
Sep 24, 2024
Treatment fully explained.
Sep 23, 2024
Dr Mitten was extremely nice, attentive and eager to help me. He explained everything in easy to understand terms and made sure I knew how, why and what I could expect going forward. I was very happy with our visit. Thank you to the entire team.
Sep 23, 2024
Pleasure dealing with Dr. Mitten,
Sep 22, 2024
Dr. Mitten is amazing. Highly professional with a casual grace that made me feel comfortable and confident in his treatment. A great listener and clearly explained everything.
Sep 20, 2024
Such a caring physician
Sep 14, 2024
The nurse practitioner and doctor both were very helpful to describe options and took the best direction with the utmost care. Top medical care.
Sep 08, 2024
Very knowledgeable
Jul 28, 2024
Excellent care
Jul 24, 2024
I love Dr. David Mitten. He is always concerned about me, treats me so well and explains things that you can understand. He has a great sense of humor too (love that)!
Jul 22, 2024
Dr Mitten is the best. I'm so fortunate to have as one of my Drs
Jun 29, 2024
Awesome doctor
Jun 24, 2024
My experience was amazing!
Jun 22, 2024
Provider did not take timw to go over test results
Jun 20, 2024
I was very pleased with my provider. We need to wait 3 months to see how my hand feels.
Jun 16, 2024
Dr. Mitten was very caring and concerned.
May 25, 2024
Good
May 21, 2024
Excellent
May 18, 2024
Dr Mitten was wonderful and worth the wait to see him.
May 18, 2024
I can't say enough good things about Dr. Mitten! He was thorough in his examination of my hands, explained about carpel tunnel and the procedure fully and what I could expect. He was very personable and funny and treated me like we were long time friends.
May 14, 2024
Good
Apr 27, 2024
Superb.
Apr 22, 2024
Dr. Mitten is the Best
Apr 20, 2024
Dr. Mitten so easy to understand, so friendly, concerned [...]
Apr 19, 2024
Excellent
Mar 31, 2024
Dr Mitten is the best of the best!
Mar 24, 2024
He is the best! Well rounded individual who really cares and is also an excellent Surgeon
Mar 24, 2024
AgainI didn't really see the doctor He came in when I was leaving checked my finger, explained what the OA already told me Until it becomes a problem just wear a splintWas very easy to chat with
Mar 22, 2024
Dr Mitten took the time to discuss each of the three options, Including pros and cons, with me.
Feb 09, 2024
So thankful I was able to have this appointment.
Jan 29, 2024
I would recommend Dr. Mitten in a heartbeat [...]
Jan 24, 2024
Dr Mitten is a great doctor!
Jan 13, 2024
Dr. Mitten is an outstanding surgeon with an excellent bedside manner!!!
Jan 11, 2024
Dr. Mitten provide excellent, knowledgeable and compassionate care to resolve my medical problem.
Jan 02, 2024
A+ service!
Dec 26, 2023
Dr Mitten is not only a great doctor but also a caring compassionate one with a wonderful bedside manner. We need more doctors like him.
Dec 20, 2023
Dr. Mitten is one of the best providers I've ever seen and I've already recommended my mother in law!
Dec 05, 2023
Dr. Mitten and his assistant were amazing. Probably the best medical professionals I have dealt with. Sorry they are specialists and not doctor/assistant I would see on a regular basis
Nov 17, 2023
Dr Mitten should teach a master class on how to engage and treat patients. He absolutely sets a standard of care and concern.
Nov 11, 2023
[...] He is one of the best surgeons I have ever worked with or had surgery with.
Nov 10, 2023
I have already recommended Dr Mitten to family and friends.
Oct 27, 2023
Dr. Mitten his assistant, Kristina were very thorough and listened intently to my concerns. I have a bleeding disorder that makes coordinating any care I receive from any specialists challenging. They were intent in listening to my concerns, had acceptable responses to the concerns I expressed and agreed to be in touch with my hematologist to coordinate care for my upcoming procedure. I feel very confident in their abilities.
Oct 15, 2023
Dr Mitten has been excellent with me throughout this experience with thumb surgery. It has been a slow recovery but Dr. Mitten has been incredibly supportive and my results are improving tremendously. I am very happy with the decision to have Dr. Mitten do this procedure.
Oct 14, 2023
Explained surgery and recovery in detail. Discussed all options and outcomes I easily understood terms
Oct 11, 2023
Dr. Mitten is very easy to talk to and takes the time to listen to my concerns
Oct 06, 2023
Overall good
Oct 05, 2023
The amount of time Dr. Mitten gave me and his thoroughness during the appointment was superior compared to another doctor I had seen previously for the same condition. I left the appointment with peace of mind and confidence that Dr. Mitten was the right and best doctor to do my surgery.
Sep 30, 2023
I am continually impressed and grateful for thr high level of skill, expertise and commitment shown to me as Dr Mitten's patient by Dr Mitten and his staff. I am deeply impressed by the level of collaboration that exists between Dr Mitten and the PA's and nurses in the practice. This makes for an effective and responsive treatment team. Despite how busy they are I always feel listened to and heard. And I am so impressed by the degree of careful attention and focus that they bring to each examination. I feel lucky to be a patient of this practice. Thank you Dr Mitten, Kristen. (Megan until she moved) and Kourtney! And all of the support staff.
Sep 20, 2023
LOVED Dr. Mitten!! One of the best experiences I've had. Patient, kind, he took the time to explain everything.
Sep 18, 2023
I have needed several surgeries on both hands over the past three years, Dr Mitten explains everything and makes sure any and all my questions are answered so that I understand every possible outcome before I leave
Sep 08, 2023
The provider showed concern and took interest in my well being, explained in detail about my issue and gave me great input into deciding how to treat my condition. He gave me a follow up appointment to make sure the issue was resolved. I would highly recommend this provider. Very helpful and respectful as well as personable and attentive.
Aug 30, 2023
Dr. Mitten spent significant time with me to assess the nerve pain I am experiencing post wrist surgery in Florida. He assessed past radiology reports, did an x-ray, and walked me through what he observed while doing an ultrasound on my hand and wrist. He listened to my concerns as well as explained the physiology. I was completely impressed with the time and attention he provided me on this visit.
Jul 15, 2023
Excellent.
Jul 13, 2023
I feel Dr. Mitten is a hands on surgeon which I trust in his work.
Jul 09, 2023
I have had 12 surgeries by Dr. Mitten and my husband [...] has had 3. I have very fortunate to have him as my hand surgeon and UR Medicine is also fortunate. That is my opinion.
Jul 08, 2023
Dr Mitten is absolutely fantastic, Dr Mitten is what a doctor should be. He cares and will take the time with his patients. I am very thankful that he is my doctor. I could not ask for any better because he is at the top!
Jun 24, 2023
Dr. Mitten and Kristen Swallow are the best hands down!
Jun 23, 2023
Dr. Mitten is an excellent doctor in all regards-knowledgeable and genial, a skilled surgeon and caring physician who takes all the time needed during my visits to ensure that my questions and concerns are addressed. I wish all my doctors were like him!
Jun 18, 2023
Dr. Mitten is a wonderful doctor! He is very friendly and takes time to listen and talk with patients. He has an incredible positive attitude. I trust Dr. Mitten completely and feel very lucky to have him as one of my doctors.
Jun 16, 2023
Dr. Mitten is an amazing practitioner! He is an expert in his field. He cares about his patients and is concerned about them feeling better. I am very fortunate to have him as one of my physicians.
Jun 12, 2023
Both Dr. Mitten and Chief Resident David were very thorough and took time to explain what they were doing and to find out what was going of with my wrist.
Jun 11, 2023
Excellent care and treatment!
May 11, 2023
Dr Mitten has been my hand Dr for almost 20 years. A++. He's the best in the business.
May 05, 2023
The entire visit with Dr. Mitten & his staff was superb.
May 01, 2023
Excellent
Apr 30, 2023
I already recommended a friend to the doctor for a similar condition
Apr 27, 2023
Concerned and excellent communicator.
Apr 22, 2023
Dr. Mitten is an absolutely outstanding clinician in every way.
Apr 09, 2023
Dr. Mitten was an excellent communicator, he took time to get to know me, he wasn't rushed and he thoroughly explained everything including all options, including me in decisions.
Apr 07, 2023
Dr. Mitten has performed 10 hand surgeries on me and I am scheduled for number 11 on [...]. I have recommended him to family (my husband) and friends. As far as I am concerned he is the best and I trust him.
Mar 31, 2023
I appreciated Dr. Mitten's attentiveness, explanations and possible corrective actions. He also took the time I felt necessary for this appointment
Mar 18, 2023
Excellent care so far.
Feb 24, 2023
Excellent. Thoroughly explained problem to me, causes, spectrum of ways to address. Quickly and efficiently delivered the treatment I opted for.
Feb 24, 2023
I have never had a doctor that cared so much for his patients as did Dr. Mitten. He is an amazing doctor.
Feb 11, 2023
Dr. Mitten is an excellent doctor in every way.
Feb 04, 2023
Have already recommended Dr. Mitten.
Feb 01, 2023
100 % satisfied with Dr. Mitten. I have referred friends and my husband to Dr. Mitten for surgery.
Jan 27, 2023
Dr. Mitten is an awesome human being.....goes out of his way to take care of his patients!!!
Jan 05, 2023
A great Doctor and great staff that, believe are outstanding in practice of Medicine and the art of healing.
Dec 22, 2022
Dr. Mitten is AWESOME!
Dec 14, 2022
From first contact The doctor has been amazing
Dec 09, 2022
Not only did Dr. Mitten explain the situation to me he also explained it to my teenage son in a manner that he could understand. Exceptionally good communication
Oct 28, 2022
Dr Mitten understands that hands/fingers for a blind person are of the upmost necessity, he has been a great orthopedic surgeon for me. He understands all my other health issues while caring for my hands.
Oct 01, 2022
Dr. Mitten and his staff are caring and compassionate
Sep 23, 2022
Good
Sep 07, 2022
Dr. Mitten has been very caring, answered all my questions for me, very easy to understand, an outstanding hand surgeon and doctor and fixed my hand so I can use my hand again, so Thankful
Aug 27, 2022
Dr. Mitten & his staff are always very kind & helpful...it just takes some time to get an appointment.
Aug 26, 2022
Dr.Mitten was very personable as well as professional. Easy to talk to and to understand.
Aug 22, 2022
Dr. Mitten was as good as it gets he listened to me and looked at my exrays and came back in to follow up he was great
Aug 01, 2022
I was told by numerous people to see Dr. Mitten for my issue. I was forewarned that I might have to wait to see him, but that it would be worth the wait. So far, I am in complete agreement and glad that I waited to see him.
Jul 30, 2022
Dr. Mitten is an outstanding doctor in every way who genuinely cares about his patients. We are lucky to have him here. Don't lose him!!!
Jul 23, 2022
I have been a patient of Dr. Mitten for over 13 years. There is no better hand surgeon.
Jul 17, 2022
Dr Mitten is a wonderful dr
Jul 17, 2022
I am very pleased with Dr Mitten's care.
Jul 10, 2022
Dr Mitten is awesome took time listen and explained everything very nicely
Jun 12, 2022
Dr. Mitten was very kind and answered all my questions
Jun 10, 2022
I've always been concerned about being told I have to have surgery and when discussing hand surgery (or further hand surgery) with Dr. Mitten, he completely understands my concerns.
Apr 08, 2022
Dr. Mitten is outstanding in every way...a keeper! [...].
Apr 02, 2022
All meetings with Dr. Mitten and staff were very good.
Mar 27, 2022
Dr Mitten was very kind, respectful and made me feel at ease.
Feb 19, 2022
Listened, concerned, friendly wonderful experience.
Feb 02, 2022