Shoulder Conditions Biceps Tendinitis Rotator Cuff Tears Shoulder Arthritis Labral Tear SLAP Tear Impingement/RTC Tendinitis Shoulder Instability Frozen Shoulder Burner/Stinger Shoulder Separation Clavicle Fracture Olecranon Bursitis Tennis Elbow Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Distal Radius Fracture Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Trigger Finger Meniscal Tear ACL Tear
Baseball Injuries Basketball Injuries Cycling Injuries Dance Injuries Overuse Injuries Rowing Injuries Running Injuries Rugby Injuries Skiing Injuries Soccer Injuries Softball Injuries Tennis Injuries Swimming Injuries Volleyball Injuries Wrestling Injuries WaterPolo Injuries
Shoulder Surgery Shoulder Arthroscopy Rotator Cuff Repair Shoulder Joint Replacement Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement ACL Reconstruction Knee Arthroscopy Total Knee Replacement
Rehab Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Arthroscopic Distal Clavicle Resection Arthroscopic Subacromial Decompression Arthroscopic SLAP Repair Arthroscopic Anterior Labral Repair Arthroscopic MDI Capsular Shift Subscapularis Repair Latarjet Open Anterior Capsular Shift AC/CC Ligament Reconstruction Open Proximal Biceps Tenodesis Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Distal Biceps Tendon Repair Tennis Elbow Repair ORIF Clavicle ORIF Distal Radius ORIF Radius/Ulna General Hand Surgery Return To Throwing Arthroscopic ACL Reconstruction (QUAD) Arthroscopic ACL Reconstruction (Hamstring) Arthroscopic Meniscal Debridement Arthroscopic Meniscal Repair Tibial Tubercle Transfer General Lower Extremity Surgery Achilles Tendon Repair
Frequently Asked Questions
Charlotte Shoulder Institute
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James R. Romanowski, MD

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Shoulder and Elbow Fellowship:  Harvard Shoulder Service, Massachusetts General Hospital

Sports Medicine Fellowship:  University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Traveling Shoulder Fellowship:  Alps Surgery Institute, Annecy, France, Dr. Laurent Lafosse

Visiting Clinician in Elbow Surgery: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

Residency:  University of Cincinnati

Medical School:  West Virginia University

College: Davidson College

 
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Dr. Romanowski founded the Charlotte Shoulder Institute to provide patients with the opportunity to receive comprehensive care as related to sports injuries and shoulder disorders. Associated with Novant Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, the Charlotte Shoulder Institute offers access to XRAY, CT Scan, MRI, and Physical Therapy. Patients have access to advanced electronic medical records and improved communication with Dr. Romanowski.

James R. Romanowski, M.D. is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder surgery, complex knee reconstruction, sports medicine, and the treatment of athletic injuries. Having trained with many of the world's leading shoulder, knee, and sports medicine surgeons, he has established himself as a nationally recognized expert in the care of complex shoulder and knee conditions, as well as athletic injuries affecting patients of all activity levels. He has lectured nationally and internationally and has taught at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Romanowski currently serves as a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, where he is actively involved in the education and mentorship of medical students, residents, and fellows.

Dr. Romanowski has devoted his career to helping athletes and active individuals achieve optimal outcomes through advanced surgical techniques, evidence-based care, and personalized treatment plans. His expertise encompasses shoulder instability, rotator cuff disorders, labral injuries, cartilage restoration, acl reconstruction, meniscus tears, complex knee injuries, and sports-related conditions affecting both the upper and lower extremities.

From 2017 through 2026, Dr. Romanowski served as the Head Team Orthopedic Surgeon for the NBA's Charlotte Hornets, providing comprehensive orthopedic care to professional athletes competing at the highest level. Throughout his career, he has worked with athletes and organizations across the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLS, USL, and NCAA Division I athletics. His extensive sports medicine experience has included the care of professional, collegiate, Olympic, and elite amateur athletes, giving him unique insight into injury prevention, performance optimization, and return-to-play decision making.

In addition to his work with the Charlotte Hornets, Dr. Romanowski has cared for athletes from championship organizations, including members of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Charlotte Independence, and numerous collegiate and professional teams. His combination of academic leadership, clinical excellence, and professional sports experience has made him a sought-after expert in the treatment of complex orthopedic injuries.

As one of the few orthopedic surgeons in the United States with advanced fellowship training in both Shoulder and Elbow Surgery and Complex Knee Reconstruction, Dr. Romanowski offers highly specialized expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of sports injuries, arthritis, instability, ligament injuries, cartilage disorders, and degenerative conditions. His practice combines state-of-the-art surgical techniques with individualized patient care, helping patients safely return to athletics, work, and the activities they enjoy most.

A respected educator, speaker, and leader in orthopedic sports medicine, Dr. Romanowski remains committed to advancing the field through clinical excellence, teaching, research, and innovation. He has lectured throughout the United States and internationally on topics related to sports medicine, shoulder surgery, and knee reconstruction, and continues to contribute to the education of future orthopedic surgeons through his academic appointment at the UNC School of Medicine.

Recognized for his dedication to patient care and surgical excellence, Dr. Romanowski has been named a Charlotte Magazine Top Doctor for twelve consecutive years. Whether caring for professional athletes competing on the national stage or helping active individuals regain mobility and function, he is committed to delivering exceptional orthopedic care focused on restoring performance, improving quality of life, and helping patients return to the activities that matter most.