Michael J Pensak, MD

Dr. Michael Pensak is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and fellowship-trained hand and upper extremity specialist serving patients across central New Jersey, with offices in Morganville and Toms River. He treats a comprehensive range of conditions affecting the hand, wrist, elbow, forearm, and shoulder, from sports-related injuries and fractures to complex reconstructive cases involving children and adults.

Dr. Pensak holds dual board credentials from the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery (ABOS), including a Subspecialty Certificate in Orthopedic Surgery of the Hand, a distinction reserved for surgeons who demonstrate exceptional qualifications in hand surgery through advanced fellowship training and a high-volume, diverse case practice.

Dr. Pensak graduated cum laude from Cornell University with a degree in Biological Sciences and a minor in Animal Physiology. He earned his medical degree from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences Center in Brooklyn, NY, where he developed a deep interest in orthopedic research under the mentorship of nationally recognized surgeons at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan.

He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Connecticut Health Center, where he was personally selected by his department chairman to serve as the program's inaugural research resident. During that dedicated research year, Dr. Pensak completed multiple peer-reviewed investigations, earning regional and national recognition. He has since authored more than 25 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters and remains actively engaged in research.

Following residency, Dr. Pensak completed a fellowship in hand, upper extremity, and microvascular surgery at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, gaining expertise in pediatric and congenital hand conditions, microsurgery, adult reconstruction, and complex trauma.

Dr. Pensak provides comprehensive orthopedic care for pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients, with a focus on:

• Hand, wrist, and finger injuries, fractures, and disorders
• Elbow conditions, including fractures, dislocations, epicondylitis, cubital tunnel syndrome, and bone spurs
• Shoulder injuries, including rotator cuff disorders, dislocations, instability, acromioclavicular fractures, and adhesive capsulitis
• Forearm, humerus, and radial/ulnar fractures — including non-displaced and malunion fractures
• Nerve injuries, including ulnar nerve conditions
• Tendon conditions, including tenosynovitis and related disorders
• Osteochondral lesions of the hand, wrist, and upper extremities
• Sports-related injuries and stress fractures
• Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and workers' compensation cases
• Motor vehicle accident (MVA) and personal injury protection (PIP) claims
• Same-day appointments for acute injury and fracture care

Affiliated hospitals include Bayshore Medical Center (Holmdel), Community Medical Center (Toms River), Ocean Medical Center (Brick), Raritan Bay Medical Center (Old Bridge), and Riverview Medical Center (Red Bank). Surgical care is also available at Physicians' SurgiCenter and SurgiCare of Freehold and Metropolitan Surgical Institute (South Amboy).