The New York Orthopaedic Hospital (NYOH) has one of the oldest orthopedic training programs in the country. Founded in 1866, the New York Dispensary was established to treat needy children afflicted by diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Throughout its history, NYOH has played an important role in developing and refining new techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic disease. In 1911, Dr. Russell Hibbs performed the first spinal fusion for spinal tuberculosis. Dr. Hibbs was also the first orthopedic surgeon to receive a faculty appointment at the Columbia University College of Physician and Surgeons, establishing NYOH's commitment to teaching.

In 1945, NYOH merged with the Presbyterian Hospital Trauma Service, and five years later joined the Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in upper Manhattan. The discipline of Orthopedic Surgery has been advanced due to innovations by NYOH luminaries such as Dr. Harrison McLaughlin, Dr. Robert E. Carroll, Dr. Frank E. Stinchfield, and Dr. Charles S. Neer. Dr. Louis U. Bigliani, department chairman and a pupil of Dr. Neer, continues the tradition of innovation through the development of new and streamlined surgical techniques, particularly in shoulder arthroscopy.