Dr. Mark Edwin Carlson, MD

Recently, unbeknownst to me, my 85 year old father visited Mark Carlson for an evaluation of his left knee which has been severely affected by osteoarthritis. My Dad is in no pain. X-rays were taken which showed degeneration of cartilage and some bone on bone. Mark Carlson recommended knee replacement surgery, which was probably theoretically, a fair evaluation. Although my Dad is in good health for his age, it was a questionable recommendation for an 85 year old man to have major surgery, especially given the pain involved with the surgery, recovery, rehab, and the long list of potential complications. To be fair, I was not present but from what I can gather, he told my Dad if he didn't have surgery, my Dad would end up in a wheelchair. (my active Dad's worst nightmare). Mark Carlson was without question unethical when he painted an unrealistic picture to my Dad, misleading my Dad into thinking that it was a simple surgery and that pain and recovery would go smoothly and… quickly. "Nothing to worry about". He gave my Dad a false narrative (compared to the standard expectations and recovery time) as to what he should expect as per the pain factor, recovery and rehab timetable, and results. Apparently he did NOT discuss the RISKS involved. Secondly, Mark Carlson flat out lied to my Dad. My Dad specifically asked him if there were any other options involving knee injections. Carlson told him no. There are numerous knee injection treatments available including stem cell, PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) and others. I searched for reviews on Carlson using different sources. He always ranked below the average of other surgeons. Fortunately, my Dad eventually cancelled the scheduled surgery and is pursuing a knee injection. In addition, I talked to two close friends who had first hand experience with Carlson. One friend told me a horror story regarding her client for whom she was a caregiver. Taking the client to her Carlson appointments, my friend assessed him as a real jerk who had no compassion. Her client developed terrible MRSA infection following the surgery he performed. Carlson then REFUSED to see the patient for follow up visits regarding the very painful and serious infection. Completely UNACCEPTABLE! The other friend did not like him at all and went elsewhere. Both stated that they would NEVER let Carlson go near them. It seems quite apparent that Carlson is an unethical hack who is motivated by making money and does NOT have the patient's best interest in mind. Unfortunately, he is not alone when it comes to unscrupulous doctors and surgeons. I may report Carlson to the Illinois Medical Board. Stay away from this guy and spread the word!

Recently, unbeknownst to me, my 85 year old father visited Mark Carlson for an evaluation of his left knee which has been severely affected by osteoarthritis. My Dad is in no pain. X-rays were taken which showed degeneration of cartilage and some bone on bone. Mark Carlson recommended knee replacement surgery, which was probably theoretically, a fair evaluation. Although my Dad is in good health for his age, it was a questionable recommendation for an 85 year old man to have major surgery, especially given the pain involved with the surgery, recovery, rehab, and the long list of potential complications. To be fair, I was not present but from what I can gather, he told my Dad if he didn't have surgery, my Dad would end up in a wheelchair. (my active Dad's worst nightmare). Mark Carlson was without question unethical when he painted an unrealistic picture to my Dad, misleading my Dad into thinking that it was a simple surgery and that pain and recovery would go smoothly and… quickly. "Nothing to worry about". He gave my Dad a false narrative (compared to the standard expectations and recovery time) as to what he should expect as per the pain factor, recovery and rehab timetable, and results. Apparently he did NOT discuss the RISKS involved. Secondly, Mark Carlson flat out lied to my Dad. My Dad specifically asked him if there were any other options involving knee injections. Carlson told him no. There are numerous knee injection treatments available including stem cell, PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) and others. I searched for reviews on Carlson using different sources. He always ranked below the average of other surgeons. Fortunately, my Dad eventually cancelled the scheduled surgery and is pursuing a knee injection. In addition, I talked to two close friends who had first hand experience with Carlson. One friend told me a horror story regarding her client for whom she was a caregiver. Taking the client to her Carlson appointments, my friend assessed him as a real jerk who had no compassion. Her client developed terrible MRSA infection following the surgery he performed. Carlson then REFUSED to see the patient for follow up visits regarding the very painful and serious infection. Completely UNACCEPTABLE! The other friend did not like him at all and went elsewhere. Both stated that they would NEVER let Carlson go near them. It seems quite apparent that Carlson is an unethical hack who is motivated by making money and does NOT have the patient's best interest in mind. Unfortunately, he is not alone when it comes to unscrupulous doctors and surgeons. I may report Carlson to the Illinois Medical Board. Stay away from this guy and spread the word!

Surgeries went alright. The doctor walked me through every step. We talked after every surgery and all groups of therapy. After the last surgery the doctor told me that it would take up to a year for the nerve damage to heal. I'm now nearly 12 years out from the first surgery and the arm he did the three of the elbow surgeries on is almost useless. I'm in constant pain and home therapy and pain management doesn't help. I don't go to anther doctor for a second option because I'm scared of making it worse.

Four hip surgeries in a year still can't walk. Getting a new hip from another doctor next week.

Dr. Carlson is a fantastic Dr. and explains in detail all of the options available before any decision is made. I have had 2 successful knee operations with Dr. Carlson and wouldn’t dream of going anywhere else to take care of any of my orthopedic needs. He is a great Dr. and a great person. Trusting and knowing you are in good hands is a very comforting feeling these days.

Dr Carlson was very understanding of my problem. Hi is a excellent surgeon. I highly recommend him.

Very skilled and takes time to explain.6

I went to see DR.Carlson with minor knee pain. I was surprised to hear him say I needed surgery. He said I had two choices total knee replacement or plugs with Donor cartilage I chose what I thought would be the least invasive ..the plugs. He said I had to do it by 55 or my insurance wouldn't cover it.it was Oct. I turned 55 in June. Two surgeries turned into five. When I had problems and called him he was rude told me never call him in the middle of the night again it was 10:30 I was in horrible pain. When I went to emergency for infection he said it couldn't be infected....He used vanco. Totally untrue. I kept telling him about horrible pain he said everyone heals different give it more time id be fine. He had to do a fifth surgery six months after for particles floating in my knee. But I had to wait a month cause he took off to go fishing. I am now crippled I can't walk much distance at all. Every step is filled with sharp stabbing pain. He says we can do total knee replacement now.… I have been to two other surgeons who say they don't do plug surgery because it doesn't work. I have found another surgeon . I will never let Dr Carlson touch me again. He's lied to me for months then tells me it failed because I got arthritis why did he operate in the first place I had holes in my cartilage because of arthritis.Don't trust him.. it's all about the money to him......at least this is my opinion.

Great doctor. Friendly staff. My daughter loves it there. Had therapy and mri and the girls there made it fun instead of scary. Will go back again for sure.

horrible experience work had to be redone was lied to and told was complete success do not use this guy