James A. Karlson, MD

– Physician Assistant: Christina Linkiewicz PA-C (View Full Page)

– Surgical Coordinator & Medical Assistant: Jen
Phone: (617) 588-3022
Message on our Patient Portal

Dr. James Karlson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine, knee, hip, ankle, and shoulder injuries. Dr. Karlson is deeply involved in the research of complex knee problems. He is currently Chief of Orthopedics at Mount Auburn Hospital and is also affiliated with The New England Baptist Hospital.

Recognized with the 2009 Patients’ Choice Award, a prestigious title awarded to less than 5 percent of the nation’s active physicians. The award recognizes Dr. James Karlson and his staff for receiving high patient approval ratings on various components of his practice including bedside manner, doctor-patient face time, degree of follow-up, courtesy of office staff, and overall opinions.

Sports Medicine & Arthroscopy including conditions and treatment of:
Knee
Hip/Groin
Ankle
Shoulder
Achilles
Calf Tears
Clavicle
Compartment Syndrome
Elbow
Bicep/Tricep

Licensure and Certification

1998 American Board of Orthopedics, MA #74009

Academic Appointments

1999 Instructor, Dept of Orthopedic Surgery, Tufts Univ. School of Medicine

Hospital Appointments

1997 Assistant Medical Director, New England Organ Bank

Hospital Affiliation:

Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, MA

New England Baptist Hospital

Education: Brown University School of Medicine, 1988

1988 M.D Brown University Program in Medicine

1988 M.M.Sc. Brown University, Graduate School

1984 B.A. Engineering and Ecomics Brown University

Post Doctor Training:

1994-1995 Fellow in Sports Medicine New England Baptist Hospital, Boston, MA

1994 Chief Resident Mass General Hospital, Boston MA

1989-1993 Resident Orthopedic Surgery Harvard Combined Orthopedic Residency Program, Boston, MA

1988-1989 General Surgery New England Deaconess Hospital, Boston, MA

Professional Societies

2000 Fellow, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery

New England Orthopedic Society

Massachusetts Orthopedic Association

Awards and Honors

1984 Elected Sigma Xi

1984 Sigma Xi Award for Outstanding Research

Research and Publications

Invited lectures

Karlson, J, Scheller, A. Complex Osteochondral Lesions in the Knee.

Presented at NEBH Athletic Knee Injuries Course. 1999.

Presented at The Patellofemoral Course, Boston, MA. 1999.

McKeon B, Karlson, J, Scheller, A. Preliminary Results of Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation for Full Thickness Chondral Defects in the Knee.

Poster Presentation, Cartilage Repair Society Meeting, 1998

Presented at the New England Orthopedic Society Fall Meeting, 1998

Karlson J, Scheller A. Autologous Chondrocyte Transplantation in the Knee. Presented at NEBH Orthopdic Grand Rounds, 1998

Presented at the New England Baptist Occupational Medicine Conference, 1998

Presented at AORN chapter 1 Meeting, 1998

Presented at the New England Orthopedic Society Summer Meeting, 1995 Non-print publications (films, videos, etc.)

Karlson J, Hecker A, Hayes W. Patellar Tendon Graft Fixation Using Teflon Coated Interference Screws. Submitted to ORS 1993

Karlson J, Steiner M, Brown C, Johnson J. ACL Reconstruction Using Gracilis and Semitendinosous Tendons: Comparison of Through the Condyle Versus Over the Top Graft Placement. Accepted for publication Am J. Sports Med.

Karlson J, Hopkins R, Moran J, Karlson K. Long Term Effect of Aminodarone Protects Against Global Myocardial Ischemia. Ann Thoracic Surg. 1990; 50: 575-8.

Dr. Karlson is currently available at:

– Cambridge – Mount Auburn