Ben Mayo, MD

Dr. Ben Mayo is a high-volume, board-certified, and fellowship-trained orthopedic sports surgeon specializing in complex reconstruction and revision surgery of the shoulder and knee, as well as minimally invasive surgeries of the hip and elbow. Recognized as a top specialist in the Metro Detroit area as voted upon by other physicians, Dr. Mayo is frequently sought out for second opinions and revision cases where previous surgeries have failed. His practice is defined by a ‘Total Pathway’ philosophy—integrating prompt diagnosis and advanced surgical techniques with perioperative nutrition optimization, and elite-level physical therapy protocols to ensure athletes and active adults return to their peak performance as quickly as possible.

Professional Background

Fellowship-trained at the prestigious University of Connecticut under world-renowned shoulder and knee surgeons, Dr. Mayo focuses on high complexity shoulder and knee procedures, including:

• Revision ACL and Multiligament Reconstruction & Meniscus Repair: Utilizing the latest techniques and graft options such as quadriceps tendon grafting and ACL repair using Bridge Enhanced ACL Restoration (BEAR Procedure)
• Complex Shoulder Reconstruction: Including Rotator Cuff repairs for massive tears and both minimally invasive and open stabilization surgery for recurrent shoulder instability with complex bone loss
• Advanced Shoulder Replacement: Specializing in both anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for complex arthritis, as well as novel pyrocarbon hemiarthroplasty for young active patients
• Patella Instability Specialist: Restoring biomechanical alignment for chronic kneecap dislocations using specialized techniques such as trochleoplasty for severe trochlear dysplasia.

During his Residency at the University of Illinois Chicago, he was selected as Chief Resident, won the Leo Weinstein Award for Excellence in Patient Care, and the Robert D. Ray Orthopedic Research Award.

Dr. Mayo’s approach is distinguished by his ‘Surgeon-to-Patient-to-Therapist’ alliance. He is highly recommended by regional physical therapists because he provides granular, phase-based protocols and maintains a direct line of communication throughout the entire recovery cycle.

Dr. Mayo sets himself apart by valuing the time spent with each patient and carefully listening to their concerns and goals. He believes in a collaborative approach, developing personalized treatment plans – both surgical and non-surgical – tailored to each individual’s needs. Above all, Dr. Mayo is committed to providing exceptional care, assisting his patients in overcoming injuries, and returning to their active lifestyles. He offers comprehensive care to individuals of all ages and is available for appointments. ”

Philosophy of Care

Why Patients Choose Dr. Mayo:
Most surgeons focus only on the 90 minutes in the operating room. Dr. Mayo focuses on the entire journey. His Total Recovery Pathway includes:

1. Perioperative Optimization: A specific nutritional protocol (focusing on protein synthesis and anti-inflammatory support) to prime the body for tissue healing.
2. High-Complexity Expertise: As a revision specialist, he handles the ‘failed’ cases that others often refer out.
3. PT Integration: Deep involvement in rehabilitation milestones, using objective ‘Return-to-Sport’ testing to ensure a safe and durable recovery.”
4. Mental readiness to return: Dr. Mayo knows that the physical aspect is only one component of surgery, and athletes need to be mentally confident in their safe return, and guides this with additional resources and testing.

Awards and Publications

Dr. Ben Mayo has been selected an Hour Detroit Top Docs as well as won the ZocDoc patient choice award. He has served as an instructor for the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) courses, teaching surgeons from around the world complex surgical techniques. With over 50 published studies in journals like American Journal of Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy, Dr. Mayo doesn’t just follow the latest trends—he helps define them. covering a range of topics such as ACL injury, patella instability, Tommy John Surgery, Cartilage surgery, Hip arthroscopy, and Shoulder Replacement. He has also authored 14 textbook chapters and had his research presented over 180 times at national and international conferences. His research on graft integration and patella stability directly informs the ‘Anatomic Reconstruction’ techniques he uses in the operating room today.

View Dr. Mayo’s publications.

Main Conditions Treated

SPORTS MEDICINE

• Condition
  • ACL Tear
  • Meniscus Tear
• Surgery
  • ACL Reconstruction
  • ACL Repair
  • BEAR ACL
  • Meniscus Repair
  • Meniscus Transplant
  • Partial Meniscectomy

SHOULDER

• Condition
  • Rotator Cuff Tear
  • Rotator Cuff Arthropathy
  • Shoulder Arthritis
  • Shoulder Dislocation/Instability
  • Shoulder Labral Tear
• Surgery
  • Labral Repair
  • Latarjet
  • Remplissage
  • Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
  • Rotator Cuff Repair
  • Shoulder Bone Block Stabilization
  • Shoulder Hemiarthroplasty
  • Subacromial Balloon Spacer
  • Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

KNEE

• Condition
  • ACL Re-tear
  • Knee Cartilage Injury/Osteochondral Defect
  • Patella Instability/Dislocation
  • Pediatric/Adolescent ACL Tears
• Surgery
  • MACI
  • Microfracture
  • MPFL Reconstruction
  • OATS
  • Physeal Sparing ACL Reconstruction
  • Revision ACL Reconstruction
  • Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy
  • Tracheoplasty