Dr. Jillian E. Sylvester

I am a shoulder, knee, hip, and sports medicine surgeon at Duke Health and am heavily involved in minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques and the prevention of sports injuries. I cultivated these interests during my time in the military. My areas of interest and expertise are in shoulder and knee injuries in athletes and techniques and treatments to return these patients back to high levels of function or sport. I treat conditions, such as shoulder dislocations, rotator cuff tears, and shoulder arthritis with a joint replacement.  My knee expertise is in ligament, cartilage, and meniscus injuries. I am involved in research, technique, and product development for each of these conditions to better help my patients. Dr. Dickens is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hypermobile Joints. His top areas of expertise are Hypermobile Joints, Frozen Shoulder, Tendinitis, Osteotomy, and Endoscopy.

I am the head of shoulder surgery at Duke. Connecting with and caring for patients is very rewarding and is the reason I went into medicine. I take pride in providing both operative and non-operative treatments based not only on the latest research and evidence but also on the unique individual needs and expectations of each patient. Being a tertiary level surgeon means that I frequently manage patients sent to me by other surgeons. “The needs of the patient come first” and “first do no harm” are two phrases that guide me during every patient interaction. This ensures that each patient receives the same care as I would provide a family member of mine. I am supported by an excellent team that all share the same mission of outstanding patient care. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, reading, and staying active. Dr. Anakwenze is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hypermobile Joints. His top areas of expertise are Hypermobile Joints, Tendinitis, Acute Pain, Osteotomy, and Endoscopy.

I am an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in upper extremity conditions. My focus is on treating orthopaedic issues related to the shoulder and elbow, including arthritis, rotator cuff injuries, labral tears, frozen shoulder, sports injuries, fractures, tendon injuries, and cubital tunnel syndrome. I offer both conservative and surgical treatment options, collaborating with each patient to determine the best plan of care based on their individual goals. My expertise includes various shoulder surgeries such as reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, anatomic shoulder arthroplasty, and shoulder hemiarthroplasty, as well as procedures like rotator cuff repair, shoulder labral reconstruction, and shoulder arthroscopy. Additionally, I address upper extremity fractures, including those of the shoulder, clavicle, humeral shaft, and elbow. My personal experience with injuries has shaped my approach, allowing me to empathize with patients and treat them with compassion and respect. I am actively involved in research, with a specific focus on the shoulder. The collaborative research environment at Duke Health is unparalleled, and I find great satisfaction in helping patients regain their desired level of activity. Dr. Klifto is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hypermobile Joints. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Hypermobile Joints, Tendinitis, Tenotomy, and Osteotomy.