Andrew J. Cosgarea, MD
Non-Operative OrthopedicsSports MedicineOrthopedic Sports Medicine
Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Infant 0-2
- Child 3-12
- Adolescent 13-17
- Young Adult 18-25
- Adult 26-64
- Older Adult 65+
Languages
- English
In-Network Plans
View All Accepted Plans (12)Gender
MaleJohns Hopkins Affiliations:
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty
About Andrew J. Cosgarea
Professional Titles
- The Drew Family Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery in honor of Alec J. Cosgarea
- Head Team Physician, Johns Hopkins University Athletic Department
Primary Academic Title
Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Johns Hopkins Physician
Background
Andrew Cosgarea, M.D., is a sports medicine specialist with expertise in the diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of sports-related injuries, particularly those affecting the knee and shoulder and elbow, including sprains, strains, ligament tears and joint instability.
An experienced sports medicine surgeon and a professor of orthopaedic surgery at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Dr. Cosgarea will transition away from performing surgical procedures as of July 1, 2025. He will continue to provide office-based patient care, and will remain actively involved in clinical consultation, research and medical education.
Dr. Cosgarea’s research focuses on knee biomechanics and improving outcomes in the treatment of sports injuries. He has authored two textbooks and more than 150 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. His surgical expertise includes arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair, elbow UCL reconstruction and shoulder instability stabilization procedures.
He serves as the head team physician for the Johns Hopkins University Department of Athletics, is the former chief of the Division of Sports Medicine in the Johns Hopkins Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, and served as a team physician for the Baltimore Orioles from 2000 to 2010. In 2012, he was named one of the “125 Knee Surgeons and Specialists to Know” by Becker’s Spine Review.
Dr. Cosgarea is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, the Arthroscopy Association of North America, and the International Patellofemoral Study Group. Additionally, he serves on the board of directors of the Patellofemoral Foundation.
He earned his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, did his orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Rochester and completed a fellowship in orthopaedic sports medicine at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Prior to joining Johns Hopkins in 1998, he was an assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery at the Ohio State University Medical Center, and served as an orthopaedic consultant for the Ohio State athletic department.
Recent News Articles and Media Coverage
History of second Tommy John surgeries raises questions about Mike Clevinger’s future | The San Diego Union-Tribune (November 2020)
Running and aging usually don't mix. But at 62, quitting isn't an option for me. | The Washington Post (May 2019)
3 ACL Tears Won’t Keep Creighton’s Martin Krampelj off Court | AP News (October 2018)
ACL Surgery | Michelle Baker's Story | Johns Hopkins Medicine (March 2017)
Insider: Why can't the Colts stay healthy? | Indystar.com (September 2016)
The Most Common Injury at the Olympics | CNN.com (August 2016)
Research Interests
ACL reconstruction, Adolescent sports injuries, Computer simulation of knee biomechanics, Knee and shoulder rehabilitation, Knee biomechanics, Patellofemoral disorders and treatment, Patellofemoral instability, Surgical and nonsurgical treatment of sports injuries, Throwing shoulder biomechanics
Research Summary
Dr. Cosgarea’s research interests involve knee biomechanics, especially the patellofemoral joint. He has worked in collaboration with biomechanical engineer John Elias, Ph.D., on a series of projects that use computational modeling to study patellofemoral realignment surgical techniques. He is also collaborating with Dr. John Carrino using a new imaging technology, dynamic CT scanning, to better analyze biomechanical parameters.
He has been involved in a series of projects exploring posterior knee anatomy. He maintains a database that tracks surgical treatment in patients with pigmented villonodular synovitis. He has studied shoulder range of motion in baseball pitchers by collecting retrospective data from the Baltimore Orioles and prospective data from the Johns Hopkins baseball teams.
PubMed - Publications
Research Gate - Research Profile
Selected Publications
D'Amore T, Tanaka MJ, Cosgarea AJ. When and how far to move the tibial tuberosity in patients with patellar instability. Sports Med Arthrosc. 2017 Jun;25(2):78-84. PMID: 28459750
Demehri S, Thawait GK, Williams AA, Kompel A, Elias JJ, Carrino JA, Cosgarea AJ. Imaging characteristics of contralateral asymptomatic patellofemoral joints in patients with unilateral instability. Radiology. 2014 Dec;273(3):821-30. doi: 10.1148/radiol.14140295. Epub 2014 Aug 22. PMID: 25153158
Elias JJ, Soehnlen NT, Guseila LM, Cosgarea AJ. Dynamic tracking influenced by anatomy in patellar instability. Knee. 2016 Jun;23(3):450-5. doi: 10.1016/j.knee.2016.01.021. Epub 2016 Feb 26. PMID: 26922799
Tanaka MJ, Elias JJ, Williams AA, Demehri S, Cosgarea AJ. Characterization of patellar maltracking using dynamic kinematic CT imaging in patients with patellar instability. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2016 Nov;24(11):3634-3641. Epub 2016 Jun 29. PMID: 27358051
Williams AA, Elias JJ, Tanaka MJ, Thawait GK, Demehri S, Carrino JA, Cosgarea AJ. The Relationship Between Tibial Tuberosity-Trochlear Groove Distance and Abnormal Patellar Tracking in Patients With Unilateral Patellar Instability. Arthroscopy. 2016 Jan;32(1):55-61. doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2015.06.037. Epub 2015 Oct 4. PMID: 26440373
Honors
- Silver Reel Award, "Sports Medicine: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries,", International Television Association 29th Annual Video Festival
- Gold Slate Award, "Common Knee Injuries,", International Television Association 26th Annual Video Festival
- Honorable Mention, "Common Knee Injuries,", New York Film Festival
- 106 Knee Surgeons to Know | 2017, Becker's ASC Review
- "125 Knee Surgeons and Specialists to Know,", Becker's Spine Review, 1/1/12
- Patellofemoral Research Excellence Award, ISAKOS 5th Biennial Congress, 1/1/05
- Prince Alexandre de Merode Award, Oral Presentation, Sixth IOC World Congress on Sports Sciences, 1/1/02
- First Place, Basic Science Presentation, Maryland Orthopaedic Association, 1/1/00
- Best Team Presentation, "Operative and Non-Operative Treatment of Knee Sports Injuries,", Ohio State University, 1/1/98
- Best Program, "Sports Medicine: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries,", Ohio State University, 1/1/96
- Best Clinical/Surgical Presentation Award, "Common Knee Injuries,", Ohio State University, 1/1/93
Memberships
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
- American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
- Arthroscopy Association of North America
- Herodicus Society
- Maryland Orthopaedic Society
- The Johns Hopkins Medical and Surgical Association
Locations
- Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville
- 10803 Falls Road, Pavilion III STE 2100, Lutherville, MD 21093
- Get Directions
- phone: 443-997-2663
- fax: 443-769-1281
Expertise
Education
- Fellowship: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Sports Medicine, 1993
- Residency: University of Rochester Medical Center, Orthopaedic Surgery, 1992
- Medical Education: Sidney Kimmel Medical College, MD, 1987
Board Certifications
- Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, 2010
- Orthopaedic Surgery: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, 1995
Insurance
- Aetna
- CareFirst
- Cigna
- First Health
- Geisinger Health Plan
- HealthSmart/Accel
- Johns Hopkins Health Plans
- MultiPlan
- Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
- Point Comfort Underwriters
- Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
- Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)
Ratings & Reviews
4.9 out of 5
104 ratings, 44 reviewsThe Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on the national CG-CAHPS Medical Practice patient experience survey through Press Ganey. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Comments are also gathered from our CG-CAHPS Medical Practice Survey through Press Ganey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/11/2026
He was fantastic, very knowledgeable, great bedside manners, and took the time to respond all my questions. He did x-ray during the visit and came back to assess findings and provided me with a clear treatment, referrals and follow up recommendation.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/11/2026
Dr. Cosgarea is a great physician!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/4/2026
Awesome
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/25/2026
This was my first time seeing this doctor and I was so happy with his services. He explained everything and made very clear suggestions and recommendations that I should seek. I felt he was extremely knowledgeable and helpful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/19/2026
Doctor Cosgarea is wonderful! He is kind, caring and very knowledgeable!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/11/2026
He is extremely good and thoughtful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/11/2026
This was one of the best experiences I have had in a long time.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/4/2026
Superb physician skills now available no
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/4/2026
Excellent provider: x-ray results were ready within minutes, doctor clearly explained all findings and the images have been uploaded to mychart the same day.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/15/2026
Dr. Cosgarea is a great provider. I have been seeing him over the last 28 years for different conditions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/15/2026
Good guy
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/15/2026
Dr. Cosgarea is the BEST!!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/14/2026
Dr. A. Cosgarea saw me earlier than my appointment. And I feel am I am truly a part of the team, he always explains medical problem, diagnostic result and plan of care. He considers my best interest.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/22/2025
Dr Cosgarea was great listening to my concerns about shoulder instability and dislocations from simply reaching above my shoulder. Had X Rays and met with him on the same day. I feel he truly cares about his patients. Thanks!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/17/2025
DR. Cosgarea is top notch in ever possible way.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/3/2025
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/3/2025
Great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/19/2025
Dr. Cosgarea is an excellent resource and very committed to a patient's care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/13/2025
He provided excellent care and avoided unnecessary tests.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/5/2025
He was thoroughly, he communicated well, explained his expectations and went over each X-ray.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/30/2025
Dr. Cosgarea is everything a surgeon should be! He's intelligent, interested in my health, and measured in recommending a particular treatment course of action.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/8/2025
Great Dr.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/8/2025
Gave good explanation and plan of care regarding MRI results.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/28/2025
Dr Cosgarea is unbelievably great. His promptness, attention to detail, knowledge, kindness, manners and everything else are unsurpassed.
- 3 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/13/2025
Too listen when their family member comes in with comprehension difficulties ,,, about their health needs assessment ,, to get clearly integrated.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/6/2025
Explain everything so I could understand.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/31/2025
Dr, Cosgarea was the best of the best when he performed my ACL replacement 24 years ago. He still is today.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/16/2025
Very professional very patient very detailed and explanation of my problem.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/3/2025
The doctor listened to my complaints very well and was able to diagnose the problem. He too his time and ordered an xray and it came back very quickly. He then explained to me what the problem was with my knee and further instructions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/2/2025
I cannot speak highly enough of my experience with Dr. Cosgarea and the entire team at Johns Hopkins Surgery. From my very first consultation for my ACL and meniscus tear, I felt genuinely cared for, heard, and in expert hands.Dr. Cosgarea took the time to thoroughly explain my diagnosis, imaging results, and all treatment options. He made sure I understood the surgical plan and patiently answered all my questions with clarity and compassion. His calm demeanor and deep knowledge immediately put me at ease.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/2/2025
Dr. Cosgarea is the best!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/23/2025
Dr. Cosgarea has been a wonderful provider. His bedside manner is kind, calm, and understanding. He has been responsive and reassuring as I navigate healing post op.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/19/2025
Very thorough, provided great information, took a thorough history, diagnos provided.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/19/2025
Excellent appointment. Provider listened to my concerns and we discussed treatment options. He was very knowledgable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/18/2025
Dr. Cosgarea is a true gem. Our surgery went well and his attention to us with questions and follow up has been exceptional.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/4/2025
Dr. Cosgarea is warm, kind, thorough, knowledgeable, and patient. His bedside manner is stellar. Excellent doctor and surgeon.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/29/2025
Dr Cosgarea is just phenomenal.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/21/2025
Andy is terrific. Knowledgeable, easy to talk to, and great to work with.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/19/2025
While probably not the ideal provider for my issue, I was happy that Dr Cosgarea took the time to diagnose a health issue that I did not know existed. He also reviewed the x-rays with me and explained the issue thoroughly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/5/2025
Dr Cosgarea is a wonderful kind intelligent doctor with an exceprional bedside manner. He always takes time to address my daughters questions first since she is 19 then mine. He is patient and does not rush us when we have a lot of questions
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/28/2025
He is a great Doctor. I asked him to not touch the bad scar on my ankle, and he said he wouldn't, in a kind and understanding manner
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/23/2025
Great service
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/23/2025
Always a pleasure to have appt with Dr. Cosgarea