Departments

We are committed to excellence in all areas of musculoskeletal care. Our physicians treat a variety of bone, joint, nerve, and muscle ailments across many orthopaedic specialties. Our physicians work in conjunction with primary care and specialty physicians to treat both common and complex musculoskeletal problems. We're here to help with all aspects of orthopedic care. Whether you are seeking treatment for a minor injury or a serious orthopedic concern, our skilled doctors are experienced in minimally invasive improvements, as well as procedures like joint reconstruction and replacement surgery to help you get moving again. Some of the more common conditions our specialists treat include: Spinal problems, including degenerative conditions, disk herniations, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, fractures, and tumors Shoulder problems, including rotator cuff disease, arthroscopic surgery, arthritis, joint replacement, fractures, and instability Elbow problems, including arthritis, fractures and dislocations, joint replacement, and instability Hand and wrist problems, including arthritis, fractures, arthroscopic surgery, joint replacement, and artery and nerve repairs Pelvis and hip problems, including arthritis, arthroscopic surgery, joint replacement, and fractures Knee problems, including ligament and meniscal tears, arthritis, arthroscopic surgery, joint replacement, and fractures Foot and ankle problems, including tendon and ligament repairs, fractures, arthritis, and joint replacement Pediatric problems, including congenital deformities and fractures Tumor and limb salvage surgery

We specialize in a wide range of preventive care and treatment options for injuries and conditions related to competitive and recreational athletics. Sports-related injuries require specialized care to promote optimum healing. We focus on promoting and maintaining an active lifestyle through non-operative rehabilitation programs and minimally invasive arthroscopic surgical procedures. Using the most up-to-date arthroscopic techniques, our surgeons are specialists in repairing joint damage to the knee, ankle, shoulder, hip, or elbow. Our team works with patients to minimize disabilities resulting from sports injuries and conditions and to maximize quality of life. We offer the following specialized services: Hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, and elbow arthroscopy Cartilage preservation and restoration procedures (including Microfracture, Osteochondral Transfer (OATs) and Carticel® and meniscus transplantation) On-site physical therapy Non-operative and alternative treatments for common sports injuries Our specialists also consult with local high school and college coaches. We regularly conduct seminars for coaches, trainers, and physicians, focusing on injury prevention and modern treatment methods. We also provide medical coverage for various athletic events and teams, including the Pilot Pen Tennis Tournament, the New Haven Road Race, and several area high schools.

The treatment of cartilage injuries remains one of the most difficult challenges in medicine. The Cartilage Repair & Restoration Program brings together world-renowned scientists and physicians to meet this challenge. Our team is dedicated to providing patients with the most advanced and effective treatments for knee meniscus and articular cartilage injuries of the knee and elbow. Our research helps shape the future of cartilage repair and regeneration, with the hope that our patients will benefit from it. We offer the best possible current technology and expertise to enable patients to have a successful return to normal activities. To find out more about this program, please fill out a brief survey . There are two types of cartilage in the body—the meniscus cartilage (the most common example is the shock absorbers of the knee) and articular cartilage, which covers the bones in joints like the knee and elbow to allow smooth joint motion. In cases of extreme or extensive articular cartilage wear, patients develop osteoarthritis and may require a joint replacement. In young and active patients, cartilage injuries or defects can do more than just limit activities due to pain and swelling. If left untreated, these injuries can lead to more serious disability and, in severe cases, arthritis and possible joint replacement. Currently, procedures to repair articular cartilage are not designed to treat the extensive cartilage loss seen in osteoarthritis. However, there are procedures that are highly effective in the treatment of cartilage defects in a particular location, such as those associated with acute injury. In the case of extensive meniscus tissue loss in the knee, however, there are options for treatment such as meniscus allograft transplantation or osteotomy or even non-operative treatments such as the use of unloader braces. Not every patient is a suitable candidate for cartilage restoration or meniscus transplant surgery. These procedures are ideal for active people under age 50. Our experienced providers will assess each patient’s condition and help them make an informed decision. Our Sports Medicine Surgeons are fellowship trained and have expertise in meniscus transplant, osteochondral autograft and allograft procedures, and 2nd and 3rd generation cartilage restoration procedures. The Cartilage Repair & Restoration Program utilizes the highest quality advanced imaging, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for patient evaluation, in collaboration with Yale University’s Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging to determine the size and extent of cartilage injury to optimize patient treatment and surgical planning. When surgery becomes necessary for patients with cartilage and meniscus injury, our program offers extensive expertise. Not all surgeons are able to offer “cutting-edge” technology in cartilage restoration, as it entails development of new and sometimes more challenging surgical skills that can re

We evaluate injuries and musculoskeletal disorders of the hand and upper extremities. Our team consists of physicians who are board-certified in orthopaedics, hand surgery, and plastic surgery. Our surgeons are experts in their fields, offering patients the latest technological advances and treatments. We are also active in both clinical and basic science research. Our specialties and treatments include: Wrist and hand fractures (including mal-unions and non-unions and percutaneous fixation) Distal radius fractures Scaphoid fractures Wrist and hand instabilities Arthroscopy of the wrist, hand, and elbow Minimally invasive hand and wrist surgery Athletic injury to upper extremities Tendon, vascular, and nerve injuries Joint contractures Arthritis of the wrist, hand, and elbow Tendonitis Trigger finger Nerve compression syndromes Soft tissue reconstruction of the extremities (including skin grafts and flaps) Tumors of the hand

We offer comprehensive fracture care, as well as state-of-the-art, minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures for tendon and sports-related injuries. Our surgeons provide compassionate care to our patients, offering a wide array of nonsurgical treatments, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and injectable medications.We treat patients with all types of shoulder and elbow conditions—even the most rare and difficult. We also participate in both clinical studies and basic science research activities relating to problems of the shoulder and elbow. Our team specializes in the following conditions: Arthritis fractures and dislocations Bursitis Golfer’s elbow Tennis elbow Instability Rotator cuff tears Swimmer shoulder Sports injuries Tendon injuries Tendonitis

Shoulder injuries are common in an active population, as well as in middle-aged and older adults. Structural injuries can range from labral tears, which can cause shoulder instability, to muscle and tendon injuries, such as a rotator cuff tear, resulting in pain and weakness. Traditional, or open, surgery entails repair of the injuries through large skin incisions. Unfortunately, this causes structural damage to the skin and underlying musculature. Advancements in video technology and surgical instrumentation has allowed the surgical procedures to be undertaken through minimally invasive techniques (non-muscle damaging) through “keyhole,” or arthroscopic surgery. While the repaired structures still need time to allow for biological healing, this minimally invasive technique allows for decreased post-surgical pain, which results in a faster recovery and return back to activities of daily living. To find out more about this program, please fill out a brief survey . The Sports Medicine and shoulder surgeons at Yale Medicine are proficient in shoulder arthroscopy and typically utilize arthroscopic techniques for the majority of shoulder surgeries. Open surgery is reserved for specialized indications, such as shoulder replacements and other unique situations. Prior to surgery, our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons collaborate with our highly experienced musculoskeletal radiologists, who utilize high-resolution MRI imaging in order to ensure the most accurate structural diagnosis. This allows for a highly individualized and tailored surgical plan. If surgery is necessary, most cases are performed on an outpatient basis at the McGivney Advanced Surgery Center or Greenwich Hospital. At these facilities, patients receive concierge-style care, which allows for as stress-free a surgical experience as possible. Patients are cared for by board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeons and anesthesiologists, physician assistants, as well as highly trained nurses. The facilities at the McGivney Advanced Surgery Center in New Haven and Greenwich Hospital allow our surgeons to provide state-of-the-art, cutting-edge surgical treatments in order to give patients the best potential for maximal recovery. After surgery, our team also works closely with affiliated physical therapists who are well-versed in managing patients in their recovery phase of healing. This collaboration ensures individualized treatment plans, aimed to optimize recovery and return to function.

ACL injuries are common. Approximately 175,000 ACL reconstructions are performed every year in the United States. An ACL tear renders the knee unstable and without surgery most people cannot return to cutting and pivoting types of activity and athletics. Furthermore, a knee with an ACL tear that is not operated on has a significantly higher risk of developing subsequent tearing of the meniscus (cartilage) and degenerative arthritis. For these reasons, most athletically active patients opt to have their ACL reconstructed. Advancements in video technology and surgical instrumentation have allowed ACL operations to be carried out using very minimally invasive techniques. However, not all surgeons are able to offer these cutting-edge techniques as they require the development of new and often more challenging surgical skills that have a steep learning curve and take time to master. Several of our Yale Sports Medicine surgeons are involved in the teaching of these techniques at courses offered throughout the U.S. To find out more about this program, please fill out a brief survey . The surgical faculty are all fellowship-trained and board-certified in Orthopaedic Surgery and the majority are sub-specialty board certified in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. The team also includes a number of renowned musculoskeletal radiologists who we routinely consult and collaborate with on all aspects of imaging, including plain X-ray, CT scan, and high-resolution MRI. Our anesthesia colleagues are experts in the most up-to-date regional anesthesia techniques so that post-operative pain is kept to a minimum. Experienced and skilled physical therapists also play a critical role on our team. Utilizing the most current machinery and “return to sport” assessment tools, they help us determine when patients are ready to get back into the game. A team of orthopaedic physician assistants, skilled nurses, and athletic trainers round out our comprehensive and compassionate approach to care. ACL reconstructive surgery involves “replacing” the torn tissue with a tendon either from the patient’s body (called an autograft) or from a cadaver (called an allograft). Traditionally, the two most common autografts used in ACL reconstruction have been the bone-patellar tendon-bone graft and hamstring tendons autograft. Recently, the use of the central third of the quadriceps tendon (from the front of the knee) has become more popular, and surgeons in our program are now utilizing this graft on a routine basis for ACL reconstruction. The quadriceps tendon graft is robust and very strong and has a lower incidence of some of the more common complications seen with other graft sources such as anterior knee pain and numbness about the knee. While use of the quadriceps tendon still only represents approximately 11% of all ACL operations, our Sports Medicine division is on the vanguard of this movement as we strive to offer our patients what we feel is the best possible treatment for their cond

Complex knee ligament injuries occur when athletes or patients sustain severe trauma, injuring two or more ligaments in or around the knee. In these cases, surgery is typically needed to repair or reconstruct these important structures. Without this surgery, the knee has potential for being unstable with simple daily activities or athletic pursuits. There is also risk of premature arthritis secondary to the abnormal motion of the knee joint. These injuries can occur during athletics and collision sports, or traumatic events such as falls from heights, or motorcycle or automobile injuries. The most severe of these injuries, a knee dislocation, is typically the result of a high-energy injury resulting in disruption of the normal alignment of the thigh (femur) and the shin (tibia) bones. Unfortunately, these are injuries that can cause both neurologic or blood vessel injuries and can be limb-threatening emergencies. Knee dislocations are fortunately rare, accounting for 0.02-0.2% of all musculoskeletal injuries. To find out more about this program, please fill out a brief survey . A thorough and accurate diagnosis is critical in treating these complicated knee injuries. Proper diagnosis, including identification of the torn ligaments as well as assessment of the location of the tear and associated injuries, is one of the primary challenges with treatment of these injuries. While high-resolution MRI is a critical diagnostic tool, the ability to quickly and accurately diagnose these injuries requires the surgeon to have excellent knowledge of the complex function of the knee ligaments and skilled physical examination techniques. Combined with the MRI images, this allows for an individualized treatment plan for these unique injuries. Through our involvement with Yale New Haven Hospital’s Level 1 Trauma Center program, our orthopaedic and trauma surgeons have developed extensive experience with these injuries over the past 20 years. Our orthopaedists work closely with our general surgery trauma, vascular surgery, plastic surgery and expert musculoskeletal radiology colleagues in order to care for these potentially limb-threatening knee injuries. Prompt diagnosis is of highest importance and we accept referrals and transfers from all outside facilities, which can be arranged through our Yale New Haven Hospital Y Access program (888-YNHH-BED). Patients are occasionally “life flighted” via SkyHealth from outside facilities by helicopter to be treated at our tertiary care center. SkyHealth travels within a 200-mile radius of New Haven. Our team also works closely with affiliated physical therapists who are trained in the management of patients in their recovery phase of healing. As these injuries and procedures are uncommon, a carefully structured rehabilitation program guided by experiences physical therapists is also crucial to patient recovery. Depending upon the clinical situation, care is either performed in an inpatient setting at Yale New Haven Hos

Patella instability causes a variety of problems ranging from mild shifting or clicking of the patella (kneecap) to frank patella dislocation, chronic disability, trouble with stairs, inability to run, giving way of the knee, complete collapse of the knee, chronic pain, and accelerated arthritis of the knee. Fortunately, many patients with patella instability respond to nonsurgical treatments such as bracing, taping, modification of activities, and physical therapy. The Sports Medicine Division of Yale Medicine Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation provides specialized care for adults and children with patella instability. While nonsurgical options are almost always the first-step recommendation, Yale Medicine’s Patella Instability Program offers the best possible current technology and expertise to enable patients to have a successful return to normal activities. To find out more about this program, please fill out a brief survey . The Patella Instability Program utilizes the highest quality advanced imaging, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT), for patient evaluation, in collaboration with Yale Medicine’s Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging. Our Orthopaedic specialists work with the Radiology departments and the Yale School of Engineering to offer a major initiative in three-dimensional (3-D) imaging and printing, such that a patient’s knee can, in certain complex situations, be printed into a 3-D model for detailed analysis and optimal surgical planning. 3-D analysis is particularly important for patients with trochlea dysplasia, a condition in which the femur’s groove for the patella is too shallow and deformed, worsening the patient’s symptoms of patella instability and recurrent dislocation of the patella. Yale Medicine Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation’s Division of Sports Medicine is actively researching the complexities of patellofemoral dysplasia in order to offer every patient the best possible outcome. Our program is also engaged in national and international education of orthopedic surgeons and other care providers about optimal treatment of patella instability patients. When surgery becomes necessary for patients with patella instability, Yale Medicine’s Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation Sports Medicine division offers extensive expertise and long experience. The goal is to minimize surgery whenever possible, but also to recognize when more definitive surgical treatment is necessary. Our surgeons offer over 50 years of cumulative experience with tibial tubercle transfer (TTO or AMZ) and medial stabilization (MPFL or MQTFL) surgery and can manage most patients with these procedures on an outpatient basis at the McGivney Surgery Center, and Greenwich Hospital. The facilities at the McGivney Advanced Surgery Center in New Haven and Greenwich Hospital allow our surgeons to provide state-of-the-art, cutting-edge surgical treatments in order to give patients the best potential f

When a soccer injury happens, patients deserve the best and most advanced care, and rapid access to that care. Come to Yale Sports Medicine and work with a team of physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and advanced practice providers who apply cutting-edge techniques to the treatment of every athlete. We keep up with the latest clinical evidence and conduct our own research to determine the most effective ways to get patients back on the field better, faster, safer, and stronger than ever. The Yale SportSafe Soccer Medicine Program offers comprehensive, advanced, and personalized care from Yale’s top specialists, who work together to treat soccer players of all levels, ages, and abilities. Yale Sports Medicine provides care for the men’s and women’s varsity soccer programs at Yale University. Our team also has treated soccer players from Inter Club, CFC, Everson Academy, and Bridgeport Premier soccer clubs, as well as multiple local high school soccer teams. Our chief of Sports Medicine, who has dedicated her life to soccer, serves as a team physician for U.S. soccer and has traveled with the U.S. Women’s U-20 National Team. Please fill out the appointment request form in order to be scheduled to see one of our team members within 1-2 business days. Our goal is to provide high-quality, efficient, and effective injury prevention/treatment to soccer players in our community regardless of age, skill level, or socioeconomic status. The SportSafe Soccer Medicine Team at Yale consists of world-class sports medicine physicians, advanced practice providers, physical therapists, and athletic trainers working in coordination at every step to diagnose, treat, and prevent injury. We have treated soccer players of all ages and skill levels and can tailor a recovery, rehabilitation, and prevention program to each player’s needs. From the professional to the recreational athlete—we have the experience and expertise required to make each patient a better player. This program is one of the largest multidisciplinary programs for soccer injury treatment and services in Connecticut. Comprehensive care of the soccer athlete begins at the pre-performance level. Our team approach includes the following: Pre-participation Screenings Performance Enhancement Injury Prevention/Treatment and rehabilitation Return to Sport Programs Educational Programs Research When it comes to soccer injury prevention, soccer athletes need an individualized program that focuses on their athletic form and performance, which can maximize their ability as an athlete while decreasing their risk of experiencing an injury. When soccer injuries occur, the Yale team will be able to provide the highest quality medical care in an efficient manner to safely return the athlete to their sport. Our team treats many soccer injuries, including (but not limited to): Foot and ankle injuries Muscle and tendon injuries such as hamstring strains Concussion Knee injuries, including ligament injur

We provide diagnostic treatment and rehabilitation for individuals with degenerative and inflammatory arthritis. Our team’s primary goal is to relieve patients of their pain, restore their function, and improve quality of life. Our orthopaedic surgeons are experts in primary and revision joint care and reconstruction surgeries. We also provide comprehensive services for patients who require primary and revision joint reconstruction. Our physicians guide patients every step of the way, from diagnosis and treatment options to postoperative care and physical therapy. Our team offers the following specialized services: Hip and knee replacement Primary and revision surgery Arthroscopic procedures

The Division of Hip & Knee Joint Reconstruction is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients with hip and knee joint-related issues. Our skilled orthopaedic surgeons use the latest scientific research and innovative surgical techniques to relieve pain and improve joint function, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for our patients. Our specialists treat a wide range of conditions, including: Inflammatory arthritis and degenerative osteoarthritis Avascular necrosis (loss of blood supply to the bone) Congenital and post-traumatic injuries Infections Fractures One of our primary research areas is understanding the outcomes of joint replacement surgeries. By analyzing data from large national databases, we evaluate the effectiveness of different surgical techniques, implant designs, and patient-specific factors. This research helps us improve surgical methods and ensure the best possible care for our patients. We are also focused on developing and testing new biomaterials and designs for implants. Our team collaborates with experts in biomedical engineering and materials science to create better joint replacement options. These efforts aim to improve the durability and compatibility of implants, leading to longer-lasting and more effective treatments. In addition, our division is committed to reducing surgical infections. We study various factors that influence infection rates, including patient characteristics, surgical methods, and perioperative (around the time of surgery) management strategies, to develop ways to minimize these risks. Our tradition of surgical innovation is inspired by the late Dr. Kristaps J. Keggi, who was the first surgeon in the United States to use the Direct Anterior Approach (DAA) for hip reconstruction at Yale in the 1970s. This minimally invasive technique has transformed patient care and remains the gold standard in hip surgery today.