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 helping patients with complex reconstructions and fracture problems. Patients receive treatment at Yale New Haven Hospital—a nationally recognized Level I trauma center. Our Center treats the most complex trauma cases occurring in southern Connecticut, and serves as a tertiary referral center for post-traumatic reconstruction in the southern New England area. Our physicians are experts in fracture care and specialize in treating trauma care patients with spine and hand injuries. Our team offers the following treatments in orthopaedic and surgical care: Complex fractures of the upper and lower extremity Pelvic and acetabular fractures Intra-articular and periarticular fractures Spine trauma Fracture nonunions Post-traumatic deformity and arthritis Polytraumatized patients Knee dislocations and multi-ligament knee injuries Minimally-invasive fracture stabilization Arthroscopically assisted fracture care Joint dislocation and ligamentous injuries

The orthopaedic surgery team is dedicated to improving function in patients of all ages who have been injured, developed a problem such as arthritis, or who were born with a bone or joint problem. Although there are standard ways of treating some of these problems, our team can more precisely address many orthopaedic issues with the use of 3-D modeling and virtual surgical planning using 3-D printed, patient-specific surgical guides. To find out more about this program, please fill out a brief survey . We have orthopaedic surgical specialists who are currently using 3-D technology to correct spinal deformity, post-traumatic mal-unions of long bones, congenital upper and lower limb deformities, complex joint replacement surgery (for hips, knees, shoulders, and elbows) and mal-alignment of joints and bones. We work closely with engineers, radiologists, and cutting-edge medical companies who assist in deploying this technology for our patients. Patients that have complex orthopaedic problems are evaluated by our specialists. If the problem is amenable to treatment with custom 3-D surgical correction techniques, a specialized high-resolution CT or MRI scan is obtained focusing on just the injured side (if only bone models are needed) or of the injured and non-injured analogous body part if virtual surgical planning and intra-operative patient specific guides are necessary. Using the data in the CT or MRI scan, a unique 3-D model is built on the computer using specialized image processing software. The 3-D models are then used to study the deformity/injury in detail prior to the actual surgery. The planning is completed with the surgeon and biomedical engineer working together to manipulate the images on a computer to plan the necessary cuts or bone excision to correct the deformity. Surgeons are able to make certain that the bones are corrected and straight, joints can bend and extend, and muscles and nerves are properly positioned. Patient specific guides are then printed in 3-D for use in the operating room during surgery, so that the virtual model can be replicated in the surgery for precise correction of each patient’s problem. These techniques have been shown to decrease surgical time and blood loss, as well as provide a more precise correction of the problem.

Hip injuries are common in the young athletic population, and conditions such as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), labral tears, and microinstability are underdiagnosed. Traditional surgical techniques for treatment involved open surgery, but recent advances have allowed for minimally invasive, arthroscopic treatment for many of these conditions. Patients undergoing these arthroscopic hip procedures are able to recover faster and can be managed on an outpatient basis. To find out more about this program, please fill out a brief survey . The Sports Medicine and Hip Preservation Surgeons at Yale are experts in hip arthroscopy for the treatment of common nonarthritic hip conditions, such as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and labral tears. Our surgeons are specifically trained in hip preservation and are using cutting-edge arthroscopic techniques, including treatment of cam/pincer impingement, labral repair, labral augmentation, and labral reconstruction surgery. In addition, they are actively involved in advancing the field of hip preservation by conducting nationally and internationally presented research. All hip preservation patients will be evaluated with the latest diagnostic modalities, including high resolution MRI and 3D CT scans to ensure accurate diagnoses and optimized treatment plans. In addition, the latest nonoperative biologic treatments are available, including ultrasound-guided bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) and platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections. If surgery is necessary, the new state-of-the-art facilities at the McGivney Advanced Surgery Center in New Haven allow our surgeons to provide the highest level of surgical care to our patients. Our surgeons are able to view intraoperative 3D models to execute precise and patient-specific care to provide the best outcomes. Postoperatively, our hip preservation team surgical team works closely with physical therapists on validated and tailored regiments. This collaboration allows for individualized treatment plans to optimize recovery and return to function. The main purpose of the dynamic and multidisciplinary hip preservation team is to help our patients achieve their goals.

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.

The Yale Avascular Necrosis & Osteonecrosis program focuses on maintaining joint function in patients with avascular necrosis (AVN), a condition in which bone tissue dies as a result of a temporary or permanent loss of blood supply to the bone. Our patients receive coordinated care across a spectrum of treatments, including 3D surgical planning, regenerative medicine, osteoinductive adjuvants, hyperbaric oxygen treatments, and stem cell therapies. The goal is to provide the best opportunity for patients to maintain their native joints, as well as continuity, if they eventually require total joint replacement. As a leader in AVN treatments, our innovative program merges evidence-based regenerative medicine with novel surgical techniques. AVN and osteonecrosis can be medically complex. Coordination of services is necessary to understand the cause of the disease, evaluate the extent of the necrosis, and prevent further occurrences. Our program directly works with Yale School of Medicine’s Hematology, Oncology, Infectious Disease, Pathology, Radiology, and Alcohol Cessation services to help streamline care for patients and their families. We offer the following treatments for AVN- and osteonecrosis-related conditions: Hip and knee Lesion treatment: We offer a minimally invasive 3D personalized surgery to address AVN of the hip joint. This procedure, developed at Yale School of Medicine by a team of biomedical engineers, aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce the need for total joint replacement. Shoulder lesion treatment: We treat AVN-related shoulder conditions, with the goal of preserving the shoulder joint whenever possible. Our physicians are experts at both traditional and reverse total shoulder replacement surgery as well as minimally invasive techniques to allow patients to return to their normal activities as soon as possible. Foot and Ankle lesion treatment: Our specialists have developed treatment options for AVN of the foot and ankle joints that range from traditional, conservative approaches, such as generic or custom braces, to surgical management, including joint-preserving or -sacrificing procedures. The treatment options are tailored to each patient, depending on the stage and extent of their necrosis. Hand and Elbow lesion treatment: Our Hand & Upper Extremity experts offer treatment for Keinbock’s disease, Hegemann's disease, and Panner's disease. These include custom braces, joint-preserving procedures, and surgical treatments. Our specialists design treatment plans based on each patient’s stage of necrosis to improve functionality and quality of life. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment: Our specialists are recognized experts in the use of hyberbaric oxygen for the treatment of AVN with the femoral head. Our team is able to create individualized treatment plans for patients seeking this procedure. Stem cell treatment: During the procedure, a patient’s bone marrow is harvested, and stem cel

Falls and fall injuries are one of the most common health problems among older adults. However, since falling is not a single disease, clinicians may not recognize falling as a treatable health problem. The consequences of untreated falls and their risk factors can be just as serious as those of other untreated chronic diseases. We have identified risk factors that increase the chance of falling. While some factors that increase risk of falling cannot be changed (such as age and previous falls), there are a number of important ones that can. These include: Any problems with walking or movement Blood pressure dropping too much when getting up (postural hypotension) Use of four or more medications or any psychoactive medications Unsafe footwear or foot problems Visual problems Environmental hazards that can cause tripping Research has shown that treating and correcting these specific health problems reduces the rate of falling by more than 30%. Yale researchers were among the first to show that falls among seniors could be prevented and that fall-prevention interventions mean that seniors are less likely to be hospitalized or need advanced medical care. This research has since been translated into protocols that are used in clinical and community settings to help prevent falls. Falls and fall injuries: Are more common than strokes and can be just as serious in their consequences Are the most preventable cause of needing nursing home placement Lead to problems with daily activities like dressing, bathing, and walking Among adults 70 years and older: Three in 10 fall each year Two in 10 who need home health care after being in the hospital will fall during the first month after coming home One in 10 suffer a serious fall injury such as a broken bone or head injury Five in 10 have problems getting up without help after they have fallen Falls cause over 90% of broken hips; only half of those who break their hip will get around as well as they did before their broken hip In the United States, 16% of all emergency department visits and almost 7% of all hospitalizations are for fall-related injuries