News

The latest on orthopedic trends and happenings at OrthoConnecticut.

meet-the-physician

OrthoConnecticut Welcomes Michael J. Sayegh, M.D.

Danbury, CT (February 6, 2024) – Castle Connolly has named 15 OrthoConnecticut orthopedic surgeons and pain management physicians to its 2024 Top Doctors list. The Castle Connolly 2024 Top Doctors Award, based on peer nominations, acknowledges the top seven percent of active physicians in the United States. These distinguished 66,000+ doctors are chosen for their exceptional clinical skills and remarkable interpersonal proficiency. The fifteen doctors recognized this year include Sports Medicine Specialists Dr. Michael Brand, Dr. Angelo Ciminiello, Dr. Jeffrey DeLuca, Dr. Mark Fletcher, Dr. Joshua Frank, Dr. Edmund Ganal, Dr. D. Ross Henshaw, and Dr. Michael Lynch; Hand and Upper Extremity Specialists Dr. Joseph DiGiovanni, Dr. Aaron Insel, Dr. Michael Soojian, and Dr. Robert Yaghoubian; Spine Specialist Dr. Justin Paul; and Pain Management Specialists, Dr. Brian Bast, and Dr. Jesse Hochkeppel. “This accomplishment highlights our unparalleled dedication to excellence and serves as a testament to our steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional patient care to families across Connecticut and New York state,” said Michael Brand, MD, Sports Medicine Specialist and President of OrthoConnecticut. “We are truly honored to have so many talented physicians recognized by the 2024 Castle Connelly Top Doctors list. Being peer-nominated, this recognition further validates the respect

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top-docs

15 OrthoConnecticut Physicians Named to Castle Connolly’s 2024 Top Doctors List

Danbury, CT (February 6, 2024) – Castle Connolly has named 15 OrthoConnecticut orthopedic surgeons and pain management physicians to its 2024 Top Doctors list. The Castle Connolly 2024 Top Doctors Award, based on peer nominations, acknowledges the top seven percent of active physicians in the United States. These distinguished 66,000+ doctors are chosen for their exceptional clinical skills and remarkable interpersonal proficiency. The fifteen doctors recognized this year include Sports Medicine Specialists Dr. Michael Brand, Dr. Angelo Ciminiello, Dr. Jeffrey DeLuca, Dr. Mark Fletcher, Dr. Joshua Frank, Dr. Edmund Ganal, Dr. D. Ross Henshaw, and Dr. Michael Lynch; Hand and Upper Extremity Specialists Dr. Joseph DiGiovanni, Dr. Aaron Insel, Dr. Michael Soojian, and Dr. Robert Yaghoubian; Spine Specialist Dr. Justin Paul; and Pain Management Specialists, Dr. Brian Bast, and Dr. Jesse Hochkeppel. “This accomplishment highlights our unparalleled dedication to excellence and serves as a testament to our steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional patient care to families across Connecticut and New York state,” said Michael Brand, MD, Sports Medicine Specialist and President of OrthoConnecticut. “We are truly honored to have so many talented physicians recognized by the 2024 Castle Connelly Top Doctors list. Being peer-nominated, this recognition further validates the respect

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nuvance-news

OrthoConnecticut: Danbury Hospital Earns Gold Seal for Spine Surgery Excellence

OrthoConnecticut, in conjunction with Danbury Hospital, are delighted to share a significant achievement – Danbury Hospital, part of Nuvance Health, has been awarded The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Certification in Spine Surgery (ACSS). The Gold Seal underscores Nuvance Health’s dedication to providing exceptional and secure spine care services. It signifies that Danbury Hospital has consistently met and exceeded rigorous performance standards set by The Joint Commission. Pride in this accomplishment is echoed by Dr. Justin Paul, OrthoConnecticut Spine Specialist and Chief of Orthopedics at Danbury Hospital. He expresses his inspiration by the collective efforts that led to this certification. According to Dr. Paul, this achievement reinforces what the medical community already knows – that spine surgery and total joint procedures are confidently entrusted to the hands of experts and top-notch talent at Danbury Hospital. This recognition not only reaffirms the excellence of OrthoConnecticut’s spine care services but also highlights the dedication of our medical professionals to continuous improvement and the highest quality standards as both Dr. Justin Paul and Dr. Abiola Atanda perform spine surgeries out of Danbury Hospital. We invite you to delve deeper into the details of this remarkable achievement and its implications for

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hopco oct

OrthoConnecticut Announces Partnership with HOPCo

HOPCo expands East Coast footprint with one of the largest MSK platforms in the region Danbury, CT (November 13, 2023) – OrthoConnecticut, one of Connecticut’s largest MSK multi-specialty practices, has announced that they have partnered with Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo), the national leader in musculoskeletal practice and clinical outcomes management solutions and the country’s largest orthopedic value-based care organization.  A leader in MSK care throughout the region, OrthoConnecticut consists of 48 musculoskeletal providers and has 9 locations across Connecticut.  The practice’s Centers of Excellence provide integrated treatment by a team of orthopedic surgeons, physician assistants, imaging specialists and support staff. The practice helps patients regain mobility, lead active lives, and attain optimal health.  OrthoConnecticut was formed after the merger of Coastal Orthopaedics, Danbury Orthopedics, New Milford Orthopedics and Connecticut Pain Care.  “Our intention to join forces and become OrthoConnecticut was always to combine best practices so as to provide the best possible outcomes and experience for our patients,” said Dr. Michael Brand, President of OrthoConnecticut.  “Now that we have consolidated into one platform, we knew we would benefit from an experienced partner that could provide a proven infrastructure for continued growth and accelerated market transformation.  We witnessed how HOPCo helped enhance practices

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2023 top docs mag cover

Top Doctor Recognition in 2023 for OrthoConnecticut Physicians

Fourteen of OrthoConnecticut’s orthopedic surgeons, hand surgeons, and sports medicine physicians received 2023 Top Doctor recognition from Connecticut Magazine, Moffly Media, and Castle Connolly Top Doctors. Every year for at least a decade, Castle Connolly Top Doctors awards have been given to OrthoConnecticut’s physicians for their medical expertise and excellence including the 2023 honorees: Brian A. Bast, D.O., Michael G. Brand, M.D., Angelo Ciminiello, M.D., Jeffrey V. DeLuca, M.D., Joseph DiGiovanni, M.D., Mark J. Fletcher, M.D., Joshua B. Frank, M.D., Edmund A. Ganal, M.D.,Ross Henshaw, M.D., John G. Lunt, M.D., Michael M. Lynch, M.D., Michael G. Soojian, M.D., Robert Yaghoubian, M.D., and Aaron N. Insel, M.D. The Top Doctors distinction is a physician-peer nominated, rigorously screened and vetted honor from the renowned research team at Castle Connolly. Before a doctor is selected, careful screening is conducted which includes review of education, training, as well as professional expertise. The Castle Connolly Top Doctors are amongst those most highly regarded by their peers. Learn more about OrthoConnecticut 2023 Top Doctors in Connecticut Magazine’s 2023 Top Doctors May issue, andMoffly Media’s Fairfield County Top Doctors 2022 January/February regional issues: Stamford Magazine, Greenwich Magazine, New Canaan/Darien + Rowayton Magazine, Westport Magazine. To make an

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top-docs

Top Doctor Recognition in 2022 for OrthoConnecticut Physicians

13 of OrthoConnecticut’s orthopedic surgeons, hand surgeons, and sports medicine physicians received 2022 Top Doctor recognition from Connecticut Magazine, Moffly Media, and Castle Connolly Top Doctors. Every year for at least a decade, Castle Connolly Top Doctors awards have been given to OrthoConnecticut’s physicians for their medical expertise and excellence including the 2022 honorees: Brian A. Bast, D.O., Michael G. Brand, M.D., Angelo Ciminiello, M.D., Jeffrey V. DeLuca, M.D., Joseph DiGiovanni, M.D., Mark J. Fletcher, M.D., Joshua B. Frank, M.D., Edmund A. Ganal, M.D., Ross Henshaw, M.D., John G. Lunt, M.D., Michael M. Lynch, M.D., Michael G. Soojian, M.D., Robert Yaghoubian, M.D., and Aaron N. Insel, M.D. who is also a Castle Connolly Rising Stars for 2022. The Top Doctors distinction is a physician-peer nominated, rigorously screened and vetted honor from the renowned research team at Castle Connolly. Before a doctor is selected, careful screening is conducted which includes review of education, training, as well as professional expertise. The Castle Connolly Top Doctors are amongst those most highly regarded by their peers. Learn more about OrthoConnecticut 2022 Top Doctors in Connecticut Magazine’s 2022 Top Doctors May issue, and Moffly Media’s Fairfield County Top Doctors 2022 January/February regional issues: Stamford Magazine,

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OCT RLAM Stretches Graphic

Five Simple Pre- and Post-Run Stretches to Avoid Injury

Brought to you by OrthoConnecticut Stretching before and after a run is important to prevent injury, muscle stiffness and pain.  There are differing opinions about whether you should stretch before or after running, but both are valuable.  Stretching beforehand maximizes your flexibility so you can get the most out of your run, while stretching after a run prevents muscles from becoming stiff and painful. There are numerous stretches you can do to warm up and increase flexibility. However, if you forget to do your stretches at home before you leave for your run, here are some easy stretches you can do outside, without the aid of special equipment, right before and after you run. Standing Quad Stretch When the primary thigh muscles, the quadriceps (or quads), become tight, it can lead to misalignment of the hips and back, along with knee pain. To stretch the quads: Stand up straight with your feet apart, directly below your hips. Bend the right knee and bring the right foot up behind you toward the buttocks, and grab with your right hand. Keep the right knee pointed toward the ground and gently push the hips forward slightly, keeping the knees and thighs together.  You

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Meet the OrthoConnecticut Physician Dr. Henshaw: Sports Medicine Specialist, Knee, Hip & Shoulder Surgeon

Dr. Ross Henshaw, M.D., is not only athletic himself and a sports lover, he’s an award-winning sports medicine specialist. Right in the heart of Ridgefield, patients and athletes of all ages have been seeing Dr. Henshaw for orthopedic care and, in particular, his arthroscopic surgical skills. Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical approach to treating many injuries that utilizes smaller incisions and offers quicker recovery times, typically with less pain during the recovery period. As an alumni lacrosse player for Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Henshaw knows firsthand how sports-related injuries can have a direct effect on an athlete’s body and the patient’s quality of life. “I was introduced to medicine in college. My roommate’s father was an orthopedic surgeon. After watching him treat patients in the office and the operating room, there was no looking back for me– and I was not a science jock!,” Dr. Henshaw said. “I could see how much he loved caring for people and how much they appreciated his help. He was having an incredible impact on their lives and I wanted the same, so I changed course and devoted myself to getting into medical school. I gravitated toward orthopedics and sports medicine because

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Meet Dr John Dunleavy

Meet the OrthoConnecticut Physician Dr. John Dunleavy

Aches and pains can be a thing of your past once you meet Dr. John Dunleavy, hip and knee specialist at OrthoConnecticut. Dr. Dunleavy is passionate about orthopedic care and is committed to serving his patients for both expected and unexpected visits. As an award-winning joint specialist, many can find Dr. Dunleavy educating others at seminars on an array of joint replacement topics. His work is regarded as life-changing by his patients, “…Dr. Dunleavy replaced both my hips. I am now pain free. He is extraordinarily dedicated with a laser-like focus, highly professional and knowledgeable and soon he will be performing surgery on my husband’s knees,” said one patient. “I received professional, caring and thoughtful treatment from Dr. Dunleavy for terrible hip pain. After having both hips replaced I am pain free for the first time in years. It has made a huge difference in the quality of my life and I am very grateful to Dr. Dunleavy for the wonderful care I received,” wrote another. Earning his Doctor of Medicine degree from Georgetown University, Dr. Dunleavy trained at Brigham and Women’s Hospital at Harvard University and has extensive experience in orthopedics. He specializes in hip and joint replacement surgery,

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Meet OrthoConnecticut Physician Assistant Christopher Geier, PA-C

Christopher Geier, PA-C, ATC, is a 23 year veteran in the field of sports medicine. As a certified physician assistant, Geier’s path to helping others recover is what led him to the Sports Medicine Center at OrthoConnecticut, where he is an invaluable asset both in and outside of the operating room. For years, Geier has worked alongside OrthoConnecticut’s President and Sports Medicine physician, Dr. Michael Brand. Through Geier’s work as a physician assistant, he is able to provide care to the full spectrum of OrthoConnecticut patients as well as to the sports medicine department of the Danbury Hospital system. He can assess and diagnose patients’ orthopedic conditions, and prescribe medication for care. Chris Geier, PA-C earned two Bachelor of Science degrees, his first was with a degree in sports medicine at the University of Delaware and the second being in Physician Assistant Studies from the ​​State University Of New York At Stony Brook, School of Medicine. After that, Geier completed his education with a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies, with a focus on Orthopedics, from the University of Nebraska. Today, many can find Geier guest lecturing at his home institution at Stony Brook on various subjects related to the

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ridgefield ribbon cutting

OrthoConnecticut Cuts Ribbon Unveiling New Ridgefield Location

First Selectman Rudy Marconi joined Ridgefield Chamber and the OrthoConnecticut doctors and staff for a Ribbon Cutting celebrating the practice’s new Ridgefield location at the Executive Pavilion, 90 Grove Street, Suite 107. OrthoConnecticut’s new Ridgefield office is a modern facility with ample parking and all the amenities and features that patients have come to depend on from the state’s premier orthopedic group, OrthoConnecticut. These include physician expertise, expert diagnostics and treatment plans, the finest surgical technique, state-of-the-art imaging, prompt follow-ups, easy accessibility, and compassionate orthopedic care throughout a patient’s recovery journey.

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Meet Dr Ciminiello

Meet The Physician: An Interview With Sports Medicine Specialist, Dr. Angelo Ciminiello

Dr. Angelo Ciminiello hits it out of the park when it comes to sports medicine. As a fellow sports enthusiast, Dr. Ciminiello has always had a passion for helping athletes. From playing Division 1 baseball in college, to serving as physician to the Boston Celtics and Northeastern University, Dr. Ciminiello has had a longstanding love and appreciation for sports and sports medicine. It is this same passion for sports, medicine, and helping people that has led him to OrthoConnecticut. At OrthoConnecticut, every patient is treated with an individualized treatment plan and compassionate care. Dr. Ciminiello is one of the leading sports medicine specialists who routinely practices knee, hip and shoulder surgery. His philosophy is that you don’t need to be a high-level athlete to receive high-level care. Q: Why should a patient select OrthoConnecticut for their orthopedic care? A: Dr. Ciminiello: Patients should choose OrthoConnecticut because we provide state-of-the-art orthopedic care in our own neighborhoods. Each of our physicians is board-certified and fellowship-trained in their respective disciplines. We also have our own orthopedic only operating room which allows us to provide an exceptional patient experience and the ability for patients to return home very quickly after surgery. Q: Why did

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Robert P. Fornshell, MD.

Founding Member of OrthoConnecticut / Danbury Orthopedics Passes Away

Our hearts go out to the Fornshell family, on the passing of Robert P. Fornshell, MD. Dr. Fornshell, 96, was a founding member of our practice, and an integral part of forging a strong medical and orthopedic community in the area. A gentle, kind, and caring physician, Dr. Fornshell was a respected colleague and talented surgeon. We are forever grateful for his legacy and are honored to carry it forward at OrthoConnecticut. Our thoughts are with the Fornshell family at this time. Read Obituary ›

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grove street office ridgefield

OrthoConnecticut Moves to New Space in the Heart of Ridgefield

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OrthoConnecticut’s Ridgefield office has relocated to 90 Grove Street, Suite 107 Ridgefield, Connecticut – As of February 1st, OrthoConnecticut’s Ridgefield office has relocated to 90 Grove St., Suite 107, Ridgefield, CT 06877. The new Ridgefield office is a modern facility with ample parking and all the amenities and features that patients have come to depend on from the state’s premier orthopedic group, OrthoConnecticut. These include physician expertise, expert diagnostics and treatment plans, the finest surgical technique, state-of-the-art imaging, prompt follow-ups, easy accessibility, and compassionate orthopedic care throughout a patient’s recovery journey. “We are excited to welcome patients to our new location providing access to the highest quality orthopedic care for the complete range of orthopedic and joint issues, right in the heart of Ridgefield,” says Dr. Michael Brand, President of OrthoConnecticut.  OrthoConnecticut’s Ridgefield office provides treatment for children and adults for every type of musculoskeletal issue. The practice’s highly trained, board-certified, orthopedic surgeons who see patients in Ridgefield are Dr. Michael Brand, Dr. Angelo Ciminiello, Dr. James DePuy, Dr. John Dunleavy and Dr. Ross Henshaw, many of whom have lived and worked in Ridgefield and surrounding towns for many years. Also seeing patients in the Ridgefield office is Dr. Eugene Zeitler, who practices chiropractic and rehabilitative

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dr atanda and dr paul review images

Oh, my aching neck and back! OrthoConnecticut specialists talk spine ailments

Spine ailments are common – don’t wait to get help.Oh, my aching neck and back! Ever hear or think that, or see someone walking around with a curved back, or a child in a back brace? Wonder what is causing those aches, pains, or conditions? Sure, it could be muscular, and a good massage or some R&R is all you need, but it could also be structural and stem from the spine. Don’t live with pain when a timely and accurate diagnosis can get you back to doing the things you love.The most common spinal conditions seen by our physicians, Justin Paul, MD, PhD and Abiola Atanda, MD, of the OrthoConnecticut Spine team are disc herniations, stenosis, spondylolisthesis, vertebral compression fractures, spinal trauma, spine deformity, kyphosis, and scoliosis.Typical age-related spinal issues arise from cartilage degeneration, arthritic joints, discs wearing down or shrinking, or the narrowing of the spinal canal in our neck or back. Decreasing bone mass, or osteoporosis, also leaves us more vulnerable to fractures, even with a low impact injury or fall.Abnormal curvatures of the spine, or a spine deformity, are common in both children and adults. This could cause a change in posture and fatigue. In children,

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dr atanda and dr paul

OrthoConnecticut Has the Answers: What Is Robotic Assisted Spine Surgery?

Robotic-Assisted Spine Surgery conjures up a question mark in most people’s minds. Many people wonder “Is a robot operating on my spine?” The short answer is a firm NO!Ordinarily, when a person thinks of a robot they picture a little human-like machine that might look like a person and move like a person but it is really an advanced piece of equipment intelligently programmed to perform human tasks. In this case, robotic-assisted spine surgery is performed by a highly trained physician who uses the aid of robotic technology to enhance precision during surgery. A robot supports the surgeon, not the other way around.Our physicians, Justin Paul, MD, PhD and Abiola Atanda, MD, of the OrthoConnecticut Spine team are highly trained in minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery. This advanced technology means greater accuracy during surgical procedures and improved outcomes for our patients. Minimally invasive techniques aid the surgeon’s ability to provide pinpoint precision. Other advantages of minimally invasive surgery include a lower risk of infection, faster recovery time, less scarring, and possibly less time in the hospital.So when your surgeon mentions robotic-assisted surgery don’t automatically assume that even medicine has been taken over by machines. In truth, robots are your surgeon’s friends

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OrthoCT Spine Team 1631307666

My Back is Out! Should I See a Spine Surgeon?

So many people suffer with all types of back pain, and it often gets in the way of doing simple daily activities or causes problems performing at work. OrthoConnecticut’s Spine Team is highly regarded as one of the finest in the region, and our physicians, Justin Paul, MD, PhD and Abiola Atanda, MD, care for patients of all ages with debilitating or simple spine issues. Contrary to what you may believe, the majority of spine patients are treated without surgery, and when surgery is required, the practice uses minimally invasive procedures whenever possible. Older adults commonly have age-related back, neck, and spinal pain or stiffness from cartilage, joints, and discs wearing down from everyday usage or losing water and shrinking as we age. Over time, we can also experience narrowing of the space around our spine, or spinal stenosis, which puts pressure on the spinal cord and/or spinal nerves causing symptoms ranging from pain, numbness, tingling to progressive loss of function. Spinal arthritis, also a degenerative condition, can occur when the joints above and below the vertebrae begin to degenerate. In addition to age-related wearing down of the disc and other tissues, this can result in an abnormal curvature of

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Abiola A. Atanda, M.D.

OrthoConnecticut Welcomes Spine Specialist Abiola A. Atanda, M.D. to the Spine Team

OrthoConnecticut is delighted to welcome Spine Specialist Abiola A. Atanda, M.D. to the Spine Team. Dr. Atanda will be seeing patients in Danbury, Southbury, and New Milford.He is trained in adult and pediatric spine surgery by the world-renowned Norton Leatherman Spine Center in Louisville, Kentucky.Dr. Atanda is committed to using the latest technological skills to provide positive outcomes for his patients. Some of his specializations include robotic-assisted surgery, degenerative and deformity surgery, and treatment for spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, disc herniation, trauma, tumors, and infections of the spine. Dr. Atanda’s expertise and specialty training will be a strong addition to OrthoConnecticut’s already comprehensive spine services.Dr. Atanda’s prior experience and recognitions highlight his compassion and motivation to help others. He spent April of the past year volunteering as a visiting academic physician at FOCOS Orthopaedic Hospital in Ghana. Dr. Atanda has also been recognized as the recipient of the Carl J. Herzog Presidential Award, the Dorothy M. Forde-Bolden MD Award, and graduated Fisk University with Beta Kappa Chi National Honors.To make an appointment with Dr. Atanda, or any of the other OrthoConnecticut physicians, or to learn more, visit myorthoct.com or call 1.833.ORTHOCT (1-833-678-4628).

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