News

Runners Take Heed! OrthoConnecticut Specialists Offer Solutions for Foot and Ankle Pain As seen in Southbury’s HamletHub Last week, The New York Times published an article about the uptick in solitary leisure focusing on Ridgefield and Darien Running Company and founder, Megan Searfoss. With gyms closed for several months, running has picked up even more fans and exercise enthusiasts. If you’re one of them, take note of some common foot and ankle problems that may result from lacing up your sneakers and pounding the pavement for several miles. Concerned about the impact a new running regimen may have? OrthoConnecticut’s Foot and Ankle Surgeon, Dr. Randolph Sealey, who is well versed in nonoperative as well as surgical management for foot and ankle problems, and OrthoConnecticut’s Podiatrist, Dr. Thomas Guglielmo answer some common questions posed by runners. Dr. Randolph Sealey with patient.Q:  I run through my pain? How do I know if I need to see a doctor? A: Dr. Sealey:  As long as your running or walking mechanics are normal, and you can complete your usual distances, then you can continue running or walking through some pain. Another indication that running or walking through pain may not be problematic is that you are able to return to your next

OrthoConnecticut announces use of NEW Mako SmartRobotics System at Outpatient Surgical Center OrthoConnecticut surgeons announce they are now using Stryker’s Mako SmartRobotics system for Total Hip, Total Knee and Partial Knee replacement surgery at their outpatient center, Western Connecticut Orthopedic Surgical Center (WCOSC) in Danbury. Now, to assist doctors with joint replacement procedures and provide greater accuracy, patients scheduled for same-day or single overnight surgery at the outpatient surgical center will be able to benefit from the Mako SmartRobotics technology. “We are thrilled to have this state-of-the-art robotic technology available at our local outpatient surgical center,” says OrthoConnecticut Total Joint Specialist, Dr. Robert Deveney. “At WCOSC, we are now able to offer our patients the most advanced surgical technique supported by the finest robotic technology on an outpatient basis or for single night stays.” The robotic-arm system enables doctors to create patient-specific surgical plans allowing for increased accuracy in implant placement for the best outcome and reduced pain in each case. The advanced system combines three key components: 3D CT-based planning, AccuStop haptic technology, and insightful data analytics, into one tool that has shown better outcomes for patients needing total hip, total knee, and partial knee procedures. In the past,

OrthoConnecticut’s urgent care service, OrthoCare Express, has been vital option during pandemic OrthoConnecticut’s urgent care service, OrthoCare Express, has proven to be a valuable resource during the Covid-19 global pandemic. Just about every parent in Fairfield County has uttered the words to their child, “Don’t get hurt! I’m not taking you to the emergency room!” People have avoided hospitals, especially the emergency rooms, for fear of contracting the virus or adding more caseloads to already overloaded facilities. One local mom, thrilled with OrthoCare Express’ emergency walk-in location in Danbury, exclaimed, “I kept telling my kids to be careful because I didn’t want to take them to the ER. Unfortunately, I forgot to tell that to my husband! He fell and instead of the ER, I drove him to OrthoCare Express in Danbury where he was X-rayed and cast in no time at all. We avoided the ER and taught my husband an important lesson…to always listen to mom!” At OrthoCare Express, patients in emergency situations can receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan from an orthopedic surgeon or orthopedic physician assistant. The facility offers the convenience of on-site digital X-ray technology, casting and splinting services. The urgent care office is

OrthoConnecticut Commends AAOS For Taking a Stand on Diversity – We Stand With You The Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) published this piece on June 9th. We commend the Academy for taking a stand and paving the way for a new commitment to diversity in the orthopedic community. ‘We Stand with You’ Anyone who has seen the graphic video of George Floyd being pinned down and suffocated by a Minneapolis police officer cannot help but be horrified. There is no justification for this violence. This incident follows the recent shooting of Ahmaud Arbery as he was jogging through a Georgia neighborhood, as well as the case of Christian Cooper, who was wrongly accused of threatening a woman while he was bird watching in New York City. The detrimental effects these incidents have on our society, and especially on black communities, should not and cannot be underestimated. The Academy respects the lives of every person regardless of race, religion, gender, creed, or sexual orientation, and we strongly condemn what has recently occurred. To our Academy members of color, we stand with you. Every human life matters to us. As the poet John Donne wrote: “Any man’s death diminishes me, because I

OrthoConnecticut, the region’s leading orthopedic specialty practice, will fully reopen their Danbury, New Milford, Southbury, Ridgefield, Litchfield and Sharon offices by June 15th.Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, OrthoConnecticut has only been open for emergencies, limited in-office appointments and telemedicine appointments since early March. “We are excited to get back to work,” says OrthoConnecticut President, Michael Brand, M.D. “The safety of our patients and staff is our highest priority, and we are looking forward to caring for patients with injuries or postponed surgeries. We know everyone is eager to return to some sense of a normal routine and to more activity. Our reopening plans and extended office hours allow us to fully attend to our patients’ needs, while abiding by all safety protocols.”New Safety Precautions in PlacePatients can be assured that the safety and well-being of the community is always OrthoConnecticut’s utmost priority, and now more than ever, the practice is taking further precautions to ensure safety. All providers and staff are required to wear masks and personal protective equipment (PPE). The practice is implementing the strictest cleaning measures, systematically sanitizing patient rooms and workspaces.Upon arrival, patients will be screened for symptoms of illness and the number of patients allowed in

Ridgefield, CT (April 2, 2020)- In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, OrthoConnecticut is now offering telemedicine –  virtual visits which enable you to see an orthopedic surgeon from the privacy & safety of your own home or office. Did you know that many orthopedic issues, including some urgent issues, can be diagnosed using telemedicine appointments? You can get the specialized orthopedic care you need during this period of physical distancing and staying close to home. Telemedicine is simple to use, and the secure video conferencing technology can be used with any device. Telemedicine Benefits Get a diagnosis on new musculoskeletal issues Follow up on an existing issue Get post-surgical advice from your own physician Practice physical distancing without reducing your quality of care Review diagnostic tests such as x-rays and MRIs during a telemedicine visit Simple and easy scheduling Insurance processing for telemedicine and in-office visits are the same How it Works To schedule your telemedicine appointment with a specialist, call the number for the office location of your choice. All Telemedicine appointments must be booked by phone: Danbury 203-797-1500 Norwalk 203-845-2200 New Milford    860-355-8000 Pain Center 203-792-7246 Our staff will help schedule your virtual appointment. A consent form and

Be safe while hiking and enjoying the great outdoors Published in Ridgefield’s HamletHub, 3/30/2020 Cancelled. Closed. We’ve been hearing those words a lot lately. One thing that’s still open? The Great Outdoors. The team at OrthoConnecticut believes it’s important to get out and enjoy fresh air for your physical and mental well-being. Whether you choose to hike on one of our beautiful local trails or simply rediscover the nature around you in your own neighborhood, follow these simple guidelines to stay safe and injury free: Always check the weather to avoid surprise conditions When possible, go with a partner… but these days, make sure it’s a family member Practice physical distancing. Be sure to give fellow runners, walkers and hikers a wide berth – at least six feet Wear supportive shoes and comfortable socks to avoid blisters Bring a small backpack with water, first aid supplies, and a map or compass if exploring an unfamiliar area Don’t forget to apply sunscreen and bug spray, and as the weather warms, check for ticks when you get home Look before you step – keeping your eyes wide open and alert will help avoid accidents Enjoying the outdoors is a great way to

When your knee goes POP: OrthoConnecticut Talks ACL Injury From Hamlet Hub “POP” – You Tore Your ACL! Now what? Imagine this … you’re out for a walk, or playing sports, and quickly pivot changing direction, maybe misstep or fall and hit your knee – and then you feel or hear a popping sound. It’s likely you tore or sprained your ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). It’s a very common injury, especially in females, because the ACL is the major stabilizing ligament of the knee connecting the femur (thighbone) to the tibia (shin). Here are a few common symptoms of an ACL tear or sprain. Next steps? Don’t wait to be evaluated. With an ACL injury, it’s important to be examined by a skilled, board-certified Sports Medicine Specialist, who is also an Orthopedic Surgeon. Due to lack of blood supply to the ligament, a torn ACL cannot heal on its own. An ACL injury may also require surgery whereas a sprained (or stretched) ACL ligament may have additional healing options and protocols. During your visit, an Orthopedist will compare your knees, review your symptoms, and manually test the integrity and stability of the ACL. To confirm diagnosis, an x-ray will be

OrthoConnecticut Coastal Orthopedics is celebrating its 1-Year Anniversary in its beautiful, customized offices with serene outdoor spaces and sweeping views of the Saugatuck River in Westport. In its first year, this group saw 2,500 patients in over 5,000 appointments – 400 of which were able to walk-in for urgent care without appointments. The group has been part of the Westport community since 1963 with offices previously at the Willows Medical Center. OrthoConnecticut Coastal Orthopedics has set up this modern, state-of-the-art facility to take care of patients with any type of musculoskeletal issues. The facility is equipped with x-ray equipment and up-to-date facilities for specialized orthopedic care. There is a spacious physical therapy center on-site which provides rehabilitation services and direct communication with your orthopedic provider as well as very close relationships with most primary care physicians in the area to keep your doctor informed of your progress. Many patients come to OrthoConnecticut Coastal Orthopedics from other generalized walk-in providers or from emergency rooms not equipped to treat orthopedic issues and injuries. As a result, OrthoConnecticut set up their urgent care walk-in service, OrthoCare Express, to treat these patients by allowing them to see a surgeon, get x-rays, physical exam, diagnosis