Orthopedics

The Yale Medicine and Yale New Haven Hospital orthopedic surgery team is improving function in patients of all ages who have complex orthopedic problems, 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 orthopedic issues with the use of 3D modeling and virtual surgical planning using 3D printed, patient-specific surgical guides.

How does personalized 3D modeling and surgical planning work?

Using images from a CT or MRI scan, a unique 3D computer model is built using specialized image processing software. The 3D models are then used to study the deformity or injury in detail prior to surgery. The planning is completed with the surgeon and biomedical engineer who work together to plan the surgery to correct the deformity.

Surgeons can 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 3D for use in the operating room during surgery for precise correction of each patient’s problem.

What are the benefits of this program?

These techniques have been shown to decrease surgical time and blood loss, as well as provide a more precise correction of the problem, better improving outcomes.

Learn more about Yale Medicine’s 3D Patient-Specific Surgical Correction Program

Our 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. Patients receive coordinated care across a spectrum of treatments, including osteoinductive adjuvants and hyperbaric oxygen treatments. The goal is to provide the best opportunity for patients to maintain their natural joints, as well as continued care if they eventually require total joint replacement. As a leader in AVN treatments, our innovative program merges evidence-based medicine with novel surgical techniques.

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We offer a fast, easy and painless test that can show if you are at risk for broken bones associated with osteoporosis. Our state-of-the-art scanner, DA bone densitometer, shows existing fractures of the vertebrae in the spine. It also shows low bone density. These are two leading signs of bone breaks associated with osteoporosis.

We specialize in full-service care of the foot and ankle, including a wide range of treatments in advanced reconstruction, post-traumatic injuries, and complex diabetic problems. Our surgeons provide multidisciplinary care, partnering with other specialists including radiology, anesthesiology, pediatrics, internal medicine, and vascular surgery. Our patients have access to the latest technological developments in foot and ankle surgery and treatment.

We treat a wide range of injuries, instabilities and disorders, including hand and wrist fractures, tendon, vascular and nerve injuries, arthritis of the hand, wrist and elbow, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. The medical team, including specialists in orthopedics, hand surgery and plastic surgery, offer minimally invasive and arthroscopic procedures.

Yale Medicine orthopedic surgeons are nationally recognized and leaders in total joint replacement surgery and revision surgery. Using state-of-the-art techniques, our surgeons bring a high rate of successful outcomes to patients with a wide range of joint disorders, including chronic hip, knee and shoulder pain. 

In partnership with Yale New Haven Children's Hospital, we offer a multidisciplinary approach in treating a wide spectrum of orthopedic conditions that arise in this age group, including scoliosis, cerebral palsy and congenital disorders related to muscles and bones.

Learn more about our pediatric orthopedics services

We provide comprehensive rehabilitation in collaboration with physicians, nurses and other allied health professionals to deliver high-quality, individualized care. Whether recovering from surgery, an accident or injury, we ensure you receive the care you need to recover. 

Rehabilitation services include occupational, physical and speech therapy services. Our therapists work with patients and families—in and out of the hospital—to deliver the most clinically effective rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation specialists work with each patient to achieve optimal mobility. Registered nurses focus on orthopedic surgical and post-surgical treatment and recovery. Physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs) who are trained to help patients safely start to move after surgery. They develop individual treatment plans to help reduce pain, restore function and prevent disability. 

Learn more about rehabilitation at Yale New Haven Hospital

Sarcoma Program at Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven treats people with cancer of musculoskeletal support tissues such as bone, cartilage, muscle and the blood vessels or nerves in connective tissues. Our team approach to treating difficult problems that affect muscles and bones in adult and pediatric patients, particularly benign and malignant tumors, requires experts in medical and pediatric oncology, diagnostic imaging, pathology and rehabilitation.

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Our experts specialize in shoulder and elbow arthritis, joint replacement, fractures and instability. Our physicians have specialized experience in minimally invasive surgery of the shoulder and elbow and have developed several new medical and surgical techniques such as injectable medications for shoulder arthritis, minimally invasive shoulder replacement and arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. 

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Our spine specialists provide assessment and treatment for a variety neck pain, back pain and spinal conditions because of injury, congenital disorder or degeneration. 

Known for our quality of care, our dedicated team includes specially trained orthopedic and neurosurgeons, nurses, physical therapists, physician assistants, nursing assistants, rehabilitation specialists, case managers and a program coordinator. 

Learn more about the Spine Center at Yale New Haven Hospital

We provide a wide range of preventive care and treatment of injuries and conditions related to competitive and recreational athletics. In caring for everyone from professional soccer players to weekend joggers and cyclists, our medical specialists promote non-surgical rehabilitation and physical therapy programs. When surgery is required, such as to repair joint damage to the knee, ankle, shoulder, hip or elbow, we offer state-of-the-art, minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques.

We have a physician dedicated to female athletes. In addition, our sports medicine specialists consult with local high school and college coaches. They regularly conduct seminars for coaches, trainers and physicians that focus on injury prevention and modern treatment methods.

Wide-awake needle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to diagnose and treat certain joint conditions—all while the patient is fully awake. Unlike traditional arthroscopy, which requires general or regional anesthesia, this procedure uses only a local anesthetic to numb the area, helping patients avoid anesthesia-related risks and recover faster. Wide-awake needle arthroscopy can be used to treat conditions such as rotator cuff tears, carpal tunnel syndrome, meniscus injuries, and ankle impingements. With smaller incisions, less downtime, and the ability to combine diagnosis and treatment in one visit, this innovative approach offers a convenient and effective option for joint care.

Learn more about Wide-Awake Needle Arthroscopy