Hometown Doctor Returns Home to Practice in Underserved Specialty October 2, 2006 - Scott Van Aman, M.D. has returned home to Columbus Ohio to join The Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence and has successfully re-opened The Ohio Foot and Ankle Institute. Dr. Van Aman, an upper Arlington native, completed medical school and residency at The Ohio State University and continued his training with a fellowship at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore Maryland where he helped provide foot and ankle care for the Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore Orioles. Dr. Van Aman’s extensive training knowledge of the latest information and techniques allow him to provide a complete spectrum of foot and ankle care. His practice includes arthritis, athletic injuries, diabetic complications, fractures, neuromuscular disorders and acquired deformity of the foot and ankle as well as ligament and tendon repairs, ankle reconstruction and fusion, bunion and hammer toe, and flat foot correction. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 614-827- 8700 or visit www.ohio-ortho.com.

Zimmer releases the new "Gender Solutions" high-flex knee designed for womenJune 6, 2006 – Columbus, Ohio – Dr. Paul Melaragno, orthopedic surgeon of the Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence today at Riverside Methodist Hospital conducted the first total knee replacement utilizing a breakthrough gender specific implant in Ohio. The new implant was unveiled recently at a joint press conference with one of the surgeon developers, Robert E. Booth, M.D., Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery at Pennsylvania Hospital, and Zimmer, a worldwide leader in orthopedics. The Gender Solutions Knee is implanted using existing, clinically successful surgical techniques, including Zimmer’s minimally invasive approaches.The Gender Solutions™ High-Flex Knee is the first knee replacement shaped to fit a woman’s anatomy.

The Gender Solutions High-Flex Knee was designed based on three distinct and scientifically documented shape differences between women’s and men’s knees, and a sophisticated and highly detailed map of the joint created using three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) imaging. The implant’s goals include alleviating knee pain and restoring mobility, while offering fit and function that is optimized for the characteristics more commonly seen in female patients.“I am very enthusiastic about this new implant. I can certainly tell a difference and believe it will solve problems with matching anatomy more completely. It just fits better” says Dr. Melaragno.Nearly two-thirds of the more than 400,000 annual knee replacement patients are women, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, and the numbers continue to increase each year. Research shows that while both women and men vastly underuse knee replacement, women are three times less likely than men to undergo the procedure, although they suffer from more knee pain and resulting disability. Knee replacements have long been available in many
sizes, but merely using a different size for women doesn’t resolve anatomical differences. Various studies show that women’s knees significantly differ in shape from men’s knees. Pioneering research conducted for Zimmer precisely maps out those differences and is the foundation for the design and development of the Gender Solutions Knee.More information about this product can be found at www.zimmernews.com

Arthritis Awareness & Community Health Fair May 13th, 2006 10am-2pmApril 24th, 2006-Columbus, Ohio- Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence Foundation, The Arthritis Foundation of Columbus, and Zimmer are proud to present the 2006 Arthritis Awareness & Community Health Fair.

Open to the public, orthopedic physicians and trained professionals will provide free educational seminars and be on hand to answer questions, while exhibitors will offer an array of valuable patient information.This year’s fair will feature “Learning Centers” on:


• Arthritis and Physical Activity
• Osteoporosis
• Total Joint Replacement
• Common Spine Problems and Solutions
• Pain Management and Alternative Therapies
• Safety/Bracing/Medical SuppliesThis is a fantastic opportunity to help raise the level of awareness about a multitude of orthopedic issues.

All guests will also have a chance to win great door prizes donated by Fifth Third Bank, the Columbus Crew, Columbus Clippers, Dairy Queen, 1460 “THE FAN” and more.The Health Fair will take place at The Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence at 4605 Sawmill Rd. Upper Arlington, Ohio on Saturday May 13th, 2006 from 10am-2pm.For more questions, contact Darcy Blessing at 614.827.8672. No registration necessary.

Trending toward Multi Specialty Medical Mega StructuresLong gone are the days of being limited to your local hospital to receive specialty care. As if staying consistent with the rest of society, it seems today’s trends in medical care cater to the overall convenience they provide to the patient.

Beyond the benefit of location, the “one stop shop” mega structure idea provides a patient the ability to literally visit one convenient location to receive the full continuum of medical care including primary care, specialty care, outpatient surgery, and rehab and enjoy a nice cup of coffee….and it’s not a hospital!However, in the quest for simplicity, have we focused too much on convenience and not enough of the quality of the experts and specialists performing the procedures?Dr. Mark J. Triffon from the Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence says “no”. “When our organization formed three years ago, we clearly had convenience of the patient in mind. However, as important was the level of expertise. Ohio Orthopedic Center houses some of the most highly trained orthopedic specialists and surgeons in the country.” The Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence located in Upper Arlington, Ohio houses orthopedic specialists and surgeons in the areas of Spine, Joint, and Sports Medicine.

Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence foundation director points out that not only was the intent to bring the best quality of care in a convenient way, but to stay committed to ongoing medical research to bring the latest advancements and technology available to our patients so they can return to the best quality of life possible.Physicians at the Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence are trained and equipped to handle the most specialized procedures not easily found elsewhere. Dr. Milan Herceg of The Ohio Spine Institute treats compression fractures of the spine with a new outpatient minimally invasive surgery technique that can significantly improve a patient’s function in less than 30 minutes. Dr. Michael McShane of the Ohio Joint Replacement Institute and a national speaker on orthopedics, perform the latest minimally invasive quad sparing total knee replacement that provides patient benefit by decreasing costs, hospital stays, increasing healing times, and providing longer lasting results.

Dr. Peter J. Edwards, of the Ohio Sports Medicine Institute and team physician for The Columbus Crew performs cartilage cell implantation, a newer alternative therapy for the treatment of arthritis which may delay or prevent the need for further surgery.As we move forward and find ourselves surrounded by mega malls, mega churches, mega grocery stores, and yes even mega medical centers, we should remember to shop for and focus on the quality of services, especially as it relates to our bodies and health. It is not the facility, but the individual physician who ultimately provides the care.

Ohio Orthopedic Center Surgery Institute named 2005 "Who's Who" in the NationNovember 21, 2005-Columbus, Ohio- The December 2005 Today’s SurgiCenter Magazine has named The Ohio Orthopedic Center Surgery Institute as Who’s Who in the Ambulatory Surgery Industry.

This Who’s Who list is aimed at saluting those who work toward championing “ambulatory surgery”, or “outpatient surgery” as the preferred method of healthcare delivery. This nationwide Who’s Who recognition will also be announced in the January 2006 issue, part of the ASC annual Legislative Update as reform legislation makes its way to Capitol Hill.This accolade was joyfully received by the physicians and staff in The Ohio Orthopedic Center Surgery Institute. “Our physicians and staff are experts in the care of orthopedic and pain management patients.

The environment is calming and incorporates the patient’s family in their care from the start. Patient satisfaction is very high (95%) and our patients continue recommending us to their family and friend without hesitation,” says Lynn Saul, administrator. “Efficiency is vital to our success. An experienced staff, state-of-the art equipment and OR suites, and the use of Stryker’s Trio beds contribute to our low turnovers and high patient safety. The care of the pain management patient is segregated from the surgery area, allowing us to better individualize their care and meet their needs. Thirty percent of our surgical patients receive regional blocks, preventing postoperative pain and avoiding the need for an overnight stay. Our patient transfers, emergency department visits and post-operative infections combined are less than .003
percent.”

Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence Foundation Provides Injury Prevention for Local Youth AthletesNovember 17, 2005-Columbus, Ohio-The physicians in the Ohio Riverside Sports Medicine Foundation have partnered with Fitness Edge to provide local high school athletes the opportunity to receive the “Fit Knees” program package that focuses on ACL injury prevention and performance enhancement.

Created by physical therapists and professional strength coaches, the goal of this program is to build dominant athletes and prevent serious knee injuries. Studies have determined that proper training can reduce incidence of serious knee injuries by 62%.The program was recently included as part of Worthington Kilbourne high school boys and girls basketball conditioning program. “I am very pleased with the agility and jumping program created for our girl’s basketball team. The program really pin-pointed the target are of knee injury prevention. My girls’ foot speed increased significantly from the beginning to the end. The program was challenging and fun for the girls. I would highly recommend this program to another coach.” -Kami Roeder, Worthington Kilbourne Girls Basketball Coach.The program, also offered to local soccer clubs has gained support from The Columbus Crew. “Injury prevention and performance enhancement training are vital to our team’s health and success, said Mark McCullers, Crew General Manager.

The Crew looks to the staff at the Ohio Orthopedic Center for Excellence for guidance as they are the leaders in the industry.”The Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence Foundation is committed to giving back to the community, and this ACL injury prevention program is just another way of educating and training the youth athletes in our community to help keep them safe, healthy, and performing at their maximum capacity. The physicians with The Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence Foundation along with Fitness Edge look forward to expanding this free program to make it available to more high school and athletic organizations. For more information about the Foundation or to make a contribution, please contact Mark Triffon, M.D., 614-827-8700.

Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence Hires Marketing DirectorJune 6, 2005 – Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence announced today the hiring of Darcy Blessing as marketing director.

Blessing will manage the Center’s community health education and outreach efforts among other marketing responsibilities.Blessing brings strong health care sales and office management experience to the Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence. She most recently served as a territory representative with Indevus/Odyssey Pharmaceuticals in Orlando, Fla. among other past sales positions with various pharmaceutical companies in Ohio. Blessing earned her B.A. from Otterbein College, along with her certification in athletic training.

Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence Names Warner COOMay 25, 2005 – Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence announced today that Melissa A. Warner has joined the Center as chief operating officer. Warner will oversee day-to-day operations, staffing and business administrative activities at the Center.“We are pleased to have someone of Melissa’s caliber join the Center team,” says John S. Wolfe, M.D., President of the Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence. “Her business experience and understanding of the health care industry will prove invaluable assets supporting our ability to offer patients the highest quality orthopedic care.”Warner’s extensive background in health care management includes most recently serving as director of managed care services at Mt. Carmel Health Systems. Prior to her role at Mt. Carmel, Warner served as chief operating officer/vice president of Community Hospitals of Ohio, Community Health Plan of Ohio and Corporate Health Benefits in Newark, Ohio among other leadership positions at Licking Memorial Health System, St. Ann’s Hospital and Magee- Women’s Hospital in Pittsburgh over the last 15 years.Warner serves as an adjunct professor of marketing at Columbus State Community College and is currently completing her J.D. at Capital University Law School. She earned her M.B.A. and her B.A. from California University of Pennsylvania in California, Penn.

Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence Foundation Announces Achievers of Excellence Scholarship ProgramMarch 3, 2005 – Columbus, Ohio –The Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence Foundation is pleased to announce its scholarship program for future health care professionals, Achievers of Excellence.

Ten $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to graduating high school seniors in Franklin County planning to enter a career in medicine. Eligible students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, demonstrate leadership and community service, and plan to pursue a degree in pre-medicine or a related field.

Applications are due April 15, 2005.“Our Foundation is committed to giving back to our community,” said Mark J. Triffon, M.D., director of the Foundation.
“We are pleased to support the future medical professionals of central Ohio through our Achievers of Excellence scholarship program.For more information on the scholarship program, please contact Peter H. Edwards, Jr., M.D. or Mark J. Triffon, M.D. at 614.827.8365, or visit www.ohio-ortho.com to download the scholarship application and guidelines.

Noted physiatrist Ephraim Brenman, D.O., joins the Ohio Orthopedic Center of ExcellenceJuly 13, 2004 – Columbus, Ohio –The Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence is pleased to announce that Ephraim K. Brenman, D.O., physical medicine, pain management and rehabilitation specialist, has joined the Ohio Spine Institute. “Dr. Brenman’s expertise offering non-surgical solutions to treat neuromusculoskeletal conditions will be a strong addition to The Ohio Spine Institute,” explains Brad Bortz, chief executive officer at the Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence. The Ohio Spine Institute, which also includes Drs. William Fitz, William Miely, Nancy Vaughan and Claire Wolfe, provides patients with surgical and non-surgical management options for diseases of the spine, including physical medicine and rehabilitation, pain management and electrodiagnostic testing.With the addition of Dr. Brenman, the Center offers patients the expertise of 19 physicians in the Ohio Joint Replacement Institute, Ohio Spine Institute, Ohio Riverside Sports Medicine and Ohio Foot & Ankle Institute.

Dr. Ephraim Brenman specializes in non-surgical spine care including rehabilitation and pain management.He has experience performing electromyography/nerve conduction; botulinum toxin injections; manipulation techniques of cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, spinal injections and peripheral joint injections to alleviate patients’ spinal pain. Dr. Brenman completed a physical medicine and rehabilitation fellowship at the Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Florida in Gainesville, Fla., and his residency at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Northwestern University Medical School. He earned his medical degree from the College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Kansas City, Mo., and his bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, from Washington University, St. Louis, Mo.

About the Ohio Orthopedic Center of ExcellenceThe Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence is Columbus’ destination for orthopedic specialty care, outpatient surgery and physical therapy. It is located at the corner of Sawmill and Henderson Roads in Upper Arlington, Ohio.

Physicians of the Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence offer patients the full continuum of quality orthopedic care including: sports medicine and arthroscopy; foot and ankle care; surgical and nosurgical spine care, pain management and electrodiagnostic testing; joint replacement and complete arthritis care; computerized MRI and X-ray; full-service rehabilitation, physical therapy and athletic training; outpatient orthopedic surgery and performance enhancement sports programs.
The Center strives to provide seamless orthopedic surgical care, allowing patients to see their physician, receive surgical care and undergo physical therapy all in one state-of-the-art facility.For more information, visit www.ohio-ortho.com.

New total knee replacement system now available at the Ohio Orthopedic Center of ExcellenceJanuary 23, 2004 – Columbus, Ohio – Physicians of the Ohio Joint Replacement Institute at the Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence are using a new high flexion system for total knee replacements, offering patients a greater degree range of motion and faster recovery time. Flexion is the action of bending a joint, such as your knee or elbow.

The NexGen® CR-Flex Fixed Bearing Knee system, designed and developed by Zimmer, provides a greater range of motion for patients who require deep bending for recreational, religious or other day-to-day activities.Through this system, patients can achieve a range of motion up to 155 degrees. Degree range of motion refers to the amount a patient needs to bend the knee. Other knee replacement systems only accommodate up to a 125 degree range of motion. Many activities of daily living require good range of motion, such as climbing stairs (75-140 degrees) and sitting in a chair (90-130 degrees).“Our patients today want to maintain an active lifestyle after a total knee replacement,” said Michael A. McShane, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon in the Ohio Joint Replacement Institute at the Center. “By offering the high flex knee system, we can provide a new option for our patients who suffer from osteoarthritis. We want them to be able to reclaim aspects of their lives that they value.”Paul G. Melaragno, M.D., also an orthopedic surgeon in the Ohio Joint Replacement Institute at the Center, says the high flexion system also provides faster recovery time because a patient achieves a greater range of motion in a shorter amount of time than with other systems. Drs. McShane, Melaragno and John F.M. O’Leary, M.D, have begun regularly using this system and believe it to be the future of total knee replacement.“As more orthopedic surgeons begin using this system, eventually, most total knee replacement patients will receive this high flexion system,” said Dr. Melaragno. “There is no benefit not to use a system that provides patients with a greater range of motion.”

Patients should have good range of motion before surgery. Studies show that total knee replacement patients with good pre-operative flexibility will have a higher likelihood of maintaining their flexibility. With early diagnosis, and good preoperative flexibility, the high flex knee can allow patients to resume many of the physical activities they have come to enjoy.Approximately 21 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that often follows a history of injury or overuse of a joint. Deterioration of the articular cartilage in the knees, often the result of osteoarthritis, causes bone to rub against bone. That friction causes symptoms such as a feeling of stiffness, moderate to severe discomfort, debilitating pain and eventual loss of motion. Approximately 266,000 total knee replacements are performed each year in the United States and, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, that number is increasing.

Zimmer, based in Warsaw, Indiana, designs, manufacturers and distributes orthopedic implants and related equipment and supplies. The company provides a broad range of joint replacement, fracture management and patient care products. Zimmer was founded in 1927 and has more than 3,600 employees worldwide.

Noted physiatric physicians Claire Wolfe, M.D. and Nancy Vaughan, M.D. join the Ohio Orthopedic Center of ExcellenceJune 17, 2003 – Columbus, Ohio –The Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence is pleased to announce the addition of Claire V. Wolfe, M.D. and Nancy M. Vaughan, M.D., specialists in physical medicine and rehabilitation, to the Ohio Spine Institute.


“Dr. Wolfe and Dr. Vaughan’s expertise in offering non-surgical solutions to the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal problems will be a strong addition to the Ohio Spine Institute team,” explains Brad Bortz, CEO at the Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence.The Ohio Spine Institute, which also includes Dr. William Fitz and Dr. William Miely, provides patients with surgical and non-surgical management options for diseases of the spine, including physical medicine and rehabilitation services, pain management and electro diagnostic testing. With the addition of Dr. Wolfe and Dr. Vaughan, both formerly with Columbus PM&R, the Center now offers patients the expertise of 17 physicians within the Ohio Joint Replacement Institute, Ohio Spine Institute and Ohio Riverside Sports Medicine.Dr. Nancy Vaughan brings expertise in physical medicine and rehabilitation, as well as electro diagnostic medicine. She conducts outpatient consultations, disability examinations and independent medical examinations for patients with spinal disorders and injuries. As a result of the move, she is now able to perform spinal injections, including lumbar epidurals, selective nerve root blocks, and facet joint injections.Dr. Vaughan has contributed to medical publications and conducted numerous presentations to her medical colleagues. She conducted a Fellowship in medical acupuncture for physicians at the UCLA School of Medicine in Los Angeles, Calif., and her physical medicine and rehabilitation residency at The Ohio State University, where she served as chief resident and developed the musculoskeletal course and other innovations.

She graduated valedictorian at Wright State University School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio, and received her bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, and with departmental honors from the University of Cincinnati.Dr. Claire Wolfe is one of central Ohio’s best-known specialists in physical medicine and rehabilitation. She brings more than 30 years of experience to patients of the Ohio Spine Institute at the Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence. Dr. Wolfe specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of neck and back pain, arthritis, "pinched nerves," carpal tunnel syndrome, non-operative care of spinal stenosis, strokes, post-polio and other muscle disorders.Dr. Wolfe currently serves as president for the Columbus Medical Association Foundation, is president-elect for the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and serves as editor-in-chief of The Physiatrist, the publication for the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She conducted her residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at The Ohio State University, where she served as chief resident. She earned her medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine, and her bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University.About the Ohio Orthopedic Center of ExcellenceThe Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence is Columbus’ destination for orthopedic specialty care, outpatient surgery and physical therapy.

It is located at the corner of Sawmill and Henderson Roads in Upper Arlington, Ohio. Physicians of the Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence offer patients the full continuum of quality orthopedic care including: sports medicine and arthroscopy; foot and ankle care; surgical and nosurgical spine care, pain management and electrodiagnostic testing; joint replacement and complete arthritis care; computerized MRI and X-ray; full-service rehabilitation, physical therapy and athletic training; outpatient orthopedic surgery and performance enhancement sports programs. The Center strives to provide seamless orthopedic surgical care, allowing patients to see their physician, receive surgical care and undergo physical therapy all in one state-of-the-art facility.For more information, visit www.ohio-ortho.com.

Columbus sports medicine physician to serve as medical director during Women’s World Cub games: Peter H. Edwards, Jr., M.D. to spearhead treatment at Columbus gamesSeptember 17, 2003 – Columbus, Ohio – Peter H. Edwards, Jr., M.D., a sports medicine specialist with Ohio Riverside Sports Medicine at the Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence, will serve as medical director during six Women’s World Cup games, including a U.S. team opening-round game, to be played at Columbus Crew Stadium September 20, 24 and 28. The defending champion Americans will play on September 28.As a team physician for the Columbus Crew and professional, high school and youth teams, Dr. Edwards is a well-known figure on the sidelines. “It will be rewarding for me to assist these highcaliber professional athletes at the World Cup games,” said Dr. Edwards. “My experience with the Columbus Crew has helped me stay abreast of the best, most up-to-date sports medicine treatment options.”An orthopedic sports medicine specialist, Dr. Edwards completed the distinguished O’Donoghue Fellowship in orthopedic sports medicine and arthroscopy at the University of Oklahoma and a fellowship in orthopedic foot and ankle surgery at Union Memorial Hospital. He completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at West Virginia University Medical School.

Dr. Edwards earned a doctorate degree in medicine from The Ohio State University College of Medicine and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from The Ohio State University.As the largest sports medicine practice in central Ohio, Ohio Riverside Sports Medicine, at the Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence, offers comprehensive care, including arthroscopy, for sports related injuries for the athlete and active adult.Physicians of Ohio Riverside Sports Medicine serve as the official sports medicine provider of the Columbus Crew and the Ohio South Youth Soccer Association State Cup Tournament and official team physicians for Team Rahal Racing, the Columbus Stars, Ohio Premier Soccer Club, Blast FC Soccer Club, Eagles Soccer Club, Upper Arlington High School, Bishop Watterson High School, Thomas Worthington High School, Whetstone High School and Centennial High School.

About the Ohio Orthopedic Center of ExcellenceThe Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence is Columbus’ destination for orthopedic specialty care, outpatient surgery and physical therapy. It is located at the corner of Sawmill and Henderson Roads in Upper Arlington, Ohio. Physicians of the Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence offer patients the full continuum of quality orthopedic care including: sports medicine and arthroscopy; foot and ankle care; surgical and nosurgical spine care, pain management and electrodiagnostic testing; joint replacement and
complete arthritis care; computerized MRI and X-ray; full-service rehabilitation, physical therapy and athletic training; outpatient orthopedic surgery and performance enhancement sports programs.

The Center strives to provide seamless orthopedic surgical care, allowing patients to see their physician, receive surgical care and undergo physical therapy all in one state-of-the-art facility.For more information, visit www.ohio-ortho.com.

New foot and ankle specialty added to the Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence:
Arrival of Jeffrey J. Rocco, M.D. initiates the Ohio Foot & Ankle InstituteSeptember 24, 2003 – Columbus, Ohio –The Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence is pleased to announce the creation of the Ohio Foot & Ankle Institute, composed of noted orthopedic foot and ankle physician Jeffrey J. Rocco, M.D.

The Ohio Foot & Ankle Institute provides patients with surgical treatment options for diseases of the foot and ankle. Non-surgical options include physical medicine and rehabilitation services, pain management, electro diagnostic testing and an on-site, physician-directed orthotics laboratory.“The addition of the Ohio Foot & Ankle Institute provides patients with a more specialized platform for treating conditions of the foot and ankle, aiding the Center’s mission to provide more comprehensive orthopedic care,” said Brad Bortz, chief executive officer of the Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence.With the addition of Dr. Rocco, the Center now offers patients the expertise of 18 physicians within the Ohio Foot & Ankle Institute, Ohio Joint Replacement Institute, Ohio Spine Institute and Ohio Riverside Sports Medicine.Dr. Rocco is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in adult reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. He offers expertise in surgical treatments for foot and ankle problems including posttraumatic disorders, acquired deformities, arthritic conditions, postural disorders and sports injuries.

Dr. Rocco recently completed a distinguished AO fellowship in orthopedic foot and ankle surgery at the Michigan International Foot and Ankle Center. He completed his internship in general surgery at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine, and a residency in orthopedic surgery at both Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., and Beth Israel Medical Center in New York, N.Y. Dr. Rocco earned a doctorate degree in medicine from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and a bachelor’s degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

About the Ohio Orthopedic Center of ExcellenceThe Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence is Columbus’ destination for orthopedic specialty care, outpatient surgery and physical therapy. It is located at the corner of Sawmill and Henderson Roads in Upper Arlington, Ohio.

Physicians of the Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence offer patients the full continuum of quality orthopedic care including: sports medicine and arthroscopy; foot and ankle care; surgical and nosurgical spine care, pain management and electrodiagnostic testing; joint replacement and complete arthritis care; computerized MRI and X-ray; full-service rehabilitation, physical therapy and athletic training; outpatient orthopedic surgery and performance enhancement sports programs.

The Center strives to provide seamless orthopedic surgical care, allowing patients to see their physician, receive surgical care and undergo physical therapy all in one state-of-the-art facility.For more information, visit www.ohio-ortho.com.

Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence physicians support Bone and Joint Decade National Awareness WeekOctober 17, 2003 – Columbus, Ohio – The number one reason patients visit a doctor is to treat bone and joint disorders, including osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, lower back pain spinal disorders. In addition, one of every seven American report a musculoskeletal impairment and more than three million hospitalizations are due to musculoskeletal conditions and injuries annually.Bones, and the joints that create function and movement, are connected by muscle and ligaments.

Their state of health and how they enable a person to lead an active and healthy life is what physicians at the Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence aim to improve.In support of Bone and Joint Decade National Awareness Week (October 12-21, 2003), physicians at the Center recognize that spreading awareness is a key step to lowering the burden of disease and improving the quality of life for those who are challenged by bone and joint conditions. Patients are encouraged to learn more about prevention activity and treatment options on the significant burden of bone and joint diseases among Americans.

About the Bone and Joint Decade:
The Bone and Joint Decade is a global, multi-disciplinary initiative targeting the care of people with musculoskeletal conditions – bone and joint disorders. Its focus is on improving quality of life as well as advancing the understanding and treatment of those conditions through research, prevention and education.

About the Ohio Orthopedic Center of ExcellenceThe Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence is Columbus’ destination for orthopedic specialty care, outpatient surgery and physical therapy. It is located at the corner of Sawmill and Henderson Roads in Upper Arlington, Ohio. Physicians of the Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence offer patients the full continuum of quality orthopedic care including: sports medicine and arthroscopy; foot and ankle care; surgical and nosurgical spine care, pain management and electrodiagnostic testing; joint replacement and
complete arthritis care; computerized MRI and X-ray; full-service rehabilitation, physical therapy and athletic training; outpatient orthopedic surgery and performance enhancement sports programs.


The Center strives to provide seamless orthopedic surgical care, allowing patients to see their physician, receive surgical care and undergo physical therapy all in one state-of-the-art facility.For more information, visit www.ohio-ortho.com.