Author: Barbara Caruso

Dr. Lahav is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with a strong reputation for excellence in minimally invasive hip and knee replacement. He has extensive experience in robotic-assisted surgery, computer navigation, customized joint replacements and traditional surgical techniques.

With a background in engineering, Dr. Lahav has a special interest in using advanced technology to improve surgical precision, enhance the patient experience and optimize outcomes. Throughout his career, he has authored numerous orthopaedic publications, helped develop clinical protocols and patient-care pathways, and taught modern knee-replacement techniques to surgeons from around the world.

Dr. Lahav will see patients in our Milford and Orange offices. His return further strengthens our joint replacement team and expands access to highly respected orthopaedic expertise within the communities we serve.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Lahav back to Connecticut Orthopaedics!

Learn More about Dr. Lahav or to book an appointment click here 

Connecticut Orthopaedics is pleased to welcome Alirio deMeireles, MD, MBA, an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement.

Dr. deMeireles provides comprehensive care for patients with hip and knee arthritis, with expertise in primary and revision joint replacement. His approach combines advanced surgical techniques, current research and personalized care to help patients reduce pain, restore mobility and return to the activities they enjoy.

Dr. deMeireles earned his bachelor’s degree in evolutionary biology from Yale University, where he played varsity lacrosse, helped the Bulldogs win three Ivy League championships and was recognized as a Scholar All-American. He earned both his medical degree and Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan.

He completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, where he served as executive chief resident and received the Harold M. Dick Award as Resident of the Year. He then completed advanced fellowship training in adult hip and knee reconstruction at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute in Philadelphia.

Actively involved in orthopaedic research, Dr. deMeireles has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters focused on hip and knee replacement, robotic-assisted surgery, implant technology, revision procedures and patient outcomes. His work has also been presented at national and international orthopaedic conferences.

Dr. deMeireles is seeing patients in Branford, Essex, Hamden, Madison and Wallingford.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. deMeireles to Connecticut Orthopaedics.

To learn more or schedule an appointment, click here

Connecticut Orthopaedics welcomes surgical podiatrist Amira Abihaidar, DPM, MS. Dr. Abihaidar  is a board-certified Doctor of Podiatric Medicine specializing in comprehensive foot and ankle care. She completed a rigorous podiatric medicine and surgery residency at Northwell Health in New York, where she was honored as Resident of the Year.

As a lifelong athlete and marathon runner, Dr. Abihaidar draws on her background as a University of Michigan Kinesiology alumna, blending a deeply personal perspective with a rigorous academic understanding of human biomechanics.

She is passionate about sports medicine, injury prevention, and patient education, with the ultimate goal of getting patients safely and quickly back to the activities they love. In addition to her athletic expertise, Dr. Abihaidar is highly trained in advanced, minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques for bunions, hammertoes, and various osseous and soft-tissue conditions. Dr. Abihaidar provides exceptionally well-rounded, personalized care that spans everything from sports-related injuries to gait stabilization, diabetic foot health, tendon and ligament injuries, neuroma management, and advanced wound care.

Dr. Abihaidar is accepting new patients at the following locations: Branford, Hamden and Wallingford.  For appointments you can schedule here or call 203-407-3500

New technology increases scanning capacity, enhances patient comfort and delivers faster, higher-quality imaging

ORANGE, Conn. — August 19, 2026 –  Yesterday, Connecticut Orthopaedics celebrated the debut of its new, state-of-the-art mobile GE Voyager MRI with a ribbon-cutting organized by the Amity Chamber of Commerce. Located at 235 Boston Post Road in Orange, Dr. Peter DeLuca, Dr. Kenneth Kramer, CEO, Susan Bader, CFO, Pam Czapor, COO, Brian Frawley, CHRO Dan George, Director of Radiology, Jason Bohn,  MRI Supervisor Damien Harris, GE Healthcare Imaging Account Manager, Cory Riccione were joined by Amity Chamber CEO Barry Lee Cohen,  Orange Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Annemarie Sliby, State Representative Kathleen Kennedy (R-119), as well as patients, Chamber members, and local businesses.

The new mobile GE Voyager MRI system allows Connecticut Orthopaedics to expand access to advanced diagnostic imaging and provide patients with a faster, more comfortable and comprehensive experience.

The new and improved MRI enables Connecticut Orthopaedics to scan 33% more patients, helping reduce wait times and improve access to the imaging patient’s need for timely diagnosis and treatment.

“This investment is about making exceptional orthopedic care more accessible, comfortable and efficient for our patients,” said Susan Bader, CEO of Connecticut Orthopaedics. “The new mobile GE Voyager MRI demonstrates our continued commitment to investing in advanced technology and providing world-class, patient-centered care to the communities we serve.”

The MRI system features a large bore, or wider tunnel opening, designed to enhance patient comfort and accommodate a broader range of patients. Its state-of-the-art software also supports faster scans and improved image quality, giving Connecticut Orthopaedics’ specialists the detailed information they need to develop personalized treatment plans.

With high-speed MRI technology available at all four of its MRI locations, Connecticut Orthopaedics provides patients with convenient access to faster scans and high-quality diagnostic imaging close to home. This expanded imaging network supports timely diagnoses and a seamless, patient-centered experience from evaluation through treatment and recovery.

Cohen said, “Connecticut Orthopaedics is a valued, trusted, and relied-upon partner to both patients and the business community. The mobile MRI is a testament to Connecticut Orthopaedics’ patient-focused, compassionate, and innovative care.”

About Connecticut Orthopaedics

Founded in 1963, Connecticut Orthopaedics is the largest privately owned orthopedic practice in New England. Proudly independent and physician-owned, the practice remains focused on making clinical decisions based on what is best for its patients and the communities it serves. With more than 60 doctors serving patients across 20 locations—including eight Urgent Care centers and three surgical centers—Connecticut Orthopaedics provides expert orthopedic care for patients of every age and at every stage of recovery. From diagnosis and treatment to surgery and rehabilitation, the practice delivers convenient, comprehensive and patient-centered care close to home.

About the Amity Chamber of Commerce

The Amity Chamber of Commerce delivers meaningful programs, events, advocacy, networking, and professional educational opportunities for our members, businesses, and the local communities of Orange, Woodbridge, Bethany, and surrounding municipalities. Through these initiatives, the Chamber fosters economic growth and demonstrates the unique value our members and the region bring. By building strong partnerships and working closely with members, government officials, and other key stakeholders, the Chamber helps create a Connecticut where businesses and families work, live, and thrive.

Connecticut Orthopaedics was proud to serve as a sponsor for the third consecutive year in support of Southern Connecticut State University’s National Girls and Women in Sports Day on February 21st. This inspiring event welcomed 200 girls in grades 1–8 for a day dedicated to movement, mentorship, and empowerment.

Encouraging girls to participate in sports at a young age is critical to building confidence, resilience, leadership skills, and lifelong healthy habits. Early involvement in athletics not only supports physical health, but also fosters teamwork, discipline, and self-esteem — qualities that extend far beyond the playing field.

Throughout the day, participants rotated through a variety of sports and clinic stations, gaining hands-on experience and learning new skills in a fun and supportive environment. The event concluded with lunch and an autograph session, giving the girls the opportunity to connect with collegiate athletes and role models.

Female mentorship plays a powerful role in shaping young girls’ perceptions of what’s possible. By interacting with strong female athletes and leaders in the community, participants were able to see firsthand the impact of dedication, perseverance, and teamwork. Events like this create meaningful connections that help inspire the next generation of athletes and leaders.

Connecticut Orthopaedics is honored to continue its involvement as a community sponsor, reinforcing its commitment to youth athletics, injury prevention, and the overall health and well-being of young athletes across Connecticut.