Author: Carolyn DaSilva

New service offers advanced treatment for complex wounds, with appointments in Orange, Shelton and Trumbull.

A wound that is slow to heal can affect your comfort, mobility and daily life. Connecticut Orthopaedics now offers specialized wound care to help patients address these challenges, with personalized treatment focused on healing, preserving limbs and restoring function.

Thomas Zumbaugh, DPM, a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and Certified Wound Specialist Physician, provides surgical and office-based care for patients with lower extremity wounds. His expertise includes chronic and complex wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, infections and traumatic injuries involving the skin and soft tissues.

Treatment Tailored to Each Patient

Wounds can require different approaches to healing. Dr. Zumbaugh evaluates each patient’s wound and individual needs to develop a personalized treatment plan. Services include:

• Chronic wound evaluation and diabetic foot assessment
• Specialized dressings and compression therapy
• Debridement, the removal of damaged or unhealthy tissue
• Negative pressure wound therapy, which uses a specialized dressing and gentle suction
• Bioengineered skin grafts and reconstructive surgery
• Treatment of bone, skin and wound infections
• Second opinions for complex or persistent wounds

With an emphasis on limb preservation, Dr. Zumbaugh’s approach aims to help patients heal while protecting mobility and function.

Schedule a Consultation

Dr. Zumbaugh sees patients at three Connecticut Orthopaedics offices:

• Orange: 235 Boston Post Road
• Shelton: 330 Bridgeport Avenue
• Trumbull: 888 White Plains Road

To schedule a consultation or learn more about wound care, call 203.407.3500 or visit Dr. Zumbaugh’s provider page.

Partnership expands access to orthopedic specialists while strengthening an independent model of care

 

HAMDEN, Conn. — September 30, 2026 — Connecticut Orthopaedics announced today that Orthopaedics New England will join the practice effective October 1st, bringing together two organizations with a shared commitment to clinical excellence and patient-centered care.

As more medical practices become part of private equity-backed organizations, Connecticut Orthopaedics remains independently owned by its physicians. The partnership with Orthopaedics New England strengthens that model while expanding patients’ access to orthopedic specialists and services across the region.

“Orthopaedics New England has earned the trust of its patients through excellent care and strong relationships, just as we have,” said Susan Bader, CEO of Connecticut Orthopaedics. “Welcoming their team allows us to build on those strengths, reach more patients and keep decisions about care close to the physicians who know them best.”

Orthopaedics New England’s physicians, providers and staff will join Connecticut Orthopaedics’ broader network of specialists and care teams. Together, the organizations will have more opportunities to coordinate services and support patients through every stage of their orthopedic care.

“This is an exciting new chapter for Orthopaedics New England,” said John Keggi, Orthopaedic Surgeon. “We share Connecticut Orthopaedics’ commitment to putting patients first. Joining their team gives us additional resources and a broader network of specialists while preserving the personal approach our patients know and trust.”

Connecticut Orthopaedics remains independently owned in a time when Connecticut is seeing a high volume of private equity companies coming in and purchasing medical practices for profit. Connecticut Orthopaedics is committed to preserving physicians’ autonomy to guide treatment based on their clinical judgment and each patient’s individual needs.

Patients will continue to see their current providers as the organizations work through the transition.

About Connecticut Orthopaedics

Connecticut Orthopaedics is the largest independent, physician-owned orthopedic practice in New England. Its team of more than 60 physicians, along with advanced practitioners, therapists and care professionals, provides comprehensive care for conditions affecting the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and spine. The practice is dedicated to helping patients move better, feel better and return to the activities they love.

About Orthopaedics New England

Orthopaedics New England provides orthopedic and musculoskeletal care grounded in clinical expertise and personal attention. Its physicians, providers and staff have built trusted relationships with patients across the communities they serve.

Connecticut Orthopaedics is proud to announce that Richard Bernstein, MD, a hand and wrist specialist, has performed the practice’s first surgery using the KeriMedical TOUCH® CMC 1 Thumb Prosthesis at Connecticut Orthopaedic Surgery Center in Milford.

The procedure offers a new option for some patients living with painful arthritis at the base of the thumb. This type of arthritis can make everyday tasks—such as opening jars, turning keys, gripping objects or pinching with the thumb—difficult and painful.

The TOUCH® CMC 1 Prosthesis is a thumb joint replacement designed to replace the damaged joint at the base of the thumb. The implant is cementless and uses a ball-and-socket design, similar in concept to other joint replacements such as hip or shoulder replacements. The device received FDA premarket approval for use in patients with certain stages of symptomatic thumb base arthritis.

Dr. Bernstein recently returned from France, where he completed specialized training in this innovative surgical technique as part of a small group of U.S. surgeons learning to perform the procedure.

“Thumb arthritis can be incredibly frustrating because it affects so many simple daily activities,” said Dr. Bernstein. “This implant allows us to replace the worn-out joint rather than remove the entire bone and reconstruct the area with a tendon. For the right patient, our goal is to help reduce pain, improve function and allow for an earlier start to rehabilitation.”

For many years, a common surgical treatment for advanced thumb arthritis involved removing the trapezium bone at the base of the thumb and using a tendon from the forearm to stabilize the area. While that approach has helped many patients, recovery can take time and may include several weeks of casting followed by splinting and therapy.

The TOUCH® CMC 1 implant is designed to preserve bone and provide stability through a joint replacement approach. Because of that stability, appropriate patients may be able to begin therapy sooner than with traditional procedures. As with any surgery, results and recovery times vary by patient.

The implant has been used in Europe for several years and is now being introduced in the United States following FDA approval. A U.S. post-approval study is also underway to continue evaluating safety and effectiveness in American patients.

“European hand surgeons have seen encouraging results with this technology, and we are excited to bring this option to patients here in Connecticut,” Dr. Bernstein said. “It represents an important advancement in how we can treat thumb arthritis while helping patients get back to the activities they enjoy.”

Patients experiencing persistent pain, weakness or loss of motion at the base of the thumb should speak with a hand and wrist specialist to determine which treatment options may be appropriate for them.

To learn more about thumb arthritis treatment options or to find out whether this procedure may be right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Richard Bernstein at Connecticut Orthopaedics.

 

Two student athletes – Madden Evangeliste (West Haven) and Lily Simons (Amity Regional) – are the recipients of the 2026 Southern Connecticut Conference “Comeback Player of the Year” awards. Both students suffered severe injuries yet were able to overcome them to become outstanding role models in their respective schools.

A long-time corporate sponsor of the SCC, Connecticut Orthopaedics offered a Comeback Player of the Year Scholarship for student-athletes who participated in an interscholastic sport during the 2025-2026 academic year and showed great leadership both on and off the field after their injury. Coaches and school’s athletic directors nominated these student-athletes after they each suffered an unfortunate injury that prohibited them from playing for their high school teams. Both will receive a financial scholarship to be used for their college education.

“This is our 16th year awarding student-athletes from the SCC with scholarships,” said Susan Bader, CEO of Connecticut Orthopaedics. “Our goal is to acknowledge student-athletes who have overcome the challenges of an injury and, through hard work and determination, become positive role models for their fellow teammates. As sports medicine specialists, we understand intimately what it takes to recover from an injury and return to playing sports at a high level.”

“Many thanks to the doctors and staff at Connecticut Orthopaedics for their continuing support of the SCC and especially these generous scholarships,” explained SCC Commissioner Al Carbone. “Our league has many outstanding student-athletes who excel in the classroom and on the playing fields; but it is a tremendous gesture to recognize traits like courage, perseverance and selflessness.”

 

2025-26 SCC/Connecticut Orthopaedics Comeback Players of the Year
MADDEN EVANGELISTE, WEST HAVEN (basketball)
A captain for the Blue Devils’ girls’ basketball squad, Madden suffered an ACL injury mid-year through her sophomore season which affected parts of two seasons. Through her diligent rehab and resilient character, she was able to return to the court to lead the team to the SCC semifinals this past season.

An outstanding student and leader, she was a member of the National Honor Society, ranked 12th (in a class of 457 students) and was actively involved in Peer Advocates and the school’s Class Act Council. Inspired by her own recovery journey, Madden will attend Providence College in the fall and major in health science with the goal to become a physician assistant.

LILY SIMONS (golf)
A multi-sport athlete, Lily was hurt playing basketball (torn ACL) in her freshman season, and then again her sophomore year which also affected her playing golf for the Spartans. She returned to the course and earned All-SCC and All-State honors as a junior and senior.
This spring, she led the Spartans to the SCC title and was named as the SCC Girls Golfer of the Year, presented by Connecticut Orthopaedics Urgent Care Walk-in.
Lily will attend Iona University and major in sports management and compete in golf for the Gaels.

ABOUT THE SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE
The 2025-26 academic year marked the 32nd year of existence for the Southern Connecticut Conference. The SCC is comprised of 23 high schools with more than 23,000 students representing 16 communities. Recognized as one of the best athletic conferences in the state, the SCC also has a great tradition of offering first-rate non-athletic programs and events that enrich the overall high school experience of our young people to help them become responsible students, athletes and citizens. For more information on the SCC, visit www.southernconnecticutconference.org

ABOUT CONNECTICUT ORTHOPAEDICS
Connecticut Orthopaedics is a premier team of orthopaedic doctors, surgeons and health care professionals who provide compassionate and innovative care to keep you moving forward with life. With over 60 doctors serving 20 locations, including 8 Urgent Care | Walk-In centers, three orthopaedic-only Surgical Centers and 14 state-of-the-art Sports Therapy | Rehab locations, we make it convenient for you to get the orthopaedic care you need, close to where you live. There’s simply no other Connecticut practice that offers convenience, personalized care and comprehensive experience that you’ll find with Connecticut Orthopaedics. From your first visit, to diagnosing your injury, to treatment and rehabilitation, we offer end-to-end orthopedic services designed to accommodate your every need. To learn more, visit ct-ortho.com

Leading the state in excellence, innovation, and patient-centered orthopedic care

Connecticut Orthopaedics is proud to announce that we have been recognized as the #1 Top Orthopaedic Group in Connecticut, with an unprecedented 40 physicians named to the 2026 Castle Connolly Top Doctors list.

Meet all of our Top Docs

Dr. Kenoma Anighoro

Dr. Stephanie Arlis-Mayor FAAP

Dr. John Beiner FAOOS, EMT, DMT

Dr. Richard Bernstein

Dr. David Caminear

Dr. Curtis Campbell

Dr. David B. Cohen FAOOS

Dr. Isaac Cohen 

Dr. John Daigneault

Dr. Jeffrey DeLott

Dr. Peter DeLuca

Dr. Richard Diana

Dr. Allen Ferrucci

Dr. Joseph Gagliardi

Dr. Gerard Girasole

Dr. Jordan Gruskay

Dr. John Kelley

Dr. Charles Kent

Dr. Jeffrey Klauser

Dr. Daniel Kline

Dr. John Marino

Dr. David Martin

Dr. Rowland Mayor

Dr. John McCallum

Dr. Philip Minotti

Dr. Thomas Moran

Dr. Stephen Nelson

Dr. Eric Padegimas

Dr. Rakesh Patel

Dr. Michael Redler

Dr. Alan Reznik FAOOS

Dr. Glenn Russo

Dr. Patrick Ruwe

Dr. Kristin Sandrowski

Dr. Aaron Schachter

Dr. James Spak 

Dr. Sanda Tomak

Dr. Tedd Weisman

Dr. Martin White

Dr. James Yue

 

 

 

Leading the state in excellence, innovation, and patient-centered orthopedic care

Connecticut Orthopaedics is proud to announce that we have been recognized as the #1 Top Orthopedic Group in Connecticut for the 2nd year in a row, with an unprecedented 40 physicians named to the 2026 Castle Connolly Top Doctors list.

This year’s recognition marks a remarkable milestone for our organization. In 2023, 17 of our physicians were honored as Castle Connolly Top Doctors. This year, that number has more than doubled — a powerful testament to the exceptional caliber of our specialists and their unwavering commitment to delivering outstanding patient care across the state. “This tremendous growth from 17 to 40 Top Doctors speaks volumes about the strength of our team and the trust our peers place in our physicians,” said Susan Bader, CEO. “Most importantly, it reflects our continued commitment to improving the lives of the patients and communities we serve.”

We are proud to have the most doctors named to Top Docs in Orthopaedics in Connecticut, further solidifying our position as the state’s leader in orthopedic excellence.

Leading Orthopedic Care in Connecticut

With multiple specialists across every orthopedic subspecialty — including sports medicine, joint replacement, spine, hand, shoulder, elbow, foot and ankle, trauma, and more — Connecticut Orthopaedics continues to set the standard for comprehensive musculoskeletal care throughout the region.

Being named the #1 Top Orthopaedic Group in Connecticut is not just an honor — it is a responsibility. We remain dedicated to raising the bar in clinical excellence, innovation, and patient experience.

Congratulations to our 40 Castle Connolly Top Doctors and thank you to our patients and peers for your continued trust.  Meet all of our Top Docs.

Connecticut Orthopaedics — Excellence in Motion.

What It Means to Be a Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Castle Connolly Top Doctors represent the top 7% of all practicing physicians in the United States. The distinction is especially meaningful because physicians are peer-nominated and undergo a rigorous vetting process conducted by a physician-led research team.

These best-in-class healthcare providers are recognized not only for clinical expertise, but also for their commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. Castle Connolly Top Doctors embody excellence in:

• Clinical outcomes and innovation

• Leadership within their specialty

• Interpersonal skills and patient communication

• Dedication to advancing quality care

 

HAMDEN, Conn. — Quinnipiac University Athletics and Connecticut Orthopaedics partnered for the third year in a row to benefit the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center (CCMC) on Friday, Feb. 6 during the Bobcats’ men’s ice hockey contest against Brown.

The teddy bear toss took place during the game’s second intermission, with all bears being donated to the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

Fans and employees were encouraged to bring new or recently purchased teddy bears to be thrown onto the M&T Bank Arena ice. They also had the chance to purchase a teddy to toss at the game, with 100% of proceeds being donated to CCMC.

“It’s an honor to once again support an initiative that spreads happiness and comfort to children when they need it most. A small gesture—like a teddy bear—can make a big difference in brightening a child’s day,” said Susan Bader, Connecticut Orthopaedics Chief Executive Officer. “We started this initiative in 2023 for two of our treasured colleagues whose son continues to bravely battle leukemia. Our hearts and best wishes go out to all families facing the difficult journey of caring for a sick child.”

The teddy bear toss collected over 500 bears and raised more than $1,400 for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

Connecticut Orthopaedics, the largest privately owned orthopedic practice in New England, is proud to announce the expansion of its daytime urgent care hours at two key locations, reinforcing its commitment to making expert orthopedic care more accessible when patients need it most.

Beginning January 5, urgent care services at the Trumbull location (888 White Plains Road) will be available 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and the Hamden location (2416 Whitney Avenue) will expand its daytime availability starting January 12, offering urgent care 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays. These expanded hours are designed to provide patients with greater flexibility and timely access to orthopedic specialists throughout the day.

Connecticut Orthopaedics’ urgent care centers treat a wide range of orthopedic conditions, including fractures, sprains, strains, and other musculoskeletal injuries—allowing patients to receive prompt, expert care without the long wait times or high costs often associated with emergency rooms.

“At Connecticut Orthopaedics, we understand how critical it is for patients to access orthopedic care quickly and conveniently,” said CEO Susan Bader. “With average emergency room wait times in Connecticut exceeding 3.5 hours, expanding our daytime hours allows us to better serve our communities and ensure patients receive high-quality care when it matters most.”

This expansion underscores Connecticut Orthopaedics’ patient-first approach and ongoing commitment to improving access to specialized orthopedic services across the region, while adapting to the evolving needs of the communities it serves.

For detailed information about urgent care hours or to find a location near you, visit the Connecticut Orthopaedics website or contact the office at 203-407-3500.