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 41 physicians named to the 2026 Castle Connolly Top Doctors list.
Meet all of our Top Docs
Dr. Stephanie Arlis-Mayor FAAP
Dr. John Beiner FAOOS, EMT, DMT
Dr. Richard Diana
Dr. John Marino
Dr. Rowland Mayor
Dr. Patrick Ruwe
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 41 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 41 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.
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 41 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.
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.
If your physician has referred you to physical therapy, you may be wondering what to expect, especially if it’s your first time or it has been a while since your last visit. At Connecticut Orthopaedics, our goal is to make your experience as comfortable and productive as possible. Here is what you can anticipate when you begin physical therapy with us.
According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), physical therapy is “treatment provided by a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant that helps people improve their movement and physical function, manage pain and other chronic conditions, and recover from and prevent injury and chronic disease.”
At Connecticut Orthopaedics, our licensed physical therapists and team members are here to help you regain strength, restore mobility, and return to the activities you love.
Front Desk Staff
Our front desk team will welcome you, check you in, and assist with any required paperwork or insurance information. They’ll also help schedule your appointments to best fit your needs.
Physical Therapists (PTs)
Your physical therapist will complete your initial evaluation and guide your care plan. They’ll perform assessments, lead your treatment sessions, and monitor your progress throughout your recovery.
Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs)
PTAs work closely with your physical therapist to help carry out your treatment plan once your initial evaluation is complete.
Physical Therapy Aides
Our aides support PTs and PTAs with patient care and clinic operations, from preparing equipment and treatment areas to assisting with exercises and modalities like heat or cold packs. Many physical therapy aides are pursuing healthcare careers in PT and bring a strong understanding of the patient experience.
During your first appointment, your physical therapist will spend time getting to know you and understanding your goals.
History of Condition
If you’re being treated by a Connecticut Orthopaedics physician, your therapist already has access to their notes to ensure a coordinated approach to your care. Hearing your story firsthand, however, helps us gain a full picture of your injury, symptoms, and experience. We’ll discuss when your pain or injury began, how it occurred, what treatments you’ve already tried, and how you’ve been managing your symptoms.
Current and Prior Function
We’ll ask about your daily activities and the movements you find challenging like climbing stairs to playing your favorite sport. We’ll also discuss your prior activity level to tailor your therapy program to your specific needs and goals.
Home and Work Environment
Understanding your living and working situation helps us anticipate challenges and design a program that supports your lifestyle. For instance, we will want to know if you live alone, have stairs at home, or perform physical work duties such as lifting or standing for long periods.
Medical History and Pain Levels
We’ll review your medical background, medications, and any previous injuries to ensure your treatment plan is safe and effective. You’ll describe your pain and its intensity, location, and what makes it better or worse to help us track your progress accurately.
Measurements and Assessment
Your therapist will evaluate your range of motion (ROM) and strength of the affected body area, always working within your limitations. This includes evaluating your active range of motion (AROM – how much you can move the area in a certain direction yourself), passive range of motion (PROM – how much we can move the joint in a certain direction with you relaxed) and strength testing (how much you can move the area against gravity or in a gravity eliminated position, and/or applying manual resistance to determine how much you can resist against our push). Our top priority is your safety and comfort during this process, especially navigating recent surgeries that you may have had.
Once your evaluation is complete, your PT will review the findings, explain your condition, and discuss what to expect in your upcoming physical therapy treatment. They will also provide suggestions on steps to recovery such as precautions, body mechanics, and surgical protocols if applicable.
At your second appointment, you’ll begin your full treatment sessions. You will start with a warmup which can include a moist heat pack if you have recently had surgery or an injury, or light activity on equipment such as a bike or treadmill. After the warmup, you will complete manual therapy techniques and exercises designed to restore strength and mobility. Your program will evolve as you recover, and your home exercises will be updated regularly.
Your recovery extends beyond your clinic visits. Your therapist will provide a customized home exercise program to help you maintain progress between sessions. You’ll receive printed instructions, demonstrations if needed, and access to our smartphone app with video demonstrations you can watch at home.
Throughout your physical therapy treatment, your progress is continuously monitored. Formal reassessments will occur periodically when needed. Reassessments can take place when there’s a significant change in your condition, when insurance authorization is needed, or after a lapse in care. We will ask about your pain, difficulties you still encounter throughout your day, what you’re doing better with, and how you feel you are doing overall. These reviews help ensure your treatment plan remains effective and appropriate.
You and your PT and PTA will discuss when it’s appropriate to complete formal physical therapy. This can happen when your goals have been met, your doctor recommends discontinuation, you feel confident continuing the exercises on your own at home, or if you have maximized your health insurance benefits. Before discharge, we’ll take final measurements, review your progress, and provide an updated home exercise plan so you can maintain your results.
Because our physical therapists and physicians share the same medical record system, your care is fully coordinated across our team. We communicate regularly to ensure you receive consistent, informed, and high-quality treatment every step of the way.
At Connecticut Orthopaedics, our goal is to guide you confidently through your recovery. It is our commitment to ease your concerns, answer your questions, and help you get back to what moves you.
Two student athletes – Abby Crowder (North Haven HS) and Michael Loomis (Branford) – are the recipients of the 2025 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 2024-2025 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 15th 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 support of the SCC and these 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.”
2024-25 SCC/Connecticut Orthopaedics Comeback Players of the Year
ABBY CROWDER, NORTH HAVEN (cheerleading)
A captain for the Nighthawks’ competitive cheerleading squad, Abby suffered a few injuries (concussion, sprained wrist, severe foot bruises and broken hand) that prohibited her from competing.
Despite the unexpected injuries, she showed leadership and positive perseverance to return to the team and help the team to the overall state title.
An outstanding student and leader, Abby will attend Quinnipiac University in the fall and major in health sciences.
MICHAEL LOOMIS, BRANFORD (ice hockey, golf)
A four-year varsity letterwinner for Branford ice hockey team, and a two-year standout on the golf course, Michael suffered an ACL knee injury early in his scholastic career. Through his hard work and dedication, he returned to the ice. A co-captain during his senior season, Michael led the Hornets in scoring on the way to him earning All-SCC and All-State accolades.
An outstanding student who was a member of the National Honor Society, Michael will attend Fairfield University and major in business management.
ABOUT THE SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE
The 2024-25 academic year marks the 31st 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 https://link.edgepilot.com/s/a9460b93/UCEiqvj6v0SuD_MHwHaNIw?u=http://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 12 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 the 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 orthopaedic services designed to accommodate your every need. To learn more, visit ct-ortho.com
Connecticut Orthopaedics is excited to welcome foot and ankle specialist John F. Dankert, M.D., Ph.D.! Dr. Dankert is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon who brings exceptional expertise in foot and ankle care, with a particular focus on total ankle replacement, trauma, reconstruction, and sports medicine.
Dr. Dankert is committed to partnering with each patient to develop personalized, evidence-based treatment plans, whether that means non-operative care or surgical intervention. His goal is to help you safely and confidently return to your active lifestyle.
Dr. Dankert earned both his M.D. and Ph.D. before completing his orthopaedic surgery residency at NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital. He went on to complete fellowship training in advanced foot and ankle surgery at Duke University, working alongside leaders in the field.
With over 40 peer-reviewed publications and extensive research experience, Dr. Dankert is passionate about advancing orthopaedic care through innovation and clinical excellence.
Please join us in giving Dr. Dankert a warm welcome to Connecticut Orthopaedics, we’re excited for the expertise and compassionate care he brings to our community!
Dr. Dankert is currently accepting new patients at the following locations: