Alan M. Reznik, MD, FAAOS

Dr. Alan Reznik is Board-Certified in Orthopaedic Surgery, Arthroscopic Surgery, and Sports Medicine. He is the Chief Medical Officer here at Connecticut Orthopaedics. Dr. Reznik is recognized as one of “America’s Top Physicians” by Consumer’s Research Council of America and voted “Top Doc” in Connecticut Magazine (for more than 20 years) by his orthopaedic surgeon peers, physicians, nurses, and patients.  He has been the court physician for the US Tennis Open, and the team doctor for the New Haven Knights Professional Hockey Team. He is widely published with nearly 60 publications and 2 books, The Knee and Shoulder Handbook for All of Us and a book on the many causes of falls and fall prevention called I’ve Fallen and CAN get up! The second edition of the handbook was just published in 2022. He also has numerous patient education articles and videos on this web site. He has served the American Academy of Orthopaedics in many national leadership roles including the patient safety committee, the committee on quality and research, the communications cabinet as well as an editor for the AAOS Now news journal. He currently holds 8 patents including 5 on the advancement of arthroscopic surgery. Dr. Reznik enjoys treating injuries in recreation, collegiate, ‘working’ and competitive athletes of all ages, including pediatric sports injuries. Jaclyn A. Ryan, PA-C is Dr. Reznik’s physician’s assistant, she is a graduate of the Yale Physician Assistant Program. She works closely with him in providing the most up- to- date care in his Adult and Pediatric Sports Medicine Practice.

Primary Specialty

Additional Specialties

Schedule Appointment 
Hi. I’m Doctor Alan Reznick. I specialize in Sports Medicine at Connecticut Orthopaedics. I think the most important thing that I do when I interact with my patients is try very hard to be a good listener. It’s when you listen to your patients that gives them the opportunity to tell you what’s really wrong with them. It helps you make the best possible diagnosis. I can’t emphasize enough how often a patient will tell me something at the very end of an interview that is the key to getting them the best possible outcome. I enjoy coming to work every day. It’s really a pleasure to be able to tell someone good news like they don’t need surgery. At the same time when they do need surgery, it’s – it’s even better when I can help them get a good outcome.

Contact

For all general questions, prescription refills or to schedule an appointment, contact our office at:

Phone:
203.865.6784
Fax:
203.466.8533

Education and Training

  • M.D. Yale University School of Medicine
  • M.B.A. University of New Haven
  • Orthopaedic Fellow at the Nuffield Orthopedic Centre, Oxford University, England
  • Fellowship in Sports Medicine- University of California, San Diego
  • Orthopaedic Residency at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York
  • B.S. Columbia University School of Engineering

Board Certifications

  • American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
  • Subspecialty Board Certification in Sports Medicine
  • Arthroscopic Surgery

Hospital Affiliations

  • Connecticut Orthopaedics Surgical Center – Branford
  • Connecticut Orthopaedic Institute at MidState Medical Center
  • Connecticut Orthopaedic Surgery Center – Milford
  • Yale-New Haven Hospital
  • Yale-New Haven Hospital Saint Raphael Campus

Patient Education

Blood Clot Prevention

Common Knee Terms Used by your Doctor

Common Shoulder Terms Used by your Doctor

Dr. Reznik’s FAQ’s for Surgery

General Preoperative Instructions

Medications to Avoid 10 days before your Surgery

Shoulder

Shoulder Pain? (General Info)

Acromioclavicular Joint (AC Joint) Separations

Adhesive Capsulitis in Shoulder

Biceps Tendonitis

Broken Collarbone

Frozen Shoulder

Treatment for Shoulder Impingement Syndrome Chronic Rotator Cuff Tendonitis and AC Joint Pain

AC Joint Pain

Separated Shoulder

Shoulder Impingement (with Acromoplasty/Mumford Recovery Plan)

Knee

Knee: ACL Tear

Knee: Chondromalacia of Patella

Knee Cap (patella) Instability or Dislocations

Knee Ligament Injuries in Female Athletes

Knee: Osteochondritis Dissecans

Patellofemoral Problems

Tibial Plateau Fractures

Ligament Tears ACL / PCL / MCL / LCL

Meniscus Tears: Cartilage Tears in the Knee and How They are Treated

Patella Realignment (Lateral Release/MPFL/Tibial Tubricle Transfer with Recovery Plan)

Tibial Plateau Fractures – Surgical Repair

Layman's Guide to Common Knee Problems

Surgical Instructions

Knee

Micro-Fracture/ Cartilage Grafting

Knee Arthroscopy - General

Cartilage Defects & Osteochondritis Dissecans Surgical Repair and Post-Op Instructions

Ligament Tears ACL / PCL / MCL / LCL

Patella-Femoral Pain, Chondromalacia Patella - Arthroscopic Lateral Release

Patella Realignment (Lateral Release/MPFL/Tibial Tubricle Transfer with Recovery Plan)

PCL Injuries

Torn Meniscus – Partial Meniscectomy and Post Op Instructions

Torn Meniscus – Repair and Post Op Instructions

Surgery Discharge Instructions

Shoulder

Shoulder Arthroscopy - General

AC Joint Reconstruction and Post Op Instructions

Acromioclavicular Joint (AC Joint) (Actual surgical ligament reconstruction photos)

Acromioplasty/ Mumford Procedure Recovery Plan (Post-Op Tips for a Better Recovery)

Bankhart Lesion Repair & Post-Op Instructions

Biceps Repair Surgery (Ruptures, Tears, Subluxation,Tenodesis, Tenotomy)

Capsular Shift for Dislocating of Unstable Shoulder

Clavicle Fractures – Indications for Operative Treatment

Frozen Shoulder- Treatment Options (Conservative: Surgical) with Post Op Surgical Instructions with Recovery Plan

Labrum Tear Torn Cartilage in the Shoulder and Recovery Plan

Rotator Cuff Repair

Tibial Plateau Fractures - Surgical Repair

Surgery Discharge Instructions

Office Locations

Testimonials

Articles by Alan M. Reznik, MD, FAAOS

Why Do We Have Pain? 

Feeling pain makes you pull your hand off a hot pot before a bad burn. It can also make you put your gloves back on in the cold or come in from the cold to prevent frostbite. It also tells you when you have cut yourself, broken bones or eaten something you should have not eaten. We never forget these events because they “hurt!”

Torn Meniscus – Repair and Post Op Instructions 

Meniscal tears can occur in any age group.

Tibial Plateau Fractures – Surgical Repair 

There are many types of tibial plateau fractures.

View all articles by Alan M. Reznik, MD, FAAOS

Alan M. Reznik's Videos

Surgical videos contain actual surgery footage. Viewer discretion advised.

Conditions and Treatments

Conditions of the Shoulder

Conditions of the Knee

Conditions of the Elbow

Other Conditions

Full Biography

Dr. Alan Reznik is Board-Certified in Orthopaedic Surgery, Arthroscopic Surgery, and Sports Medicine. Dr. Reznik received his B.S. degree from Columbia University’s School of Engineering. He attended the Yale University School of Medicine where he graduated with his medical degree, completed his residency in Orthopaedics at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in NYC, and a visiting Fellowship in England at Oxford University at the renowned Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre. He went on to complete a Sports Medicine Fellowship at University of California, San Diego. He is the author of two books, “The Knee and Shoulder Handbook for All of Us,” a patient guide to shoulder and knee problems, diagnosis and treatment. This book was awarded 1st place by the Connecticut Press Club in the Nonfiction Book for Adult Readers Category in 2021. Dr. Reznik authored a second book, “I Have Fallen and I Can Get Up,” that explains the reasons we fall and how to prevent those falls. It has a fall risk check list and a guide to how to make your home safe for everyone. He hopes these books will help all patients live better, healthier, active lives with less injuries. Most importantly, if they do get hurt by a fall, sports participation, or other injury then they will know what to do next. Both books are available on Lulu.com. In June of 2022, he was honored with an award for Teaching Excellence by the Quinnipiac Frank H. Netter, MD, School Of Medicine. Dr. Reznik has served as Court Physician at the US Open Tennis Tournament, served on the 1995 Special Olympics Games Organizing Committee, and was privileged to be the Team Physician for the New Haven Knights Professional Hockey Team. When off, he writes for the Academy of Orthopaedics surgeons, plays golf, paddle boards, kayaks, and bikes. When working, he enjoys working with and treating. competitive, recreational, weekend and ‘working’ athletes of ages.

Awards

  • Awarded for Teaching Excellence by the Quinnipiac Frank H. Netter, MD, School Of Medicine in June 2022
  • Awarded 1st place 2021 Nonfiction Book for Adult Readers Category for “The Knee and Shoulder Handbook for All of Us” by the Connecticut Press Club in June 2022.
  • Castle Connolly Top Doctor- 2019, 2025
  • Voted “Top Docs” in Connecticut Magazine (for over 20 years)
  • Consumer’s Guide: Top Doctors in the US
  • Tau Beta Pi, Engineering Honor Society
  • Yale Orthopaedic Teaching Award
  • AAOS Continuing Education Award
  • Founding Member Yale New Haven Hospital Level One Orthopaedic Trauma Panel

Research and Publications

Books:

  • “I have Fallen and I CAN Get Up!” Alan M Reznik MD MBA 2012
  • “A Knee and Shoulder Handbook For All Of Us,” Alan M. Reznik, MD MBA and Jane Y. Reznik   2010
Public Service Publications:
  • Reznik, AM: AAOS Nation in Motion: “What to tell your MD and Why to help reduce your risks of complications during surgery.” August 2018 An ABCD check list for patients and risk prevention.
  • Reznik, AM. Silverman, L: AAOS Nation in Motion: “Important Conversations before a Fall” Sept 2018 – Insights on fall prevention for neighbors, friends, and family.
  • Reznik, AM.: AAOS Nation in Motion: “Survival Genes and You,” Sept 2017- Why the biggest losers regain all their weight- it’s in the survival genes
  • Reznik, AM.: AAOS Nation in Motion: “How Mother Nature Helps us Heal,” Sept 2016- Why do we have pain and what is it for? The reason using opioids alone is not the best way to treat pain.
  • Reznik, AM.: AAOS Ortho Info: Video on Meniscus surgery, March 2016 – Why all knee scopes are not the same and why your healing time maybe different.
Publications & Presentations:
  • Reznik, AM: A Test Drive of ChatGPT and Generative AI in orthopaedics. AAOS Now, May 2023
  • Reznik, AM: ChatGPT is the next step in Artificial Intelligence. AAOS Now, Marh-April 2023
  • Anighoro, K, Reznik, AM: Tranexamic Acid: A Paradigm Shift in Total Joint Care. AAOS Now, Oct 2022
  • Reznik, AM, Barton, RS: Modern Surgical Education and Primum Non Nocere. AAOS Now, July 2022 Acquarulo, B, Reznik, AM: Breaking Bad: A Practical Guide for Communicating Bad News. AAOS Now, May 2022
  • Corbett, N, Reznik, AM: Operative Treatment of Charcot Foot with ‘Super-Constructs’ has Evolved. AAOS Now, April 2022
  • Weisberg, M, Reznik, AM: Biceps Tenotomy and Tenodesis Can be Address by a variety of Surgical Approaches. AAOS Now, Mar 2022
  • Corbett, N, Reznik, AM: Decision making in Treatment of Charcot Foot and Ankle. AAOS Now, March 2022
  • Reznik, AM: Korean Orthopaedics association President Hee Joong Kim, MD, Discusses Orthopaedic Trends from South Korea. AAOS Now, February 2022
  • Weisberg, M, Reznik, AM: Put the Flex back in Flexing: The Best Treatment of Biceps Tendonitis. AAOS Now, Feb 2022
  • Reznik AM; Medical Ethics and AI, 10th International Conference on Ethics Issues in Biology, Engineering and Medicine Nov 2021
  • Reznik, AM: The Orthopaedic CMO Role during the pandemic and beyond. AAOS Now, Nov 2021
  • Nelson, F RT, Reznik AM: Basic Science and Meniscus: Where are we now? AAOS Now, Oct 2021
  • Nelson, F RT, Reznik AM: It Is Time for Spine Surgeons to ‘Own the Bone.’ AAOS Now, April 2021
  • Cole AA, Photos by Reznik, AM: Avoid patient Harm by Improving Patient positioning for Surgery. AAOS Now, February 2021
  • Qaiyumi, Z, Reznik AM: Do Not Overlook Alternative Causes of Foot Drop. AAOS Now, January 2021
  • Reznik AM, Nelson, F RT: Ethics in Artificial Intelligence: The Hidden Dangers. Ethics in Biology, Engineering and Medicine. – An International Journal, 11(1):75-80 (2020)
  • Nelson, F RT, Reznik AM: Most Orthopaedic surgeons has a screw loose. How Screws loosen in bone? AAOS Now, July 2020
  • Reznik, AM: Explainable AI: “How Do We Know What AI Is ‘Thinking?’ AAOS Now, June 2020
  • Samora, JB, Fitzgerald (Reznik interview): Orthopaedic Surgeons Weigh In on eSports and Gaming-related Musculoskeletal Injuries. AAOS Now, June 2020
  • Petit, L, Reznik, AM: “The ‘Root’ of All Evil: Mounting Evidence Supports Fixing Root Tears.” AAOS Now, April 2020.
  • Reznik, AM: “Facing Problem, not the terminology; ‘lateral violence’ AAOS Now, March 2020.
  • Reznik, AM: “Evolution Versus Revolution in Artificial Intelligence: Why the Distinction?” An exploration into the differences between shallow and deep AI AAOS Now, December 2019.
  • Reznik, AM: “A Top-down Approach Is Needed to Address Lateral Violence Among Residents.” AAOS Now, October 2019
  • Reznik, AM: “Long Hours, Insulated Specialties Result in Lateral Violence in Residence.” AAOS Now, Sept 2019
  • Reznik, AM: “Applying the Four basic Principles of Medical Ethics to Artificial Intelligence.” AAOS Now, July 2019
  • Cravez,E, Reznik, AM: “Advances in Imaging and Treatments Mitigate Long term Effects of Frostbite,” AAOSnow April 2019.
  • Reznik, AM: “Surgical Risk Reduction and Medical Malpractice, SRR Tool Kit” CMIC Lecture 3/20/2019
  • Cravez,E, Reznik, AM: “Prevention, Early Treatment Is critical when Treating Frostbite Injuries,” AAOSnow March 2019.
  • Reznik,AM, Urish,K : “Natural Language Processing Provides Foundation for AI in medical Diagnosis,” AAOSnow March 2019.
  • Ring, DC, Marks, MR, Burney DW, Jimenez, RL, Reznik, AM; Pinzur,MS, Lightdale-Miric, NR: “AAOS Patient Safety Committee Considers Ways to Avoid Harm Through Innovations in Quality and Safety.” AAOSnow, March 2019
  • Bolye,K, Reznik, AM, Pinzur, MS: “AAOS Strives to Reduce Surgical Risks with New on Line Tool Kit,” AAOSnow, February 2019
  • Urish, K, Reznik, AM: “How Would a Computer Diagnose Arthritis on a Radiograph.” AAOSnow December 2018.
  • Reznik, AM: “Kevin Shea, MD, and Jayson Murray, MA, Shed Light on Appropriate Use Criteria.” AAOSnow November 2018
  • Reznik, AM, Urish, K: “Understanding the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Orthopedic Surgery.” AAOSnow September 2018.
  • Duck, H.L., Reznik, A.M. “Debate: Are Ultrasounds Necessary for Routine Knee and shoulder injections in the office?” PRO-CON article, AAOSnow July 2018
  • Ring, DCMD, Marks, MR, Burney DW, Jimenez,RL, Reznik, AM; Pinzur,MS, Lightdale-Miric, NR: “Putting Yourself in Your Patient’s Place.” AAOSnow, September 2017
  • Reznik, AM Bolye, K, Pinzur, MS: “Surgical Risk Reduction Tool Kit For AAOS,” January 2018
  • Ring, DCMD, Marks, MR, Burney DW, Jimenez,RL, Reznik, AM; Pinzur,MS, Lightdale-Miric, NR: “New Habits Can Better Serve Patients.” AAOSnow, July 2017
  • Reznik. A.M; Disputant, “Medicaid Patients Are Less Successful When Scheduling Appointments Under the Affordable Care Act: A Meta-Analysis of Appointment Accessibility Audit Studies.” Daniel Wiznia, MD. Yale University Department of Orthopedics Disputations June 2017
  • Ring, DCMD, Marks, MR, Burney DW, Jimenez, RL, Reznik, AM; Pinzur, MS, Lightdale-Miric, NR: “Issues of Appropriateness and Patient Safety.” AAOSnow, May 2017
  • Reznik, A.M. Arthroscopy Association of North America Instructional Course lecture 2014: “Advancing Your Idea” (How to get your surgical inventions to market)
  • Reznik. A.M.; Disputant, “The effect of NSAIDs on Glenoid Labrum Healing in a Rat Model of anterior Shoulder dislocation.” Yale University Department of Orthopedics Disputations 2014
  • Reznik, A.M: I Have Fallen, and I Can Get Up. LULU Press 2012. CT Press Club Award: First Prize Educational Book 2013.
  • Reznik A.M., Reznik, J.Y.: The Knee and Shoulder Handbook for all of Us. LULU Press 2010. CT Press Club Award: First Prize Instructional Book 2011.
  • Reznik. A.M.; Disputant, “The Distal Triceps Tendon Footprint and a Biomechanical Analysis of Three Repair Techniques” by Peter Yeh, MD. A Cadaveric Anatomic Study and Biomechanical testing of Three suture and anchor methods of Triceps Repair. Yale University Department of Orthopedics Disputations
  • Reznik, AM; The Business aspects of Medicine as it is practiced in other countries. A comparison of care, expectations, and costs; how it affects service levels and satisfaction. Quinnipiac University Business School, Guest professor 2003-2008:
  • Kevin P. Shea, Louis McIntyre, Douglas Blatz, Alan Reznik, Robin Leger: Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair using Ultrasonic Suture Welding: a prospective, multi-center study. AANA Meeting April 2006 Hollywood, Fl.
  • Reznik, A. M.: Hurricane Medicine, Report on the treatment and status of a Displaced Population after Hurricanes in the Gulf Coast. New Haven Medical Society Meeting, November 2005
  • Reznik, A. M.: Lecturer: International Aspects of Business and Medicine. Quinnipiac Un., 1997-2003
  • Reznik, A.M., Sembler, R., Novak,A.: Outcome and Cost effectiveness of patient Controlled Analgesia in ACL Reconstruction. Hospital of Saint Raphael, 1997
  • Phillips, P., Reznik, A.M., Daignault, J.: Arthroscopic vs. Open Surgical Shoulder Stabilization in patients with traumatic Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Instability and a Documented Bankart Lesion. Proceedings of Arthroscopy Association of North America 15th Annual meeting, Washington, DC 1996
  • Ryan, J., Reznik, A.M.: Open vs. Arthroscopic Acromioplasty. Physician Assistant Journal, May 1994.
  • Reznik, A.M., Davis, J.L., Daniel, D.M.: Optimizing Interference Fixation For Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. Proceedings of the 36th Annual Meeting, Orthopaedic Research Society, February, 1990
  • Reznik, A.M., Davis, J.L., Daniel, D.M.: Experimental Evaluation of Pin Design and Configuration for Soft Tissue Fixation to Bone. Proceedings of the 36th Annual Meeting, Orthopaedic Research Society, Feb. 1990
  • Reznik, A.M., Daniel, D. M.: ACL Graft Placement, Tensioning and Fixation: Part 1. Surgical Rounds for Orthopaedics, August 1990
  • Reznik, A.M., Daniel, D.M.: ACL Graft Placement, Tensioning and Fixation: Part II. Surgical Rounds for Orthopaedics, September 1990
  • Sachs, R.A., Reznik, A.M., Daniel, D.M., Stone, M.L.: Complications of Knee Ligament Surgery. Knee Ligaments Structure, Function, Injury, and Repair, Raven Press, New York 1990
  • Mont, M.A., Reznik, A.M., Sedlin, E.: Radial Head Fractures: Factors Important for Treatment and Prognosis. Presentation, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, February 1989
  • Reznik, A.M.: Discussant for presentation on Collagen-Based Synthetic Ligaments, New York Academy of Medicine, Orthopaedic Section Annual Meeting, May 1988.
  • Reznik, A.M., Mont, M.A., Tenceiro, R., Pilla, A.A., Siffert, R.S.: The Effect of Differences in Osteotomy Method on Bone Healing. Presentation, Orthopaedic Research Society Annual Meeting, San Francisco, California, January 1987.
  • Reznik, A.M. Intracapsular Hip Fractures: A Clinical Review M.D. Thesis, Yale University School of Medicine, 1983.
  • Epstein, M.A.F., Reznik, A.M., Epstein, R.A.: Determinants of Distortions in CO2 Catheter Sampling Systems: A Mathematical Model. Respiration Physiology (41, 127-136), 1980.
  • Reznik, A.M., Epstein, M.A.F., Epstein, R.A.: CO2 Catheter Sampling Systems Evaluation of Distortions. Presentation: American Academy of Anesthesiologists, Annual Meeting. 1979

Appointments

  • Chief Medical Officer of Connecticut Orthopaedics
  • Board of Directors at Ezra Academy and the Jewish Federation
  • Arthroscopy Association of North America
  • The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Communications Cabinet
  • AAOS – The National Patient Safety Committee
  • Appointed to serve on the Council on Research and Quality as the Communications Cabinet liason. His appointment is a two-year term and begins March 12, 2018 concluding at the close of the Annual Meeting in 2020.

Patents and Inventions

Inventions- Current Patents

  • Patent # 8,568,308- Customizable, Self-holding, space retracting, Arthroscopic /Endoscopic Cannula System (device)
  • Patent # 8,517,934- Customizable, Self-holding, space retracting, Arthroscopic /Endoscopic Cannula System (method)
  • Patent # 8,326,862- Systems and methods for facilitating enhancements to search engine results
  • Patent # 8,075,520- Arthroscopic fluid control device and method for controlling fluid flow in Arthroscopic procedures
  • Patent # 7,785,287- Arthroscopic fluid control device
  • Patent # 7,569,024- Shoulder holder for arm surgery (Manufacturing License and produced by IMP)
Other Inventions:
  • Grasper Grabber (Licensed to JNJ and produced by TAG manufacturing)
  • Phase Four Gel Splint for shoulder holder (Patent applied for: produced by IMP medical)
  • Non-Linear suture anchor: device, system and methods
  • Electronic Library effect

Media

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