UR Medicine Orthopaedics & Physical Performance

11/11/2025

Today, we honor and express our deepest gratitude to all veterans for their service and sacrifice. We are proud to work alongside veterans and care for those who have served. Your dedication inspires us to be 'Ever Better.' Thank you for your courage and commitment.

11/06/2025

We are thrilled to celebrate Dr. Hardan's remarkable achievement at Noyes Hospital! 👏 He recently performed a rare and highly specialized Anterior Approach-Bilateral Robotic Hip Replacement, replacing both hips in a single, robot-assisted procedure. This innovative surgery offers patients improved mobility, less pain, and a faster recovery—truly life-changing. Dr. Hardan’s expertise as a fellowship-trained Hip and Knee Replacement Surgeon, combined with Noyes Hospital’s commitment to advanced technology, showcases the incredible strides in healthcare right here in our community.
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Remarkable Milestone at Noyes Health!

We are proud to share that Dr. Hardan recently performed Anterior Approach- Bilateral Robotic hip replacement at Noyes Hospital; a rare and highly specialized procedure, performed by only a limited number of expertly trained surgeons and hospitals across the country.

Dr. Hardan is a highly specialized, fellowship trained Hip and knee Replacement Surgeon. His main practice is Hip and knee primary and complex Joint reconstruction.

This advanced surgery means that both hips were replaced in a single, robot-assisted procedure. For the patient, it’s truly life-changing- offering improved mobility, less pain, and a faster return to everyday activities. What once might have taken multiple surgeries and long recovery times is now possible in one precise, innovative operation.

This achievement highlights not only Dr. Hardan’s expertise but also the commitment of Noyes Hospital to bringing advanced technology and exceptional care close to home. It’s a testament to how healthcare continues to evolve and how those advancements are transforming lives right here in our community.

11/05/2025

Big news! The Orthopaedics & Physical Performance Center has been named one of Becker’s Hospital Review’s 100 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Orthopedic Programs for 2025! 🏆
This recognition highlights our team’s commitment to world-class care, groundbreaking research, and helping our community move, heal, and perform their best — right here in Rochester.

11/04/2025

⭐Congratulations to our Athletic Trainer of the Month: Kyle Dacey!⭐
We’re excited to continue our monthly tradition of celebrating the outstanding athletic trainers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our athletes performing at their best. 💪

This November, we’re proud to spotlight Kyle Dacey, whose commitment, expertise, and passion make a significant impact on the teams he supports. Kyle shared insights about his journey as an athletic trainer, including how long he’s been in the field, his favorite part of the job, and the school he currently covers. 🏆

Plus, here’s a fun fact: Kyle is dedicated to fostering dogs, adding even more heart to his incredible work! 🐾

Let’s take a moment to celebrate Kyle and all the amazing athletic trainers who go above and beyond to support our athletes. Thank you for everything you do! 🙌

11/04/2025

Exciting news!✨ Dr. Akoto is now seeing patients at the Canandaigua Commons clinic and is accepting new patient referrals. Dr. Akoto specializes in the treatment of diverse and complex spinal pathologies, including degenerative conditions, spinal trauma, and spinal deformity. With expertise in minimally invasive techniques, computer-assisted navigation, and robotic surgery, he offers personalized care tailored to each patient’s needs. Dr. Akoto is committed to providing long-term improvement, often maximizing non-surgical options before considering surgical treatments.
Visit Dr. Akoto's webpage for more information: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/people/112364036-alexander-akoto
Schedule your appointment today! ☎ Call (585) 275 - 5321.

11/03/2025

Looking for a healthy twist after a candy-filled weekend? 🍂🎃 Check out Holly Gilligan's Halloween/Fall treat recipes—perfect for kids after school or sports practice! These fun and festive snacks are a great alternative to all that sugar. 🥕🍎✨

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10/31/2025

Orthopaedics is humerus-ly ready for Halloween! 🎃🦴

Our Ortho Clinical Research Team brought all the emotions to life with their creative Inside Out costumes. Meanwhile, the Ambulatory Nurses celebrated Halloween in style with a festive Spirit Week! From fun themes like Crazy Sock Day and Where’s Waldo Day to dressing up for Twin Day, the nurses had a blast showcasing their Halloween spirit.

Twin Day was especially memorable, with many choosing to twin with Dr. Ketz—naturally! We also saw some unique and meaningful pairings, like the Breast Cancer Awareness twins and the Skeleton Squad. 💀💪

Wishing everyone a fun, safe, and spook-tacular Halloween! 🎃👻

10/30/2025

🎃🍬 Halloween kicks off a season full of delicious celebrations! From sugary sweets to carb-loaded Thanksgiving feasts, savory Christmas spreads, endless holiday party appetizers, and a boozy New Year’s Eve, it’s easy to indulge.

Registered dietician Holly Gilligan from is here to help you find balance this holiday season! Starting with this weekend’s candy craze at work and school, Holly reminds us that those mini treats can really add up. 🍫✨

Click this link to read Spectrum's piece on Holly's healthier habits for Halloween:
https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/rochester/CTV/2025/10/29/tips-for-mindful-eating-just-in-time-for-the-holidays

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10/20/2025

🍂As the weather gets cooler and we start losing sun exposure in Upstate NY, it is vital for us to be conscious of our vitamin intake. Calcium and Vitamin D work hand in hand to keep our bones strong and healthy. 💪 Read all about the importance of Vitamin D in the fall and wintertime, and the easy ways you can find sources of Vitamin D without the sun, in this Healthy Living blogpost: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/publications/health-matters/vitamin-d-bone-health

Have questions or concerns about your vitamin intake? 🍊 Our favorite registered dietician, Holly Gilligan, MA RD CDN, offers a personalized nutrition program to help you stay healthy year-round! Visit the Fitness Science page to learn more about her programs and schedule a session: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/fitness-science/health/nutrition

Two key nutrients—calcium and vitamin D—work together to keep bones strong. Without enough of either, bones become weaker and more prone to breaks. But how much calcium do you need?

10/17/2025

We are delighted to congratulate Susan McDowell, M.D., on her induction as a Fellow of the American Orthopaedic Association during its 138th Annual Leadership Meeting. This distinguished honor highlights Dr. McDowell's exceptional leadership and remarkable contributions to the orthopaedic specialty. Induction into the AOA is a rigorous, peer-reviewed process, with nominees selected by their peers for their dedication to advancing orthopaedic care. With fewer than 10% of practicing orthopaedic surgeons achieving AOA membership, this milestone is a testament to Dr. McDowell's excellence and commitment to the field. We are proud to celebrate her outstanding achievement.

10/16/2025

Congratulations to Sandeep Mannava, M.D., PH.D. for being inducted as a Fellow of the American Orthopaedic Association at its 138th Annual Leadership Meeting. Inductees are nominated by their peers within the AOA for their exceptional leadership and accomplishments in the orthopaedic specialty. Membership in The American Orthopaedic Association is an earned membership that comes at the end of a stringent peer-reviewed process. With fewer than 10% of practicing orthopaedic surgeons achieving AOA Membership, this is a remarkable milestone. We are proud to celebrate Dr. Mannava's dedication and excellence in advancing orthopaedic care.

10/07/2025

We are delighted to share the exciting news that Varun Puvanesarajah, M.D. has been honored with a prestigious traveling fellowship! ✈ Over the next month, he will embark on a remarkable journey to more than 10 esteemed institutions along the West Coast, including UCSF, UCLA, and Stanford. During this fellowship, Dr. Puvanesarajah will share his expertise, collaborate with leading physicians, and engage with scholars to explore groundbreaking advancements and innovations shaping the future of spine surgery. We eagerly anticipate the fresh perspectives and invaluable skills he will bring back to our team. Congratulations, Dr. Puvanesarajah, on this incredible achievement!👏