Alexander Orthopaedic Associates

Alexander Orthopaedic Associates Since 2002, Alexander Orthopaedics provides best-in-class orthopedic care so you can keep moving. With locations in St. Alexander, M.D.

Pete, Largo, Sarasota, Palm Harbor, & Trinity. Alexander Orthopaedic Associates (AOA) was founded in 2002, by Vladimir A. Since that time we have developed and grown into the premier sub-specialty orthopedic practice in the Largo, St. Petersburg, Trinity, and Palm Harbor regions. Our practice continues to evolve so we can offer our patients the latest in cutting-edge technology and new advances in

orthopedic surgery and care. We are dedicated to providing excellence in orthopedic and musculoskeletal care in a patient-friendly, service-oriented environment.

Stacey X. recently shared her experience with Dr. Vizzi and the Alexander Orthopaedics team. She noted of her procedure:...
04/22/2026

Stacey X. recently shared her experience with Dr. Vizzi and the Alexander Orthopaedics team. She noted of her procedure: "It can be scary whenever finding out you need some kind of procedure or something. Dr. Vizzi was amazing from start to finish. They made me feel comfortable and secure prepping for my surgery and afterwards. AO office staff is friendly welcoming, and very efficient. My shoulder is feeling a whole lot better. Thank you so much and I will always recommend Alexander Orthopaedics!"

Modern joint replacement surgery has evolved significantly, and today’s technology allows surgeons to achieve a level of...
04/18/2026

Modern joint replacement surgery has evolved significantly, and today’s technology allows surgeons to achieve a level of precision that was not possible in the past. Patients benefit from techniques that help align the new joint more accurately with their natural anatomy, which supports smoother movement and better long-term function.

Our approach focuses on minimizing trauma to the surrounding muscles and soft tissues. This matters because the less disruption that occurs during surgery, the easier it is for the body to recover afterward. Many patients notice that they experience less post-operative pain and feel more confident returning to daily activities sooner than they expected.

Advanced imaging, improved surgical instruments, and refined minimally invasive methods all contribute to a more predictable recovery. These innovations allow us to tailor each procedure to the individual patient, which leads to a joint that feels more natural and performs more reliably over time. Our goal is to help every patient regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and return to the lifestyle they love.

Dr. James Cottom is a nationally recognized, fellowship‑trained foot and ankle surgeon with advanced expertise in trauma...
04/13/2026

Dr. James Cottom is a nationally recognized, fellowship‑trained foot and ankle surgeon with advanced expertise in trauma, reconstructive surgery, and total ankle replacement. He completed his surgical residency at the Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University and went on to train at some of the most prestigious orthopedic programs in the world—including the Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center in Columbus, Ohio, and AO International in Seattle.

Dr. Cottom is the only orthopedic fellowship‑trained foot and ankle surgeon in the region trained on all 10 FDA‑approved total ankle replacement systems. He treats everything from complex deformities and sports injuries to pediatric conditions and minimally invasive procedures.

With more than 75 peer‑reviewed publications and extensive national and international teaching experience, Dr. Cottom is dedicated to advancing the field—and delivering exceptional, personalized care to every patient he sees.

We're thrilled to welcome him to our practice! He will be seeing patients exclusively at our Sarasota office.

Recovery from a hip replacement is all about following a steady, structured plan. In the first couple of weeks, the focu...
04/09/2026

Recovery from a hip replacement is all about following a steady, structured plan. In the first couple of weeks, the focus is simple: keep the incision clean and start moving safely with a walker or crutches.

By weeks 3 to 6, most people feel confident enough to switch to a cane and start getting more of their independence back as the new joint settles in.

From months 2 through 4, the goal shifts to rebuilding strength and endurance. This is when many patients return to low‑impact activities like walking, cycling, or swimming. A thoughtful recovery plan makes all the difference in how strong and stable your hip feels long‑term.

Cheryl L. visited our office after a frustrating experience where another orthopedic provider dismissed her concerns. Dr...
04/05/2026

Cheryl L. visited our office after a frustrating experience where another orthopedic provider dismissed her concerns. Dr. Penello listened to her history and performed a thorough examination to identify the source of her wrist pain.

We diagnosed a TFCC tear, and Cheryl shared: "Dr. Penello listened to everything I said and actually did an exam to identify my wrist pain and offer solutions. For the first time in 8 months, I don’t have pain in my wrist and I actually feel like I’m moving toward resolving the TFCC tear. I am so thankful for this office!"

A sudden pop in your knee can be alarming, and it often points to a ligament injury, but which ligament makes a huge dif...
04/03/2026

A sudden pop in your knee can be alarming, and it often points to a ligament injury, but which ligament makes a huge difference in what recovery looks like.

Your ACL, located right in the center of the knee, helps control rotation and forward movement. Because it doesn’t get much blood flow, it usually doesn’t heal on its own. That’s why athletes who want to return to cutting, pivoting, or high‑impact sports often end up needing surgical reconstruction.

Your MCL, on the other hand, sits along the inside of the knee and protects it from bending inward. It has a much better blood supply, which means many MCL tears can heal with bracing, rest, and physical therapy—no surgery required!

Understanding which ligament is injured is the first step toward the right treatment plan. 🦵

Joint pain is easy to blame on the joint itself.But often the real issue is nearby muscle weakness that forces the joint...
03/31/2026

Joint pain is easy to blame on the joint itself.

But often the real issue is nearby muscle weakness that forces the joint to absorb more stress than it should.

When the muscles around a joint are strong, the joint moves with better support and less strain. Strength protects structure!

Meet Dr. Adam Kopiec, a fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon who provides thoughtful, individualized care for hand, sho...
03/28/2026

Meet Dr. Adam Kopiec, a fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon who provides thoughtful, individualized care for hand, shoulder, and elbow conditions. His advanced training includes arthroscopic techniques, joint replacement, resurfacing procedures, and upper extremity care for work and sports injuries.

His background as a catcher and pitcher shaped his passion for helping others recover from similar injuries, and he remains committed to treatment plans that reflect each patient’s goals. ⚾️🩺

Recovery after joint replacement is not just about the surgery itself, but also about the reassurance that comes with ea...
03/24/2026

Recovery after joint replacement is not just about the surgery itself, but also about the reassurance that comes with each follow‑up. Richard shared this after his recent visit:

“I met with Dr. Datilo for a fourth‑month follow‑up after my right hip replacement. It is always a pleasure to see Dr. Datilo. He is consistently professional, friendly, and sincerely concerned about his patients… the incision has healed perfectly, and X‑rays indicate that nothing has loosened in my right hip components… once again, thank you, Dr. Datilo!” — Richard H.

We appreciate patients who share their stories and the trust they place in their care team.

Ice and heat both help injuries, but they are not interchangeable. Ice works well immediately after an injury because it...
03/20/2026

Ice and heat both help injuries, but they are not interchangeable. Ice works well immediately after an injury because it helps reduce swelling and irritation. Heat is the better choice for stiffness, tight muscles, or lingering soreness because it improves circulation and helps the area relax.

Ice:
• Fresh injuries
• Swelling
• Warm or tender areas

Heat:
• Stiffness
• Muscle tightness
• Slow or limited mobility

Choosing the right option at the right moment can make a noticeable difference in how quickly you feel better.

Pain just below the kneecap often points to patellar tendonitis. It may start as a small ache during activity and gradua...
03/16/2026

Pain just below the kneecap often points to patellar tendonitis. It may start as a small ache during activity and gradually impedes workouts and everyday movement. 🦵 😣 💢

Unfortunately, rest alone rarely solves it. The tendon usually needs slow, controlled strengthening and a measured return to load through exercises like eccentrics, squats, or step‑downs.

With a clear plan and steady progression, your knee can become stronger, more stable, and more reliable again.

A clear picture of the recovery process after shoulder surgery can make the whole experience feel more manageable.→ Week...
03/11/2026

A clear picture of the recovery process after shoulder surgery can make the whole experience feel more manageable.

→ Weeks 1–2 focus on protection, comfort, and giving your shoulder the quiet time it needs to settle.

→ Weeks 3–6 shift toward gentle mobility so the joint can start moving again without added stress.

→ Months 2–4 build strength and stability little by little.

A clear plan, consistent therapy, and realistic expectations make the journey smoother. Your shoulder heals best when you give it time, support, and steady effort. ✨❤️‍🩹

Address

2438 Drive M. L. K. Jr St N
Saint Petersburg, FL
33704

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+17275474700

Website

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