Department of Orthopaedic Surgery + Rehabilitation Medicine

Complex fractures, painful joints, advanced arthritis and neuromuscular disorders all impact how our patients function, from performing daily tasks like walking to competing in sports. At the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery + Rehabilitation Medicine, we pride ourselves on helping our community move and feel better by blending the latest surgical techniques with full-body rehabilitation programs.
Physical Therapist, Courtney Bua, helping a rehabilitation patient stretch leg using a resistance band.
Advancing orthopedic care one step at a time

Restoring mobility and function to bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons calls for the latest orthopaedic surgical techniques like Mako SmartRobotics™ and the da Vinci® Surgical System. And in the face of emergencies, our orthopaedic trauma team is there for patients around the clock to perform surgeries ranging from minimally invasive procedures to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).

So, when a great white shark severed two tendons in our patient’s leg, we were there to restore his ability to walk again. And when a local athlete broke his femur during a practice run, we were there to help him regain the strength to complete the Boston Marathon — faster, stronger and better than the year before. We’ve always been there for our patients, and we always will be.  

Guided by the visionary leadership of Chief of Orthopaedics, Charles Cassidy, MD, one of the nation's preeminent hand surgeons, we're charting new territory in orthopaedic research that makes it easier for patients to receive the care they deserve. Our core mission centers on promoting patient health and human well-being by leading research efforts that advance innovative treatment techniques and medical devices.

Contact info
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Our divisions

Our department oversees one division: the Division of Adult Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The division's expertise, however, covers much more than physical health. We treat physical conditions and disabilities in the context of the other important areas of our patients' lives, taking into consideration their social, vocational and emotional well-being. 
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Department research

We’re always in pursuit of what’s next in patient care by advancing orthopaedic care. That’s why every faculty member in our department, as well as our residents, is involved in multiple clinical and laboratory research projects. Together, through our research, we hope to make breakthroughs across every aspect of rehabilitation medicine.  

Our recent focus areas include:

  • Collaborative prosthetic joint studies with New England Baptist Hospital, exploring prosthetic joint infections, sham incisions, alternative implant options for periprosthetic fractures
  • Cost-effective analyses of various treatment options
  • Highlighting historically under-represented groups within orthopaedic surgery to help increase diversity within the field
  • How socioeconomic status impacts treatment options, referrals and outcomes for various orthopaedic procedures
  • Systematic reviews of orthopaedic literature  
  • How functional somatic syndromes (anxiety, depression and chronic disease) impact orthopaedic patient outcomes
  • Complications after common orthopaedic procedures 

Industry-sponsored research

Together with our industry partners, we’re making strides that benefit everyone — our employees, physicians, care team and most importantly, our patients. Our current industry-sponsored research includes:  

  • SurgeryPal/HEAL Initiative  
  • Surgical Outcomes System
  • HIP ATTACK 2 

Featured clinical trials

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HIP ATTACK-2
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Hip injuries and disorders, Myocardial Infarction
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All genders
person-wave 45+
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Recruiting now
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Success stories
Shark attack victim, Bill Lytton smiling in a wheelchair with cast on arm after undergoing eight operations.
News
One year later, shark attack victim lives to tell the tale
When Brooklyn-based neurology researcher, Dr. William Lytton was attacked by a great white shark off the coast of Cape Cod, Tufts Medical Center mobilized its orthopaedic trauma team to save his damaged leg.
Frank's Story: Orthopedics Joint Replacement
When Frank’s right knee became unbearable to move around on, our expert orthopaedic surgeons performed a total knee replacement using Make SmartRobotics™ technology.
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Training + education

Our training and education programs are designed to prepare future orthopedists with the research tools, immersive experiences and professional network required to offer exceptional patient care.  

We offer a rigorous, five-year residency program accredited by the American College of Graduate Medical Education. Our competitive fellowship in hand surgery is chaired by Chief of Orthopaedics Charles Cassidy, MD, who’s ranked in the top 1% in his field, according to U.S. News and World Report.

Residents + medical students in the community

If you’re a resident or student looking to answer complex, big-picture questions in orthopedics, you’ve come to the right place. All of our affiliated hospitals have research coordinators that can help make your research ideas a reality, from project planning to statistical analysis and manuscript submission.

If you're interested in joining our research efforts, please contact our Clinical Research Associate, Nicole Gauthier.
Residencies + fellowships

 

Physical Medicine + Rehabilitation Residency Program
Tufts Medical Center Combined Hand Surgery Fellowship
Tufts Medicine-Affiliated Hospitals Orthopaedic Residency Program
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Our leadership

Our leadership team gives us the guidance and support we need to ensure that the clinical, research and training goals of the department are met.

  • Department Chair; Division Chief, Hand and Upper Extremity: Charles Cassidy, MD
  • Division Chief, Arthroplasty: Matthew Gordon, MD
  • Division Chief, Sports Medicine: Matthew Salzler, MD
  • Division Chief, Orthopaedic Trauma: Scott Ryan, MD
  • Division Chief, Adult Rehabilitation: Rina Bloch, MD
Tufts Medical Center's Physiatrist Rina M. Bloch, MD treats examines patient in a clinic appointment.
Our locations

From regular office visits to inpatient stays, our specialists across Tufts Medicine offer the best in healthcare, when and where our patients need it.
Charles Cassidy, MD, Orthopaedist-in-Chief, examines the hands of patient in a clinic appointment at Tufts Medical Center.
Our doctors + care team

Our specialists and care team members across Tufts Medicine deliver unmatched healthcare with a personalized touch.

What's new?

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Announcements
Tufts Medical Center Is Proud To Be the Official Healthcare Provider of the New England Free Jacks
February 18, 2022
The New England Free Jacks is the region’s first professional rugby team and Tufts Medical Center is proud to be its partner, keeping the players healthy and in the game.
Announcements
Lowell General Ranked Among Boston Area’s Best
September 18, 2020
In the 2020 US News & World Report Best Hospital Rankings, Lowell General Hospital was ranked 7th best in the Greater Boston region and the top community hospital in the area.