VCU Medical Center’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Earns U.S. News Ranking

By Anne Buckley

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center has been ranked the 45th top orthopaedic program in the country by U.S. News Media Group’s 2009-10 publication of America’s Best Hospitals.

As a comprehensive orthopaedic program, the team of doctors, nurses, physician assistants and therapists helps patients with complex acute and chronic conditions stemming from injury, arthritis and other medical conditions that affect the body’s bones, joints, muscles, spine and nerves. With expertise in joint reconstruction, partial joint replacement, microsurgery, arthroscopic surgical techniques, VCU orthopaedic specialists provide treatment and aid to individuals with musculoskeletal disease or injury to regain and maintain active living.

Led by Robert S. Adelaar, M.D., professor and chair of Orthopaedic Surgery, the center offers advanced treatments in several multidisciplinary specialty areas, including foot and ankle, hand and wrist, joint replacement, orthopaedic oncology, shoulder and elbow, pediatric orthopedics, arthroscopy, spine, sports medicine and trauma care.

“We are extremely proud to be ranked one of the top orthopaedic programs in the country,” said Adelaar. “VCU Orthopaedic Surgery Department is a national leader, offering a high level of patient care and a robust program using cutting-edge technology and research. This ranking affirms the expertise and dedication of the entire orthopaedic team.”

“VCU Orthopaedic Surgery is a fine example of our commitment to top-notch specialty programs, leading-edge research and superior workforce development,” said Sheldon Retchin, M.D., VCU Health System CEO. “This achievement by our orthopaedic team reaffirms our vision to be the preeminent academic health center in the nation.”

The VCU Medical Center was also noted for excellence by U.S. News in heart and heart surgery, ranked 44th in the country; kidney disease, ranked 44th; and rehabilitation, ranked 20th.

Now in its 20th year, the multi-platform 2009-10 America’s Best Hospital guide is the most extensive hospital ranking to date. It includes rankings of 174 medical centers nationwide in 16 specialties.