The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey Designated Team Physicians for the
Sussex Skyhawks

AUGUSTA, NJ - The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey has been officially designated as the team doctors for the Sussex Skyhawks minor league baseball team. In this capacity, The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey physicians will conduct pre-season physicals and perform all orthopedic-related examinations and procedures that may be needed by Skyhawks players.

Working with professional athletes is nothing new for The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey. Dr. Robert DeFalco, for the last six years, has worked with the NFL Philadelphia Eagles and Dr. Michael Kelly is considered New Jersey’s “fight doctor” working closely with many professional boxers and MMA athletes. Additionally, the entire medical staff of The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey treats sports- related injuries on a daily basis.

The Sussex Skyhawks play their home games at CenturyLink Field at Skylands Park in Augusta, New Jersey. The team is managed by former major leaguer Ed Ott and competes in the Canadian-American Association of Professional Baseball. Skyhawks General Manager Ben Wittkowski commented, “We are very glad to have the prestigious Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey as our medical resource. I am confident that our players will receive the highest level of medical treatment by this group of distinguished doctors.” For information about Skyhawks games, visit www.sussexskyhawks.com.



The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey, www.orthopedicnj.com, is a thriving orthopedic surgery and sports medicine practice established in 2006. The medical staff specializes in sports-related injuries and disorders, with an emphasis on those involving the shoulder, knee, spine, foot and ankle as well as pain management. The practice has 12 offices conveniently located throughout Warren, Sussex, and Morris counties.

Media Contact:
Ed Schwartz, Positive Impact Partners, (201) 939-8601

Seventh Annual Athletic Trainers Conference Focuses on Concussions

MORRISTOWN, NJ – Dozens of top athletic trainers, physical therapists, and doctors from the region convened at The Grand Café on May 5th for the highly informative Athletic Trainers Conference presented by The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey. Attendees received the most recent information related to sports injuries and related proper medical procedures.

The primary focus of this year’s conference was on concussions sustained during sports and how this type of injury affects the athlete in the short and long-term. During recent years, professional and amateur athletes, teams and leagues have placed a major emphasis on treating concussions with utmost care.

Rick Burkholder, the Head Athletic Trainer of the Philadelphia Eagles, was the featured guest speaker at the conference. Mr. Burkholder, who has been involved with the NFL for over 17 years, shared his knowledge and experience as it relates to the prevention, recognition and treatment of concussions in football. Citing former Eagle star Brian Westbrook as a specific example of a player who just this past season had two concussions, Mr. Burkholder explained how the Eagles handle concussions at the highest level of professional sports. He further went on to explain what steps have to be taken before allowing an athlete who has suffered a concussion to once again become active and engaged in physical contact.



Mr. Burkholder was clear in pointing out that there should be a significant difference in the way that younger athletes are treated as opposed to older, professional athletes. In all cases, proper equipment, technique and medical care must be a primary consideration.

Dr. Robert DeFalco and Dr. Michael Kelly of The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey moderated a question and answer period during and following Mr. Burkholder’s talk. Judging from the numerous questions related to the topic, it was apparent that at all levels of athletic competition, this is a medical topic that must be further researched and continue to be properly addressed.

The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey features state-of-the-art care for orthopedic and musculoskeletal injuries and illnesses at 12 northern New Jersey locations including Hackettstown, Sparta, and Roxbury. For more information, visit www.orthopedicnj.com

Media Contact:
Ed Schwartz, Positive Impact Partners, (201) 939-8601

Jersey ‘fight doctor’ is ringside for mixed martial arts events

Hackettstown, NJ - As mixed martial arts grows as both a spectator and participant sport in New Jersey, Dr. Michael Kelly’s reputation is growing as the Garden State’s “fight doctor.”

Kelly, 43, an internist and sports medicine specialist who has been affiliated with the Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey for the past four years, is given his ringside assignments for both boxing and mixed martial arts by the New Jersey Athletic Control Board.

Kelly was ringside in Newark March 27 for the Ultimate Fighting Championship 111 event, which drew a sellout crowd of more than 17,000 to the Prudential Center and hundreds of thousands more on live television and pay-per-view.

As the popularity of mixed martial arts grows, New Jersey has taken a leadership role in regulating the sport and guaranteeing the safety of fighters, Kelly said.

“The number of shows has skyrocketed,” Kelly said, “and New Jersey has set the gold standard for surveillance of the sport and improving the safety of the fighters.”

The state board also has taken the lead in regulating and sanctioning amateur mixed martial arts competitions, he said.

As a fight doctor, he is responsible for the medical evaluation of the fighters before the match, any intervention or treatment that is required during the fight, and post-match evaluation of the fighters and any follow-up that may be needed.

Kelly thinks casual observers may have the mistaken impression that the sport is brutal and that fighters are at risk of devastating injuries. He said the punches being struck when a fighter is in an apparent dominant position often are glancing blows, since both combatants are prone and they can’t “swing from the hips.”

When a hold threatens to injure a fighter’s joint or bones, the fighter is permitted to submit to his opponent or “tap out,” which Kelly said tends to minimize serious injury. He said broken bones are rare.

“There’s no loss of pride in tapping out,” he said. “Nobody looks down on a fighter who does that. That ultimately leads to better safety for the fighters.

“I am impressed by the incredible self-discipline the athletes exhibit,” he said. “They fight with complete intensity, but afterwards there is nothing but respect. There’s no more aggression. The fighters are generally some of the nicest people I’ve ever met.”

Kelly, who treats athletes in all sports at the high school, college and professional levels, started in martial arts at the age of 6. He grew up in Fairfield and was a varsity wrestler for four years at West Essex High School. He holds a black belt in Shorin-ryu, an Okinawan style of karate.

The author of three books, including “Fight Medicine: Diagnosis and Treatment of Combat Sports Injuries for Boxing, Wrestling and Mixed Martial Arts,” he lives in Green Township in Sussex County.

The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey has 12 convenient locations in Warren, Sussex and Morris counties.

Media Contact: Ed Schwartz - (201) 939-8601

Hackettstown Recreation Receives Defibrillator Donated by The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey

Hackettstown, N.J. - The Hackettstown Recreation Department was the recent recipient of a new defibrillator donated to the town by The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey. John Mandick from the Hackettstown Recreation Department, pictured third from left, is seen receiving the defibrillator from Dr. Michael Gutkin who is shown representing a number of The Orthopedic Institute physicians. Also pictured (first on left) is Hackettstown resident and Assemblyman, John Dimaio.

Defibrillation has been proven to be a successful treatment for the life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia. The defibrillator itself delivers a dose of electrical energy to the affected heart which in turn terminates the arrhythmia, and allows normal sinus rhythm to be reestablished by the body's natural pacemaker.

The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey has provided defibrillators to other organizations and is very glad to do so. Dr. Michael Gutkin commented, "If we can play a small role in saving one life by this contribution, it further supports our work as medical professionals. We were glad to be of assistance to the Hackettstown Recreation Department." John Mandick of the Hackettstown Recreation Department expressed his appreciation to the Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey. "A defibrillator is an extremely valuable piece of equipment, as we seek to ensure the safety for all those who participate in our programs. We are grateful to The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey for this donation."

The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey, www.orthopedicnj.com, is a thriving Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine practice established in 2006. The medical staff specializes in sports-related injuries and disorders, with an emphasis on those involving the shoulder, knee, spine, foot and ankle as well as pain management. The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey serves Warren, Sussex, and Morris counties with 10 office locations.

For more information on The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey call 1-877-55-ORTHO or go to www.ORTHOPEDICNJ.com.

Hackettstown, NJ - On September 17th, 150 friends of the practice joined The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey in unveiling its new, state-of-the-art flagship location. The 10,000-square foot space, located in the Hackettstown Medical Arts Building at 108 Bilby Road in Hackettstown includes doctor's offices, conference and lab space, administrative and staff offices and a new, 3,000-square foot physical therapy center. The new facility was designed specifically for The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey with an open, patient-friendly feel. The patient waiting area, in addition to being spacious and comfortable, boasts a flat screen television and a 100 gallon fish tank to allow for a relaxing environment while waiting to see a doctor. To help celebrate the grand opening, invited guests had the opportunity to tour the facility and meet the special guest for the evening, NBA legend Willis Reed who spoke, posed for pictures, and signed autographs.

The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey, a thriving Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine practice, was established in 2006. Led by cutting-edge surgeons Dr. Robert A. DeFalco, Jr and Dr. Paul G. Teja, the goal of the practice is to provide the highest quality of care to patients with orthopedic and musculoskeletal injuries and illnesses by integrating the latest technology and research findings into all their surgical and non-surgical treatments. The medical staff specializes in sports-related injuries and disorders, with an emphasis on those involving the shoulder, knee, spine, foot and ankle. The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey serves Warren, Sussex, and Morris counties with 10 office locations. Their physicians enjoy admitting and surgical privileges at Hackettstown Regional Medical Center and Specialty Surgical Center of Sparta, New Jersey. The Institute accepts all major insurance plans.

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ - North Jersey Sports Medicine and Spine Center and New Jersey Sport and Spine Center have joined forces to form The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey. The practice will feature complete orthopedic medicine, sports medicine, state?of?the?art facilities, and board certified and fellowship trained physicians.

The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey consists of ten physicians of various disciplines: Dr. Robert DeFalco, Dr. Paul Teja, and Dr. Mike Kelly (Sports Medicine and Orthopedics); Dr. Kevin White (Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics); Dr. Michael Rohan (Spine Surgery & Orthopedics); Dr. Michael Gutkin (Pain Management & Spinal Disorders); Dr. Atif Malik (Pain Management & Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery); Dr. Burak Alptekin (Pain Management & Alternative Medicine); Dr. Shariq Ali (Rehabilitation & Electro?diagnostic Medicine); and Dr. Steven Gutkin (Chiropractic & Sports Chiropractic Medicine).

"We have assembled some of the top doctors in the country," explained Dr. Robert DeFalco. "Our entire group feels that top notch care for our patients is the number one priority. Our doctors have strong credentials in their disciplines and are experienced in providing outstanding care to patients in New Jersey and beyond."

A new website, www.orthopedicnj.com, is being launched today featuring biographies of the physicians, services, news and events, patient education and forms, and more.

The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey has ten convenient locations: Hackettstown, Sparta, Andover, Hopatcong, Vernon, Roxbury, Landing, Flanders, Blairstown, and Randolph.

For more information, call 1-877-55-ORTHO (877-556-7846).
Media Contact: Ed Schwartz - (201) 939-8601

Hackettstown, New Jersey - The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey is pleased to announce the addition of spinal surgeon Dr. Michael Xavier Rohan, Jr., to their Hackettstown-based orthopedic surgery and sports medicine practice.

Dr. Rohan specializes in the treatment of adult spinal disorders including arthritis, artificial disk replacement, osteoporosis, pain, rehabilitation, fractures, and motion preservation surgery, employing traditional as well as minimally invasive surgical and non-surgical techniques.

Dr. Rohan joins The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey after successfully establishing his private practice as an attending spinal surgeon at Gulf Coast Medical Center and Northwest Florida Surgery Center in Panama City, Florida.

A Florida native, Dr. Rohan is a third generation orthopedic surgeon, and a fourth generation physician. He completed his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Florida, and then attended medical school at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale.

He served his internship and orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - School of Osteopathic Medicine, and at the A. I. DuPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Delaware. In 2005, he was appointed Chief Resident for Orthopedic Surgery for the Kennedy Memorial Hospitals - University Medical Center, and Cooper University Hospital by UNDMY-SOM.

In 2006, Dr. Rohan served as the Spine Surgery Fellow at the prestigious Texas Back Institute in Plano, Texas, under internationally renowned spinal surgeons Richard Guyer, MD, Jack Zigler, MD, and Scott Blumenthal, MD.

His professional affiliations include memberships in the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics, the American Osteopathic Association and the North American Spine Society.

Dr. Rohan sums up his medical philosophy this way, "Surgery is really the last resort. I work closely with all my patients to exhaust all non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments before considering the major surgical options."

He currently resides in Sparta, New Jersey with his wife and two children. When not attending to his patients' needs, Dr. Rohan cherishes time spent traveling with his family, and playing golf.

For more information, call 1-877-55-ORTHO (877-556-7846).
Media Contact: Ed Schwartz - (201) 939-8601

Hackettstown, NJ - The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey is pleased to offer platelet rich plasma (PRP) Therapy to those patients who can benefit from this new service. PRP Therapy offers another alternative for healing patient's injuries.

"This cutting edge technology allows our doctors to use a patient's own blood to heal sports and orthopedic injuries," said Dr. Robert A. DeFalco, Jr. "We are seeing some very positive results with this therapy."

Platelets have been known to be involved with blood clotting for some time. For example, when the skin is lacerated, platelets are naturally concentrated at the wound and contribute to the formation of a blood clot. However, modern medical research has found that platelets also contain a number of growth factors that accelerate healing. When platelets are concentrated and injected into an injured area, the concentrated growth factors cause an accelerated and magnified healing response. Platelet rich plasma is the name for the concentrated platelet solution that is injected into the injured tissues.

A platelet rich plasma injection procedure involves drawing the patient's blood from a superficial vein (similar to a routine blood test) which is then processed by a special medical device that separates and concentrates the platelets. (human blood contains, platelets, red blood cells, white blood cells, serum, and electrolytes). The concentrated platelets are then injected into an anesthetized area to augment the healing of an injury. Most patients have minor discomfort for a few days that eventually resolves with full recovery occurring in a few weeks.

The benefits of a platelet rich plasma injection include:

• No drugs or chemicals, The patient's own blood is used to induce the accelerated healing
• No steroids or drugs used other than the numbing medication
• Induction of a complete healing response for incompletely healed chronic musculoskeletal injuries (tendonitis, bursitis, muscle injuries, etc…)

Patients who may benefit from platelet rich plasma therapy include those with acute injuries and chronic non-healing musculoskeletal injuries. Dr. Michael Kelly, a sports medicine specialist at the Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey, performs platelet rich plasma injections in the office under ultrasound guidance.

There is also a related newspaper story at:
http://www.nj.com/sports/index.ssf/2009/07/cuttingedge_plateletrich_plasm.html

For additional information about PRP Therapy, patients should call the Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey at 1-877-55- ORTHO (877-556-7846).

Media Contact: Ed Schwartz - (201) 939-8601