services:
the joint & spine institute
• Joint Replacement • Spine Care • Sports Medicine •
• Foot & Ankle • Hand & Upper Extremity •
Ohio Valley General Hospital’s Joint & Spine Institute offers comprehensive, expert care for all joint, spine and general orthopedic conditions. Our experienced, board-certified orthopedic surgeons and pain management physicians offer you an array of diagnostic and treatment options tailored to your individual needs. We also have a team of highly-trained physicians, nurses, therapists, and other caregivers who will develop and carry out your personalized plan of care.
By combining extensive clinical expertise with a compassionate, caring treatment philosophy, we have created a program that tirelessly focuses on quality of care and patient satisfaction. So why travel into the city when you can receive complete, quality orthopedic care right here in your own community.
Some of the common conditions we treat and procedures we perform include:
• Total hip, knee and shoulder replacement
• Minimally invasive procedures
• Lumbar and cervical spinal fusion
• Bulging and herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Spinal cord stimulation
• Steriod injections
• Arthroscopic joint surgery
• Shoulder pain
• Fracture repair
• Hand & arm injuries
• Foot & ankle injuries
We offer one-stop care to meet all of your needs before, during, and after your orthopedic surgery. This includes services and amenities such as pre-operative education for joint replacement patients, outpatient and inpatient physical therapy, imaging, laboratory services, and a 16-bed acute rehabilitation unit (certain admission criteria apply).
Joint Replacement
Over the years, our hips and knees can become worn out and be affected by osteoarthritis or, less frequently, rheumatoid arthritis. This can also occur with the shoulder and ankle joints. When conservative treatment has failed and pain and loss of function has reduced your quality of life, a total joint replacement may be needed. All of our joint replacements patients are offered a complimentary pre-operative education class given by the professionals who will be involved in your care. This will provide you with valuable information regarding your procedure, how to prepare for your hospital stay, what to expect while you are with us, and how to prepare for your discharge home or to the next level of care that meets your individual needs.
To register for the Pre-Operative Joint Replacement Education Class call 412-777-6160 or for more information Click Here. To be referred to one of our orthopedic surgeons, please call 412-777-6160.
Spine Care
Back pain affects 80% of Americans at some point in their lives. There is no need for you to suffer endlessly when we offer a coordinated spine care model right here in your community. Our coordinated approach ensures that you get the right care, by the right provider, at the right time. Our team consists of orthopedic spine surgeons, pain management physicians, and physical therapists who are orthopedic clinical specialists. Let us help you get back to life. To speak to someone regarding your back and/or neck pain and to be referred to one of our specialists, please call 412-777-6160.
Sports Medicine
You don’t have to be a professional or collegiate athlete to be in need of specialized care. Many of our patients are weekend warriors and recreational athletes who suffer injuries. Our specialists can diagnose and treat sprains and strains, torn ligaments, broken bones and inflammatory condition like tendonitis and bursitis and get you back in the game.
Foot & Ankle
The foot and ankle must take a lot of abuse over the course of our lives which can result in a host of injuries and problems. Our experts can diagnose and treat common conditions like plantar fasciitis, sprained ankles, Achilles tendon injuries, broken bones and bunions and help you get that spring back in your step.
Hand & Upper Extremity
From carpal tunnel syndrome to a torn rotator cuff, the hand and upper extremity can be susceptible to many injuries and conditions. These and many other common conditions like golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, tendonitis, ligament and tendon tears, and crush injuries can be diagnosed and treated by our specialists. Allow us to lend you a hand.
Meet our Physicians
Michael Pagnotto, M.D. earned his medical degree from Columbia University in New York City and completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Pittsburgh. He then completed his advanced fellowship training in hip and knee replacement at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. While at the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Pagnotto worked with the most advanced techniques in primary and revision hip and knee surgery including: minimally invasive surgery, alternative bearing surfaces, partial knee replacement, and multimodal pain management. Call the Robinson office at 412-787-7582 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Pagnotto.
Jack P. Failla, M.D. is a founding partner of Tri-State Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. Dr. Failla earned a Baccalaureate Degree in mathematics-biology and a Doctorate of Medicine at Marquette University in 1964 and 1968, respectively. After receiving his medical degree, he performed a surgical internship at Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh. Dr. Failla then graduated from the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute in Pensacola, Florida, and served as a flight surgeon in the United States Navy from 1970 through 1972. He then returned to Pittsburgh for a one-year general surgery residency at Mercy Hospital and a three-year orthopaedic residency at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Some of Dr. Failla's greatest contributions have been in the area of sports medicine. In 1979, he established the North Hills Sports Medicine Center - one of the first multidisciplinary sports medicine facilities in Western Pennsylvania. In 1981, he was named the Orthopaedic Consultant of the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team and served in that capacity for 23 years. Since 1983, he has served as team physician for the North Allegheny High School. Dr. Failla also serves as Clinical Instructor of Orthopaedics for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dr. Failla is Board Certified in orthopaedic surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Paul A. Liefeld, M.D. joined Tri-State Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in 1988 after relocating his successful orthopaedic practice from Ohio. Dr. Liefeld received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Wittenburg University of Ohio, where he graduated magna cum laude in 1975. He then moved to Pennsylvania, where he received his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh. He completed an internship, general surgical residency, and orthopaedic residency at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine from 1979 through 1984.
Dr. Liefeld then completed an advanced fellowship program in spine surgery at St. Luke's Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. In addition to general orthopaedics, his practice spans the fields of joint replacement surgery, spine surgery, arthroscopic surgery, and treating sports-related injuries. Dr. Liefeld currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Ohio Valley General Hospital. Dr. Liefeld is also active in his community, having served as a board member for Lutheran Affiliated Services. Dr. Liefeld is Board Certified in orthopaedic surgery and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Victor J. Thomas, M.D. graduated as valedictorian of his high school class in New Castle, Pennsylvania. He was one of 40 people nationwide selected to participate in the only five-year accelerated program in the country combining undergraduate studies and medical school. Dr. Thomas received his Baccalaureate Degree in science from The Pennsylvania State University in 1977 and his Doctorate of Medicine from Thomas Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia in 1979. He graduated cum laude from both institutions. Dr. Thomas completed both his internship and orthopaedic surgery residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, serving as Chief Resident of Orthopaedic Surgery during his final year of training.
Since joining Tri-State Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in 1984, Dr. Thomas has taken on many leadership roles within the Pittsburgh medical community. He has served as the Chairman of the Department of Orthopaedics at UPMC Passavant Hospital and various roles at Ohio Valley General Hospital, including President of the Medical Staff, Medical Director of the Orthopaedic Care Center, and a member of the Board of Directors. Dr. Thomas treats a variety of musculoskeletal conditions in his orthopaedic practice and has a special interest in arthroscopy. He performs minimally invasive hip and knee replacement surgery which helps to decrease pain and accelerate recovery. Dr. Thomas is Board Certified in orthopaedic surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He also serves as the Medical Director of The Center for Musculoskeletal Evaluations, Inc..
Brian F. Jewell, M.D. came to Tri-State Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in 1993 after completing his advanced fellowship training in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery at Rush Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital in Chicago. His academic training began at Ohio Northern University, where he earned his Baccalaureate Degree in pharmacy. Dr. Jewell received his Doctorate of Medicine from the Medical College of Ohio in 1987. He served an internship in general surgery at Mt. Carmel Mercy Hospital before completing his orthopaedic residency at Grace Hospital of Detroit Medical Center and the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children. He was named Chief Resident during his last year of training.
Dr. Jewell complemented his general orthopaedic and sports medicine practice as an Orthopaedic Consultant for the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team from 1993-2002. He has performed hundreds of surgeries for Pittsburgh's professional, collegiate and high school athletes in almost every sport and athletic program, and has worked with numerous major and minor league players including "All-Stars" and "Hall-of-Famers". He also serves as a team physician for a number of local athletic programs, including North Allegheny and Seneca Valley area school districts. Dr. Jewell also serves as Chairman of the Department of Orthopaedics at UPMC Passavant Hospital. He is Board Certified in orthopaedic surgery, a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and is a member of the Association of Professional Team Physicians.
Mark J. Langhans, M.D. is a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Notre Dame, where he received his Baccalaureate Degree in 1981. He went on to obtain his Doctorate of Medicine at Northwestern University Medical School in 1985. Following an internship in general surgery at Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh, Dr. Langhans completed his orthopaedic surgical residency at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. He extended his training by completing a fellowship in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery at The Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Langhans joined Tri-State Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in 1994.
As a complement to his general orthopaedic, surgical, and sports medicine practice, Dr. Langhans served as an Orthopaedic Consultant for the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team from 1994-2002 and serves as an Orthopaedic Consultant for the Washington Wild Things professional baseball team. He has performed hundreds of surgeries for Pittsburgh's professional, collegiate and high school athletes in almost every sport and athletic program, and has worked with numerous major and minor league players. He also is the team physician for the athletic programs of North Allegheny, Seneca Valley, and other area high schools. He is Board Certified in orthopaedic surgery, a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and a member of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine.
Steven E. Kann, M.D. is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of The Pennsylvania State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in general arts and sciences. In 1990, he received his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh, graduating summa cum laude. Dr. Kann completed his orthopaedic residency in 1995 at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (UPMC). As a resident, he was awarded the Charles Sankey Award for Excellence in Orthopaedic Surgery. Following his residency, Dr. Kann completed his advanced fellowship training in hand and upper extremity surgery and microsurgery at the Cincinnati Hand Surgery Consultants. He also has been responsible for bringing minimally invasive techniques for carpal tunnel and trigger finger surgery to Western Pennsylvania.
Dr. Kann joined Tri-State Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in 1996. He has cared for olympic athletes and professional baseball, hockey, football and tennis players, as well as tri-athletes, musicians, and professional golfers and bowlers. Dr. Kann also serves as a Clinical Instructor of Orthopaedics and Hand/Upper Extremity Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. In addition to his hand and upper extremity practice, he is available to evaluate and treat individuals with various orthopaedic and sports-related conditions. Dr. Kann is Board Certified in orthopaedic surgery and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He has advanced Board Certification in the subspecialty of hand and upper extremity surgery and has received a Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in hand and microsurgery. He is also a member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and the Medical Director for the workers' compensation program at Tri-State Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine.
Jeffrey N. Kann, M.D. came to Tri-State Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in 1998. Dr. Kann earned his Bachelor of Science degree in molecular biology from Vanderbilt University in 1987, graduating summa cum laude. He continued his education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (UPMC), where he earned his medical degree in 1991. While at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Kann served as President of the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. He went on to complete a five-year orthopaedic surgical residency at Rush Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital in Chicago.
He was named Chief Orthopaedic Resident at Rush Presbyterian and Shriners Children's Hospital during his final year of residency. His clinical training was completed at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore where he performed a Foot and Ankle Fellowship under Dr. Mark Myerson. Dr. Kann's extensive knowledge and expertise in conditions of the knee, foot and ankle have enabled him to contribute chapters to books on the subject as well as many articles for prominent medical journals.
Dr. Kann has served as an Orthopaedic Consultant for the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team and as a Clinical Instructor of Orthopaedics and Foot/Ankle Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He is Board Certified in orthopaedic surgery, a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and an active member of the American Foot and Ankle Society.
Gerard J. Werries, M.D. is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience. In 1997, he received his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (UPMC).
While at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Werries was honored to receive the "Excellence in Collaborative Learning" award. He completed his orthopaedic residency at Akron General Medical Center and his advanced fellowship training in spine surgery at Harvard Medical System, Departments of Neurosurgery and Orthopaedics. During his fellowship, Dr. Werries was also a Clinical Instructor in orthopaedics at Harvard Medical School. He is Board Certified in orthopaedic surgery.
Dr. Werries joined Tri-State Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in 2003. He provides general orthopaedic care, but specializes in the evaluation and treatment of back and neck injuries as well as minimally invasive spinal procedures. Dr. Werries is a renowned speaker for national spine meetings with an expertise in the cervical and lumbar spine. He also is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and a member of both the American Medical Society and the North American Spine Society.
John J. Christoforetti, M.D. returned to the Pittsburgh area to join Tri-State Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in 2007. Dr. Christoforetti attended the University of Notre Dame for undergraduate studies, where he served as captain of the boxing team and was elected to Alpha Epsilon Delta, the national premedical honor society. He graduated from Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington D.C. in 2001 and completed his residency training in orthopedic surgery at Georgetown University Hospital. As a resident he was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha, the national medical honor society. As Chief Resident, he assisted in the care of numerous amateur and professional athletes including the Georgetown Hoyas, Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, and DC United.
In 2007, he completed his advanced fellowship training in sports medicine at the Steadman-Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas, where he served as assistant team physician for the Colorado Rockies and the US Pro Cycling Championships. Dr. Christoforetti now serves as an Orthopaedic Consultant for the Washington Wild Things professional baseball team and Peters Township School District. He is a clinical instructor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Associate Master Instructor of hip arthroscopy for the Arthroscopy Association of North America. He is Board Certified in Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Christoforetti prides himself on practicing a patient-centered style of cutting edge medicine with a focus on minimally invasive techniques. He specializes in arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery of the hip, shoulder, and knee. To learn more about Dr. Christoforetti, please visit his website at: www.drchristo.com.
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