Excel Orthopedic Specialists

Updated in April, 2010

April 1, 2010:
Dr. Joseph Czarnecki has recently received Subspecialty Certification in Sports Medicine from The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons. ABOS is an independent organization which functions to serve the best interests of the public and the medical profession. These interests are achieved through the ABOS by establishing standards for the education of orthopaedic surgeons. Congratulations Dr. Czarnecki!

March 25, 2010:
Dr. Czarnecki is interviewed by NESN for the Bruins Pre-Game - Orthovisc Injury Report. Click here to view the video!

Dr. Ben Levine of Excel, will be leaving on Wednesday to join a medical team by Children of the Nations to the Barahona region of the Dominican Republic to assist the Haiti earthquake victims who have been transported to this region. For the full article, click here.

Winter 2009:
Dr. Michael Fehm is featured in the Winchester Hospital publication of Your Health - Maintain Regular Follow-Up on Your Joint Replacement.

Fall 2009:
Dr. Benjamin Levine is featured in the Winchester Hospital publication of Your Health - Tennis Elbow: Not Just for Tennis Players.

September 26, 2009:
Excel Orthopedics was very happy to once again sponsor the North Suburban YMCA 5K Road Race and Kid’s Fun Run! The weather cooperated, there was live music and over 100 registered runners! Special thanks to all our volunteers who participated in this fun-filled family event! Click here to view the pictures!

April 3, 2009:
Tye Dye Day in the Physical/Occupational Therapy Clinic.

Walk to Defeat ALS:
I wanted to send a big thank you to all of the people who donated and walked with us in the Walk to Defeat ALS last weekend in Wakefield. We had turnout at the lake of over 40 walkers to represent Teddy's Team and together with about 70 donations we raised $3,255! As a bonus to our great efforts the company that I work for, Eisai Research Institute, is going to match all the funds that I raised online ($2,455) to bring the Teddy's Team total to $5,710! With the cash and checks that each of us turned in the day of the walk, our Teddy's Team total is well over $6,000.00!

My family and I are very humbled and proud of the outpouring of support and love that we have received over the past 9 months from our family and friends. Please know that everything you have done and continue to do is a blessing that we are grateful for each day. This past weekend was certainly a testament to that.

My dad also wanted to me to say a big hello and thank you to all of you! Your visits, hugs and well wishes all keep a smile on his face each day! Thank you all again from the bottom of our hearts!

Here are some picture which include most of the walkers on Saturday. My dad couldn't believe how many people showed up to support him!

February 2008: Excel Orthopedics goes paperless!
Excel Orthopedics recently began implementation of an electronic medical record. The new software is being introduced in three phases for a smoother transition. If you’re a frequent patient, you’ve probably already noticed some of the changes we’re going through! We thank you for your patience as our staff becomes familiar with this new software. We believe that the introduction of this new technology to our practice will not only improve office efficiency, but will result in better and more convenient care for our patients. In the near future, our patients will be able to access their own medical records online.

March 2007: Dr. Joseph J. Czarnecki co-authors a recent article "Internal Fixation of Juvenile Ostoeochondritis Dissecans Lesions of the Knee" as published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine.
This case study was designed to evaluate the functional and radiographic outcome of internal fixation of juvenile osteochondritis dissecans lesions of the knee. Operative techniques for the management of juvenile osteochondritis dissecans lesions of the knee include drilling, internal fixation, fragment removal, and chondral resurfacing. Click on the link above to view the complete article and its findings.

January 2007: Dr. Joseph J. Czarnecki co-authors a recent article "Surgical Experience Correlates with Performance on a Virtual Reality Simulator for Shoulder Arthroscopy" as published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine.
The purpose of this controlled laboratory study was to see how performance on a virtual reality simulator correlates with actual surgical experience. Forty-three test subjects of various experience levels in shoulder arthroscopy were tested on an arthroscopy simulator according to a standardized protocol. Click on the link above to view the complete article and its findings.

Dr. Benjamin P. Levine, Nicole D. Mahoney, PA-C, and Michael R. Spenard, PA-C have earned certification in Bone Density Testing for Osteoporosis:
The International Society for Clinical Densitometry has announced that Dr. Levine, Nicole Mahoney and Michael Spenard attended the ISCD’s Bone Densitometry Course and have been recognized as a Certified Clinical Densitometrists. To earn this credential, they passed a rigorous exam on bone density testing for osteoporosis. There are over 5,000 certified clinicians and technologists worldwide. Certification in bone densitometry is a demonstration of proficiency and is a requirement for some insurance companies and HMOs.

Osteoporosis, a one fragility disorder that can lead to fracture, is a disease that affects 44 million Americans, causing 1.5 million fractures each year, with an annual healthcare cost of about $17 billion. Osteoporotic fractures can result in chronic pain, disability, loss of independence, and even death. Early detection of low bone density before fractures occur is the key to successful management. Bone density is easily measured with an instrument called a bone densitometer, using DXA (Dual X-ray Absorptiometry) technology. With medications now available and under development, experts feel that osteoporosis is a preventable and treatable disease – not an inevitable part of aging.

New Help for Patients Debilitated by Shoulder Pain:
Dr. David Alessandro and Dr. Joseph Czarnecki are among a select group of surgeons nationwide to perform a new type of shoulder surgery that could help patients who suffer from debilitating shoulder pain. The Reverse® Shoulder Prosthesis manufactured by Encore Medical – a metal-and-plastic implant for the shoulder – is designed specifically for patients with severe shoulder arthritis and damage to rotator cuffs, the tendons that attach the shoulder muscles to the arm. Until now, there were limited surgical options for patients with severe deterioration. Conventional shoulder implants could not necessarily address both arthritis and rotator cuff deficiency. As a result, patients often had no choice but to endure pain with restricted shoulder function. The Reverse Shoulder is unique in that it was designed to salvage a damaged shoulder joint. The implant actually reverses the ball-and socket anatomy of the shoulder, which helps stabilize the joint and preserve bone. For more comprehensive, up-to-date information, visit The Reverse® Shoulder Website at www.encorereverse.com. You may also contact our office to set up an appointment with either Dr. Alessandro or Dr. Czarnecki.

A Note to Our Patients:
Arthritis Drug Vioxx has been recalled. Please stop taking Vioxx immediately and call our office for a new prescription recommendation. For more information about this recall, please visit Vioxx at http://www.vioxx.com.

Excel Orthopedic Specialists announces online appointment requests:
Use the Make an Appointment link to request an appointment. Your request will be processed within an hour Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

"Summer Solutions For Arthritis"
A free lecture sponsored by Excel Orthopedic Specialists and the Arthritis Foundation. Doctors Alessandro, DeVellis and Feiler presented to a group of approximately 60 interested attendees a program on osteoarthritis. Click here to view the photos!