Orthopedic Institute

Overview

What are you missing out on because of joint pain?
 
Your pain doesn’t have to define you. The outstanding orthopedic specialists at Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center can help get you back to a fuller life with expert diagnosis and treatment aided by some of the most advanced technology in the region. Joint replacement surgery can be quicker, with faster recovery. Live life with less pain.

All Aspects of Musculoskeletal Care in One Place:

From physical therapy and non-operative care to arthroscopy and complex reconstruction including joint replacements.

We offer fellowship-trained, board-certified physicians with sub-specialties in spine, hand, shoulder, hip and knee surgeries, including the latest minimally-invasive techniques that allow faster recovery periods. Our surgeons come from esteemed academic backgrounds including Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Cornell University, NYU, among others. At Mountainside Medical Center, the orthopedics program is a leader in the most up to date surgical techniques. 
 
When it’s time for rehabilitation, we offer a 5,000-square foot fitness facility with experienced and trained rehabilitation specialists. The rehabilitation center also has private treatment rooms for adults and seniors, as well as adolescents ages 14 to 17.
 

Our services include:

  • General orthopedic surgery: shoulder, hand, arm, lower extremities and foot.
  • Hand Surgery
  • Minimally Invasive and Arthroscopic Surgery
  • Sports Medicine
  • Total Joint Replacement Surgery: hip, knee, shoulder and elbow.
  • Spinal surgery
  • Foot and Ankle Surgery
  • Geriatric Orthopedic Surgery

Mountainside offers comprehensive physical therapy and inpatient rehabilitation. We value teamwork and collaboration to achieve the best outcome for each patient.  Our multidisciplinary staff provides the expertise and compassion to treat the whole patient and assure the best possible outcomes.

To find an orthopedic surgeon near you click here or call 1-888-973-4674.

Meet our Doctors

Oscar Vazquez, M.D., Chief of Orthopedics Department

Fluent in Portuguese and Spanish

Dr. Vazquez received his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, completed his residency at New York University School of Medicine and completed a fellowship in sports medicine at USC University Hospital. Board certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, Dr. Vazquez specializes in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. Dr. Vazquez is also trained in minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques to treat traumatic and degenerative condition of the hip.

Joseph Bellapianta, M.D.

Fluent in Italian

Dr. Bellapianta received his medical degree from Albany Medical College and completed his residency at Albany Medical Center Hospital. Dr. Bellapianta completed a fellowship in Sports Medicine at The Andrews Institute and is certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Bellapianta specializes in orthopedic surgery or the hip and knee.

Michael Benke, M.D

Fluent in Spanish

Dr. Benke received his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine and completed his residency in Orthopedic Surgery at George Washington University. Certified by the Board of Orthopedic Surgery, Dr. Benke also specializes in Sports Medicine, advanced arthroscopic procedures of the shoulder, knee, and hip and cartilage restoration. He is also an expert in orthopedic trauma, joint replacement and reconstruction.

Mark Chase, M.D.

Dr. Chase received his medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine and completed his residency at Boston University Medical Center and has been practicing medicine for over 30 years. Dr. Chase is certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and specializes in sports medicine and total knee, hip and shoulder replacement.

Mark Drzala, M.D.

Dr. Drzala received his medical degree and completed his residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry (UMDNJ). Dr. Drzala also completed a fellowship in spine surgery at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center. Certified by the American Board of Orthopedic surgery, Dr. Drzala specializes in osteoarthritis, spinal fractures, spinal stenosis and vertebroplasty. He has received the “Top Doctor” award from New Jersey Monthly Magazine for over 10 consecutive years.

Heidi Hullinger, M.D.

Dr. Hullinger received her medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine, completed her residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry (UMDNJ), and completed a fellowship in orthopedic spine surgery at the University of Texas at Houston. Certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, Dr. Hullinger specializes in orthopedic surgery and orthopedic spine/spinal reconstructive surgery.

Thomas John, M.D.

Dr. John received his medical degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry (UMDNJ) and completed his residency at Albert Einstein Medical Center. Dr. John also completed a fellowship in Adult Reconstructive Surgery from the Hospital for Special Surgery. Certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, Dr. John specializes in total knee and hip replacements, articular cartilage restoration and unicondylar knee replacements. He employs non-operative and advanced surgical options to treat pain, discomfort and orthopedic disabilities.

Carissa Meyer, M.D.

Dr. Meyer received her medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine and completed her residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center. She completed her fellowship in Hand Surgery at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Center. Certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, Dr. Meyer treats a variety of hand, wrist and elbow ailments. She specializes in wrist replacement, ligament repair, joint replacement and treatment of fractures.

Richard Rhim, M.D.

Fluent in Spanish and Korean

Dr. Rhim received his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine and completed his residency at Rush Presbyterian- St. Luke’s Medical Center. He completed his fellowship in Spine Surgery at New England Baptist Hospital. Dr. Rhim treats all conditions of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine and is certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. He specializes in herniated discs, spinal fractures, scoliosis, and lumbar and cervical fusions.

Gary Rombough, M.D.

Dr. Rombough received his medical degree from Albany Medical College. He completed his residency at Albany Medical Center Hospital and has been practicing medicine for over 35 years. Dr. Rombough specializes in surgeries of the hip, knee, and shoulder. He also has expertise in partial knee replacements, foot surgery and diabetic foot problems and is certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery.

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