Two New Jersey Practices Join the AOP Network

A novel physician-owned partnership model, American Orthopedic Partners (AOP), has announced the addition of two New Jersey practices—Atlantic Pediatric Orthopedics (APO) and the Center for Functional Restoration of the Spine, LLC (CFRS).

“We look forward to working with the experienced AOP leadership team to create a national model for orthopedic care that promises to deliver the best in clinical practice,” said APO founder and orthopedic surgeon Lawrence Stankovits, M.D.

“It’s exciting to be partnering with an organization that is focused on setting the national standards for clinical value using evidence based best practices,” stated APO co-founder and orthopedic surgeon Evan Curatolo, M.D.

Atlantic Pediatric Orthopedics maintains both Jersey Shore and Central Jersey region locations. Founders Dr. Stankovits and Dr. Curatolo are both board-certified, fellowship trained ortho surgeons who specialize in pediatrics.

The practice provides specialized musculoskeletal care for children and teens, including surgery, trauma care, sports injury care, treatment for congenital deformities and infection. Both doctors are dedicated to serving local youth. They use best practices acquired through training at A.I. duPont Children’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia, teaching as professors at the Rutgers School of Medicine and serving five regional hospitals.

The Center for Functional Restoration of the Spine maintains locations in Edison, Toms River and Shrewsbury and specializes in acute, congenital and chronic spinal conditions. Marc Menkowitz, M.D. and Steve Paragioudakis, M.D. are experts in a range of orthopedic pathologies including tumors, spinal infections, herniated discs, scoliosis, sprains, degenerative disc disease, sciatica and vertebral compression fractures.

The CFRS utilizes cutting edge technology such as Globus Medical ExcelsiusGPS, a robotic surgery system. The Center for Functional Restoration of the Spine is one of only a few American ortho practices using advanced tech for spinal surgery. The practice additionally offers specialized revision surgery for back surgery syndrome.

“The healthcare industry is constantly changing. As we manage and expand our practice, we wanted to find a partner to help us do this while maintaining ownership so that we can influence how we deliver industry-leading care moving forward,” said Dr. Menkowitz.

“We looked at many different opportunities for partnership and found AOP to be the best fit for us. Their model allows us to be a part of a national effort that will shape the future of orthopedic care,” stated Dr. Paragioudakis.

“Partnering with AOP means you are joining forces with orthopedic surgeons from across the country who are dedicated to delivering the best in clinical practice and growing together,” said AOP CEO, Jay Bronner, M.D. “We are thrilled to have these practices join us as we build a new model in orthopedics that will deliver better outcomes while reducing costs.”