Orthopaedic Hand Surgery

Dr. John Rinaldi is a board-certified Orthopaedic Hand and Upper Extremity Surgeon who treats patients with conditions affecting the elbow, wrist, and hand. He cares for both adults and children, focusing on restoring function, relieving pain, and helping patients return to the activities they enjoy. Dr. Rinaldi earned both his undergraduate and medical degrees from Penn State University, graduating with distinction and election to the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society. He completed his Orthopaedic Surgery residency at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA, where he scored in the 100th percentile on his in-training exams for three consecutive years. He completed his Hand, Upper Extremity, and Microsurgery fellowship training at the prestigious OrthoCarolina Hand Center in Charlotte, NC, under the mentorship of Dr. Glenn Gaston. He gained further experience in brachial plexus and peripheral nerve surgery, congenital hand conditions, trauma, and complex reconstructive procedures. Dr. Rinaldi is known for his friendly demeanor, clear communication, and dedication to patient-centered care. He emphasizes education and shared decision-making, helping patients understand their condition and treatment options. He enjoys caring for patients of all ages and activity levels — from athletes and laborers to children and older adults.

Peer-Reviewed Research Publications & Book Chapters

1. Qazi S, Aslami J, Rinaldi JM. “Dramatic neurologic recovery following humeral shaft ORIF with anterior transposition and primary radial nerve repair – Case report.” Journal of Orthopaedic Reports, Volume 4, Issue 1, Supplement, 2025, 100527, ISSN 2773-157X, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jorep.2024.100527.2. Rinaldi JM, Posey SL, Loeffler BJ, Gaston RG. “Unmasking Neuroma Pain in the Upper Extremity Amputee.” Accepted for publication in HAND. In press.3. Rinaldi JM, Gaston RG. Neuroma Management and Prevention. In: Hand Surgery Update VII. Hammert W and Rhee P, eds. American Society for Surgery of the Hand, 2023: 401-410.4. Larsen C, Doering T, Rinaldi JM, Greenberg AS, Birdsong EL, Tuckman DV. “Knotless Suture Anchor Suspensionplasty for Basal Joint Arthritis A Prospective Case Series with Short-Term Outcomes.” Bull Hosp Jt Dis (2013). 2022 Jun; 80(2):129-136. PMID: 356434715. Hammarstedt J, Rinaldi JM, Guth JJ, Akhavan S. “The Loop 'N' Tack Biceps Tenodesis: An All-Arthroscopic, Intra-Articular Technique.” Arthroscopy Techniques. 2020 Nov 26;9(12):e1899-e1902. doi: 10.1016/j.eats.2020.08.017. PMID: 333813986. Leininger S, Rinaldi JM, Philip FH, Birdsong EL. “Using an Institute Model to Reduce the Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism Within a Large Hospital System.” Critical Care Nursing Quarterly. 2022 Oct-Dec;45(4):307-316. Doi: 10.1097/CNQ.0000000000000422. PMID: 359807927. Acosta J, Rinaldi JM, Guth JJ, Akhavan S. “The Loop ‘N’ Tack Knot: Biomechanical Analysis of a Novel Suture Technique for Proximal Biceps Tenodesis.” The Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2020 Sep 23;8(9):2325967120952315. doi: 10.1177/2325967120952315. PMID: 330152128. Pilla NI, Rinaldi JM, Hatch M, Hennrikus WL. “Epidemiological Analysis of Displaced Supracondylar Fractures.” Cureus. 2020 Apr 19;12(4):e7734. doi: 10.7759/cureus.7734. PMID: 324403819. Tang P, Kharlamov A, Schimoler PJ, Rinaldi JM, Miller MC. “Contact area and pressure on the radial head are altered by biceps loads at 90 degrees of flexion: a computational model of the elbow.” Medical Engineering and Physics. Manuscript Number MEP-D-20-00654.10. Rinaldi JM, Geletzke AK, Phillips BE, Miller J, Dykes TM, Soybel DI. “Sarcopenia and Sarcopenic Obesity in Patients with Complex Abdominal Wall Hernias.” The American Journal of Surgery. 2016 Nov;212(5):903-911. doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2016.03.003. Epub 2016 Jun 1. PMID: 2737214611. Kulaylat AN, Engbrecht BW, Rocourt DV, Rinaldi JM, Santos MC, Cilley RE, Hollenbeak CS, Dillon PW. “Measuring Surgical Site Infections in Children: Comparing Clinical, Electronic, and Administrative Data.” Journal of the American College of Surgeons. 2016 May;222(5):823-30. doi: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2016.01.004. Epub 2016 Jan 22. PMID: 2701058612. Rinaldi JM, Geletzke AK, Phillips BE, Miller J, Dykes TM, Soybel DI. “Sarcopenia in a Patient Cohort with Complex Abdominal Wall Herias.” Journal of Surgical Research. 2014 Feb; 186(2):499. doi:10.1016/j.jss.2013.11.10913. Geletzke AK, Rinaldi JM, Phillips BE, Mobley SB, Miller J, Dykes TM, Hollenbeak C, Kelleher SL, Soybel DM. “Prevalence of Systemic Inflammation and Micronutrient Imbalance in Patients with Complex Abdominal Hernias.” Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery. 2014 Apr;18(4):646-55. doi: 10.1007/s11605-013-2431-y. Epub 2013 Dec 20. PMID: 2435698014. Rinaldi JM, Morton SM, Jensen L. “A Discrete Interaction Model/Quantum Mechanical Method for Simulating Nonlinear Optical Properties of Molecules Near Metal Surfaces.” Molecular Physics. 2013; 111(9-11):1322-1331. ISSN:0026-8976 (Print)