Fellowship-trained specialists | Bethesda. Rockville. Germantown.
Montgomery County's Premier Orthopedic Practice.
Fellowship-trained surgeons who listen, explain, and get you back to the game — and the life — you love. In-network. Same-day appointments available.
Our philosophy
Expertise. Trust. Access.
Three pillars that define how we practice — and why patients in Montgomery County have trusted us with their orthopedic care for over three decades.
Pillar One
Expertise
Our physicians trained at the most prestigious orthopedic fellowship programs in the country — and have served as team physicians for professional sports franchises at the highest levels of competition. That expertise is what you get at every appointment.
Pillar Two
Trust
Patients in Montgomery County have returned to us — and referred their families — for over 30 years. That loyalty is earned one appointment at a time: clear communication, honest options, and a care team that treats you like a person, not a chart number.
Pillar Three
Access
Getting to the right specialist shouldn't be a battle. We offer same-day and next-day appointments, 24/7 online scheduling, three convenient locations, and physicians who actually return your calls — plus in-network coverage with most major insurance plans.
What we treat
Find your condition
ACL Tear
Ligament tear in the center of the knee, common in pivoting sports.
ShoulderRotator Cuff Tears
Torn shoulder tendon causing weakness and pain with overhead arm use.
KneeMeniscus Tear
Torn knee cartilage from a twist or wear, causing pain and locking.
KneeKnee Osteoarthritis
Knee cartilage wear causing pain, swelling, and stiffness, common after age 50.
Hand & WristCarpal Tunnel Syndrome
Nerve compression at the wrist causing hand numbness and tingling.
Foot & AnklePlantar Fasciitis
Heel band inflammation causing sharp pain with the first morning steps.
HipHip Labral Tear & Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)
Hip socket cartilage tear with abnormal bone shape, causing groin pain.
ShoulderShoulder Instability
Loose shoulder joint that slips out of the socket, often after dislocation.
Spine, Neck & BackLumbar Disc Herniation & Sciatica
Bulging lower back disc pressing on a nerve, causing leg pain.
ElbowLateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
Overuse injury on the outer elbow from repetitive gripping.
Foot & AnkleAchilles Tendon Rupture
Complete Achilles tendon tear causing sudden inability to push off the foot.
Hand & WristTrigger Finger
Inflamed tendon that causes a finger to lock or catch when bending.
Doctors who actually know your name
Fellowship-trained subspecialists who are also genuine friends — that cohesion shows in how they collaborate on your care, and how they talk to you.
James S. Gardiner, MD
Orthopedic Surgery · Sports Medicine
Dr. James Gardiner specializes in arthroscopic shoulder and knee surgery, special interest in athletic knee and shoulder injuries.
Meet Dr. Gardiner →
Christopher S. Raffo, MD
Orthopedic Surgery · Sports Medicine
Dr. Christopher Raffo specializes in arthroscopic shoulder and knee surgery, special interest in rotator cuff tears.
Meet Dr. Raffo →
Gary Feldman, DPM, FACFAS
Podiatry (Foot & Ankle Surgery)
Dr. Gary Feldman specializes in treating chronic and acute orthopedic conditions of the foot and ankle.
Meet Dr. Feldman →
Peter G. Fitzgibbons, MD
Hand Surgery · Orthopedic Surgery
Dr. Peter Fitzgibbons specializes in treating complex orthopedic conditions of the hand, wrist, and elbow.
Meet Dr. Fitzgibbons →
John J. Christoforetti, MD
Orthopedic Surgery · Sports Medicine · Hip Preservation Surgery
Dr. John Christoforetti specializes in arthroscopic hip, shoulder and knee surgery, special interest in hip preservation.
Meet Dr. Christoforetti →Patient stories
Real patients. Real outcomes.
4.9 stars · 2,981 verified Google reviews
“Very pleased with the visit. Dr. got straight to the issue efficiently. Well run clinic that got me in and out quickly”
“Brian Long has been nothing short of fantastic walking me through my upcoming surgery, surgery day and supporting me post surgery. He is extremely patient, informative and communicative. I feel truly lucky that he was part of my medical team for my labrum repair.”
“I had the worst pain, now I am much better”
“Dr Ruffo is the best. He is not only a master of his craft as an outstanding surgeon but he is a caring, kind, warm human being understanding your fears in your present situation. He took his time explaining so clearly all the complicated issues regarding my upcoming surgery to save my severely shattered shoulder and arm. Dr. Raffo never gives you the feeling he might be in a rush, and he succeeds instilling confidence and hope in his patients. Fast forward - My surgery was successful and I have full mobility and strength in my arm and shoulder thanks to Dr. Ruffo and I highly recommend him as a gifted surgeon.”
“Dr. Christoforetti is the best. I refer him to everyone.”
“The COA team got me in to see Dr. Christoforetti within 48 hours of my initial call. Given his international reputation I feel very fortunate. The x-ray tech was so easy to work with: she gave precise directions so I knew just what to do. The PA/scribe asked good focused questions to quickly get the specific information she needed for Dr. C. Dr. C was terrific, assessed my situation in no time and set me up with a specific PT treatment plan. I’m good to go! Thank you CAO Team!”
“Dr. Fitzgibbons took the time to listen to my concerns and provide his professional feedback. Fantastic doctor exclamation”
“Dr Raffo is wonderful! I truly appreciate his help getting me back to walking normally again!”
From the sideline to the OR — and back to the game.
Our fellowship-trained surgeons have served as team physicians at the professional, collegiate, and elite youth levels — bringing that same standard of care to every patient we treat in Montgomery County. Whether you compete at the highest level or simply demand more from your body than pain will allow, we treat you like the athlete you are.
Insurance & Access
Concierge-level service, in your insurance network.
We're in-network with most major insurance plans — so you get the personal attention of a private practice without the out-of-pocket surprise. Walk-ins welcome at our Bethesda location.
Check your insurance →Find us
Three locations in Montgomery County
Bethesda Office
Orthopedic Surgery and Physical Therapy6710A Rockledge Dr., Suite 130
Bethesda, MD, 20817
(301) 515-0900
Germantown Office
Orthopedic Surgery and Physical Therapy19847 Century Boulevard, Suite 205
Germantown, MD, 20874
(301) 515-0900
Rockville Office
Physical Therapy only1071 Seven Locks Rd.
Rockville, MD, 20854
(301) 515-0900