I am a board-certified Orthopaedist and a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons who sees adolescent and adult patients for a wide range of foot and ankle problems. I have been practicing at the University of Rochester since 1999. I am a Professor of Orthopaedics and in this role I see patients in the clinic, teach medical students and orthopaedic surgery residents, and conduct research to find ways to improve the treatment of foot and ankle disorders. My special area of expertise include: arthritic conditions, sports injuries and fractures and dislocatiions of the foot and ankle. I have a particular interest in foot and ankle sports medicine, and research-based expertise in the areas of plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis and tendonopathy, athletic ankle injuries, and chronic ankle pain in the athlete.

My goal is to deliver excellent medical care that produces optimal outcomes for all of my patients. Partnering and sharing knowledge and decision making with my patients helps me make the best decisions for patients to achieve active and fulfilling lifestyles.

Certified Specialties

Orthopaedic Surgery - American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Faculty Appointments

Professor - Department of Orthopaedics (SMD)

Credentials

Residency & Fellowship

Fellowship, Orthopaedic Surgery, Foot and Ankle Surgery, American Sports Medicine Institute. 1996 - 1997

Fellowship, Orthopaedic Surgery, Foot and Ankle Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin. 1996 - 1996

Residency, Orthopaedic Surgery, Case Western Reserve University. 1992 - 1996

Internship, Surgery (General Surgery), Case Western Reserve University. 1990 - 1991

Education

MD | Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. 1990

Awards

Selected for/ Nominated to : Medical Student Promotions and Review Board (MSPRB). 2016

J Leonard Goldner Award for Best Basic Science Paper "Can Initial PROMIS Scores Predict Outcomes for Foot & Ankle Patients?". 2016

Selected for / Nominated to: Advisory Committee Dean's Teaching Fellowship Program. 2014

Selected for / Nominated to: Medical School Admissions Committee. 2013 - 2016

Recipient of Louis A. and Mildred M. Goldstein Scholarship Award; Research Grant Awarded. 2012 - 2014

Elected To Membership. 2011

Promotion to Professor of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation (Teacher-Clinician-Scholar Tract). 2011

2nd Prize, Outstanding Research Poster. 2010

2011 Patient and Family Centered Care Award: For achieving the 90th % or above on inpatient satisfaction scores. 2010 - 2011

Appointed Director of Musculoskeletal Curriculum, Directorship of Medical Student Years 1-4. 2009

Program Director, Orthopaedic Surgery Foot and Ankle Fellowship. 2008 - 2013

Guide to America's Top Orthopaedists, 2007 edition. 2007

Awarded 2007-2009 Dean's Teaching Fellowship. 2007 - 2009

Marshal A. Lichtman Dean's Teaching Fellow. 2007 - 2009

Selected member of Editorial Review Board. 2005

Promotion to Associate Professor of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation (Teacher-Clinician-Scholar Tract). 2005

Elected Fellow. 2001

Selected member of Editorial Review Board. 2001

Finalist, Roger A. Mann, MD Award. 1997

Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. 1990

First Prize, Paul H. Curtiss, Jr., MD Musculoskeletal Essay Competition. 1988

Magna Cum Laude Graduate. 1986

James B. Angell Scholar, Awarded for consecutive semesters of 4.0 GPA. 1984 - 1985

Research

In addition to treating patients as an active clinician, I am a researcher and medical educator who has trained over 100 Orthopaedic residents and foot and ankle Fellows. I have researched and published in numerous books and medical journals including reporting on methods for enhancing the quality of Orthopaedic medical education. I have a number of educational leadership roles at the University of Rochester including Director of Orthopaedic Intern Education and Director of the Musculoskeletal Curriculum at the medical school. In 2011, I was recognized for my national leadership role in the field of Orthopaedics by being inducted into the American Orthopaedic Association (AOA).

Publications

Journal Articles

Operative Anatomy of the Medial Gastrocnemius Recession vs the Proximal Medial Gastrocnemius Recession.

Kaplan N, Fowler X, Maqsoodi N, DiGiovanni B, Oh I

Foot & ankle international.. 2017 April 38 (4):424-429. Epub 12/01/2016.

Preoperative PROMIS Scores Predict Postoperative Success in Foot and Ankle Patients.

Ho B, Houck JR, Flemister AS, Ketz J, Oh I, DiGiovanni BF, Baumhauer JF

Foot & ankle international.. 2016 September 37 (9):911-8. Epub 08/16/2016.

Ankle Power and Endurance Outcomes Following Isolated Gastrocnemius Recession for Achilles Tendinopathy.

Nawoczenski DA, DiLiberto FE, Cantor MS, Tome JM, DiGiovanni BF

Foot & ankle international.. 2016 July 37 (7):766-75. Epub 03/17/2016.

Musculoskeletal Medicine Is Underrepresented in the American Medical School Clinical Curriculum.

DiGiovanni BF, Sundem LT, Southgate RD, Lambert DR

Clinical orthopaedics and related research.. 2016 April 474 (4):901-7. Epub 1900 01 01.

Isolated gastrocnemius recession for achilles tendinopathy: strength and functional outcomes.

Nawoczenski DA, Barske H, Tome J, Dawson LK, Zlotnicki JP, DiGiovanni BF

The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume.. 2015 January 2197 (2):99-105. Epub 1900 01 01.

Foot and Ankle Fragility Fractures.

Serna F, DiGiovanni BF.

Geriatric Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, 2nd edition (Steven Kates, MD and Simon Mears, MD,PhD editors). 2015; volume 6(2);58-120.

Factors impacting musculoskeletal knowledge and clinical confidence in graduating medical students.

DiGiovanni BF, Southgate RD, Mooney CJ, Chu JY, Lambert DR, O'Keefe RJ.

The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume.. 2014;96 (21):e185. PMID: 25378518. 2014; .

Open surgical treatment of an acute, unstable bony mallet injury of the hallux.

Martin EA, Barske HL, DiGiovanni BF

Foot & ankle international.. 2013 February 34 (2):295-8. Epub 01/11/2013.

Current concepts review: isolated gastrocnemius contracture and gastrocnemius recession.

Barske HL, DiGiovanni BF, Douglass M, Nawoczenski DA

Foot & ankle international.. 2012 October 33 (10):915-21. Epub 1900 01 01.

Non-Operative and Surgical Management of Recalcitrant Plantar Fasciitis: Preferences Among a Subgroup Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

DiGiovanni BF, Moore AM#, Pinney S.

Foot and Ankle International. 2012; 33: 507-512.

Maturation of Medical Students Musculoskeletal Medicine Knowledge and Confidence - research Article.

DiGiovanni BF, Chu JY*, Mooney CJ, Lambert DR.

Medical Education OnLine. 2012; 17: 17092.

Isolated Gastrocnemius Contracture and Gastrocnemius Recession: Current Concepts.

Barske H, DiGiovanni BF, Douglass M, Nawoczenski DA.

Foot and Ankle International. 2012; 33: 915-921.

Peripheral nerve entrapments of the lower leg, ankle, and foot.

Flanigan RM, DiGiovanni BF

Foot and ankle clinics.. 2011 June 16 (2):255-74. Epub 1900 01 01.

Complications of ankle arthroscopy utilizing a contemporary noninvasive distraction technique.

Young BH, Flanigan RM, DiGiovanni BF

The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume.. 2011 May 1893 (10):963-8. Epub 1900 01 01.

Association between plantar fasciitis and isolated contracture of the gastrocnemius.

Patel A, DiGiovanni B

Foot & ankle international.. 2011 January 32 (1):5-8. Epub 1900 01 01.

A guide to improving the care of patients with fragility fractures.

Bukata SV, Digiovanni BF, Friedman SM, Hoyen H, Kates A, Kates SL, Mears SC, Mendelson DA, Serna FH, Sieber FE, Tyler WK

Geriatric orthopaedic surgery & rehabilitation.. 2011 January 2 (1):5-37. Epub 1900 01 01.

Process of Discovery: A Fourth-Year Translational Science Course.

Medical Education Online. 2011; 16: 8443.

Midfoot arthritis.

Patel A, Rao S, Nawoczenski D, Flemister AS, DiGiovanni B, Baumhauer JF

The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.. 2010 July 18 (7):417-25. Epub 1900 01 01.

Foot and Ankle Experience in Orthopaedic Residency - An Update.

Aronow, M.; Panchbhavi, V.; DiGiovanni, B.; et al.

Foot and Ankle International. 2010; 31: 10-13.

Distraction arthroplasty.

Morse KR, Flemister AS, Baumhauer JF, DiGiovanni BF

Foot and ankle clinics.. 2007 March 12 (1):29-39. Epub 1900 01 01.

Exposure to Direct and Scatter Radiation with Use of Mini C-Arm Fluoroscopy.

Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 2007; : 948-952.

The Influence of Foot Position on Stretching of the Plantar Fascia.

Foot and Ankle International. 2007; 28: 815-822.

Using resident input to identify and integrate essential components of a foot and ankle rotation.

DiGiovanni BF, Gillespie BT, Flemister AS, Baumhauer JF

Foot & ankle international.. 2006 September 27 (9):728-33. Epub 1900 01 01.

Plantar fascia-specific stretching exercise improves outcomes in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. A prospective clinical trial with two-year follow-up.

Digiovanni BF, Nawoczenski DA, Malay DP, Graci PA, Williams TT, Wilding GE, Baumhauer JF

The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume.. 2006 August 88 (8):1775-81. Epub 1900 01 01.

Reliability and Validity of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Clinical Rating Scale: A Pilot Study for the Hallux and Lesser Toes.

Baumhauer, J.; Nawoczenski, D.; DiGiovanni, B.; Wilding, G.

Foot and Ankle International. 2006; 27: 1014-19.

The role of extracorporeal shock wave on plantar fasciitis.

Roehrig GJ, Baumhauer J, DiGiovanni BF, Flemister AS

Foot and ankle clinics.. 2005 December 10 (4):699-712, ix. Epub 1900 01 01.

Acute ankle injury and chronic lateral instability in the athlete.

DiGiovanni BF, Partal G, Baumhauer JF

Clinics in sports medicine.. 2004 January 23 (1):1-19, v. Epub 1900 01 01.

Ankle pain and peroneal tendon pathology.

Baumhauer JF, Nawoczenski DA, DiGiovanni BF, Flemister AS

Clinics in sports medicine.. 2004 January 23 (1):21-34. Epub 1900 01 01.

Tissue-specific plantar fascia-stretching exercise enhances outcomes in patients with chronic heel pain. A prospective, randomized study.

DiGiovanni BF, Nawoczenski DA, Lintal ME, Moore EA, Murray JC, Wilding GE, Baumhauer JF

The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume.. 2003 July 85-A (7):1270-7. Epub 1900 01 01.

Foot and ankle experience in orthopaedic residency.

Pinzur MS, Mikolyzk D, Aronow MS, DiGiovanni BF, Mizel MS, Pinney SJ, Saltzman CL, Temple HT

Foot & ankle international.. 2003 July 24 (7):567-9. Epub 1900 01 01.

Plantar Fascia Release with Proximal and Distal Tarsal Tunnel Release: A Surgical Approach to Chronic, Disabling Plantar Fasciitis with Associated Nerve Pain.

Techniques in Foot and Ankle Surgery. 2003; 2: 254-261.

Subtalar arthrodesis with flexor digitorum longus transfer and spring ligament repair for treatment of posterior tibial tendon insufficiency.

Johnson JE, Cohen BE, DiGiovanni BF, Lamdan R

Foot & ankle international.. 2000 September 21 (9):722-9. Epub 1900 01 01.

Associated Injuries Found in Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability.

DiGiovanni, B; Fraga C; Cohen B; Shereff, M.

Foot and Ankle International. 2000; 21: 809-815.

Treatment of Perilunate and Transscaphoid Perilunate Dislocations of the Wrist

DiGiovanni, B; Shaffer, J.

The American Journal of Orthopaedics. 1995; 24: 818-826.

Vertebral alterations in Scheuermann's kyphosis.

Scoles PV, Latimer BM, DigIovanni BF, Vargo E, Bauza S, Jellema LM

Spine.. 1991 May 16 (5):509-15. Epub 1900 01 01.

Anterior extension of the thoracic vertebral bodies in Scheuermann's kyphosis. An anatomic study.

Digiovanni BF, Scoles PV, Latimer BM

Spine.. 1989 July 14 (7):712-6. Epub 1900 01 01.

Vertebral body and posterior element morphology: the normal spine in middle life.

Scoles PV, Linton AE, Latimer B, Levy ME, Digiovanni BF

Spine.. 1988 October 13 (10):1082-6. Epub 1900 01 01.

Books

Operative Techniques in Orthopaedic Surgery, 2nd edition (textbook chapter) (2015)

Chapter: Chronic Plantar Fasciitis with Distal Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: An Operative Technique

Authors: Gould JS, DiGiovanni BF

Publisher: Lippincott 2015

Foot and Ankle Orthopaedic Resident Curriculum. (2014)

Chapter: Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain. Lecture: Core On Line Publication

Authors: DiGiovanni BF

Publisher: American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society 2014

In Surgery of the Foot and Ankle (2014)

Chapter: Plantar Heel Pain

Authors: Dawson L, DiGiovanni BF, Baumhauer J

Publisher: Saunders 2014

AAOS Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review (2014)

Chapter: Arthroscopy of the Ankle

Authors: DiGiovanni BF

Publisher: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 2014

Orthopaedic Resident Review Course (2014)

Chapter: Limb Salvage of the Foot and Ankle

Authors: DiGiovanni BF

Publisher: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 2014

Resident Review Course: Core Curriculum (2013)

Chapter: Limb Salvage of the Foot and Ankle

Authors: DiGiovanni, BF

Publisher: American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society 2013

Operative Techniques in Orthopaedic Surgery (2010)

Chapter: Chronic Plantar Fascia with Distal Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: An Operative Technique.

Authors: Gould JS, DiGiovanni BF.

Publisher: Lippincott 2010

AAOS Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review (2009)

Chapter: Arthroscopy of the Ankle

Authors: DiGiovanni BF.

Publisher: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 2009

Foot and Ankle Clinics (2003)

Chapter: Salvage of First Metatatsophalangeal Joint Arthroplasty Complications

Authors: Baumhauer JF, DiGiovanni BF.

Publisher: Saunders 2003

The Foot. CD-ROM. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (2003)

Chapter: Selective Exposures in Orthopaedic Surgery:

Authors: Baumhauer JF (editor), DiGiovanni BF (faculty), Flemister AS (faculty).

Publisher: AAOS, Rosemont , IL 2003

Foot and Ankle 3. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (2003)

Chapter: Fractures and Dislocations of the Talus and Subtalar Joint. Orthopaedic Knowledge Update: Rosemont, Illinois,.

Authors: DiGiovanni BF, Baumhauer JB:.

Publisher: AAOS, Rosemont, IL 2003

AOFAS 2003 Resident Lecture Series, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (2003)

Chapter: Foot and Ankle Core Curriculum. Syllabus and CD-ROM.

Authors: Pinney SF (series editor), DiGiovanni BF (faculty / contributor)

Publisher: American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, Seattle, Washington 2003

Journal of Muscuoloskeletal Medicine (2002)

Chapter: Plantar Heel Pain: Making a Difficult Diagnosis

Authors: Voloshin I, DiGiovanni BF, Baumhauer BF.

Publisher: AAOS 2002

Foot and Ankle Clinics (2002)

Chapter: Arthrodesis of the Infected Ankle and Subtalar Joints

Authors: Baumhauer JF, Lu A, DiGiovanni BF.

Publisher: Saunders 2002

Foot and Ankle Clinics (2001)

Chapter: Osteotomies of the Fifth Metatarsal.

Authors: Baumhauer JF, DiGiovanni BF.

Publisher: Saunders 2001

Foot and Ankle Clinics (1998)

Chapter: Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome and Related Entities. 3:405-426, 1998

Authors: DiGiovanni BF, Gould JS.

Publisher: Saunders 1998

Foot and Ankle Clinics (1997)

Chapter: Achilles Tendinitis and Posterior Heel Disorders.

Authors: DiGiovanni BF, Gould JS:

Publisher: Saunders 1997

Ratings & Comments

At URMC, we believe that patients should be empowered to make the right decisions regarding their personal healthcare. To do so, transparency is critical. URMC partners with Press Ganey, to survey our patients about all aspects of their care experience. We are now putting this pertinent information at your fingertips by displaying star ratings for our providers along with anonymous patient comments on our website. This will help you make better-informed choices about how and with whom you seek care. Click here to learn more about the surveys used to generate this vital information. Learn more about our survey process.

Ratings

During this visit, did this provider spend enough time with you?

4.7

During this visit, did this provider show respect for what you had to say?

4.6

During this visit, did this provider give you easy to understand information about these health questions or concerns?

4.7

During this visit, did this provider listen carefully to you?

4.7

During this visit, did this provider explain things in a way that was easy to understand?

4.7

Patient Comments

5.0

Very patient centered care! He was compassionate and listened well

Dec 20, 2023

1.8

I was seen by the resident, who was thorough and pleasant. When Dr. DiGiovanni entered the room, he said he agreed with the resident's findings, did a quick exam of my foot ankle and told me what my options are. When I tried to have a discussion with him about my issue, he shut me right down, stating that, " Dr. (the resident) had already informed him of everything and that there was no need for further discussion. Very disappointing. [...] He showed no real concern for me and my injury.

Dec 15, 2023

3.0

[...] Gave direct answers to my questions but didn't offer much other information unless I asked. Commented that I was asking too many questions. Seemed very rushed although he did make some general friendly comments.

Dec 14, 2023

5.0

Very knowledgeable and thorough. He really took the time to explain to me what the problem was and demonstrated the exercises that I needed to do, making sure that I knew how to do the stretch properly before he left. I was also given a handout with photos that helped a lot.

Nov 13, 2023

3.8

He was very kind and had a warm demeanor about him, which I really appreciated. He also had a collaborative approach in the appointment, which was also great.I do wish he had spent a little more time getting info about my lifestyle and telling me more about the long term recovery process for what I was being seen for.

Oct 03, 2023

5.0

But he no longer performs surgery, so he asked the surgeon to come in and examine me and answer questions.

Aug 17, 2023

5.0

New technology that recorded session allowed the physician to be much more engaged with me and made the overall experience much better.

Aug 16, 2023

5.0

Dr. DiGiovanni is probably one of the best dr.'s I have used in the UR Medicine network.

Aug 04, 2023

5.0

Dr. Digiovanni was wonderful and I highly recommend him!

Jul 27, 2023

5.0

I felt like I was listen to, and the doctor gave clear explanations. He was super kind and friendly.

Jun 15, 2023

5.0

Dr Digiovanni was very kind and respectful. He was "down-to-earth" and easy to converse with. He explained things in such a way that was understandable to the average "non medical" person and did so in such a way as to not make you feel ignorant or foolish. That is a nice quality to have in a doctor.

Apr 29, 2023

3.4

I felt a little disrespected because I have a higher bmi and that was practically thrown in my face for why the problem is persistent... However, I had this problem 3 years ago at my lowest weight, so it actually wasn't due to the weight aspect, mentioning extra weight makes it hard to be on your feet and walk. I'm a very active person so comments like that are unnecessary and feel awful. He also questioned, "can you do that" when trying to show me a stretch. That also felt backhanded. When I raised concern about the pain on my ankle and outer side of my foot, he just brushed it as being related to the plantar problems. I didn't really feel "heard" with that.

Apr 28, 2023

5.0

Dr. Digiovanni and his staff did a wonderful job. Anything you can do to make his job easier should be done. Sadly, drs., are very under appreciated.

Apr 24, 2023

5.0

Great experience!

Apr 13, 2023

5.0

Dr. Digiovanni was very professional and caring. He reviewed my x-rays, showing them to me and explaining the reason for my problem and exercises required to hopefully fix the problem. He made sure that I knew what and how to do them as well as provided paperwork to refer to. He took his time and at no time did I feel like I was rushed through. Definitely an asset to the UR Medicine group.

Apr 09, 2023

1.4

I didn't know about being a part of a software diagnostic study and the recording of my session until I was sitting on the table with the doctor. At first I thought he was saying I was being invited to participate in a future Orthopaedics study. Quickly realized it was happening "now". Felt that the doctor's comments were for the benefit of the study (using medical terminology that was over my head). Doctor mentioned that he would tell me at my next appointment about possible treatment options because he said that it was too much for me to hear today and that I wasn't going to like some of them. So it left me wondering and if there was something to say/do I would have liked to hear that at this appointment. I was quite surprised to see a laundry list of foot issues (5) on my visit papers which I received at the checkout desk and so later, at home, was left to google what they all were. I also had more questions but never got to them. Also the doctor left the room without showing me the way out. I had never been there before and didn't know my way around the facility. He seemed in a big hurry. The doctor may very well be very good at what he does and if so I would like to know that as my first impression with non- surgical matters did not meet my expectations.

Mar 04, 2023

5.0

Dr DiGiovanni demonstrates the ICARE values by having a gentle demeanor, eye contact and empathic listening .

Feb 16, 2023

1.4

Hardly listened to my situation. I felt like a number not a person. Interrupted me when I started to describe condition and basically was condescending. I walked away knowing pretty much what I knew before arriving. No suggestions for treatment passed the buck on to my PCP. Horrible experience for specialist. If U of R didn't dominate health care in the area I would never return to your specialists.

Jan 21, 2023

5.0

Very good Doctor

Jan 12, 2023

3.0

I felt it was very dismissive with my concerns because [...]

Jan 12, 2023

5.0

Dr. DiGiovanni is exceptional physician. He is attentive and carefully listened to me. He explained treatment in a very thorough but easily understood manner.

Nov 14, 2022

5.0

Dr. Digiovanni was awesome- friendly, knowledgeable, and caring.

Oct 23, 2022

5.0

There was no further proposed treatment. My foot is healing well.

Oct 17, 2022

3.8

I felt rushed and that Dr D was not too interested in what I asked or said; he obviously knows what he's doing but was more interested in teaching the medical student with him. I am grateful for DrD's knowledge and expertise but feel his student did not witness the importance of caring for the patient as a person.

Aug 25, 2022

2.2

I wanted to hear a definite course of action which I did not hear. [...]

Jul 25, 2022

2.2

Provider was dismissive and condescending

Jul 14, 2022

3.0

I felt like he was distracted and wasn't taking my concerns seriously. I felt like my concerns were ignored and dismissed.

Jul 11, 2022

4.0

This was a one time visit, very well done from start to finish.

May 27, 2022

5.0

Excellent doctor

Feb 18, 2022