I am a board-certified fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle disorders. I have extensive surgical experience with sports injuries, trauma, and complex reconstruction of foot and ankle deformities. I have developed a special interest in Total Ankle Replacements.

I offer both operative and non-operative care. My goal is to create an individualized treatment plan that will allow patients to maximize their functional outcome. I am currently the Chief of our Foot and Ankle division at the University of Rochester. I have been practicing orthopedics for more than 25 years and have been working at the University of Rochester since 2002.

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, Florida Orthopaedic Institute Surgery Center-Citrus Park (USA). 1996 - 1997

Residency, University Hospital-SUNY Health Science Center. 1992 - 1996

Internship, University Hospital-SUNY Health Science Center. 1991 - 1992

Education

MD | Howard University College of Medicine. 1991

Awards

Duthie-Evarts Resident Education Award. 2012

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Achievement Award. 2012

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Achievement Award. 2010

Duthie-Evarts Resident Education Award. 2006

Dr. Charles H. Epps, Jr. Surgical Prize in Orthopaedic Surgery. 1991

Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. 1990

Outstanding Scholar Awards in Pathology, Epidemiology, Patient Care, Anatomy, Microbiology, Pharmacology, OB-GYN, Peds, & Psych. 1988 - 1991

Research

I have been involved in research for my entire career. Research is extremely important to develop new and innovative treatments as well as to promote critical thinking. My research focuses on the operative and nonoperative treatment of tendon disorders about the foot and ankle. I have received NIH grants to study these disease processes. I have authored numerous medical journal articles and textbook chapters on various aspects of foot and ankle surgery. I am a past chairman of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Research Committee.

Publications

Journal Articles

Reduction of Posterior Malleolus Fractures With Open Fixation Compared to Percutaneous Treatment.

Haws BE, Karnyski S, DiStefano DA, Soin SP, Flemister AS, Ketz JP

Foot & ankle orthopaedics.. 2023 July 8 (3):24730114231200485. Epub 09/28/2023.

Single Medial vs 2-Incision Approach for Double Hindfoot Arthrodesis: Is There a Difference in Joint Preparation?

MacDonald A, Anderson M, Soin S, Brodell JD, Flemister AS, Ketz JP

Foot & ankle international.. 2021 August 42 (8):1068-1073. Epub 06/13/2021.

Tensile mechanical changes in the Achilles tendon due to Insertional Achilles tendinopathy.

Bah I, Fernandes NRJ, Chimenti RL, Ketz J, Flemister AS, Buckley MR

Journal of the mechanical behavior of biomedical materials.. 2020 December 112 :104031. Epub 08/19/2020.

Incidence and Radiographic Predictors of Valgus Tibiotalar Tilt After Hindfoot Fusion.

Miniaci-Coxhead SL, Weisenthal B, Ketz JP, Flemister AS

Foot & ankle international.. 2017 May 38 (5):519-525. Epub 01/31/2017.

Arthroscopic Ankle Arthrodesis.

Behrend C, Baumhauer J, Flemister A.

Tech. Foot Ankle Surg. 2012; 11(2): 91-95.

Prospective, Randomized, Multi-Center Feasibility Trial of rhPDgf-BB Versus Autologous Bone Graft in a Foot and Ankle Fusion Model.

DiGiovanni, C.W.; Baumhauer, J.F.; Lin, S.S.; Berberian, W.S.; Flemister, A.S; Enna, M.E; Evangelista, P.; Newman, J.

Foot Ankle Int. 2011; 32(4): 344-354.

Deep Posterior Compartment Strength and Kinematics in Subjects with Stage II Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction.

Neville C, Flemister AS, Houck JR.

2010; 31(4): 320-328.

Midfoot Arthritis.

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

J Am Acad Ortho Surg. 2010; 18(7): 417-425.

Recent updates in the management of plantar fasciitis.

Shippert DW, Digiovanni BF, Baumhauer JF, Flemister AS.

Current Orthopaedic Practice. 2009; 20(2): 130-135.

The Effect of the Airlift PTTD Brace on Foot Kinematics in subjects with Stage II Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction.

Neville C, Flemister A, Houck J.

J Ortho Sports Physical Therapy. 2009; 39(3): 201-9.

Ankle and Foot Kinematics in Subjects with Stage II PTTD during Stance .

Houck J, Neville C, Tome J, Flemister AS.

Foot Ankle Int. 2009; 30(6): 530-539.

Foot kinematics during bilateral heel rise test in participants with stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.

Houck J, Neville C, Tome J, Flemister AS.

J Ortho Sports Phy Ther. 2009; 39(8): 593-603.

Science behind use of orthotic devices to manage posterior tibial tendon dysfunction

Neville, C: Flemister, AS; Houck, JR.

Techniques in Foot and Ankle Surgery (in press). 2008; .

The effect of Stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction on deep compartment muscle strength: A new strength test

Houck, J: Nomides, C: Neville, C; Flemister, AS.

Foot & Ankle International. 2008; 37(11): 895-902.

Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy: Surgical Options

Hu CT, Flemister AS.

Operative Techniques in Orthopaedics. 2008; 18(4): 247-253.

Flexor digitorum longus to posterior tibialis transfer with lateral column lengthening for Stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction

Flemister, AS; Baumhauer JF; Digiovanni, BF.

Tech Foot Ankle Surg. 2007; 6(1): 22-29.

The relationship among ankle, hindfoot and forefoot position and posterior tibialis muscle excursion

Flemister, AS; Neville, C; Houck, J.

2007; 37(11): 448-455.

Comparison of changes in posterior tibialis muscle length between subjects with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and healthy controls during walking

Neville, C; Flemister, AS; Tome, J; Houck, J.

Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy. 2007; 37(11): 661-669.

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.

Complete cuboid dislocation in a professional baseball player.

Smith JS, Flemister AS

The American journal of sports medicine.. 2006 January 34 (1):21-3. Epub 09/16/2005.

Comparison of foot kinematics between subjects with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and healthy controls

Tome, JM; Flemister, Nawoczenski, D; Houck, J.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Sports Physical Therapy. 2006; 36(9): 635-644.

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.

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.

Standardized treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fractures using an oblique lateral incision and no bone graft.

Geel CW, Flemister AS

The Journal of trauma.. 2001 June 50 (6):1083-9. Epub 1900 01 01.

Subtalar arthrodesis for complications of intra-articular calcaneal fractures.

Flemister AS, Infante AF, Sanders RW, Walling AK

Foot & ankle international.. 2000 May 21 (5):392-9. Epub 1900 01 01.

Foot and Ankle Infections

Stephens, H; Flemister, A.

Foot and Ankle Clinics. 1998; (1): 115-128.

Distraction Arthroplasty

Morse, KR; Flemister, AS; Baumhauer JF; DiGiovanni, BF.

Foot Ankle Clin. 12(1): 29-39.

Total and Distributed Plantar Loading in Subjects with Stage II Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction during Terminal Stance.

Neville C, Flemister A, Houck J.

Books

Operative Techniques in Orthopaedic Surgery (2010)

Chapter: Angular Deformity of the Lesser Toes

Authors: Flemister AS, Giordano BD

Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 2010

Orthopaedic Knowledge Update 4: Foot and Ankle (2009)

Chapter: Hindfoot Osteoarthritis and Fusion

Authors: Flemister AS

Publisher: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 2009

Core Knowledge in Orthopaedics:Trauma (2008)

Chapter: Midfoot and Forefoot Fractures

Authors: Flemister, AS

Publisher: Mosby Elsevier 2008

Advanced reconstruction foot and ankle (2004)

Chapter: Calcaneal fracture - primary arthrodesis

Authors: Flemister, AS

Publisher: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 2004

Foot and Ankle Manual 2nd edition (1998)

Chapter: Overuse tendon disorders of the foot and ankle

Authors: Stephens, H; Flemister, AS

Publisher: W.B. Saunders Co. 1998

Ratings & Comments

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Ratings

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

4.9

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

4.9

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

4.9

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

4.9

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

4.9

Patient Comments

Dr. Flemister was very engaged. He listened and seemed to understand my pain.

Sep 17, 2024

My experience was very good. Dr. Flemister is very knowledge and encouraging. He gave encouraging advice and encouraging follow-up! I started out in very bad shape and could not walk, had a cast for a week, then a boot for 6 weeks. Then, upon removing the boot and doing the MRI, it was determined I have a degenerative Achilles Tendonitis (and It was not ruptured). I am healing very well, and doing my physical therapy. I can not only walk, but I can bike and hike, too! I do need to give credit where credit is due, however! Now, I am not only walking; I am hiking and biking and doing amazingly well. But, truthfully, one morning, after receiving prayer for healing by a small group in my church, things began to turn around. I give the doctor some credit, and I take some credit myself for doing my PT, but I know that it is God who is healing me and who deserves the primary credit! (I thought I should say this, as I want to be as truthful as possible here!) I am literally amazed!

Sep 02, 2024

Dr Flemister is the best! Super friendly totally at ease

Aug 08, 2024

Would recommend highly

Aug 03, 2024

Very impressed with Dr Flemister. I feel that I am in very good hands. The day after my appointment I called his secretary with two questions. That afternoon Dr Flemister himself called me to answer my questions. I certainly didn't expect that from such a busy doctor!

Jul 21, 2024

5.0

Dr. Flemister was dynamite, I felt I was in more than capable hands

Jul 10, 2024

5.0

Explanations made me feel secure and trusting with the decisions

Jul 09, 2024

5.0

Good

May 12, 2024

5.0

Dr Flemister, his nurse practitioner and staff are great. His nurse practitioner is awesome.

Apr 17, 2024

5.0

It's just a shame there aren't more providers like Dr. Flemister

Apr 16, 2024

5.0

He was very informative.

Apr 14, 2024

5.0

Great experience

Apr 13, 2024

5.0

We had a really good interaction. And Dr. F. Helped me work through a difficult problem. He was helpful.

Apr 12, 2024

5.0

Dr Flemister is a good doctor, communicator and human being; an ideal health-care provider.

Apr 06, 2024

5.0

I love Dr. Flemister and have referred many people to him.

Mar 13, 2024

5.0

Dr Flemister was wonderful and extremely thorough for his exam and explanation of the current issues along with next steps.

Feb 20, 2024

5.0

Effective and efficient

Jan 18, 2024

5.0

Dr. Flemister discovered issues missed [...] & moved forward to fix those issues.

Nov 27, 2023

5.0

Already recommended Dr Flemister to friends

Nov 24, 2023

5.0

I have recommended Dr Flemister + Strong to an acquaintance with ankle Issues.

Nov 20, 2023

5.0

Most sincerely appreciate thoughtfulness and care options discussed with Dr. Flemister. Expectations alwasy exceeded.

Nov 20, 2023

5.0

Dr Flemister even helped remove a blister from one of my toes. After taking the time to fully explain the surgery approaching and steps to take beforehand.

Nov 08, 2023

5.0

Dr. Flemister was so personable and thorough in his reading of my Xray and MRI. Made me feel that I was in the best possible hands for my injury. [...]

Oct 19, 2023

5.0

Dr. took his time answering surgical questions, recovery, risks etc., to me & my husband -> very pleased w/his manner.

Sep 25, 2023

5.0

All good

Sep 22, 2023

5.0

I've been through this same procedure about 6 years ago and that surgeon has retired. I was looking for a surgeon with the expertise I had experienced the first time. I sincerely believe Dr. Flemister has exceeded my hopes thus far! Thank you [...]

Sep 21, 2023

Dr. Flemister was very thorough and caring. He made sure I understood.

Sep 11, 2023

5.0

Didn't feel rushed, very informative

Aug 16, 2023

5.0

Dr Flemister did my foot surgeries. I have a lot of confidence in his knowledge and recommendations.

Jul 20, 2023

5.0

Dr. Flemister is the best as all my previous ortho dr. have been!

Jul 14, 2023

5.0

Always very approachable and informative regarding medical issues

Jul 03, 2023

5.0

Dr. Flemister is the best! He is a patient advocate and excellent clinician.

Jun 10, 2023

5.0

Good.

May 22, 2023

5.0

Dr Flemister was so helpful. Very knowledgeable and communicated effectively.

May 07, 2023

5.0

Dr. Flemister is an asset to the U. ER!

Apr 11, 2023

5.0

Dr. Flemister is super- personable. Really puts me at ease!

Mar 30, 2023

5.0

Good

Mar 22, 2023

5.0

I have the upmost confidence in Dr Flemister's orthopedic expertise.

Feb 24, 2023

5.0

Didn't have great news for me, but did a great job explaining and being positive.

Jan 27, 2023

4.5

Explained nothing surgically could be done and gave me a new lace up ankle brace

Jan 23, 2023

5.0

Dr. Flemister was my 3rd opinion and was confident without a doubt tat he could perform this surgery with the best outcome for me.

Jan 18, 2023

5.0

Both Christopher McCarty and Dr. Flemister were excellent

Jan 15, 2023

5.0

Excellent experience and a great doctor.

Dec 18, 2022

5.0

Very honest and easy to communicate with.

Nov 21, 2022

4.6

I have recommended him to several people.

Oct 15, 2022

5.0

Notes slightly different from discussion

Oct 08, 2022

5.0

Doctor is excellent, very skilled and caring. Has addressed all of my post-op concerns.

Oct 01, 2022

5.0

Dr. Flemister is great! So personable! Knows what he's doing, too!

Sep 11, 2022

5.0

Accomplished what I went for.

Aug 07, 2022

2.2

Felt like I was rushed in and rushed out. [...]

Jul 27, 2022

4.2

The best provider is focused & patient (5/5) and puts self in shoes of patient (4/5). Also gives reassurances and surgical understanding (3/5), as lay person.

Jul 14, 2022

3.8

I felt very rushed. I understand that some days are better than others but he was clearly in a hurry. Having said that, he was still courteous and informative.

Jun 27, 2022

5.0

The provider chose the best alternative for my situation. He chose the least invasive option, and I was happy with the outcome.

Jun 25, 2022

5.0

It was a very positive experience.

Jun 24, 2022

5.0

Dr Flemister is very patient and friendly and straightforward. I wish he could do a little more to relieve the pain and pulling in other areas of my foot, tho. We may need to talk again before surgery.

Jun 08, 2022

5.0

He was most attentive during my pre surgery appt. Right try to my year after appt. Would highly recommend him to friends and family.

Apr 15, 2022

5.0

Everyone from greeter thru visit was kind and respectful. Kindness sometimes takes a backseat to efficiency but not here

Apr 14, 2022

5.0

Very happy with service provided

Apr 11, 2022

5.0

I am confident with Dr. Flemister.

Mar 29, 2022

5.0

Great experience from day 1 very satisfied with the outcome.

Mar 25, 2022

5.0

The doctor took the time to address my problem, what could be done, and will see me in 4 weeks to see if any progress.

Feb 25, 2022

5.0

Love this dr. - have already referred others to him.

Feb 12, 2022

5.0

I have had many concerns and questions about surgery and wished that those concerns could have been intuited and addressed more proactively. The Dr's. Time is of course very limited. Patients like me could benefit greatly by literature that comprehensively addresses patient concerns. A time saver for Dr. And a reference for Patient.

Feb 10, 2022