ONS Physician Spotlight on Dr. Arthur Manoli III

Get to know Dr. Arthur Manoli III, hip preservation and joint replacement surgeon, who joined ONS in September 2022.

How did you get interested in orthopedics and specifically, hip?

My dad is an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon, so I grew up traveling around the country as he had an academic career. Once I got to medical school, I kept coming back to orthopedics. I liked that you can help identify and fix patients’ underlying problems unlike other areas of medicine where you are managing conditions. I was drawn to hip preservation because it’s very much a combination of art and science. In order to accurately diagnose hip pain, you need to reconcile a patient’s history, symptoms, expectations, physical exam and imaging. We’re constantly learning why things go wrong in the hip and now have the tools and technology to fix these issues prior to the development of arthritis or other conditions.

How is your training in hip preservation and joint replacement unique?

My specialized training in both hip preservation surgery and joint replacement surgery is quite unique. The hip field has historically been very splintered – hip preservation surgeons only deal with hips prior to the development of arthritis, while joint replacement surgeons have no experience in preservation. When people experience hip pain, there is no way to know the underlying cause so it’s easy to go to the wrong specialist.

What my dual training means for patients is that they can come to me with hip pain and receive an expedient diagnosis and unbiased discussion of treatment options by someone who is trained in all things related to the hip. If surgery is indicated, I can perform it without having to refer out, whether it is hip arthroscopy, hip preservation or hip replacement (among others). This is a one-stop-shop for hip pain which is currently very rare.

I am one of the only surgeons in the state of Connecticut who performs periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) procedures for hip dysplasia and one of only a handful in the U.S. who can do this combined with hip arthroscopy in one single operation, which allows me to treat everything wrong with the hip at one time to help delay the need for a hip replacement.

What is your practice philosophy?

I provide patient-centered care. When treating the hip, it’s very important to understand each patient’s needs so you can figure out a treatment plan based on their activities. During my fellowship at Duke, I was involved in research about patient preferences. We looked at how to choose treatment plans based on what’s important for patients especially if they qualify for more than one surgical option. Some patients prefer minimally invasive procedures, others are more concerned about keeping their own joint. It is important for physicians to have these conversations with patients to determine the best treatment not only medically but also to match patients’ preferences.

What are your personal interests?

I recently moved here with my wife and young daughter so we are enjoying exploring New England and seeing all it has to offer! I am enjoying these precious moments with my daughter as she grows up.

Why did you decide to join ONS?

ONS is very focused on patient experience. My experience is that larger academic health centers usually have very skilled surgeons but sometimes the system itself can be difficult to navigate for patients. This can be frustrating for a physician, so I knew I wanted to work at an organization that has the same philosophy that I have as a provider. I’m thrilled to be able to bring my specialized training and expertise from a large medical center to a more community-based alternative with better patient experience.