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Adolph S. Flemister, M.D.

Adolph S. Flemister, M.D.

Orthopaedics & Physical Performance , Surgery

4.9 out of 5 stars
826 Ratings
71 Comments
UR Medicine Faculty The University of Rochester Medical Faculty Group (URMFG) consists of over 900 specialist and primary care providers spanning 19 departments. URMFG is certified by the National Committee for Quality Assurance.
Accountable Health Partner Accountable Health Partners (AHP) is a network of over 2,000 community and UR medical faculty and a dozen leading hospitals throughout the region. AHP offers a full range of care.
Accepting New Patients

Contact

Appointment (585) 275-5321
Fax (585) 756-4725
Administrative (585) 273-5366

Locations

Orthopaedics & Physical Performance - Webster

Spring Pines Office Park
1672 Empire Boulevard, Building 100
Webster, NY 14580

(585) 275-5321 Get Directions
The Saunders Center for Orthopaedics & Physical Performance - Henrietta

Marketplace
10 Miracle Mile Drive
Rochester, NY 14623

(585) 275-5321 Get Directions

About Me

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 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 N...
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

Orthopaedic Knowledge Update 4: Foot and Ankle (2009)

Chapter: Hindfoot Osteoarthritis and Fusion

Core Knowledge in Orthopaedics:Trauma (2008)

Chapter: Midfoot and Forefoot Fractures

Advanced reconstruction foot and ankle (2004)

Chapter: Calcaneal fracture - primary arthrodesis

Foot and Ankle Manual 2nd edition (1998)

Chapter: Overuse tendon disorders of the foot and ankle

Ratings & Comments

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Ratings

Care provider's discussion of any proposed treatment (options, risks, benefits, etc.)

4.8 stars

Likelihood of recommending this care provider to others

4.8 stars

Explanations the care provider gave you about your problem or condition

4.8 stars

Care provider's efforts to include you in decisions about your care

4.8 stars

Concern the care provider showed for your questions or worries

4.8 stars

Patient Comments

4.4 stars

Dr. Flemister was great.. Wish I had been seeing him all along..I am hopeful with him

Jan 30, 2025

5.0 stars

The doctor showed a great deal of care and had a concerned look on his face at several points.

Jan 21, 2025

5.0 stars

Dr Flemister always a great listener and helpful

Jan 10, 2025

5.0 stars

Dr. Flemister is exceptional! My surgery and recovery to date have exceeded my hopes and expectations.

Jan 09, 2025

5.0 stars

Dr Flemister was very thoughtful and thorough in his explanations and examination of my foot. I very much appreciate his expertise. He gave consideration of my history and lifestyle in his decision making about my foot surgery. I highly recommend him! I will be in contact with him if my foot problems accelerate, but hoping I can avoid surgery.

Dec 23, 2024

5.0 stars

Seeimg Dr. Flemister is always thoughtful ..reassuring and helpful. Great physician

Oct 24, 2024

5.0 stars

I was apprehensive about the appointment, in terms of whether or not it was really necessary, would they be able to help, etc., but I don't think I could have had a better experience. I was extremely happy with the outcome. This was probably the best medical office experience I've had in the last decade.

Oct 14, 2024

5.0 stars

Sam is the best doctor I have seen for my foot. I have seen 3 podiatrists before him for my foot and got no relief.

Oct 12, 2024

5.0 stars

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

Sep 17, 2024

5.0 stars

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