Salvatore Joseph Sclafani, DO

Dr. Salvatore J. Sclafani is a board-eligible orthopedic surgeon with advanced fellowship training in sports medicine. He is dedicated to helping athletes and active individuals of all ages return to the activities they love.

In addition to fracture care, his expertise focuses on the comprehensive treatment of sports-related injuries of the knee, shoulder, and elbow. He specializes in treating conditions such as meniscus tears, ligamentous knee injuries, rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability, cartilage damage, and complex muscle and tendon injuries.

Dr. Sclafani’s journey into sports medicine began as a collegiate scholar-athlete at Drew University. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, graduating Magna Cum Laude. He then completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Huntington Hospital in Long Island, NY. Dr. Sclafani pursued his passion for sports medicine through a prestigious fellowship at the Ochsner Andrews Sports Medicine Institute, a world-renowned center for athletic care.

During his fellowship, Dr. Sclafani gained extensive experience providing care for athletes at the highest levels, having served as an assistant team physician for the NFL's New Orleans Saints and the NBA's New Orleans Pelicans. This experience has given him a deep understanding of the unique demands placed on an athlete's body and the most advanced techniques for recovery and return-to-play.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeon?

A sports medicine orthopedic surgeon is a physician who completes five years of specialized residency training in orthopedic surgery, followed by an additional year of advanced fellowship training focused on sports medicine. These specialists diagnose and treat injuries involving bone, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. Their expertise spans both non-operative and surgical management, with a strong emphasis on arthroscopic and minimally invasive techniques to optimize recovery and outcomes. Sports medicine surgeons treat athletes and non-athletes of all ages and abilities.

2. I have a rotator cuff tear. Does that mean I need surgery?

Not necessarily. The decision to proceed with surgery depends on several factors, including the size of the tear, your activity level, symptoms, and goals. Many small or partial tears can be managed effectively with non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy. We will discuss all treatment options to determine the best path for you.

3. What are the most common knee injuries you treat?

I treat a wide range of knee injuries, with some of the most common being meniscus tears, ACL injuries, and cartilage damage. Many of these conditions can be treated with arthroscopic surgery, which allows for a more precise repair and a faster recovery.

4. What can I expect from arthroscopic surgery?

Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique that is utilized to diagnose and treat injuries within or around a joint. The incisions used in arthroscopic surgery can be as small as 6mm. A specialized camera, called an arthroscope, is inserted through the incision, providing the surgeon a clear view of the joint and its damaged structures on a monitor. Arthroscopic instruments are placed through a separate small incision(s) in order to perform the necessary procedure. By avoiding large incisions and reducing trauma to surrounding tissues, arthroscopic surgery often leads to less pain, smaller scars, and a quicker recovery than traditional open surgery.

5. Where does Dr. Sclafani see patients?

Dr. Sclafani currently sees patients at 1168 Beacon Avenue in Manahawkin, NJ and at 226 NJ-37 in Toms River, NJ.

6. How can I schedule an appointment with Dr.Sclafani?

You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Sclafani by booking online or calling his office at 609-644-4000.