University at Buffalo (UB)
Erik C. Freeland DO
Erik C. Freeland
DO
Clinical Assistant Professor
Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Specialty/Research Focus
Foot & Ankle Surgery; Orthopaedic Surgery
Professional Summary:
As a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon surgery, my clinical expertise is in the operative and nonoperative treatment of foot and ankle disorders. With a unique background as a former physical therapist, I have dedicated my career to providing exceptional and holistic care to patients suffering from complex orthopedic conditions.
My journey began as a young student with a fascination for human anatomy and a deep-rooted desire to help people recover and regain their mobility. I pursued a degree in physical therapy and spent years working as a dedicated therapist, witnessing the transformative power of rehabilitation firsthand. This initial phase of my career taught me the importance of understanding the intricacies of the human body, the art of patient-centered care, and the value of compassion.
During my time as a physical therapist, I couldn’t help but be drawn to the complex cases that required surgical intervention. I also found myself curious about the possibilities of guiding patients through the entire journey of recovery. This curiosity led me to pursue a medical degree, followed by a residency in orthopedic surgery and finally a fellowship in foot and ankle surgery.
Education and Training:
- Fellowship, Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery, University of Pennsylvania (2014)
- Residency, Orthopaedic Surgery, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (2013)
- Internship, Delaware County Memorial Hospital (2009)
- DO, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (2008)
- BS, Physical Therapy, University at Buffalo, Magna Cum Laude (2002)
Employment:
- Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, University at Buffalo (2023-present)
- Division Head, Foot and Ankle, Orthopedic Surgery, Cooper University Hospital (2017–2023)
- Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (2016–2023)
- Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (2014–2023)
- Orthopedic Surgeon, Cooper University Hospital (2014–2023)
- Orthopedic Surgeon, Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital (2013–2023)
- Chief Resident, Orthopedic Surgery, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (2012–2013)
- Physical Therapist, Brothers of Mercy Nursing & Rehabilitation Center (2003–2004)
- Physical Therapist, Mount St. Mary's Hospital (2003)
- Graduate Teaching Assistant, Gross Human Anatomy, University at Buffalo (2002–2003)
Awards and Honors:
- Faculty Teaching Award, Cooper Bone and Joint Institute (2023)
- 1st place research award, Camden Scholars Forum (2022)
- 1st place research award, Camden Scholars Forum (2022)
- Top Doctor, South Jersey Magazine (2020)
- Faculty Teaching Award, Cooper Bone and Joint Institute (2017)
- Reader’s Choice Top Doctors, South Jersey Magazine (2016)
- Resident Teaching Award in Orthopedic Surgery (2013)
Grants and Sponsored Research:
- A Retrospective Data Collection of Fracture Fixation, Revision Procedures, Joint Fusion and Bone Reconstruction in the Foot and Toes with the ORTHOLOC 3Di Hallux Plating System
Stryker
Role: Contributor - A Retrospective Data Collection of the Treatment of Soft Tissue Rupture of the Syndesmosis with the GRAVITY SYNCHFIX Syndesmosis Fixation Device
Stryker
Role: Contributor
Journal Articles:
- Mahjoub A, Romiyo V, Gentile P, Freeland EC. (2024) Fusion Rates in Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis with Tantalum Coated Metal Cup Augmentation. AOFAS Winter Meeting 2024 (Jan)
- Connors G, Mathew J, Freeland E. (2023) Biomechanics and Injury Prevention for Barefoot/Minimalist Running. JBJS reviews (Nov), 11(11).
- Millstein I, Koneru M, Gentile P, Mahjoub A, Freeland EC. (2023) Comparing Rates of Radiographic Baseplate Loosening Between Cement and Cementless INFINITY Total Ankle Prostheses. AOFAS Annual Meeting 2023 (Sep)
- Bhat V, Barr J, Gentile P, Freeland EC. (2023) Pain and Functional Outcomes of Ultrasound-Guided Corticosteroid Injections for Peroneal Tendon Injuries. Clinical Orthopedic Society Annual Meeting, PAOrtho Annual Meeting (May)
- Iqbal, F, Kleinbart, E, Romiyo V, Karmaker, B, Freeland EC. (2023) Fusion Rate of Orthobiologics versus Autograft in the Foot and Ankle. American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, American Podiatric Medical Association (Feb)
- Wright BJ, Morley M, Freeland EC. (2022) Unnecessary Pre-operative Workup in Healthy Patients with Isolated Orthopedic Trauma: An Area of Healthcare Waste. (Oct)
- Mathew J, Mahjoub A, Freeland E. (2022) Arthroscopy and Micronized Allogenic Cartilage Matrix Grafting for a Missed Talus Nonunion: A Case Report. JBJS case connector (Mar), 12(1).
- Miskiel, S, Bye, M, Freeland EC, Pagliero, A. (2022) Declining Trends in Medicare Reimbursement in Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery. Foot and Ankle Orthopaedics (Jan) doi:January 2022
- Wapner K, Freeland E, Kirwan G, Baldwin K. (2021) A Retrospective Radiographic Evaluation of a Modified Method of Lateral Column Lengthening. Foot & ankle specialist (Oct), 14(5): 386-392.
- Morley M, Kellish AS, Fleischer L, Clements D, Freeland E, Ramirez R, Fedorka C, Gutowski C, Pollard M, Kim TW, Kleiner MT. (2021) A Virtual Curriculum to Prepare Medical Students to Achieve Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Level-1 Milestones in Orthopaedic Surgery. JB & JS open access (Jan), 6(1). doi:10.2106/JBJS.OA.20.00117
- Nazarian LN, Gulvartian NV, Freeland EC, Chao W. (2018) Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Needle Fenestration and Corticosteroid Injection for Anterior and Anterolateral Ankle Impingement. Foot & ankle specialist (Feb), 11(1): 61-66.
- Kupcha P, Freeland EC. (2015) Fixation of Navicular Body Fractures with a Cerclage Wire Technique. Techniques in Foot and Ankle Surgery (Dec), 14(4): 177-180.
Books and Book Chapters:
- Farber D, Freeland E, Tyndall S. (2017) Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus. In: Postoperative Orthopedic Rehabilitation (AAOS).
- Chao W, Freeland E, Dedini R. (2014) Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus. In: Orthopedic Knowledge Update Foot and Ankle 5.
Abstracts:
- Olawole E, Trooper Y, Bishop Z, Gentile P, Freeland EC. (2023) Comparison of Custom versus Over-the-counter Orthotic Treatment for Adult Acquired Pes Planovalgus deformity. Annual Camden Scholars Forum, (May)
Evaluative Studies and Case Reports:
- Smith TJ, Judice A, Forte S, Boniello M, Freeland EC, Graf K. (2020) Periprosthetic Femur Fracture Through A Computer Navigated Tracking Pin Site. Temple University Trauma Symposium (Jun)
Professional Memberships:
- American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS); Active member / Fellow
- American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics (AOAO); Active member
- American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgeons (AOFAS); Active member
- Erie County Medical Society; Active member
- Medical Society of the State of New York; Active member
Presentations:
- "Cooper University Hospital Orthopedic Surgery Resident OITE Foot and Ankle Review" (2023)
- "Total Ankle Arthroplasty" Rowan University SOM Orthopedic Surgery Grand Rounds (2023)
- "Posterior Malleolus Fractures" Parekh Foundation 24-hour Virtual Foot and Ankle Course (2023)
- "Gait Analysis" CRMSU First Year Medical School Lecture (2023)
- "Moderator for weekly CUH Orthopedic Surgery Resident Conferences (Foot and Ankle)" (2023)
- "Current Controversies in Management of Calcaneus Fractures" Cooper University Hospital Orthopedic Surgery Grand Rounds (2023)
- "Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus and Plafond" AOAO Annual Meeting (Chicago, IL) (2022)
- "Cooper University Hospital Orthopedic Surgery Resident OITE Foot and Ankle Review" (2022)
- "Gait Analysis" CRMSU First Year Medical School Lecture (2022)
- "Lisfranc Injuries, Arthrodesis versus Fixation" AOAO Annual Meeting (Carlsbad, CA) (2022)
- "Lisfranc Injuries" Cooper University Hospital Orthopedic Surgery Grand Rounds (2022)
- "Moderator for weekly CUH Orthopedic Surgery Resident Conferences (Foot and Ankle)" (2022)
- "Hallux Rigidus" Inspira Orthopedic Surgery Grand Rounds (2022)
- "Cooper University Hospital Orthopedic Surgery Resident OITE Foot and Ankle Review" (2021)
- "PCOM Grand Rounds Orthopedic Surgery Resident OITE Foot and Ankle Review" (2021)
- "Gait Analysis" CRMSU First Year Medical School Lecture (2021)
- "Moderator, Pediatric and Foot/Ankle Combined Session" AOAO Annual Meeting (Salt Lake City, UT) (2021)
- "Lisfranc Injuries" Inspira Orthopedic Surgery Grand Round (2021)
- "Moderator for weekly CUH Orthopedic Surgery Resident Conferences (Foot and Ankle)" (2021)
- "Cooper University Hospital Orthopedic Surgery Resident OITE Foot and Ankle Review" (2020)
- "Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus" Arthrex Symposium (2020)
- "Failed Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus" AOAO Annual Meeting (2020)
- "PCOM Grand Rounds Orthopedic Surgery Resident OITE Foot and Ankle Review" (2020)
- "Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: Current Treatments and Emerging Therapies" Cooper University Hospital Regenerative Medicine and Orthobiologics Symposium (2020)
- "Introduction to Orthopedics" Medical Student Event, Cooper University Hospital (2020)
- "Moderator for weekly CUH Orthopedic Surgery Resident Conferences (Foot and Ankle)" (2020)
- "Update on Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus" Cooper University Hospital Orthopedic Surgery Grand Rounds (2020)
- "Lisfranc Injuries" Cooper University Hospital ATC Symposium (2019)
- "Cooper Orthopedic Rehabilitation Annual Meeting: Achilles Tendon Lengthening: How and Why in Forefoot Surgery and Limb Salvage" (2019)
- "Cooper Orthopedic Rehabilitation Annual Meeting: How and Why I Choose Between Ankle Fusion and Ankle Arthroplasty" (2019)
- "Cooper University Hospital Orthopedic Surgery Resident OITE Foot and Ankle Review" (2019)
- "Faculty and Resident Development - Engagement/Wellness: Work/Life Balance" (2019)
- "PCOM Grand Rounds Orthopedic Surgery Resident OITE Foot and Ankle Review" (2019)
- "Ankle Syndesmotic Injuries" 3B Orthopedic Fellowship Lecture Series (2019)
- "Current Controversies in Management of Syndesmotic Injuries" CUH Trauma Symposium (2019)
- "Gait Analysis" CRMSU First Year Medical School Lecture (2019)
- "Introduction to Orthopedics" Medical Student Event, University of Pennsylvania (2019)
- "Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus" Inspira Orthopedic Surgery Grand Rounds (2019)
- "Moderator for weekly CUH Orthopedic Surgery Resident Conferences (Foot and Ankle)" (2019)
- "Update on Hallux Rigidus" Cooper University Hospital Orthopedic Surgery Grand Rounds (2019)
- "Cooper University Hospital Orthopedic Surgery Resident OITE Foot and Ankle Review" (2018)
- "PCOM Grand Rounds Orthopedic Surgery Resident OITE Foot and Ankle Review" (2018)
- "Update on Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus" AOAO Annual Meeting (Atlanta, GA) (2018)
- "Current Controversies in Management of Calcaneus Fractures" Cooper University Hospital Trauma Symposium (2018)
- "Gait Analysis" CRMSU First Year Medical School Lecture (2018)
- "Gait Analysis" CRMSU First Year Medical School Lecture (2018)
- "Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus" 3B Orthopedic Fellowship Lecture Series (2018)
- "Lisfranc Injuries" PCOM Orthopedic Surgery Grand Rounds (2018)
- "Tendon Disorders of the Foot and Ankle" Inspira Orthopedic Surgery Grand Rounds (2018)
- "Moderator for weekly CUH Orthopedic Surgery Resident Conferences (Foot and Ankle)" (2017)
- "Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction" Cooper University Hospital Orthopedic Surgery Grand Rounds (2017)
- "Cooper University Hospital Orthopedic Surgery Resident OITE Foot and Ankle Review" (2017)
- "PCOM Grand Rounds Orthopedic Surgery Resident OITE Foot and Ankle Review" (2017)
- "Lisfranc Injuries" Cooper University Hospital Orthopedic Surgery Grand Rounds (2017)
- "Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction" Inspira Orthopedic Surgery Residency Grand Rounds (2017)
- "Moderator for weekly CUH Orthopedic Surgery Resident Conferences (Foot and Ankle)" (2016)
- "Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus" PCOM Orthopedic Surgery Grand Rounds (2016)
- "Achilles Tendon Ruptures" Cooper University Hospital ATC Symposium (2016)
- "Cooper University Hospital Orthopedic Surgery Resident OITE Foot and Ankle Review" (2016)
- "Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus" Rowan University SOM Orthopedic Surgery Grand Rounds (2016)
- "Cavovarus Foot Deformity" Inspira Orthopedic Surgery Residency Grand Rounds (2016)
- "Ankle Syndesmotic Injuries / Posterior Malleolus Fractures" PCOM Orthopedic Surgery Grand Rounds (2015)
- "Moderator for weekly CUH Orthopedic Surgery Resident Conferences (Foot and Ankle" (2015)
- "Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus" Cooper University Hospital Orthopedic Surgery Grand Rounds (2015)
- "Cooper University Hospital Orthopedic Surgery Resident OITE Foot and Ankle Review" (2015)
- "Ankle Syndesmotic Injuries" Rowan University SOM Orthopedic Surgery Grand Rounds (2015)
- "Ankle Syndesmotic Injuries" Cooper University Hospital Orthopedic Surgery Grand Rounds (2015)
- "Moderator for weekly Cooper University Hospital Orthopedic Surgery Resident Conferences (Foot and Ankle)" (2014)
- "Tendon Disorders of the Foot and Ankle" Cooper University Hospital Orthopedic Surgery Grand Rounds (2014)
- "Ankle Arthritis" PCOM Orthopedic Surgery Grand Rounds (2014)
- "Common Sports Related Injuries About the Foot and Ankle" Cooper University Hospital ATC Symposium (2014)
- "Cooper University Hospital Orthopedic Surgery Resident OITE Foot and Ankle Review" (2014)
- "Acute Ankle Injuries" Cooper University Hospital Emergency Medicine Grand Rounds (2014)
- "Disorders of the Peroneal Tendons" Rowan University SOM Orthopedic Surgery Grand Rounds (2014)
- "Orthopedic Immobilization and Splinting Techniques" Cooper University Hospital Emergency Medicine Grand Rounds (2014)
Service Activities:
- AOFAS Winter Meeting 2021 Program Committee Abstract Reviewer (2021–2023)
- Cooper University Hospital Orthopedic Residency Program Evaluation Committee (2020–2023)
- Cooper University Hospital Orthopedic Residency Clinical Competency Committee (2020–2023)
- AOFAS Public Education Committee (2020–present)
- Camden Scholars Forum Judge (2019–2023)
- Foot and Ankle Orthopedics / International Journal Reviewer (2018–present)
- SAOAO Mentorship Program (2018–present)
- AOFAS Specialty Day Program Committee Abstract Reviewer (2017–2020)
- AOFAS Resident Scholar Mentor (2016–2021)
- AOFAS Annual Meeting Program Committee Abstract Reviewer (2016–present)
- PCOM Orthopedic Surgery Clinical Competency Committee (2016–2020)
- Cooper University Hospital Performance Improvement Committee (2016–2020)
- AOFAS Young Physicians Committee (2014–2021)
- AAOS Resident Liaison (2012–2020)