About


Anastasios Papadonikolakis, MD PhD

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Wake Forest Baptist Health,
Winston Salem, NC
Appointments: (336) 716-2011
  • Education
    • M.D. with Honors: Annual Medical Knowledge Olympics, 1st Place, among 7 medical schools.
    • PhD in 3D joint kinematics, thesis published work has received 420 citations.
    • Residency at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.
    • Fellowship at University of Washington, Seattle, WA (Drs Matsen, Warme)
  • Research
    • Basic Science in Biomechanics, Clinical Research Fellowship at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. Overall have received 2000 citations for journal published work, 940 citations since 2014.
  • Clinical care
    • Have performed a wide spectrum of orthopaedic surgery, from trauma to total joint replacement surgery and pediatric trauma. Since 2016 a more focused practice in Shoulder, Elbow and Hand surgery.
  • Academic positions
    • Prior: University of Washington, Weill Cornell Medical College.
    • Current: Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC -Uniformed Service: Infantry Military, Greek Public Health Service Military, Greek Public Health Service.
  • Experience

    Assistant Professor

    Wake Forest Baptist Health · Winston-Salem, NC December 2016 - Present 

    Orthopaedic Surgery
    Wake Forest University Health Sciences · Winston Salem, NC October 2016 - Present

  • Affiliations

    Wake Forest Baptist Health

    Current AffiliationWinston-Salem, NC

    Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center

    Current AffiliationWinston-Salem, NC

    NewYork-Presbyterian/Lower Manhattan Hospital

    Former AffiliationNew York, NY

    New York Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell Medical College

    Former AffiliationNew York, NY

    University of Washington Medical Center

    Former AffiliationSeattle, WA

  • Education & Training

    University of Washington

    Fellowship, Shoulder and Elbow, 2010 - 2011

    Wake Forest University

    Residency, Orthopedic Surgery, 2006 - 2010

    Wake Forest University

    Internship, General Surgery, 2005 - 2006

    Bowman Gray School of Medicine Afl Hs

    Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Orthopaedic Surgery Research, 2004 - 2005

    University of Ioannina

    PhD, Motion Analysis, 2000 - 2005

    University of Ioannina

    Class of 1999

  • Skills & Expertise

    Osteoarthritis, Rotator cuff injuries, Shoulder surgery, Shoulder and elbow surgery, Total joint replacement, Hand and wrist functional reconstruction, Orthopaedic traumatology, Pediatric shoulder and elbow surgery, Minimally invasive orthopaedic surgery, Orthopaedic implants, Joint preservation surgery, Elbow medial ulnar collateral ligament repair, Revision shoulder surgery, Complex shoulder surgery, Motion analysis and joint kinematics, Clinical and outcomes research.

  • Certification & Licensure

    NJ State Medical License

    2015 - 2017

    NY State Medical License

    2015 - 2017

    CA State Medical License

    2014 - 2018

    WA State Medical License

    2010 - 2016

    NC State Medical License

    2010 - 2020

    American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

    Orthopaedic Surgery

  • Awards, Honors & Recognition

    Bear Award of Excellence

    Southeastern Health, 2013

    Chair’s Award for Best Research

    University of Washington, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, 2011

    Best poster award

    Hellenic Association of Orthopaedics, Surgery and Traumatology, Athens, Greece, 2008

    Silver Award

    15th Annual Residents’ and Fellows’ Research Day, Division of Surgical Sciences. Wake Forest University, 2006

    Gold Medal

    12th Annual Residents’ and Fellows’ Research Day, Division of Surgical Sciences. Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, USA, 2004

    Best paper award

    22nd Annual Conference. Orthopaedic & Traumatology Association, Macedonia-Thrace, Greece, 2003

    Best Podium Presentation

    Annual Symposium of Greek Medical Students, 1999

    Undergraduate Student Pathology Award

    University of Ioannina, 1998

    Scholarship for Studies in Medicine, Greece

    Vardinogiannis Foundation, 1996

    CMS Meaningful Use Stage 1 Certification

    eClinicalWorks EHR, eClinicalWorks LLC,2012-2013

  • Professional Memberships

    American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons - AAOS

    Member

    American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons

    Associate Member

    Arthroscopy Association of North America - AANA

    Member


Contact info: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Wake Forest University Baptist Health, 131 Miller St, Winston Salem, NC 27103 Appointments: 336-7168200


RESEARCH

Basic Science in Biomechanics, Clinical Research Fellowship at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Clinical Shoulder and Elbow Fellowship at University of Washington, Seattle, WA

Overall received citations

2000

for journal published work

Overall received citations

940

since 2014

Display the publications in PubMed

  1. Jinnah AH, Luo TD, Wiesler ER, Li Z, Poehling GG, Tuohy CJ, Graves BR, Freehill MT, Papadonikolakis A. Peripheral Nerve Injury After Elbow Arthroscopy: An Analysis of Risk Factors. Arthroscopy. 2018 May;34(5):1447-1452. doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2017.12.004. PubMed PMID: 29398211.
  2. Papadonikolakis A. Arthroscopic Reduction and Fixation of Transverse Intra-articular Glenoid Fractures With Scapular Extension. Arthrosc Tech. 2017 Jun 26;6(3):e879-e885. doi: 10.1016/j.eats.2017.02.018. eCollection 2017 Jun. PubMed PMID: 28706846; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC5495986.
  3. Nunez FA, Papadonikolakis A, Li Z. Arthroscopic Release of Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder Complicated With Shoulder Dislocation and Brachial Plexus Injury. J Surg Orthop Adv. 2016 summer;25(2):114-6. PubMed PMID: 27518297.
  4. Papadonikolakis A, Matsen FA 3rd. Metal-Backed Glenoid Components Have a Higher Rate of Failure and Fail by Different Modes in Comparison with All-Polyethylene Components: A Systematic Review. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2014 Jun 18;96(12):1041-1047. Review. PubMed PMID: 24951741.
  5. Papadonikolakis A, Neradilek MB, Matsen FA 3rd. Failure of the glenoid component in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review of the English-language literature between 2006 and 2012. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2013 Dec 18;95(24):2205-12. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.L.00552. Review. PubMed PMID: 24352774.
  6. Matsen FA 3rd, Papadonikolakis A. Published evidence demonstrating the causation of glenohumeral chondrolysis by postoperative infusion of local anesthetic via a pain pump. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2013 Jun 19;95(12):1126-34. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.L.01104. Review. PubMed PMID: 23783210.
  7. Papadonikolakis M, Bouganis CS. Novel cascade FPGA accelerator for support vector machines classification. IEEE Trans Neural Netw Learn Syst. 2012 Jul;23(7):1040-52. doi: 10.1109/TNNLS.2012.2196446. PubMed PMID: 24807131.
  8. Papadonikolakis A, McKenna M, Warme WJ, Matsen FA. Intramedullary fibular and impaction allografting in revision total elbow arthroplasty with endosteal deficiency. Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg. 2012 Mar;16(1):5-11. doi: 10.1097/BTH.0b013e318225475d. PubMed PMID: 22370364.
  9. Papadonikolakis A, McKenna M, Warme W, Martin BI, Matsen FA 3rd. Published evidence relevant to the diagnosis of impingement syndrome of the shoulder. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2011 Oct 5;93(19):1827-32. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.J.01748. Review. PubMed PMID: 22005869.
  10. Wiesler ER, Sarlikiotis T, Rogers S, Papadonikolakis A, Poehling GG. Arthroscopic debridement for osteochondral injury of the elbow trochlea: a case report with a long-term follow-up. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2011 Mar;20(2):e18-22. doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2010.09.015. Epub 2010 Dec 30. PubMed PMID: 21194978.
  11. Ruch DS, Wray WH 3rd, Papadonikolakis A, Richard MJ, Leversedge FJ, Goldner RD. Corrective osteotomy for isolated malunion of the palmar lunate facet in distal radius fractures. J Hand Surg Am. 2010 Nov;35(11):1779-86. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2010.07.036. Epub 2010 Oct 20. PubMed PMID: 20961709.
  12. Lucado AM, Li Z, Russell GB, Papadonikolakis A, Ruch DS. Changes in impairment and function after static progressive splinting for stiffness after distal radius fracture. J Hand Ther. 2008 Oct-Dec;21(4):319-25. doi: 10.1197/j.jht.2008.01.002. PubMed PMID: 19006757.
  13. Chloros GD, Papadonikolakis A, Ginn S, Wiesler ER. Pronator quadratus space and compartment syndrome after low-energy fracture of the distal radius: a case report. J Surg Orthop Adv. 2008 Summer;17(2):102-6. PubMed PMID: 18549742.
  14. Ruch DS, Shen J, Chloros GD, Krings E, Papadonikolakis A. Release of the medial collateral ligament to improve flexion in post-traumatic elbow stiffness. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2008 May;90(5):614-8. doi: 10.1302/0301-620X.90B5.19999. PubMed PMID: 18450628.
  15. Papadonikolakis A, Wiesler ER, Olympio MA, Poehling GG. Avoiding catastrophic complications of stroke and death related to shoulder surgery in the sitting position. Arthroscopy. 2008 Apr;24(4):481-2. doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2008.02.005. Review. PubMed PMID: 18375282.
  16. Chloros GD, Wiesler ER, Stabile KJ, Papadonikolakis A, Ruch DS, Kuzma GR. Reconstruction of essex-lopresti injury of the forearm: technical note. J Hand Surg Am. 2008 Jan;33(1):124-30. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2007.09.008. Review. PubMed PMID: 18261676.
  17. Papadonikolakis A, Chloros GD, Smith BP, Koman LA. Digital ischemia due to essential thrombocythemia: a case report. J Hand Surg Am. 2007 Sep;32(7):1053-7. PubMed PMID: 17826562.
  18. Chloros GD, Papadonikolakis A, Themistocleous GS. Correlation of high-resolution ultrasonographic findings with the clinical symptoms and electrodiagnostic data in carpal tunnel syndrome. Ann Plast Surg. 2007 Sep;59(3):351-2. PubMed PMID: 17721230.
  19. Ruch DS, Papadonikolakis A, Campolattaro RM. The posterolateral plica: a cause of refractory lateral elbow pain. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2006 May-Jun;15(3):367-70. PubMed PMID: 16679240.
  20. Ruch DS, Papadonikolakis A. Resection of the scaphoid distal pole for symptomatic scaphoid nonunion after failed previous surgical treatment. J Hand Surg Am. 2006 Apr;31(4):588-93. PubMed PMID: 16632052.
  21. Papadonikolakis A, Li Z, Smith BP, Koman LA. Fractures of the phalanges and interphalangeal joints in children. Hand Clin. 2006 Feb;22(1):11-8. Review. PubMed PMID: 16504774.
  22. Ruch DS, Papadonikolakis A. Volar versus dorsal plating in the management of intra-articular distal radius fractures. J Hand Surg Am. 2006 Jan;31(1):9-16. PubMed PMID: 16443097.
  23. Shen J, Papadonikolakis A, Garrett JP, Davis SM, Ruch DS. Ulnar-positive variance as a predictor of distal radioulnar joint ligament disruption. J Hand Surg Am. 2005 Nov;30(6):1172-7. PubMed PMID: 16344174.
  24. Ruch DS, Lumsden BC, Papadonikolakis A. Distal radius fractures: a comparison of tension band wiring versus ulnar outrigger external fixation for the management of distal radioulnar instability. J Hand Surg Am. 2005 Sep;30(5):969-77. PubMed PMID: 16182053.
  25. Ruch DS, Papadonikolakis A. Arthroscopically assisted repair of peripheral triangular fibrocartilage complex tears: factors affecting outcome. Arthroscopy. 2005 Sep;21(9):1126-30. PubMed PMID: 16171639.
  26. Papadonikolakis A, Ruch DS. Internal distraction plating of distal radius fractures. Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg. 2005 Mar;9(1):2-6. Review. PubMed PMID: 16092812.
  27. Papadonikolakis A, Shen J, Garrett JP, Davis SM, Ruch DS. The effect of increasing distraction on digital motion after external fixation of the wrist. J Hand Surg Am. 2005 Jul;30(4):773-9. PubMed PMID: 16039371.
  28. Georgoulis AD, Ristanis S, Papadonikolakis A, Tsepis E, Moebius U, Moraiti C, Stergiou N. Electromechanical delay of the knee extensor muscles is not altered after harvesting the patellar tendon as a graft for ACL reconstruction: implications for sports performance. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2005 Sep;13(6):437-43. Epub 2005 Jun 21. PubMed PMID: 15968530.
  29. Mavrodontidis AN, Zalavras CG, Papadonikolakis A, Soucacos PN. Bilateral absence of the patella in nail-patella syndrome: delayed presentation with anterior knee instability. Arthroscopy. 2004 Oct;20(8):e89-93. PubMed PMID: 15483536.
  30. Papadonikolakis AS, Vekris MD, Korompilias AV, Kostas JP, Ristanis SE, Soucacos PN. Botulinum A toxin for treatment of lower limb spasticity in cerebral palsy: gait analysis in 49 patients. Acta Orthop Scand. 2003 Dec;74(6):749-55. PubMed PMID: 14763710.
  31. Papadonikolakis A, Mavrodontidis AN, Zalavras C, Hantes M, Soucacos PN. Transscaphoid volar lunate dislocation. A case report. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2003 Sep;85(9):1805-8. PubMed PMID: 12954842.
  32. Papadonikolakis AS, Vekris MD, Kostas JP, Korompilias AV, Soucacos PN. Transient erectile dysfunction associated with intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin type A. J South Orthop Assoc. 2002 Summer;11(2):116-8. PubMed PMID: 12741592.
  33. Mavrodontidis AN, Papadonikolakis A, Moebius UG, Gelalis I, Motsis E, Soucacos PN. Posterior tibial subluxation and short-term arthritis resulting from failed posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Arthroscopy. 2003 May-Jun;19(5):E43. PubMed PMID: 12724667.
  34. Papadonikolakis A, Cooper L, Stergiou N, Georgoulis AD, Soucacos PN. Compensatory mechanisms in anterior cruciate ligament deficiency. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2003 Jul;11(4):235-43. Epub 2003 Apr 17. Review. PubMed PMID: 12700888.
  35. Georgoulis AD, Papadonikolakis A, Papageorgiou CD, Mitsou A, Stergiou N. Three-dimensional tibiofemoral kinematics of the anterior cruciate ligament-deficient and reconstructed knee during walking. Am J Sports Med. 2003 Jan-Feb;31(1):75-9. PubMed PMID: 12531761.
  36. Georgoulis AD, Papageorgiou CD, Moebius UG, Rossis J, Papadonikolakis A, Soucacos PN. The diagnostic dilemma created by osteoid osteoma that presents as knee pain. Arthroscopy. 2002 Jan;18(1):32-7. PubMed PMID: 11774139.
  37. Moebius UG, Georgoulis AD, Papageorgiou CD, Papadonikolakis A, Rossis J, Soucacos PN. Alterations of the extensor apparatus after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the medial third of the patellar tendon. Arthroscopy. 2001 Nov-Dec;17(9):953-9. PubMed PMID: 11694927.

anastasios-clinical Clinical Work

Clinical work performed in my practice includes surgery of the shoulder elbow and hand. Prior to joining Wake Forest University Baptist medical center my focus was on trauma, joint replacement surgery in addition to the field of upper extremity surgery. Since 2016 my practice is more focused on the upper extremity surgery.

  • High volume shoulder replacement surgeon is considered a surgeon who performs 10 shoulder replacements per year.
  • chart

    My experience in the upper extremity surgery has been extensive, especially after completion of the shoulder and elbow fellowship at the University of Washington (UW), Seattle, WA in 2011. The UW program is one of the busiest shoulder programs in the country. On average during the 12 months that I spend there, we performed 12 shoulder arthroplasties per week including one to two revisions per week. This was the foundation of my advanced clinical experience in the field of shoulder and elbow surgery. During that year (2011) we studied three major problems in the field of shoulder surgery, all three were published in the JBJS journal (Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Am.)

    1. Metal backed glenoid components (Our analysis included data on 1571 metal-backed and 3035 all-polyethylene components. The mean duration of follow-up was 5.8 years in the studies with metal-backed components and 7.3 years with all-polyethylene components.)
    2. Failure of the glenoid component in anatomic shoulder replacement. Data from 3853 total shoulder arthroplasties performed from 1976 to 2007 were analyzed
    3. Shoulder impingement syndrome: More than 2500 articles on the subject were reviewed and recommendations were made on the use of the term "impingement".

    ORTHOMESH3D PLAN ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY IN 3D USING BLENDER OrthoMesh3D

    Plan orthopaedic surgery in 3D using Blender

    I am the developer of the OrthoMesh3D software and online course which is hosted by Udemy, Inc. The software is a platform for the computer graphics integrated software Blender written in Python. The OrthoMesh3D is utilized in planning and visualizing surgical plans in orthopaedic surgery. As of May 2020, the 9 hour course had international attendance with over 70 participants from 19 countries within one month from its release date (April 2020).

    This course covers the basics of the free open source software named Blender, and how to utilize it in the planning of orthopaedic surgery using 3D bone models from CT scans. The modeling and animation of bones and joints is covered, as well as the principles of deformity correction using cutting guides in the 3D environment using the Add on script - OrthoMesh3D. Explanations are given on converting DICOM CT scans to 3D bone models, and importing them into Blender for surgical planning. There is a detailed explanation on how to use the free software Inkscape for converting pictures of implants to SVG files which then can be converted into 3D models in Blender. Lastly, case examples of shoulder replacement surgery are provided in addition to animation and simulation methods using the Blender's Armature tool. Inverse and Forward Kinematics for joint and bone model animation is covered too. The processes described in this course and software used are for research and virtual planning, NON FDA approved software is used. Not intended for clinical use in the USA.

    Who this course is for:

    Surgeons, Medical Personnel, Engineers, Implant companies, Physicians, Medical Students Python developers, Radiology physicians, Students or Instructors of Anatomy of the Musculoskeletal System

    patients PATIENTS

    Shoulder Hemiarthroplasty

    Distal radius fracture

    Elbow fracture

    Ream & Run

    Elbow pain

    Hand Surgery

    Total shoulder replacement

    Carpal tunnel

    Clavicle fracture

    Rotator cuff tear

    Labrum tear

    Malunion Deformity

    Reverse shoulder replacement

    Shoulder elbow arthroscopy

    Humeral fracture