Vincent J. Sammarco, M.D.
Dr. Sammarco’s cutting-edge techniques set him apart from other foot and ankle orthopedists. Learn about his impressive qualifications and research experience below.
About Dr. Sammarco
James Sammarco, M.D. is a board-certified, fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle surgery, whose practice includes General Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine and Trauma.
Dr. Sammarco has distinguished himself in Cincinnati as a foot and ankle specialist utilizing innovative and cutting-edge techniques to benefit his patients. His areas of expertise include Total Ankle Replacement, Ankle Cartilage Restoration, Charcot Foot Disease, Achilles Tendon surgery and modern Bunion surgery. Dr. Sammarco is also a regional expert in major deformity correction and Limb Salvage Surgery (alternatives to amputation).
Dr. Sammarco is an active researcher and instructor. His innovative research has helped him develop techniques and patent medical devices that are now used throughout the world for reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. He has been the director of two fellowships in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. He lectures around the world and has been a visiting professor in Australia, Brazil, France, Greece, Colombia, Canada, and India. He has authored over 50 publications in orthopaedic journals and textbooks.
Mission:
Dr. Sammarco’s Mission is to provide comprehensive and exceptional surgical care for his patients focusing on accurate diagnosis and state-of-the-art surgical expertise. Dr. Sammarco’s mission is to provide highly personalized care, maintaining a balance of tried-and-true methods with advanced modern techniques.
Patients can expect a thorough evaluation including appropriate medical imaging and testing, a review of their diagnosis that they can understand, and a review of treatment options. The goal is to get you better.
Education and Training:
Dr. Sammarco completed his Bachelor of Science degree including a thesis in immunology from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine graduating cum laude (with honors) and with Phi Beta Kappa national honors. He then completed his Medical Degree at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Sammarco did his Orthopaedic training at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation where he was distinguished with the Best Resident Research Award. He then completed a one-year fellowship in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery at The Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland training with Mark Myerson, MD; Lew Schon Md; and Stewart Miller, MD.
EDUCATION
M.D., Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, 1989-1993
B.S., Biology, Bates College, Lewiston, Maine, 1985-1989
RESIDENCY
The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cleveland, Ohio, 1993-1998
FELLOWSHIP
The Union Memorial Hospital, Foot and Ankle Surgery, Baltimore, Maryland, 1998-1999
BOARD CERTIFIED
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery: July 2001
Recertified: Jul7 2010
Common Foot and Ankle Conditions
- Ankle Pain
- Arthritis
- Bunions
- Charcot Foot Disease
- Flatfoot or Foot Deformity
- Foot Pain
- Fractures
- Ligament Sprains
- Nerve Injuries
- Related Medical Problems
- Sports Injuries
- Tendon Pathology
Common Foot and Ankle Treatments
- Ankle Reconstruction
- Foot and Ankle Arthroscopy
- Foot Reconstruction
- Fracture Care
- Ligament Repair
- Tendon Repair
- Total Ankle Replacement
Total Ankle Replacement
With over 25 years of experience in total ankle replacement, Dr. Sammarco is one of the most experienced ankle joint replacement surgeons in the state of Ohio. Early in his career, Dr. Vincent Sammarco worked closely with his father, Dr. G. James Sammarco, MD to develop techniques and equipment to make ankle joint replacement successful. Together, they were responsible for doing the first ankle replacements in the area and bringing modern ankle replacement to the Cincinnati. Dr. Sammarco has been involved with industry as these procedures have been developed and improved. Dr. Sammarco’s high case volume and extensive experience with ankle replacement were key elements in Beacon Orthopaedics being named a “Stryker Center of Excellence for Total Ankle Replacement”, with our practice being one of only 13 centers in North America (as of 2025).
Modern Bunion Surgery
Dr. Sammarco Has over 25 years of experience doing bunion surgery. Surgery focuses on pain relief and deformity correction. Dr. Sammarco’s research in the 1990’s focused on developing techniques and principles that have significantly shortened the recovery time required for these surgeries. Dr. Sammarco has lectured nationally and internationally on bunion surgery and has written extensively on the subject including multiple medical journal articles and book chapters. Dr. Sammarco’s clinic has been designated a “Center of Excellence” for the “Lapiplasty” procedure, a modern rapid recovery procedure for bunion correction and Dr. Sammarco is one of the few surgeons in Cincinnati performing the MIS (Mini-Incision Surgery) procedure for bunions termed “Nanoplasty”.
Sports Medicine
Dr. Sammarco is actively involved in the treatment of athletes of all ages in Cincinnati. Injuries can include fractures, broken bones, strains and sprains. Dr. Sammarco treats most athletic injuries with an eye on rapid, but complete recovery. Innovations in the treatment of surgery for ankle instability, Achilles tendon tears, and osteochondritis dissecans have allowed Dr. Sammarco to get his patients back to their game on a much shorter time scale than most traditional methods. Dr. Sammarco was an early adopter of the “Biocartilage” procedure for restoration of ankle cartilage. Many procedures are done arthroscopically and through tiny incisions.
Fracture Care
Fractures of the foot and ankle are often complex and require a detailed understating of the anatomy and biomechanics of the bones and ligaments of the foot. Consider obtaining consultation with an experienced orthopaedic surgeon with fellowship training for these injuries. Dr. Sammarco has extensive experience and training in the management of complex foot and ankle trauma. Areas of specialty include ankle fractures, Talus fracture, Lisfranc Injury and Calcaneus fractures.
Charcot Foot and Limb Salvage
Dr. Sammarco is a world expert in the surgical treatment of diabetic foot and ankle disease known as Charcot Foot. He has developed techniques used worldwide for reconstruction of diabetic feet and has developed and patented devices used for these surgeries. Dr. Sammarco is a community resource in the Cincinnati area for Limb Salvage surgery as an alternative to leg amputation.
Schedule an introductory consultation with Dr. Sammarco to learn what treatment options will be best to help you overcome your injury or chronic condition. It is our goal to help you return to the sports and activities you love as soon as possible.
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