John Fritch, MD, is an orthopaedic surgeon with OrthoCincy Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine practicing at St. Elizabeth Healthcare specializing in hip, knee and shoulder procedures. He is dedicated to providing high-quality care to his patients, using the latest advancements in a surgery to improve outcomes.
What inspired you to pursue a medical career, and what led you to specialize in orthopaedic surgery?
I had no idea that medicine was what I wanted to do. I entered undergrad as a marine biology major — I was going to spend my life out on a boat. But during college, my mother was diagnosed with cancer. I saw how her doctors treated her, how they involved our whole family and how much they helped us. That experience made me realize I wanted to do something similar with my life.
I chose orthopaedics because it’s an awesome field — simply put. It’s a rewarding specialty. I can diagnose patients and provide a tangible treatment plan, whether it’s surgery like a hip or knee replacement or medical treatments like physical therapy, bracing or injections to help patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life.
Seeing a patient regain mobility and significantly improve their quality of life makes this profession incredibly fulfilling. In orthopaedics, I get to work with patients to create solutions that restore function and reduce pain. I enjoy the hands-on nature of the field and the ability to see the immediate impact of my work. Whether helping an athlete return to their sport or enabling someone to regain independence, I find orthopaedic surgery extremely rewarding.
What is your relationship with St. Elizabeth, and what do you enjoy about working with them?
Working with St. Elizabeth has been great. We have a very collaborative relationship — we see many of the same patients and serve the same community. St. Elizabeth goes above and beyond to provide high-quality care to the people in this area. I work closely with their primary care providers and sports medicine doctors, treating patients both medically and surgically. It has been a great partnership, and I enjoy being part of a team committed to improving patient outcomes.
In addition to my practice, I also serve as the team doctor for Highlands High School. Being on the sidelines for games is a gratifying experience — not just for my love of sports but for the opportunity to support young athletes when they need it most. Whether helping a player recover from an injury or guiding coaches on when it’s safe for an athlete to return to play, I take pride in ensuring that these athletes receive the right care at the right time. Sports medicine has always been an important part of my background. And I love working with motivated individuals who put in the effort to get back to peak performance.
What are the most common conditions or injuries you treat in the hip, knee and shoulder?
It depends on the joint. I see a wide range of conditions, but some of the most common issues I treat include:
- Hip – Hip impingement, arthritis and labral tears, which affect the gasket-like structure around the hip socket.
- Knee – Meniscal tears, arthritis and ligament injuries.
- Shoulder – Rotator cuff injuries, labral tears and instability.
Each of these conditions can cause significant pain and mobility challenges. My goal is to help patients find the best treatment option — whether it’s physical therapy, injections or, in some cases, surgery — to get them back to doing what they love.
What are the signs that I might need to see an orthopaedic specialist?
Many patients wonder if their pain or discomfort is severe enough to see a specialist. If you’re experiencing ongoing pain or having difficulty moving and it interferes with your activities, I’d suggest seeing an orthopaedic specialist. Many people assume that joint pain is a normal part of aging or something they must push through, but that’s not the case.
You should schedule a visit if you experience:
- A past injury that still bothers you.
- Difficulty with daily activities, like climbing stairs, getting up from a chair or just walking.
- Instability or weakness that feels like your knee, hip or shoulder will give out.
- Pain that doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter medications.
- Pain that gets worse when you’re active.
- Stiffness and inability to move a joint freely.
- Swelling that won’t go away.
I always tell patients that early intervention is key. The sooner we identify the problem, the more treatment options we have. There are plenty of ways to manage joint pain before it gets worse, whether it’s physical therapy, medication or lifestyle adjustments.
How do you determine if a patient is a good candidate for minimally invasive or robotic-assisted surgery?
If a person needs surgery, I think everyone is a good candidate for minimally invasive or robotic-assisted surgery. My goal is always to make sure my patients have the best possible outcome. If I believe using minimally invasive techniques or robotic-assisted surgery will help them reach that goal, I consider them a candidate. These advancements allow for more precision, faster recovery times and improved long-term success rates.
What latest advancements in orthopaedic surgery excite you?
The most significant advancements recently have been in the integration of robotics, particularly in knee and hip replacement surgery. Robotics give us a level of precision that we simply can’t achieve with traditional methods. Now, we can use CT scans to create a 3D image of a patient’s hip or knee joint and customize their procedure based on those images. Since no two joints are exactly alike, this personalization helps restore natural anatomy. It leads to better surgical outcomes and longer-lasting results.
How does the Mako knee replacement differ from traditional knee replacement surgery?
I’m a big believer in Mako knee replacement. It offers an unmatched level of precision. Traditional knee replacements follow a general approach, but the Mako system allows for a customized surgical plan tailored to each patient. With robotic assistance, we can make tiny adjustments during surgery to ensure the best possible fit and balance. This leads to a more stable joint and, ideally, a longer-lasting knee replacement.
What advice do you give patients to optimize their recovery and long-term joint health after surgery?
My recommendations depend on the joint and procedure, but I generally suggest outpatient physical therapy. A one-on-one rehab plan with a professional helps patients regain muscle strength, range of motion and mobility. Physical therapy is crucial for both recovery and long-term joint health.
In addition to therapy, I emphasize the importance of a balanced diet to promote proper healing and reduce infection risk. I also encourage patients to maintain low-impact physical activity to keep their joints strong and healthy. Staying active and committing to good overall health help ensure the best possible long-term outcome.
Recovery is a process, and I believe that no patient should feel like they’re navigating it alone. That’s why I am available — whether through MyChart, a phone call or an in-person follow-up — to make sure they have the support they need. Particularly with my surgical patients, I want them to know I’m here for them if they have a question or concern. My goal is to perform a successful procedure and provide ongoing reassurance and guidance throughout their healing.
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