CuraMedix understands that dedicated practitioners rely heavily on case studies, fellow peers, and experience to evolve. In this newest edition of our Patient Success Stories Series, we’ve brought both to the table: an incredible case study, and an equally dedicated doctor who achieved what others thought was impossible.
Physician Background: A Practice Committed to Empowering the Athlete Within
For more than thirty years, Dr. Robert Conenello has been an indispensable member of the professional podiatric network in both New York and New Jersey. For the founder and sole proprietor of Orangetown Podiatry, no ailment is too big, and no pathology is too small. His methodology empowers the athlete within, providing top-notch care to all of his patients – no matter their age or discipline.
Dr. Conenello is an avid runner, and an active member of the New York and New Jersey communities. He is an Honorary Surgeon for the New York Police Department and has served on the medical staff for many athletic events, including the New York and Boston Marathons.
His passion for the prevention and rehabilitation of lower extremity injuries is evident in his regenerative approach to medicine, and the effort he puts into helping his patients perform at an optimal level.
Challenges: A Look at the Patient Journey
Dr. Conenello’s patient, Danny C., was a valuable member of his hometown’s sports community at just eighteen years old. Prior to seeking out Dr. Conenello, he was the quarterback for his high school football team, and was even recruited to play in college after graduation.
Danny’s forward progress came to a halt, however, when he dropped a 50-pound weight on the end of his toe, crushing it completely. Amongst his diagnoses were broken bones, compromised vascularity, and even gangrene to the tip of his toe.
As local acquaintances, Dr. Conenello was Danny’s mother’s first phone call. Unfortunately, he was out of state at the time of the incident, so he referred Danny to a local practitioner. There, Danny was told amputation would be his best option.
Days passed, and Dr. Conenello heard nothing further from Danny or his mother. He surmised they had moved forward with the amputation – until a week later, when Danny shuffled into his waiting room with crutches, optimism, and all ten toes.
As Dr. Conenello’s reputation preceded him, Danny had chosen to forego the amputation. He valued Dr. Conenello’s opinion above all else, and requested to see him before making any permanent decisions.
Solution: A Combined Approach Using Both Focused Shockwave and Magnetotransduction
After a thorough examination, Dr. Conenello vowed to do everything within his power to help Danny and save his toe. He pulled from his arsenal of regenerative technologies, using focused shockwave (ESWT) and Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy (EMTT) as the cornerstones of his treatment plan.
Here is Dr. Conenello’s approach to treating Danny C.:
Treatment Part 1: Focused Shockwave (ESWT) Only
- Treatment was scheduled on a weekly basis for approximately twelve weeks
- 2,000 pulses per session to the impacted area of the toe using the long standoff
- Energy level: between 0.25-0.30 mJ depending on patient comfort level
Treatment Part 2: Magnetotransduction (EMTT) Only
- 8,000 pulses at Level 8 at 8 Hz on a weekly basis for twelve weeks
Treatment Part 3: Local Wound Care
- Local wound care to address the damaged tissue on the external portion of the toe
Clinical Outcome and Benefits Achieved:
Thanks to Dr. Conenello’s expertise, and his decision to use a combination of both focused shockwave and EMTT technologies, the clinical results for Danny were nothing short of astonishing. After ten weeks, the fractures within Danny’s toe consolidated, the skin surrounding the affected area healed, the gangrene resolved, and over time, even his toenail grew back.
Danny, a dedicated athlete, is back on the football field doing what he loves most for Widener University in Pennsylvania.
Dr. Conenello’s education and experience with both shockwave and EMTT technologies gave Danny his life back, and to this day, Danny and Dr. Conenello are still connected. In fact, the day we interviewed Dr. Conenello about Danny’s story, Danny’s mother was in his office for her own appointment!
Additional Commentary:
On his sixth session, right before high school graduation, Dr. Conenello asked Danny what he wanted for a graduation present. Danny’s response was simple: “I already have my gift; my parents love me, and they gave me the best possible care to help make sure my dreams come true, and my foot will get better.”
Dr. Conenello presented his patient with a gift anyway – giving Danny the rest of his treatments for free. “You want to help each other out,” he explained, stating Danny’s challenging condition helped him as a practitioner, just as much as Dr. Conenello’s expertise helped Danny as an athlete.
Dr. Conenello’s knowledge of all things ESWT and EMTT – combined with his creative thinking and positive outlook – helped Danny get exactly what he asked for. With his foot healthy, he’s now able to function at optimal performance, and Danny is on his way to “making his dreams come true.”
Harness the Power of Shockwave and EMTT in Your Practice
CuraMedix is on the cutting edge of providing medical professionals with emerging regenerative technologies in medicine. As the top US distributor of STORZ Medical devices, including EPAT, ESWT, EMTT, look to CuraMedix for unrivaled service, support, education, and training.
Need more details on EMTT? Be sure to check out What is Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy (EMTT)?
And for a look at the technologies disrupting medicine, dive into Disruptive Innovation Examples in Medicine: ESWT, EPAT, and EMTT.
Ready to provide next-level patient care for your patients?
Danny C. is just one of thousands of patients looking for the same thing: a non-surgical alternative to manage acute and chronic wounds, fractures, and more. With the ‘right’ medical technologies in your armamentarium – and support and guidance from CuraMedix – you can help.
We’d love to answer any questions you may have. Contact us and we can connect you with one of our shockwave or EMTT experts.
