Michael Aynardi

Dr. Michael Aynardi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, specializing in Foot and Ankle Surgery. He serves as the Director of the Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Fellowship and is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Dr. Aynardi's educational background includes:

• Natural Sciences (with University Honors), BA, Johns Hopkins University (2002-2006)
• MD, Jefferson Medical College (2006-2010)
• Orthopaedic Surgery Residency, Jefferson University Hospital (2010-2015)
• Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Fellowship, MedStar Union Memorial Hospital (2015-2016)

His research focuses on fractures, tendon and ligament injuries, disorders of gait, Charcot neuroarthropathy, and patient outcomes after ankle and foot surgery. Dr. Aynardi has completed projects on mesenchymal stem cells in allograft tendon healing and their potential to help healing in diabetics. His work spans both clinical outcomes research and basic science investigations into bone healing biology.

Dr. Aynardi's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on foot and ankle conditions, particularly Charcot neuroarthropathy, syndesmosis injuries, and the intersection of diabetes management with orthopaedic outcomes. His research increasingly examines how systemic factors like depression and medication use impact surgical outcomes in orthopaedic procedures.

Among his notable awards:

• Dean's Award for Excellence in Teaching (2020)
• J. Spence Reid, MD, Resident Teaching Award (2019)
• Emerging Leader Award (2017)
• Naugle Family Medical Student Research Scholarship (2017)
• Orthopaedic Research Society Clinical Scholar Career Development Program Scholarship (2018)

As Director of the Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Fellowship, Dr. Aynardi actively mentors residents and fellows. His teaching interests include Charcot and complex ankle and foot reconstruction as well as management of athletic injuries to the ankle. He serves as the Foot and Ankle Delegate for the Musculoskeletal Infection Society.

Dr. Aynardi maintains active membership in several professional organizations including the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, American Orthopaedic Association, and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.