50 Years of Orthopaedic Excellence

Tri-State Orthopaedics Celebrates 50 Years of Serving Pittsburgh

For nearly five decades, Tri-State Orthopaedics has helped patients across western Pennsylvania recover from injury, restore mobility, and return to the activities they enjoy most. Founded in 1976 by Drs. Roger Ferguson and Jack Failla, what began as a small practice has grown into one of the region’s most respected orthopaedic groups. Today, 11 physicians and more than 180 employees work together to deliver specialized musculoskeletal treatment throughout the Pittsburgh area—while continuing a legacy of patient-focused care that has defined the organization from the very beginning. 

While the practice has grown significantly, its mission has remained unchanged: to provide expert orthopaedic treatment while building lasting relationships with patients and the communities it serves. That commitment has sustained the organization through decades of advancing patient care while continuing to adapt to an evolving healthcare landscape.

Today, board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons treat a wide range of orthopaedic conditions, with a strong emphasis on sports-related injuries and upper extremity issues involving the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand. Care also extends to foot and ankle disorders, spine conditions, joint pain and arthritis, as well as hip and knee concerns. Comprehensive sports medicine services support athletes of all ages—from student athletes to active adults—helping them recover safely and return to play with confidence.

That same forward-thinking approach is reflected in the organization’s continued investment in innovation. Physicians perform procedures at major hospitals throughout the Pittsburgh region, as well as at the group’s dedicated orthopaedic surgery center, designed to provide specialized treatment in a focused environment while minimizing downtime for active patients. 

As these techniques continue to evolve, physicians remain focused on advancing outcomes even further. For orthopaedic spine specialist Gerard Werries, MD, that progress is one of the most exciting aspects of the field. He points to continued advancements in minimally invasive techniques that reduce patient impact and support faster recovery. When appropriate, robotic-assisted technology is also utilized to enhance surgical accuracy and personalize each patient’s treatment experience.

Care extends well beyond the operating room. The organization has expanded its resources to support patients through every stage of recovery, including Tri-State Physical Therapy, which operates within each office location. This integrated approach allows therapists and physicians to work closely together, ensuring continuity from diagnosis through rehabilitation and a safe return to daily activities or athletic performance. The practice also partners with regional employers to treat workers’ compensation injuries, helping employees recover safely while supporting a healthy, productive workforce.

Access to treatment has remained a priority as the organization continues to grow.  Now welcoming patients at five convenient locations including the newly opened Butler office, which is fully operational and ready to serve the community. Please call 724-905-0009 to schedule. Executive Director Terry Brunazzi says, the expansion reflects a long-standing commitment to accessibility. “Our goal is simple: provide timely, expert treatment with a patient-first approach while delivering high-quality, low-cost health care,” “Expanding into the Butler community strengthens our commitment to making specialized treatment more accessible, more convenient, and more affordable for the patients and families we serve.” 

In addition to scheduled appointments, Orthopaedic Urgent Care is available at the North Hills and Seven Fields locations. Offered Monday through Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings, the service allows patients experiencing acute injuries—such as sprains, strains, and fractures—to receive prompt orthopaedic evaluation without the need for a hospital emergency department visit.

Beyond clinical services, the organization’s role within the community remains just as important. The practice proudly serves as the team physicians for North Allegheny High School athletics, supporting student athletes with injury prevention, evaluation, and treatment throughout the sports season.

For physicians who join the practice, its reputation for collaboration and patient-centered medicine remains a major draw. From the outside, many recognize a shared commitment to quality, integrity, and doing what’s right for patients—an approach that prioritizes thoughtful, individualized treatment.

“I chose Tri-State Orthopaedics because of the people and the way they practice medicine,” said Derek Andreini, MD. “From my first conversations, it was clear that the physicians value quality, integrity, and doing what’s right for patients.”

That philosophy fosters an environment where physicians work closely together, drawing on one another’s expertise to deliver the best possible outcomes. It also creates a culture that is both highly collaborative and deeply connected—one that continues to attract surgeons who value clinical excellence alongside meaningful patient relationships.

Over time, those relationships have helped establish the practice as a trusted resource throughout the region. Many individuals who were once treated as young athletes later return as adults seeking care for new orthopaedic concerns, confident in the experience and consistency they have come to expect. Since its founding in 1976, that continuity reflects a longstanding commitment to providing expert, reliable treatment to the communities of western Pennsylvania.

As Tri-State Orthopaedics celebrates its 50th anniversary, the practice continues to look toward the future while remaining grounded in the values that shaped its beginnings. By combining experienced specialists, advanced surgical techniques, integrated rehabilitation services, and convenient access to treatment, the organization remains focused on helping patients stay active, regain mobility, and maintain their quality of life. Nearly five decades after its founding, Tri-State Orthopaedics continues to build on its legacy—helping patients recover, restore mobility, and keeping you in the game.

Call to Schedule today by calling 412-369-4000 option 2. 

Contact Information:

Tri-State Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

412-369-4000