John J. Christoforetti, MD
FAAOS
Orthopedic Surgeon — Sports Medicine & Hip Preservation
Recognition & awards
About
Some surgeons specialize in a joint. Dr. John Christoforetti has built a career around a single, demanding subspecialty within it. The result is a level of expertise that's brought him from Pittsburgh to Texas and back to the DMV, with patients following him the entire way.
Dr. Christoforetti is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with more than 15 years of experience treating hip, shoulder, and knee injuries through arthroscopic surgery. His approach is evidence-based, patient-centered care that considers both conservative and surgical paths. He earned his medical degree at Georgetown University School of Medicine and completed his sports medicine fellowship at the Steadman-Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas, one of the most respected training programs in the country. He has personally performed more than 3,000 arthroscopic procedures over the course of his career, a volume that reflects both deep technical mastery and the trust an extraordinary number of patients have placed in him.
His leadership in the field of hip preservation is nationally recognized. He served as President of the International Society for Hip Arthroscopy (ISHA) in 2024, and his clinical focus includes femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), labral tears, hip dysplasia, and complex hip preservation cases that many surgeons are not equipped to handle. His contributions have been honored with the AOSSM Aircast Award for Clinical Science and the AANA Steven Snyder Award for Education, recognition from two of the most significant professional bodies in orthopedic sports medicine.
Dr. Christoforetti began his academic surgical career in Pittsburgh in 2007, where he trained more than 40 orthopedic residents and fellows and led the Center for Athletic Hip Injury at Allegheny Health Network. In 2019, his reputation and the patients who traveled to see him from around the world led to his recruitment to Dallas–Fort Worth, where he joined the leadership team at Texas Health Sports Medicine and directed their Center for Athlete's Hip. In 2023, he returned to the mid-Atlantic to join the team at Maryland Orthopedic Specialists, bringing nearly two decades of elite-level experience back to the community where so many of his patients live.
Sports medicine at the highest level
Dr. Christoforetti is a member of the Professional Soccer Physicians' Society and has served as team physician for FC Dallas (MLS, 2019–2023), the CONCACAF Gold Cup, the SheBelieves Cup, and the FCS National Championship Football Game ('20–'23). His earlier team physician roles include the Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB), the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL, 2012–2019), the Washington Wild Things ('07–'08), and the Colorado Rockies ('06–'07). He is also an Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Drexel University College of Medicine, training the next generation of surgeons even as he continues operating at the highest level himself.
His patients span the full range of active life: professional, collegiate, Olympic, and high school athletes alongside adults and adolescents simply determined to keep moving.
What patients experience
"Dr. Christoforetti was so understanding, empathetic, communicative, and good at explaining my situation that I was quite moved! I wish more doctors had his expertise, not only in the clinical field but in the personal interactions so important in making patients feel respected and having valid questions and feelings." — patient review
"I never imagined I could return to my favorite activities so quickly after surgery. Dr. Christoforetti and his team provided exceptional care and support throughout my recovery." Emily S.
Dr. Christoforetti sees patients at our Bethesda and Germantown locations and is currently accepting new patients.
Training & qualifications
Education & training
- Undergraduate: University of Notre Dame
- Medical School: Georgetown University — Doctor of Medicine
- Residency: National Institute of Health — Cartilage and Stem Cell Division
- Residency: Georgetown University Hospital — Orthopedic Surgery Residency
- Fellowship: Steadman-Hawkins Clinic — Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship
Fellowships
- Steadman-Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas — Sports Medicine and Hip Preservation
Board certifications
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
- ABOS Subspecialty Certification in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
Professional affiliations
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), Fellow (FAAOS)
- American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM)
- International Society for Hip Arthroscopy (ISHA)
- Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA)
Hospital & surgical facilities
- Shady Grove Adventist Medical Center
- Watkins Mills Ambulatory Surgery Center
- Surgery Center of Chevy Chase
- Massachussetts Avenue Surgery Center
Notable techniques
- Arthroscopic hip labral repair
- Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) correction (osteoplasty)
- Joint-preserving hip osteotomies
- Hip arthroscopy (cam and pincer impingement, gluteus medius repair, iliopsoas tendinopathy)
- Arthroscopic shoulder stabilization and labral repair (SLAP, Bankart)
- Rotator cuff repair with Regeneten augmentation
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and biologic injections
With Maryland Orthopedic Specialists since 2023
Patient reviews
Based on 238 verified patient reviews
“Great treatment and service.”
“Dr. Christoforetti surgically repaired my rotator cuff and bicep. It has been three months since my surgery and I am very pleased with the progress I have made. I'm very impressed with Dr. Christoforetti and would highly recommend him to anyone that would need shoulder surgery. Also, his support staff is great, especially his assistant Brian Long. Overall a great experience.”
“Dr Christoforetti was very personable and very knowledgeable in his field of hip injuries. He explained clearly what my problem was and recommended several ways to alleviate the problem. He did an initial injection and discussed additional steps going forward. I feel very confident in his plan of action. Thanks.”
“★★★★★ I had a very positive experience at CAO, Maryland Orthopedic Specialists in Germantown. Dr. John Christoforetti and the staff were professional, respectful, and attentive. He took the time to listen to my concerns, clearly explain my knee condition, and answer my questions in a way that was easy to understand. I felt comfortable and well cared for throughout my visit. I highly recommend this office to anyone seeking quality orthopedic care.”
“Friendly staff and very knowledgeable and personable Orthopedist.”
“Everything is very good”
“Dr. Christoforetti is a class act. He is very knowledge and shared his expertise to make you feel safe and cared for. Surgery went great and recovered quickly following all his directions. The office is pretty organized, his team is wonderful. Would highly recommend him and his team.”
“Dr Christo was great I got his and fellow Drs cards to refer my husband for his ongoing hand and Achilles issues! I was seen the same day I called Sweet”
“So glad we found your office online. Your NP and Dr. Christoforetti were very compassionate and helpful and truly seemed concerned about us. Thank you for the advice and referral.”
“Doctor Christofretti was incredible, thoughtful, caring, and thorough. His whole team were very considerate, respectful, and kind. We have a plan going forward and I am incredibly appreciative for the great care and support going forward. Thank you!”