Mark D. Mellinger, MD
Orthopaedic Hand Surgery
Education
Fellowship: University of Florida
Residency: University of Arizona
Internship:University of Arizona
Doctoral: University of Arizona
Graduate Degree: University of Arizona
Personal Quote
“In addition to completing a five-year residency in orthopedic surgery, my surgical training includes a fellowship specializing in upper extremity and microsurgery, including minimally invasive surgical techniques. This fellowship entailed an additional year of training dedicated exclusively to injuries and disorders of the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder. I also routinely perform in-office, wide-awake hand surgeries.”
Procedures & Areas of Interest
- Brachial Plexus Injury
- Carpal & Cubital Tunnel Release (Endoscopic)
- Congenital Hand Birth Deformities
- De Quervain Syndrome
- Dupuytren’s Contracture
- Extensor & Flexor Tendon Injuries
- Ganglion Cysts
- Hand & Wrist Dislocations and Fractures
- Joint Arthritis
- Outpatient - Wide-Awake Hand Surgery
- Pediatric Fractures
- Scaphoid Fractures
- Trigger Finger
- Wrist Arthroscopy
Professional Biography
Mark Mellinger, MD is a fellowship-trained Orthopedic Hand, Wrist and Elbow Surgeon.
Dr. Mellinger has been with Northern Arizona Orthopaedics since 2003 and cares for patients through the Hand Specialty Center. Holding an added qualification from the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Dr. Mellinger’s primary practice includes treating patients for fracture care, tendon and ligament injuries, sports-related injuries and nerve and congenital disorders.
Before becoming an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Mellinger held a career as an Optical Engineer. His decision to dedicate his life to medicine was determined during a volunteering trip to a surgical clinic in Mexico. Dr. Mellinger earned his fellowship certificate in Hand and Microsurgery from the University of Florida. Before traveling to Florida to further his education in hand surgery, Dr. Mellinger received his post-graduate education, doctoral degree and an undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona, graduating Magna Cum Laude.
Dr. Mellinger is active in the medical community holding memberships with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.
Professional Affiliations
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons – member
- American Society for Surgery of the Hand – member
- Colorado Rockies Training – Assistant Team Physician
- Pima County SWAT Team – Team Physician
Research, Publications & Presentations
Publications:
Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles:
“A hand-held video keratoscope for the measurement of corneal astigmatism in infants and young children.” Miller JM, Mellinger MD, Greivenkamp JE, Vision Science and Its Applications, 1996 Technical Digest Series.
“Comparison of three Videokeratoscopes in Measurement of Torie Test Surfaces.” Mellinger MD, Greivenkamp JE, Journal of Refractive and Corneal Surgery, 1996; Volume 12, Number 2, page 229-239.
“Visual Acuity modeling using optical raytracing of schematic eyes”, Grievenkamp, JE, Schwiegerling, JT, Miller, JM, Mellinger, MD, Am. J. Ophth., 1995; 120:227-240.
“Measurement of Torie Reference Surfaces with the Computed Anatomy Videokeratoscope (TMS-1),” Mellinger MD, Greivenkamp JE, Ophthalmic and Visual Optics/ Noninvasive Assessment of the Visual System, Optical Society of America, Vol 3, 135-140, 1993.
“Video Remote Keratometer for the Screening of Corneal Astigmatism,” MiHer, JM, Mellinger, MD, et al., Ophthalmic and Visual Optics/ Noninvasive Assessment of the Visual System, Optical Society of America, Vol 3, 150-153, 1993.
“Videographic Hirschberg Measurements of Simulated Strabismic Deviations”, Miller, JM, Mellinger, MD et al., Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Volume 34/11, I 993, page 3220- 3229.
Presentations:
Poster Presentations:
“Angiography and Embolization in Pelvic Ring Fractures” Mellinger MD, Wallentine JM, Ruth JT, Haiyan C, Orthopaedic Trauma Association Annual Meeting, Poster #41, page 200-202. Louisville, Kentucky. 10/97.
Oral Presentations:
“Accuracy of MRI in Surgically Confirmed Rotator Cuff Pathology”, Mellinger MD, University of Arizona, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Annual Meeting, Tucson, AZ. 06/02.
“Heterotopic Ossification in THA: comparison of anteroloateral and posterior surgical approaches”, Mellinger, MD, University of Arizona, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Annual Meeting, Tucson, AZ. 06/02.
“Pelvic Ring Fractures: Hemodynamics, Angiography and Embolization”, Mellinger, MD, Ruth, JT, Arizona Orthopedic Society Annual Meeting, Tucson, AZ. 10/99.
“Decreasing Variability of Corneal Topography Measurement Through Computationally-Intensive Statistical Analysis”, Miller, JM, Mellinger, MD, et al., Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science (IVOS), Volume 35/4, ARVO 1994, page 2194.
“Visual Acuity Prediction from Optical Raytraces of Schematic Eye Models,” Schwiegerling JT, Greivenkamp, JE, Miller, JM, and Mellinger, MD, Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science (IVOS), Volume 35/4, ARVO 1994, page 2196.
“Toroc Reference Surface Measurement using the Visioptic EH- 270 Videokeratoscope”, Mellinger, MD, Grievenkamp, JE, et al. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science (IVOS), Volume 35/4, ARVO, page 2194. 1994.
“Torie Surface Measurement Comparison of the Computed Anatomy and EyeSys Laboratories Videokeratoscopes,” Mellinger MD, Greivenkamp, JE, et al., Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science (IVOS), Volume 33/4, ARVO 1993, page 1252.
Patient Testimonials
“Dr. Mellinger repaired my left hand after another surgeon messed it up. His staff is very caring and gentle. I would recommend this center to anyone. Thank you, Dr. M, Amanda, Norma and JJ for the excellent care you have given me.” – D.R.
“Dr. Mellinger’s office was phenomenal in every aspect, which is rare in the medical field and unfortunately I have had to visit many different Dr.’s and different facilities. I always leave his office more knowledgeable since he takes the time to answer ALL my questions, he also treats me well and I can tell he genuinely cares about me my health.” – Anonymous
“He is an awesome doctor, family man, and surgeon.” – Anonymous
“My injury was in need of early intervention, but I didn’t seek help immediately. Dr. Mellinger and his team were very professional and efficient with their approach to my injury. The surgical procedure was effective and appropriate. I recommend Dr. Mellinger and his team.” – S.Z.
“Yes, at first you will be seen by the doctor’s PA; who in my case is as good as the doctor; just not a surgeon. Dr. Mark Mellinger did both of my surgeries. I am so very satisfied that I made the journey to Flagstaff, Arizona – very well worth it. The staff in general are all caring and efficient professionals; front desk all the way up to the doctors. Thanks to you all!” – Anonymous