Meet Dr. Barrett Torre, Orthopedic Associates of Hartford’s Newest Joint Replacement Specialist
For patients living with hip or knee pain, deciding when to see an orthopedic specialist can be a big step. For Dr. Barrett Torre, helping patients understand their options and get back to the activities they enjoy is one of the most rewarding parts of his work.
Dr. Torre recently joined Orthopedic Associates of Hartford (OAH) as a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Connecticut and went on to complete a fellowship in adult reconstruction at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, focusing on hip and knee replacement.
From Woodworking to Orthopedic Surgery
Dr. Torre’s path to orthopedic surgery began with an interest in the musculoskeletal system, rehabilitation and hands-on work. His grandfather, a rheumatologist, was an early influence, and growing up in Buffalo, New York, Dr. Torre spent his summers doing carpentry and rehabilitation work. After college, he worked as a personal trainer before pursuing medicine.
He also developed a passion for woodworking, and during medical school, he began to see a natural connection between that hands-on interest and his interest in the musculoskeletal system. His passion for woodworking continues today.
Specialized Training in Hip and Knee Replacement
At Orthopedic Associates of Hartford, Dr. Torre specializes in hip and knee replacement. For hip replacement, he offers a direct anterior approach as well as revision options. For knee replacement, he offers a kinematically aligned total knee arthroplasty.
Dr. Torre also emphasizes the importance of considering each patient individually when discussing treatment.
“Every patient is different,” he says. “Their anatomy is different, their lifestyle is different, and what they want to get back to doing is different.”
When Is It Time to Consider Joint Replacement?
One of the most common questions patients have is whether it is time to consider surgery.
According to Dr. Torre, joint replacement may be appropriate when a patient has end-stage arthritis visible on an X-ray, symptoms that are meaningfully affecting their quality of life and function, and pain that is no longer responding to conservative treatments.
Those treatments can include physical therapy, stretching and strengthening exercises, corticosteroid injections and bracing.
Dr. Torre also understands why patients may choose to wait. He says concerns about anesthesia and undergoing an operation are understandable, and it can be reasonable for patients to delay surgery.
For patients who are unsure whether joint replacement is right for them, meeting with an orthopedic specialist can help them understand their options.
Joint Replacement Has Come a Long Way
Dr. Torre says joint replacement has changed significantly over the past 20 years.
He recalls a time when patients could spend about a week in the hospital after surgery and sometimes require a blood transfusion. Today, many appropriate patients can go home the same day as their surgery.
He also points to advances in anesthesia and other aspects of care that have made recovery faster and less painful for many patients.
The Reward of Helping Patients Get Back to Their Lives
One of the most rewarding parts of Dr. Torre’s work is seeing patients regain their mobility and independence.
He recalls one older patient who had been independent before suffering a hip fracture. She did not use a cane or walker before her injury. After her hip replacement, she returned for her six-week follow-up walking without a cane or walker.
“She said, ‘My hip feels like it did before,’” Dr. Torre recalls.
The patient hugged Dr. Torre and brought him a box of chocolates.
For Dr. Torre, experiences like that capture what he finds most rewarding about joint replacement.
“What I love about joint replacement surgery is the well-defined problem at hand and the definitive solution that we can offer patients to restore their function and quality of life,” he says.
Why Dr. Torre Chose Orthopedic Associates of Hartford
Dr. Torre’s connection to OAH began during his orthopedic residency at UConn, when he had the opportunity to follow OAH joint replacement specialist Dr. Daniel K. Witmer in both the office and operating room.
Seeing how Dr. Witmer approached surgery and cared for his patients made a lasting impression.
“It was inspirational,” Dr. Torre says. “I wanted to have outcomes like that and be that kind of doctor.”
That experience ultimately helped draw Dr. Torre to OAH.
Now, he looks forward to developing relationships with his patients and being part of their care over the long term. He says he would be proud to have people trust him enough to send someone they care about to see him.
Getting Started
If hip or knee pain affects your daily life or mobility, Dr. Barrett Torre and the team at Orthopedic Associates of Hartford can help you explore treatment options tailored to your needs. To schedule an appointment or learn more, call 860-549-3210 or visit oahct.com.
