Dr. Eric M. Orenstein, MD, MBA: 7 Key Facts About Lafayette, Indiana's Leading Reconstructive Orthopedic Expert

Dr. Eric M. Orenstein, MD, MBA, FACS, FAAOS, stands as one of the most distinguished and experienced medical professionals in Lafayette, Indiana, known for his decades of service as a reconstructive orthopedic surgeon and his significant contributions to medical education and administration. As of late 2025, Dr. Orenstein continues his long-standing practice, providing specialized care for complex joint conditions while also leveraging his extensive clinical knowledge in a unique second career as a highly sought-after orthopedic expert witness and consultant for Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs). His commitment to the Greater Lafayette community and his dual expertise in clinical practice and medical-legal consultation offer a unique profile that few surgeons in the region can match.

Operating primarily out of IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette, Dr. Orenstein’s career spans over 40 years, marked by a deep focus on adult reconstructive surgery, particularly in hip and knee procedures. This article dives into the seven most critical aspects of his professional life, from his prestigious academic background and leadership roles to his current work shaping both patient outcomes and legal clarity in complex orthopedic cases.

Dr. Eric M. Orenstein: Biography and Professional Profile

• Full Name: Eric M. Orenstein, MD, MBA, FACS, FAAOS
• Primary Location: Lafayette, Indiana
• Primary Specialty: Orthopaedic Surgery (Board Certified)
• Sub-Specialty Focus: Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgery, Adult Reconstructive Surgery, Hip & Knee Reconstructive Surgery, Joint Replacement.
• Years of Experience: Over 40 years in the medical field.
• Hospital Affiliation: IU Health Arnett Hospital, Lafayette, Indiana.
• Current Practice: IU Health Arnett Physicians Ortho & Sports Medicine.
• Education:
  • Undergraduate: B.S. in Biology (magna cum laude) from Georgetown University.
  • Medical Degree (MD): University of Maryland School of Medicine (Graduated 1980).
  • Residency: Loyola University Medical Center.
  • Fellowship: Fellowship Trained in Joint Reconstructive Surgery.
  • Post-Graduate: Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio (1998).
• Key Certifications/Titles:
  • Fellow, American College of Surgeons (FACS).
  • Fellow, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (FAAOS).

1. A Deep Specialization in Adult Reconstructive Surgery

Dr. Orenstein is best known in Lafayette and throughout Central Indiana for his expertise as a reconstructive orthopedic surgeon. This is a highly specialized field focused on restoring function to joints damaged by arthritis, trauma, or degenerative diseases. His specific focus is on adult reconstructive surgery, a discipline where he is fellowship-trained.

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His clinical practice at IU Health Arnett Physicians Ortho & Sports Medicine centers on major joint procedures. He is a specialist in Hip & Knee Reconstructive Surgery, performing complex joint replacement procedures to alleviate chronic pain and improve mobility for his patients. The depth of his experience—spanning four decades—means he handles not only primary joint replacements but also revision surgeries, which are often more complex and require a highly skilled hand.

2. The Dual Role: Orthopedic Surgeon and Expert Witness

What truly sets Dr. Orenstein apart is his successful parallel career as an Orthopedic Expert Witness. After decades in clinical practice, he now provides expert opinions and testimony for both plaintiff and defendant attorneys in legal cases involving orthopedic injuries, malpractice, and disability claims.

This role, often conducted through his organization, Orenstein Orthopedic Expert, requires a deep, unbiased understanding of orthopedic standards of care, surgical outcomes, and injury causation. His work includes performing Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs), which are crucial for insurance companies and legal teams to assess a patient's condition objectively. His MBA is particularly valuable in this arena, providing him with a strong foundation in business and organizational management that complements his medical expertise in evaluating complex cases.

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3. A History of Leadership and Clinical Education Excellence

Dr. Orenstein's influence extends far beyond the operating room. He has held significant administrative and leadership positions within the Lafayette medical community, particularly during his time at the former Arnett Clinic, which is now IU Health Arnett Hospital.

His past roles include serving as the Chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and the Division Director of Surgery. These positions are instrumental in setting clinical standards, managing surgical services, and mentoring younger surgeons. Furthermore, his long-term dedication to quality was evident in his more than 11 years of service on IU Health Arnett’s Hospital Credentials Committee and Surgical Standards Committee.

His commitment to teaching and advancing the field was formally recognized in 2018 when he received the prestigious IU Health Arnett Hospital Excellence in Clinical Education Award. This highlights his status as a key educator and mentor within the Indiana University School of Medicine, where he holds the title of Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery.

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4. The Academic Foundation: Georgetown, Maryland, and Loyola

The foundation of Dr. Orenstein's extensive career lies in a rigorous and distinguished academic background. His journey began at Georgetown University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology, graduating magna cum laude. He then completed his medical degree (MD) at the highly respected University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1980.

Following medical school, he undertook his residency training at Loyola University Medical Center, a critical step in developing his surgical skills. Crucially, he further specialized by completing a fellowship, which provided intensive, advanced training specifically in Joint Reconstructive Surgery. This level of focused education—board certification combined with fellowship training—is the gold standard for complex orthopedic specialists.

5. Affiliation with IU Health Arnett Hospital

For the vast majority of his career, Dr. Orenstein has been a cornerstone of the orthopedic department at IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette, Indiana. His practice is integrated with the IU Health Arnett Physicians Ortho & Sports Medicine group, which ensures that his patients have access to a comprehensive network of care, including advanced diagnostics, physical therapy, and multidisciplinary treatment planning.

The hospital's reputation for high-quality care is closely tied to the caliber of its long-serving specialists like Dr. Orenstein, who contribute to the institution's overall excellence and standing in the state of Indiana.

6. Key Areas of Clinical Expertise and Procedures

While his specialty is broad, Dr. Orenstein’s clinical practice is concentrated on several high-impact areas that significantly improve the quality of life for older adults and those with debilitating joint conditions. His key areas of expertise include:

• Total Hip Replacement: Addressing severe hip arthritis (osteoarthritis) and trauma.
• Total Knee Replacement: Surgical intervention for advanced knee deterioration.
• Revision Joint Surgery: Complex procedures to replace or repair previously implanted artificial joints that have failed due or wear or infection.
• Minimally Invasive Techniques: Utilizing advanced surgical approaches to potentially reduce recovery time and scarring.

His focus on these reconstructive procedures means he is a specialist in restoring mobility and function, which are critical for maintaining an active and independent lifestyle in the Lafayette community.

7. The Importance of His MBA in Modern Medicine

Dr. Orenstein's decision to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Xavier University in 1998 highlights his forward-thinking approach to medicine. In today’s complex healthcare environment, a physician with an MBA is uniquely positioned to understand the financial, administrative, and strategic challenges facing hospitals and practices.

This business acumen directly benefited his administrative roles as Department Chair and Division Director. It also makes him an exceptional expert witness, as he can analyze the systemic issues, cost of care, and administrative standards involved in medical-legal cases with a level of insight that purely clinical practitioners may lack. This combination of surgical mastery and business intelligence solidifies his reputation as a comprehensive healthcare leader in Lafayette, Indiana.