Laura Phieffer, MD

Physician, Professor

Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Trauma

Make an appointment

614-293-2663
Accepting new patients

Conditions and expertise

  • Fractures, Spontaneous
  • Shoulder Fractures
  • Orthopedics
  • Bone Fractures
  • Multiple Trauma
  • Hip Fractures

View all conditions

Locations

  • Outpatient Care East

View location details

Academics and research

Department: Orthopaedics

View my research

About

Gender
Female

Biography

Every day as an orthopaedic and geriatric trauma surgeon, I meet patients who face great challenges. Whatever the cause of their injuries, recovering from a traumatic event is daunting. Our patients' lives are changed in an instant.

I apply my surgical expertise to each challenge, together with our dedicated patient care team. We partner with our patients to care for them both physically and emotionally throughout their healing process.

Many of my patients have multiple injuries and bone fractures. Even though their lives are forever changed in a split second, they find the courage to partner with me in their recovery. They not only persevere, but thrive, and I am inspired by their courage.

Working at Ohio State enables me to work with teams of experts to deliver the best care possible for our orthopaedic trauma patients.

After hours, I take time to relax with my family and enjoy the outdoors. I am also involved with Boxer Rescue. We currently have our third generation of rescue dogs.

Highlights

  • Best Doctors in America, annually since 2007
  • Orthopaedic Trauma Director since 2005
  • Medical Director of University Hospital and Same Day Surgery
  • Named to Castle Connolly's Regional Top Doctors list
  • Rated in the top 10 percent of physicians in the nation for patient satisfaction, 2018

Conditions and expertise

  • Bone Fractures
  • Fractures, Spontaneous
  • Hip Fractures
  • Multiple Trauma
  • Operative Surgical Procedures
  • Orthopedics
  • Shoulder Fractures
  • Wounds and Injuries

Locations

Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.

Credentials

Education

Fellowship - Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Trauma
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN, United States
8/1/2002 - 8/30/2003
Residency - Orthopaedic Surgery
Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, United States
7/1/1996 - 6/30/2002
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
7/1/1993 - 6/1/1996

Certification

  • American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
    7/21/2005

Academics and research

I am director of the Division of Orthopaedic Trauma for the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. I am a board certified orthopedic surgeon in the subspecialty of orthopedic trauma. With my subspecialty training, I have been trained in cutting-edge techniques for managing multi-trauma patients, patients with complex fractures of the upper and lower extremities as well as fractures of the pelvis and acetabulum.

Using minimally invasive techniques and closed reduction maneuvers, many surgeries can be performed with incisions much smaller than by previous means. Sub-muscular plating, intramedullary nailing, combinations of internal and external fixation and complex fracture treatment of the pelvis and acetabulum are all areas that are performed here at the Wexner Medical Center.

I am also leading a new multidisciplinary program dedicated to the care of elderly patients with fractures. The Geriatric Fracture Program features a team of orthopedic surgeons, medical/geriatric physicians, physician assistants, clinical nurse specialists, physical therapists, nutritionists and social workers.

Patients receive priority evaluation and can be moved to the operating room expeditiously, usually within one day. By moving geriatric fracture patients to the surgical suites and post-operative areas quickly, patient risk of complications including pneumonia, infections and skin infections is lessened. Additionally, the program is designed to improve outcomes as the team works to understand the unique needs of the elderly patient and to coordinate care, resulting in fewer post-operative complications and a quicker return to daily activities.

Research interests

  • Care of Elderly Patient with Fractures

Academic information

Department:
Orthopaedics
Division:
Orthopaedics

More about my research

Ratings and reviews

The overall patient satisfaction rating is an average of all patient responses to the six doctor communication related questions shown below from the Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey. For additional information about the patient satisfaction survey, please visit our Patient Satisfaction Survey page.

The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their view and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.

104 Patient Satisfaction Reviews

4.9 out of 5 overall
  • Explains Things Carefully
    4.8 / 5
  • Listens Carefully
    4.8 / 5
  • Gives Understandable Instructions
    4.8 / 5
  • Knows My Medical History
    4.7 / 5
  • Shows Respect
    4.8 / 5
  • Time Spent Together
    4.7 / 5

Patient Comments

  • Reviewed on Nov 26, 2025

    I was in pain for at least 18 months. The previous doctor did not listen to me. When I went to OSU for help I was referred to Dr. Phieffer she listen to me, understood my pain, and corrected 95 percent of my issue by removing hardware that was clearly screwed through my tibia into ligaments and tissue causing extreme pain anytime I moved my leg. If It wasn't for her listening to me I may not be here today. I have full trust in her and her advice. I believe with the care of Dr. Pheiffer and my ortho team I am on my way to being my old self.

  • Reviewed on Oct 04, 2025

    She answered all of my questions, showed empathy and understanding, and helped me to feel at ease about my recovery.

  • Reviewed on Sep 13, 2025

    She is excellent

  • Reviewed on Sep 13, 2025

    Great care explained everything well

  • Reviewed on Sep 02, 2025

    Excellent

Consulting and Related Relationships

At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the University requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their University responsibilities.

As of 11/3/2025, Dr. Phieffer has reported no relationships with companies or entities.

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