Updated October 2019

With deep ties within the Annapolis, Bowie and Glen Burnie communities, the founding partners opened the doors to Anne Arundel Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) in 1972. The practice has grown significantly since then, with three convenient office locations and 34 staff members including physicians, physical therapists, nurses, physician assistants and more.

More than 40 years later, community involvement remains a critical component of the AAOS culture, and the practice works closely with Anne Arundel, Queen Anne and Calvert County High School athletics in a medical capacity. AAOS also served as team physicians for the Bowie Baysox for more than 20 years.

While AAOS physicians provide a wide variety of orthopaedic procedures and treatments, the practice is most focused on arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder and knee, as well as sports medicine, hand and upper extremity surgery and total joint replacement. The physicians take pride in knowing that they are all fellowship-trained and board certified in their respective sub-specialties, having invested the time and commitment to further their training and expertise to provide patients with the best care possible. The physicians at AAOS participate with the Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Joint Center, a multidisciplinary team of operative and non-operative specialists, who care for patients throughout the joint replacement process.

Senior Partner Dr. Garrett Lynch joined AAOS in 1986 and is board certified and fellowship trained in arthroscopic surgery and sports medicine. His additional specialty areas include reconstructive surgery of the ACL, as well as total joint replacement of the knee and shoulder. Also board certified and fellowship trained in arthroscopic surgery and sports medicine, Dr. Louis Ruland joined the practice in 1993, and specializes in ACL reconstruction and arthroscopic surgery of the knee and shoulder, as well as both operative and non-operative treatment of arthritis of the knee and shoulder. Dr. Charles Ruland was brought on in 1995 to round out the practice’s expertise in knee and shoulder surgery. Dr. Ruland is also board certified and fellowship trained in sports medicine, arthroscopic surgery and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Garth Smith joined AAOS with fellowship training in hand and upper extremity surgery in 1998. He treats upper extremity and nerve disorders, fractures, pediatric upper extremity conditions and injuries and more. Dr. Michael Anvari is the newest member of the team, bringing expertise as a Board-certified, Joint-fellowship trained Orthopaedic surgeon, specializing in hip and knee joint reconstruction. This includes direct anterior total hip replacement, partial knee replacement and revision procedures, with computer navigation and robotics expertise, and rapid rehabilitation protocols.

In addition to its four full-time physicians, AAOS employs Kimberly Stauffer, MS, CRNP and Christy Crowther, MS, CRNP; Shawn Simpson, MMS, PA-C; and Ann Behrens, BSOT. AAOS offers a robust physical therapy program complete with hand therapy services staffed by therapists Scott Hazuda, PT, Ann Harmon, PT and Alvin Carbon, PTA. The care center also has on-site radiology capabilities.

The team at Anne Arundel Orthopaedic Surgeons takes great pride in its patient-centered, service-focused delivery of orthopaedic care. AAOS was driven to join CAO to remain nimble and to implement change within the practice to better meet the needs of both patients and the business.