CHRISTOPHER N. CHIHLAS, MD, FAAOS, FAOFAS

Operating Privileges: Ortho RI Surgery Center, South County Hospital, Roger Williams Medical Center, Fatima Hospital

Dr. Christopher Chihlas brings over 25 years of experience helping patients achieve optimal musculoskeletal health. Specializing in orthopedic surgery as well as non-operative treatment for a broad range of orthopedic conditions, Dr. Chihlas has a particular expertise in sports medicine of the foot and ankle. He works with athletes of all levels to restore strength, mobility, and performance, including those at Providence College as an official team physician for over 20 years, as well as weekend warriors and individuals focused on everyday activities. In addition to his surgical specialties, Dr. Chihlas is at the forefront of cutting-edge orthobiologic therapies with Ortho RI Biologics, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to promote natural healing and accelerate recovery.

Dr. Chihlas takes a comprehensive and patient-centric approach to orthopedic care. His commitment to innovation and excellence ensures that each patient receives personalized, evidence-based care tailored to their unique needs and goals. Whether treating a complex sports injury or developing a comprehensive non-operative recovery plan, Dr. Chihlas is dedicated to helping his patients get back to doing what they love, stronger and healthier than ever.

Education:

  • Undergraduate: Union College, BS, Biology and Mathematics, Cum Laude 1988
  • Medical: Medical College of Virginia School of Medicine, MD, 1992
  • Orthopedic Residency: Medical College of Virginia/VCU Hospitals, Orthopedic Surgery, Foot and Ankle Surgery Specialty, 1993-1997

Professional Associations:

  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
  • Rhode Island Orthopedic Society
  • Massachusetts Orthopedic Society

Distinctions:

  • Clinical Adjunct Assistant Professor, Boston University School of Medicine, 2006-present
  • Clinical Assistant Professor, Brown University School of Medicine, 2006-2009
  • RI Workers Compensation Court Citation 2019
  • Blue Cross RI award for Practice Patterns, Quality, Cost Efficiency 
  • Chief Resident, Orthopedic Surgery, Medical College of Virginia/VCU Hospitals, 1996-1997
  • NBC Sports Boston Orthopedic Consultant for Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins
Related Blog Posts

June 18, 2025 / Health Nutrition Physical Therapy Surgery / Chris Chihlas

Nutritional Supplementation Prior to Surgery and PRP to Optimize Healing and Outcomes

Optimizing a patient’s nutritional status before orthopedic surgery or regenerative treatments such as PRP can significantly enhance healing, reduce inflammation, and support tissue repair. The following evidence-based supplementation information should be considered in the weeks leading up to intervention:

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May 21, 2025 / Chihlas Innovation / Chris Chihlas

Platelet-Rich Plasma

As orthopedic providers, understanding PRP’s mechanism, indications, and patient-specific considerations is crucial in optimizing...

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May 17, 2023 / Bone Health / Chris Chihlas

FRACTURE HEALING

We all see fractures nearly every day in orthopedic practice. But why do we sometimes see abundant healing callus and sometimes not on the x-rays?  Let's shed some light on the biology of fracture healing to answer this question. Generally, there are three....

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