A DAY IN THE LIFE OF JOSEPH BENEVENIA
Words by Maryann Littell / Photographs by John Emerson
JOSEPH BENEVENIA , MD , STARTING ON ROUNDS
KATHLEEN BEEBE, MD, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR; FRANCES PATTERSON, MD, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR; AND JOSEPH BENEVENIA, MD, CHAIR OF THE NJMS DEPARTMENT OF ORTHOPAEDICS
Nine-year-old Marissa Walker complains of a sore leg after a vigorous game of soccer. At first her parents aren’t concerned, attributing it to fatigue or a pulled muscle. Over the next few weeks, however, the pain intensifies and she develops a pronounced limp. They see a doctor and their nightmare begins.
That’s where Joseph Benevenia comes in. The orthopaedic surgeon specializes in treating bone, joint and soft tissue tumors, including benign, malignant and secondary cancers. He’s seen more than his share of difficult, even heartbreaking cases. Fortunately for Marissa and scores of other patients, Benevenia’s ‘think outside the box’ approach can work miracles when cancer strikes.
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Benevenia’s roots at UMDNJ go deep. An alumnus of NJMS, he also completed his orthopaedics residency at University Hospital (UH).
Following a fellowship in orthopaedic oncology/pathology at Case Western Reserve University, he returned to NJMS in 1991. The department,
with 24 faculty members plus several physician assistants and nurses, also specializes in trauma, conditions of the spine, pediatric joint and bone
conditions, hand and microvascular surgery and foot and ankle surgery. Subspecialty interests include bone and soft-tissue tumors, allograft and
endoprosthetic reconstructions, and limb-salvage surgeries.
UMDNJ Magazine spent a day with Benevenia, observing him interact with staff, teach residents and care for patients like Marissa Walker,
who travels from Connecticut for treatment. In her case, what initially looked like a sports injury turned out to be a serious malignant tumor. Read on to learn how Benevenia saved her leg, and possibly her life.
8:30am
Oncology case conferences offer Benevenia and his team an
opportunity to discuss the complex cases that come their way.
This intense question-and-answer session is prime time for
training the department’s 29 orthopaedic surgery residents and
three fellows.
9:15am
Using X-rays, Benevenia discusses the removal
of a malignant tumor of the upper arm, which
was followed by reconstruction. The department
is known for its work in limb salvage surgery,
which involves removal of a malignant tumor
and any other diseased tissue, then reconstruction
of the limb with either a bone graft, artificial
bone or joint replacement. Bone or soft tissue
sarcomas have always been among the most
dreaded of all cancers. In the recent past, treatment
often involved amputation of the affected
limb. Not anymore. The newest generation of
implants has greatly improved treatment options.
Most implants are constructed of titanium alloys
for strength and lined with plastic to serve as
artificial cartilage. These devices enable many
patients to make a full functional and cosmetic
recovery.
10:16am
Benevenia and team members (residents
John Koerner, MD, standing left, and
Heather Kong, MD, right, and Francis
Patterson, MD) meet with bioengineer
George Makris (right), who demonstrates
prosthetic devices in high-tech ‘show and
tell’ sessions.
11:45am
The afternoon is devoted to seeing patients. Benevenia follows many of them for
years, including 65-year-old Adrianne Giovanielli, here with her husband. A large
malignant mass was found on her humerus several years ago during a routine
checkup. Benevenia removed the tumor and a portion of the surrounding bone,
replacing it with an implant. In March 2009 a second mass formed in the same
location and was removed. Bottom photo: Benevenia and the Giovaniellis with
physician assistant Susan Merritt (left) and resident John Koerner, MD (second
from left).
1:35pm
Benevenia checks patient Marissa Walker, now 11. In 2009 Marissa was
diagnosed with an osteosarcoma in her left femur. “The first doctor we
saw said her leg would have to be amputated,” says her dad Pete, a
former major league baseball player. “That wasn’t the option we were
looking for.” Following consults with other physicians, including a trip to
St. Jude’s, the famed children’s cancer hospital, the family found its way
to Benevenia, who said the leg could be saved. He removed the tumor
and surrounding bone, including the knee joint, and replaced it with an
expandable prosthesis.
2:20pm
Benevenia explains to Marissa and her dad how her prosthesis ‘grows’ as
she does. Every few months she’s taken to the operating room, where a
magnet encircles the prosthesis, lengthening it. The procedure is non-invasive.
“He’s a great doctor,” says Marissa. “I like him so much I named my
dog Benny after him!” Marissa’s running is limited and she walks with a
slight limp. She swims and plays golf and is an ace pitcher on her softball
team. Medical secretary Marie Solimo (left) sets up a new appointment.
5:20pm
At the end of the day, Benevenia unwinds by creating art. A selftaught
welder, he constructs his sculptures using everything
from discarded surgical instruments to junkyard findings. His
work has been displayed at many exhibitions and he’s currently
producing a sculpture for the NJMS-UH Cancer Center on the
Newark campus. His studio is in a converted garage at his home.
After spending the workday with patients, staff and students,
the most important part of Benevenia’s life is his family: wife
Laureen; daughters Nicole, Angela, Marisa and Jaclyn; and sons
Michael and Samuel.