Pack football changes orthopedic surgeons

Longtime N.C. State football orthopedic surgeons David and Michael Fajgenbaum no longer will be working with the team after school officials consolidated athletics care under one orthopedic group.

In recent years, Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic has handled care for the rest of N.C. State’s athletes while the Fajgenbaums handled football out of The Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic.

N.C. State associate athletics director for sports medicine Charlie Rozanski said Wednesday that Raleigh Orthopaedic’s Bob Wyker will direct orthopedic care for athletes. Lyman Smith, a former Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings player, will work with the N.C. State football team.

Rozanski, who said he’s “close friends” with the Fajgenbaums, said the one-clinic approach brings N.C. State in line with what other schools are doing. The Fajgenbaums have been working with N.C. State for about 20 years and also have handled wrestling and track and field in the past.

“I hope they remain good friends, and they’re tremendous surgeons,” Rozanski said. “I wouldn’t hesitate to see either one of them if I need orthopedic surgery. That’s not what this is about. It’s just a continuity of care issue.”

Ken Tysiac