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Christopher Diefenbach, MD

  • Specialties

    Complex Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Care

  • Fellowship

    Foot & Ankle Orthopedic Surgery - UC Davis/Reno Orthopedic Center (ROC)

  • Residency

    University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hamot

  • Medical School

    New York University School of Medicine

  • Board Certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery

About Christopher Diefenbach, MD

Chris Diefenbach, MD is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in complex reconstructive foot and ankle care. He completed his medical degree at New York University before returning to Pennsylvania to complete his orthopedic surgery residency at University of Pittsburgh Hamot.  He then subspecialized in foot and ankle surgery with the University of California Davis/Reno Orthopedic Center fellowship program. Dr. Diefenbach practiced in Flagstaff, Arizona prior to returning to Reno/Tahoe to care for its community and participate in the fellowship training program. 

His personal love of recreation, sports, and optimizing wellbeing inspires Dr. Diefenbach to work tirelessly for his patients every day. He believes in shared decision making, ensuring each patient completely understands their condition, all treatment options, and helps guide his patients in action steps to help them accomplish all of their goals.

Dr. Diefenbach is devoted to providing the Reno/Tahoe area with quality foot and ankle care, and treats his patients as if they are a member of his family.  

Part of Dr. Diefenbach's experience includes being an exclusive foot and ankle surgeon for Northern Arizona University. He is a long-time member of various medial societies such as the AMA, OTA, AAOS, and AOFAS.

Dr. Diefenbach's interests include mountain biking, home improvement, traveling, pets, and recreational sports.

Publications

  • Lundeen GA, Diefenbach C, Moles LH, White LL, Barousse P. Immediate Unrestricted Weightbearing With Simple Stirrup Brace Following Single Anchor Lateral Ankle Ligament Stabilization. Foot Ankle Spec. 2020 Nov 20:1938640020972829. doi: 10.1177/1938640020972829. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33215526.

  • Diefenbach C, Kreulen C, Giza E. Midsubstance Achilles Tendinosis. In: Raikin SM, ed. Foot and Ankle Surgery: Tricks of the Trade. New York, NY: Thieme; 2018: 227-234.

  • Diefenbach C, Nguyen K, Kreulen C, Giza E. The Role of Ankle Arthroscopy in Ankle Fractures. Techniques in Foot and Ankle Surgery. 17(3):121-125, September 2018

  • Singh A, Calafi A, Diefenbach C, Kreulen C, Giza E. Noninsertional Tendinopathy of the Achilles. Foot Ankle Clin. 2017 Dec;22(4):745-760.

  • Diefenbach C. Treating an Ankle Sprain. Flagstaff Business News. Oct. 14 2017.

  • Lundeen G, Diefenbach C, Smith-Gagen J, Whitlow S, White L. Outpatient Surgical Management of Patients with Complex Wounds Through a Multispecialty Wound Care Clinic. Foot and Ankle Orthopaedics. 2017; Sep 18.

  • Iorio J, Orlando G, Diefenbach C, Pahys J, Samdani A, Betz R, Gaughan J, Cahill P. Serial Casting for Infantile Idiopathic Scoliosis: Radiographic Outcomes and Factors Associated With Response to Treatment. Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics. 2015; Sep 22.

  • Verma K, Errico T, Diefenbach C, Hoelscher C, Peters A, Dryer J, Huncke T, Boenigk K, Lonner BS. The relative efficacy of antifibrinolytics in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a prospective randomized trial. JBJS Am. 2014 May 21;96(10):e80.

  • Christopher Diefenbach, Baron S. Lonner, Joshua D. Auerbach, Neil Bharucha, Laura E. Dean, Yael Goldstein. Is radiation-free diagnostic monitoring of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis feasible using upright positional MRI? Spine. 2013 Apr 1;38(7):576-80.

  • Verma K., Peters, A., Errico, T., Diefenbach, C., Hoelscher, C., Dryer, J., Huncke, T., Boenigk, K., Lonner, B. PreOperative Autologous Blood Donation Does Not Affect Pre-Incision Hematocrit in AIS Patients. A Retrospective Cohort of A Prospective Randomized Trial. Spine Journal. 2013;13(9):110S-111S.

  • Diefenbach C, Ialenti MN, Lonner BS, Kamerlink JR, Verma K, Errico TJ. Hospital Cost Analysis of Neuromuscular Scoliosis Surgery. Bulletin Hospital for Joint Disease. 2013;71(4):272-7.

  • West SG, Gebauer SK, Kay CD, Bagshaw DM, Savastano DM, Diefenbach C, Kris-Etherton PM. Diets containing pistachios reduce systolic blood pressure and peripheral vascular responses to stress in adults with dyslipidemia.. Hypertension. 2012 Jul;60(1):58-63.

  • Alexios Apazidis, MD, Pedro Ricart, MD, Christopher Diefenbach, MD, Jeffrey Spivak, MD. The Incidence of Transitional Vertebra in the Lumbar Spine. The Spine Journal. 2011 Sep; 11(9): 858-862.

I’ve been a patient at Reno Orthopedic Center for a while now, and I can’t say enough about the level of care and professionalism they consistently provide. From the moment I walk in, the staff is friendly, attentive, and always willing to answer questions. Dr. Diefenbach and the team have shown incredible expertise in diagnosing and treating my condition, ensuring I’m not just treated, but truly listened to. I appreciate the thorough explanations of my treatment options and their commitment to finding the best path forward for my recovery. I’ve felt completely confident in their approach, and they always offer support beyond just appointments. If you're looking for a clinic that combines skill with genuine care for their patients, I highly recommend Reno Orthopedic Center. They’ve been nothing short of excellent in treating my medical needs!

Christina

Dr. Diefenbach performed my ankle surgery. From consultation all the way through the operation, he answered all questions & concerns with professionalism - “no dumb questions.” He promptly called my wife after the procedure to reassure her all went smoothly.

William

After seeing 3 other podiatrists, Dr. Diefenbach was able to offer me the most concrete treatment plan. I appreciated that he was not in a rush and answered all my questions extensively! Overall great experience:)

Abigain