About Gianni Ricci
Dr. Gianni Ricci is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in disorders of the foot and ankle. Dr. Ricci completed an orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery fellowship at the prestigious Duke University Medical Center and trained under numerous renowned orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons. Prior to fellowship, Dr Ricci completed his orthopaedic surgery residency here at the Hughston Clinic. He received his osteopathic medical degree from VCOM – Virginia Tech and undergraduate degree from Davidson College, where he was a 4-year letter winner, team captain, and academic all-conference linebacker in varsity football.
Dr. Ricci has expertise in a wide range of non-operative and operative treatments for all disorders of the foot and ankle. He has extensive training in treatments of ankle and foot arthritis including total ankle replacement, revision total ankle replacement and treatments for foot and ankle deformities including flatfoot reconstruction. He also has experience treating sports injuries about the foot and ankle including arthroscopic treatments of cartilage lesions, chronic ankle ligament instability, minimally invasive Achilles tendon repairs, and ankle and foot fractures. Dr. Ricci has extensive training in bunion surgery, great toe arthritis, and lesser toe deformities and utilizes minimally invasive surgical techniques, when appropriate, to help get you back on your feet as quickly as possible. Dr. Ricci also offers treatment of complex foot and ankle conditions such as avascular necrosis of the talus and limb salvage including the use of custom 3D printed implants, such as total talus replacement. He also has experience in Charcot/neuropathic foot and ankle reconstruction utilizing internal fixation and/or full ring external fixation.
Dr. Ricci holds active membership in multiple professional societies, including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society, and the Hughston Society. His specific societal interests include resident and fellow education, patient education, and practice management.
Throughout his training, Dr. Ricci provided athletic coverage during high school, college, and professional sporting events. Specifically, he provided sports medicine coverage for Duke University Athletics, the Columbus River Dragons minor league hockey team, Columbus Lions professional indoor football team, Auburn University, Columbus State University, Central High School, and Muscogee County high schools. While at Duke, he trained under numerous orthopaedic surgeons who currently treat professional athletes from the NFL, NBA, NHL, and USA Olympic Teams.
Dr. Ricci believes research and education are incredibly important to help improve patient outcomes in foot and ankle surgery. He serves as an educator for the Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at the Hughston Clinic and is honored to teach at the program where he received his training. He also serves as an adjunct educator for VCOM-Auburn and Mercer School of Medicine. He has published numerous peer-reviewed articles related to foot and ankle surgery and has presented his research at national conferences and continuing education events at the Hughston Foundation.
Outside of work, Dr Ricci enjoys cooking Italian food including homemade pasta, playing tennis, cycling, and spending time with his wife Caitlin, their daughter Siena, and family dog Enzo. Caitlin is a labor and delivery nurse with over a decade of experience and has treated patients both at St Francis and Piedmont Midtown Medical center throughout her career. They are excited to get involved in community outreach programs in the Columbus area with a specific interest in improving women’s health.
“I am honored to be a part of the prestigious Hughston Clinic. My approach to patient care begins by listening to your story and identifying your main problem. Once a diagnosis is made, both nonoperative and operative treatments are discussed while placing the patient at the center of the decision-making process. My family and I are proud to call Columbus home, and we look forward to serving this wonderful community.”
Thank You Dr Ricci♥️
Patient Submitted Review
May-2025
Dr. Ricci is one of the most competent orthopedic surgeons on the planet. What he has done for me has changed my life, for the good, for the rest of my life. I simply cannot say enough good things about him and his staff. The surgery he performed on my foot, which was very complicated, has resulted in the most profound change in my ability to live my life. His staff is amazing, especially Meghan Simon, who is incredibly caring, thorough, and willing to go the extra mile, or twenty, for her patients. I would recommend Dr. Ricci without reservation, and will not go to any other orthopedic surgeon for similar issues. Although this has been a long and painful process, Dr. Ricci has basically ensured that I can stay mobile and active for years to come. My most profound gratitude to Dr. Ricci and his staff. (Especially Meghan).