The orthopaedic practice was originally founded by the late Harold Torger Hansen, M.D., who began the practice in 1944 at our former location at 153 Irvington Avenue, South Orange, NJ.  Dr. Hansen was one of the first surgeons in New Jersey to perform total hip replacement using modern technology.  He was joined later by his son, Roger Hansen, and together they formed the orthopaedic practice of Hansen and Hansen.  The practice is recognized as being one of the first prestigious orthopaedic practices in the State of New Jersey.  Dr. Frederick F. Buechel joined the practice in 1977, and in 1981 the practice name was changed to South Mountain Orthopaedic Associates.  In 1986, the practice relocated to its present location at 61 First Street, South Orange, NJ.  Dr. Thomas E. Helbig joined the practice in 1987 after completing a fellowship in spinal disorders. Dr. Thomas F. Cuomo joined in 2003 after having a successful solo practice in West Orange for over 20 years.   Our surgeons focus on primary and revision total joint replacement, including the New Jersey LCS™ total knee replacement system, as well as total joint replacements for hips, wrists, elbows, shoulders and fingers.