Facility F.A.Q.'s

WHAT IS AN ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON?

An orthopaedic surgeon is a medical doctor (M.D.) who, after graduation from a medical school, usually completes a one year internship plus four additional years of training (residency) in the surgical sub-specialty field of orthapaedics.

WHAT TYPES OF SERVICES DO WE PROVIDE?

The practice of surgery has become so specialized that patients are easily confused as to what doctors do and don’t do. The following discussion will provide you with a better understanding of the types of services and procedures to which we limit our practice.

ORTHOPAEDICS

Concerned with diagnosis and treatment of abnormal conditions of the musculoskeletal system (e.g., muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, bones, and joints) found in patients of all ages. These conditions may be caused by disease (e.g., cancer, infection, arthritis, etc.), injury (e.g., torn cartilage, torn ligaments, bone fractures, etc.), or birth defects (e.g., club feet, curvature of the spine, webbing of fingers and toes, etc.).

ARTHRITIS SURGERY

Surgical procedures designed to relieve pain, swelling, and loss of function include osteotomy of bones (e.g., straightening of crooked limbs), synovectomy of joints (e.g., removal of inflamed or diseased joint lining), and total joint replacement.

TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT

Reconstructive surgery involving the removal of a diseased joint (e.g., damaged by accident, degenerative or rheumatoid arthritis, etc.) and replacement with an artificial joint surface to relieve pain and restore mobility. Previously limited to hip surgery, recent advancements in medical technology now allow total joint replacement to be offered to patients with other damaged joints (e.g., knees, shoulders, elbows, hands, feet, etc.)

SPORTS MEDICINE

A rapidly growing field of medicine dedicated to the understanding and management of injuries resulting from participation in recreational and organized sports (tennis, golf, gymanastics, and weight lifting; joggers, bikers, swimmers, aerobic dancers, little leaguers; participants in high school, college, and professional athletics, etc.). Medical and surgical care is often directed toward complications associated with the treatment of the athletic injury (e.g., tennis elbow, anlke sprain, muscle pull, hamstring pull, plantar fascitis, shin splints, hip pointer, etc.) and rehabilitation programs designed to rapidly return the athlete to his or her chosen sport.

Arthroscopy

A new technique (often referred to as "bandaid surgery") that simplifies joint repair (e.g., knees, shoulders, ankles, etc.) by inserting a fiber-optic telescope (arthroscope) into a joint, the physician can both visually examine and repair damaged joint parts (e.g., torn cartilage or ligaments, etc.) through the same incision (no larger than the diameter of a little finger). Typically performed on an out-patient basis, Arthroscopy usually requires a shorter recovery period (allowing patients to return to work or athletics sooner) and costs less than conventional surgery.

TRAUMA AND INJURY

Joint sprains, fractures, and breaks are dealt with on a day-to-day basis. Broken bones and extremities are one of our specialties. Our treatment will be directed toward the goal of healing and restoration of function as soon as possible. Whether you have to have a dressing, cast, or surgery will depend upon the degree of injury you have sustained and the type of problem that you have. We, as orthopaedic specialists, will do all that we can do to provide you with the necessary information and answer all questions that you have concerning your type of injury.

PEDIATRICS

Special problems present at birth to acquired disorders of growing children are evaluated and treated. We encourage parental conferences for major problems.

HAND AND FOOT

Acquired, traumatic, congenital, or nerve problems affecting function. Our goal is to restore as much function as is humanly possible to the affected hand or foot, whether by surgery, splinting, or other forms of treatment.

SPINE

Arthritis, slipped disc, pinched nerve, ruptured disc, spine pain from injury or other causes. Treatment for your problem will be recommended based upon the cause of the pain or discomfort that you have.