Tuesday, April 8th from 5 to 7 p.m. at CAMPS Restaurant in Angels Camp
SAN ANDREAS, CA – April 2, 2014- Joint pain can be caused by a variety of factors. Recent injuries (or old ones that never healed properly) are often to blame. For some, wear is simply a matter of age and genetic disposition. Whatever the cause, diagnosis by a qualified doctor is the first step to resolving the pain and regaining an active lifestyle. Once diagnosed, what can be done about it?
Historically, long recovery times associated with invasive surgeries of the past compelled many to forgo treatment and endure their pain even as it worsened. But few disciplines evolve as quickly as modern medicine. In this day and age, many surgical remedies can be surprisingly painless and even lead to faster recoveries. Patients of the Orthopaedic department at Mark Twain Medical Center are often amazed at just how soon they are able to return to their favorite activities.
At Mark Twain Medical Center, Orthopaedic surgeons Lisa Siegler, MD and Craig Lovett, MD, specialize in surgeries of the knee, shoulder, hip and hand. Of those, knee surgery is by far the most frequently performed. (Knee osteoarthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States; about 46 percent of us get it eventually.) So it is not surprising that some of the most advanced surgical techniques have been developed to address this problem.
Positioning and alignment are crucial to the overall performance of any implant. Today, modern imaging systems such as MRI or CT scans are commonly used in conjunction with sophisticated computer software to create a three-dimensional reconstruction of the joint. This allows for much better planning than traditional two-dimensional X-rays, and ultimately, a more custom fit of implant material. Many of the procedures performed by Drs. Lovett and Siegler are minimally invasive, meaning they are performed through just a small incision. Reducing the incision and removal of healthy tissue generally means a more rapid and comfortable recovery. Mark Twain Medical Center can proudly claim low complication rates and an almost zero infection rate.
Doctors Lovett and Siegler are joined by anesthesiologists Sean Anderson, MD, Shannon Linton, MD and Rodger Orman, MD, who carefully calibrate their approach for each patient to maximize safety and minimize discomfort in the first hours after surgery. The physicians are in turn supported by experienced Orthopaedic nurses who are also vigilant about maintaining the comfort and safety of their patients. MTMC dedicated physical and occupational therapists meet one-on-one with patients for a free session before a procedure to show them how to prepare their bodies and their homes for the big day. Of course, physical therapists also meet their patients after the procedure to help speed recovery. All together, the staff acts as a coordinated team whose members frequently consult with each other to help ensure optimal treatment and outcomes of every patient under their care.
Advances in Orthopaedic medicine are producing better outcomes and shorter recoveries than ever before. If you are living with pain or limited mobility, there’s never been a better time to make a change. Mark Twain Medical Center and the Mark Twain Health Care District invite you to meet the Team of Orthopaedic Excellence at CAMPS Restaurant in Angels Camp for a free informational event on Tuesday, April 8th from 5 to 7 p.m. There, you can meet the doctors, learn about the latest innovations, see current prosthetic devices and anatomical models, enjoy healthy refreshments and have all your questions answered.
Life is short. Don’t spend it in pain. For more information about this free Orthopaedic health fair, call 754-5919.
