For A.M. Release Wed., March 15, 2000
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Orthopaedic surgeons focus patient care on nonsurgical alternatives
ORLANDO, Fla.--Most people think of an orthopaedic surgeon as the physician to see when they require surgery to repair a knee injury or for a degenerative back condition. Today's orthopaedic surgeon has a wide variety of nonsurgical alternatives to help patients with degenerative and posttraumatic conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.
Today at the 67th annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, a panel of orthopaedic surgeons discussed the newest nonoperative treatments for orthopaedic care. Moderated by Vert Mooney, MD, the panel included William J. Evans, PhD; Nicholas A. DiNubile, MD; Hamilton Hall, MD; and Richard Steadman, MD.
Surgery is not always required, Dr. Mooney said. "A significant part of orthopaedic care involves physical training for rehabilitation, prescription medications and orthopaedic equipment like braces and supports.
"Using progressive physical training for degenerative conditions such as arthritis and posttraumatic injuries like the back problems that often result from car accidents, orthopaedic surgeons create a long-term program that strengthens soft tissues," said Dr. Mooney. "The goal of each plan is to help patients improve their physical strength not just feel better about the problem."
"The three pillars of fitness that support good overall health are: aerobic conditioning, strength training and flexibility," said Dr. DiNubile. "The orthopaedic surgeon diagnoses the cause of the pain, and develops a treatment program involving additional medical personnel to help rehabilitate the injured area to improve function and reduce pain. In addition, the orthopaedic surgeon educates the patient on ways to prevent additional injury or slow the progression of degenerative disease.
"People are living longer," said Dr. DiNubile. "Many times, orthopaedic surgeons can help patients become more active, which improves their quality of life. As the population continues to age, the level of expertise which orthopaedic surgeons bring to musculoskeletal patients will become increasingly important."
The 24,500-member American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (http://www.aaos.org) is a not-for-profit organization that provides education programs for orthopaedic surgeons, allied health professionals and the public, and is an advocate for improved patient care.
In the first year of the United Nations-declared Bone and Joint Decade (2000-2010) (http://www.boneandjointdecade.org), the Academy is holding its annual meeting at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, March 15-19.
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