3 million Americans are diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome each year making it a very common medical condition. It all begins with the notorious tingling sensation in the hand. Therefore, seeking medical advice from an orthopedic specialist sooner rather than later is crucial.

Carpal Tunnel Basics. The carpal tunnel is located on the palm side of the hand and provides passage for the median nerve. The median nerve travels down the arm and into the hand and controls the feeling and movement of the thumb and fingers. Along with the median nerve, nine flexor tendons run through the carpal tunnel to assist the fingers in bending.

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? For the flexor tendons to move freely, the carpal tunnel surrounds them in a sleeve to act as a lubricant to the tissues. When the sleeve swells within the carpal tunnel, it puts pressure on the median nerve. The result of this pressure is why people with carpal tunnel syndrome experience numbness and tingling in the beginning phases.

Symptoms.

Tingling and numbness throughout the finger and hand are the strongest indicators of carpal tunnel syndrome. The pinky finger is not affected since the median nerve does not run through that finger. Usually, the thumb and index, middle or ring finger are symptomatic. The symptoms do not resolve themselves on their own. Without intervention, this numbness can travel up the arm and cause discomfort while driving or using your phone.
Muscle weakness is another sign of carpal tunnel syndrome. Some people start to notice themselves dropping things because of the weakness in their hand and fingers. All of this goes back to the median nerve being disturbed within the carpal tunnel which ultimately affects the mobility of the fingers.

Solutions. Implementing an ergonomic workstation is the best strategy to prevent carpal tunnel. There are also ways to reduce stress on your hands and wrists. Surgery may be appropriate if your pain is severe and conservative methods aren’t working.

Reduce your force and relax your grip
Take short, frequent breaks
Wrist splints
Corticosteroids
Endoscopic surgery: the surgeon uses a telescope-like device with a camera that allows them to see inside the carpal tunnel. They are then able to cut the ligament through small incisions in the hand or wrist.
Open surgery: The surgeon cuts the ligament to free the nerve through an incision in the palm.

If your hands, wrists or fingers are bothering you, Dr. Guilherme Giusti at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists is dedicated to finding the right solution for you. Schedule your appointment online today!

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Signs & Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Posted on July 14, 2022 - 2:01 pm by Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

Symptoms.

Tingling and numbness throughout the finger and hand are the strongest indicators of carpal tunnel syndrome. The pinky finger is not affected since the median nerve does not run through that finger. Usually, the thumb and index, middle or ring finger are symptomatic. The symptoms do not resolve themselves on their own. Without intervention, this numbness can travel up the arm and cause discomfort while driving or using your phone.
Muscle weakness is another sign of carpal tunnel syndrome. Some people start to notice themselves dropping things because of the weakness in their hand and fingers. All of this goes back to the median nerve being disturbed within the carpal tunnel which ultimately affects the mobility of the fingers.

Reduce your force and relax your grip
Take short, frequent breaks
Wrist splints
Corticosteroids
Endoscopic surgery: the surgeon uses a telescope-like device with a camera that allows them to see inside the carpal tunnel. They are then able to cut the ligament through small incisions in the hand or wrist.
Open surgery: The surgeon cuts the ligament to free the nerve through an incision in the palm.

Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine Announces New Name and Expansion Throughout Northeast Florida

Posted on February 15, 2022 - 9:00 am by Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

St. Augustine, FL (February 15, 2022) – Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine has announced that they will begin operating under the Southeast Orthopedic Specialists’ name as of April 1, 2022. This change comes after Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine and Jacksonville-based Southeast Orthopedic Specialists partnered in October of 2021 under the HOPCo (Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company) platform. The newly expanded multi-specialty musculoskeletal care practice includes more than 100 specialists serving patients throughout northeast Florida and southeast Georgia. The practice provides care in 8 locations throughout the region and will be developing additional offices in Duval, St. Johns, Flagler and Clay counties.

The entire provider team, including Dr. Albert Volk, Dr. Kurtis Hort, Dr. Sina Kasraeian, Dr. Paul Rotteges, Dr. Alexander Lampley, and Dr. Casey McClone, will continue to see all current patients and new patients in their offices in St. Augustine, North St. Johns, Fleming Island, Ponte Vedra and Jacksonville.

“We are eager to take the next step in a partnership that will truly transform the delivery of musculoskeletal care in our region,” said Dr. Volk. “Now that we have become fully integrated under the HOPCo platform, we can expand our current service offerings and provide better access to more patients through our merger with Southeast Orthopedic Specialists.”

The newly merged practices will utilize HOPCo’s proven platform to develop sustainable partnerships with other musculoskeletal practices, health systems and payors to improve the quality and reduce the cost of musculoskeletal care, all while providing a better experience and outcomes for patients.

“Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine has made an incredible impact on their community over the past two decades and we are excited that we will now be working together as part of Southeast Orthopedic Specialists,” said Gavan Duffy, MD, President of Southeast Orthopedic Specialists. “With the addition of their team, Southeast Orthopedic Specialists is now one of the largest musculoskeletal care platforms in North Florida and is positioned to continue providing the highest quality care for decades to come.”

About Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists is a regional leader in musculoskeletal care providing expertise in the entire spectrum of orthopedic care provided to patients, including orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, spine care, physiatry, pain management, chiropractic, podiatry and physical therapy. Physicians at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists are leaders in their field with decades of experience, including the completion of multiple fellowships and groundbreaking research. Visit www.se-ortho.com to learn more.

About Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine

Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine has provided the highest quality, patient-centered orthopedic care and sports medicine in St. Johns County and surrounding areas for over twenty years. All physicians are fellowship-trained in their field of expertise. The team of medical professionals offers comprehensive surgical and non-surgical musculoskeletal care, physical therapy and imaging in St. Augustine and North St. Johns. Visit www.oastaug.com to learn more.

About Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company

Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo) is the national leader of integrated musculoskeletal value-based health outcomes management, practice management and health system service line management. This includes comprehensive expertise across all MSK specialties, including orthopedics, spine, hand, pain management, rehabilitation and neurology. HOPCo’s integrated care, analytics and facilities development platform has proven to increase the quality of patient care while reliably reducing the total cost of care across the care continuum for practices, health systems and payors alike. HOPCo’s affiliated payors, practices and health systems successfully participate in highly efficient value-based contracting (bundled payments, population health programs, and other advanced risk-based arrangements) utilizing HOPCo’s proprietary platforms, IT solutions, integrated analytics, and standardized care pathways. Visit www.hopco.com to learn more.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Daniel Goldberg
Sr. Director of Marketing, Branding and Communications
Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo)
623.241.8649
Daniel.Goldberg@hopco.com

Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine Partners with Southeast Orthopedic Specialists and HOPCo to Create the Largest Integrated Musculoskeletal Care Network in Northeast Florida

Posted on November 19, 2021 - 11:36 am by Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

St. Augustine, FL (October 29, 2021) – Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine (OASA), a leading musculoskeletal practice in St. Augustine, has announced a partnership with Southeast Orthopedic Specialists (SOS), a leading provider of comprehensive orthopedic and musculoskeletal care throughout Northeast Florida. The partnership creates a multi-specialty musculoskeletal care platform with more than 100 providers serving patients throughout northeast Florida and southeast Georgia.

Through this partnership, OASA will become part of the HOPCo (Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company) integrated care network and, in partnership with SOS, will utilize HOPCo’s proven platform to develop sustainable partnerships with health systems, payors and other musculoskeletal practices to improve the quality and reduce the cost of musculoskeletal care, all while providing a better experience for patients. The integrated care platform includes HOPCo’s uniquely integrated clinical quality infrastructure, proprietary IT tools and analytics, facilities management programs and established value-based care programs. In the coming months, OASA will transition to the Southeast Orthopedic Specialists brand and going forward, the practices will operate under one consolidated care platform. OASA will continue its commitment to patients by maintaining its strong physical presence throughout St. Augustine and North St. Johns County.

Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine has been providing the highest quality of musculoskeletal care throughout St. Johns County and surrounding counties, with locations in St. Augustine and North St. Johns County. “We have seen considerable success in our practice over the last two decades,” said Dr. Albert Volk, President and Founding Partner of Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine. “At the same time, we know the best way for us to continue successful growth and to help lead value-based care efforts is through alignment with organizations with a dedicated growth infrastructure and proven track record like HOPCo and SOS.”

“We are excited for this new partnership as it will allow our combined efforts to spearhead the ongoing growth and delivery of advanced musculoskeletal value-based care programs across the region, resulting in better care for patients,” said Dr. Brett Puckett, President of Southeast Orthopedic Specialists.

HOPCo, the national leader in musculoskeletal value-based health outcomes management, musculoskeletal service line and practice management, has grown significantly in Northern Florida in the last few years. First partnering with Southeast Orthopedic Specialists in 2019 and then in 2020, partnering with the Ascension Florida Heath System for a musculoskeletal service line transformation program, which included creating the region’s first orthopedic specialty hospital in Jacksonville. This growth represents HOPCo’s ongoing mission to implement value-based care programs for musculoskeletal practices and health systems across Florida, driving high-quality and accountable care while reducing costs.

“Florida will continue to be an area of robust growth for us in the coming months,” said Dr. Wael Barsoum, President and Chief Transformation Officer of HOPCo. “We are thrilled that the Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine physicians are joining our regional platform as they recognize that stakeholder alignment is driving improved quality and value for patients and enhancing musculoskeletal care delivery in Florida.”

About Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine

Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine has been providing the highest quality, patient-centered orthopedic care and sports medicine in St. Johns County and surrounding areas for over twenty years and will continue to serve the St. Augustine community. All of OASA’s physicians are fellowship trained in their field of expertise. OASA’s team of medical professionals offer comprehensive surgical and non-surgical musculoskeletal care, physical therapy and imaging for Duval, St. Johns, Flagler and Putnam counties. Visit www.oastaug.com to learn more.

About Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists is a regional leader in musculoskeletal care providing expertise in the entire spectrum of orthopedic care provided to patients, including orthopedic surgery, spine care, physiatry, pain management, chiropractic, podiatry and physical therapy. Physicians at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists are leaders in their field with decades of experience, including the completion of multiple fellowships and groundbreaking research. Visit www.se-ortho.com to learn more.

About Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists Adds Internationally Trained Hand Surgeon to Jacksonville Team

Posted on November 10, 2021 - 3:42 pm by Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. Guilherme Giusti, an orthopedic hand surgery specialist in Florida.

Jacksonville, FL (November 8, 2021) – Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, the regional leader in orthopedic and spine care, has announced the addition of Dr. Guilherme Giusti to its team. Dr. Giusti is a Board Certified and Fellowship Trained Orthopedic Hand Surgeon.

Dr. Giusti attended medical school at Escola Paulista de Medicina in São Paulo, Brazil. During his time in Brazil, he continued his training and completed both his orthopedic surgery residency and hand surgery fellowship. Dr. Giusti then relocated to the US and completed a microvascular research fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, and an orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Illinois in Chicago, IL. Dr. Giusti then finished his extensive training with a hand surgery fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.

“We are always looking to add the best and brightest physicians to our team,” said Donnie Romine, CEO of Southeast Orthopedic Specialists. “Dr. Giusti’s extensive subspecialty training, both in Brazil and in the US, will make him a welcomed addition to our practice and our community.”

This now brings the total number of physicians at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists to 29. Earlier this month, they announced a partnership with Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine, which will facilitate the expansion of the Southeast Orthopedic Specialists’ footprint into St. Johns and Flagler county in early 2022.

About Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

Established in 2001, Southeast Orthopedic Specialists is a regional leader in musculoskeletal care. Southeast Orthopedic Specialists was founded on the principle of providing high-quality, comprehensive care in the North Florida region. The entire spectrum of orthopedic care is provided to patients, including orthopedic surgery, spine care, physiatry, pain management, chiropractic, podiatry and physical therapy. Physicians at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists are leading experts in their field with decades of experience, including the completion of multiple fellowships and groundbreaking research. Visit www.se-ortho.com to learn more.

Lumbar Discectomy vs. Fusion: Which Surgery is Right for Me?

Posted on September 29, 2021 - 2:24 pm by Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

Lumbar Discectomy vs. Fusion: Which Surgery is Right for Me?

By Frederick M. Moore, MD

If you’re suffering from leg or lower back pain caused by a lumbar herniated disc, you’re probably on the hunt for ways to address your discomfort and get back to living a comfortable, pain-free life. After you’ve exhausted your nonsurgical options, it may be the right time to consider spine surgery if the painful symptoms of a herniated disc are still present—but which surgical procedure is right for you?

We’ll break down lumbar discectomy and lumbar fusion to help you learn more about the different procedures and what they treat.

What is a lumbar discectomy?

Lumbar discectomy is a surgical procedure to relieve painful symptoms caused by a herniated disc in the spine, such as leg pain (sciatica), foot drop, muscle weakness, numbness or tingling in the legs, and decreased mobility. During a discectomy, a spine surgeon removes any free disc fragments that are putting pressure on your spinal nerves. This may be performed via a traditional midline incision, or with newer techniques that allow a smaller incision, which achieves decompression implementing fiberoptic technology.

There are different types of discectomy surgery, which can either be aggressive or limited with regard to removal of disc material depending on your spinal anatomy, the size of the hole(s) in your lumbar disc, and your overall health. During an aggressive discectomy, all free disc fragments—as well as any additional material located inside the disc—are removed. Limited discectomy takes a more conservative approach by removing free disc fragments without probing the inner core of the disc (nucleus pulposus) for additional material to remove.

What is a lumbar spinal fusion?

Lumbar spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that treats pain resulting from abnormal movement of the vertebrae, whether due to spinal deformities such as scoliosis, spinal weakness and instability, or a herniated disc.

During a lumbar fusion procedure, bones are permanently “fused” or essentially joined together to reduce motion in painful areas of the spine. In some cases, the entire disc is removed and replaced with bone-like material between the vertebrae, which ultimately takes the place of the natural disc that functioned as a stabilizer and shock absorber.

How do lumbar discectomy and spinal fusion differ?

While a lumbar spinal fusion can stabilize the spine and reduce pain from a herniated disc, lumbar discectomy is the most common surgical approach because it’s less invasive than a fusion, preserves movement, has a shorter recovery period, and is associated with fewer complications.

In fact, lumbar spinal fusion is rarely the first surgical intervention a patient will get for a lumbar disc herniation. It is typically performed further down the degenerative cascade, often after a patient has already had one or more discectomy procedures. Appropriately selected lumbar discectomy patients are more satisfied¹with their results, and see fewer complications²than spinal fusion patients.

Despite the success of the discectomy procedure, there is a significant reherniation risk for approximately 30% of patients, often resulting in repeat surgery. Recently, newer technology (Barricaid) has significantly reduced the risk of reherniation for this group of lumbar discectomy patients.

Which surgical procedure is right for me?

The best way to determine whether you’re a candidate for lumbar herniated disc surgery—not to mention which procedure is the best fit—is to consult with a spine surgeon for a diagnosis and treatment recommendation. During your appointment, your physician may recommend a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to identify the root cause of the pain you are experiencing if you haven’t already been diagnosed with a lumbar herniated disc.

When determining the best option for you, your surgeon will consider the size and location of your herniation, the severity and duration of your symptoms, and the result of any previous treatments. If you are considering surgical intervention, the Barricaid implant can reduce your chances of needing a second discectomy surgery—and potentially a fusion—down the road if you have large holes (6 mm or larger) in your disc.

Take Diego, for example. Diego is a dedicated athlete with a lifelong passion for running and mountain climbing. After Diego suffered from multiple injuries that resulted in a lumbar herniated disc, several surgeons recommended a spinal fusion.

Diego explored his alternatives and chose a limited discectomy with Barricaid, an innovative technology that would allow him to return to the active lifestyle he loves with a lower risk of additional surgeries and disability.

If you’re suffering from a lumbar herniated disc and considering surgery, Barricaid may improve and enhance your outcome. Consult with our team at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists to see if you are a candidate for one of these ground-breaking procedures.

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists Continues Growth by Adding Two New Spine Physicians to Team

Posted on September 1, 2021 - 11:13 am by Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

Jacksonville, FL (September 1, 2021) – Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, the regional leader in orthopedic and spine care, has added two new physicians, Isaac Gooding, MD and Bryan Boerjan, DC, to their comprehensive team of subspecialists. This now brings their total number of physicians to 29, making Southeast Orthopedic Specialists one of the largest musculoskeletal care providers in the region.

Dr. Isaac Gooding is a Board Certified, Fellowship Trained Interventional Pain Management Specialist. Dr. Gooding attended New York Medical College in Valhalla, NY, where he received his doctoral degree. Following medical school and his internship, Dr. Gooding trained as a Naval Flight Surgeon at the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute in Pensacola, FL. He then went on to complete a residency in Anesthesiology and a fellowship in Pain Management at the Naval Medical Center San Diego in San Diego, CA. Dr. Gooding is also a decorated veteran who has received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal four times. He was also awarded the Army Commendation Medal for exemplary service as part of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Dr. Bryan Boerjan is a licensed chiropractic physician specializing in spinal and extremity manipulation, auto accident treatment and musculoskeletal disorders. Dr. Boerjan attended Logan College of Chiropractic in Chesterfield, MO, where he received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree. He further utilizes his professional training in patient care by using various soft tissue therapy techniques and functional rehabilitation. Dr. Boerjan is certified by the Titleist Performance Institute, which allows him to work with professional golfers and help to increase their performance.

“The need for high-quality spine care is continuing to grow here in Jacksonville and we want to be able to offer our patients multiple modalities of care for back and neck pain,” said Donnie Romine, CEO of Southeast Orthopedic Specialists. “The addition of these two new physicians is a perfect complement to our highly skilled spine team, which includes chiropractors, interventional pain specialists and spine surgeons.”

About Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists Adds Two New Physicians to Team

Posted on June 22, 2021 - 12:57 pm by Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists Adds Two New Physicians to Team

Jacksonville, FL (June 14, 2021) – Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, the regional leader in orthopedic and spine care, has added two new physicians, Dr. David Remias and Dr. Pavel Balduyeu, to their comprehensive team of subspecialists. This now brings their total number of physicians to 26, making Southeast Orthopedic Specialists one of the largest musculoskeletal care providers in the region.

Dr. David Remias is a Board Certified and Fellowship Trained non-operative Sports Medicine Specialist. Dr. Remias attended the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine for his doctoral degree. He then completed a residency in Family Medicine and a fellowship in Sports Medicine at Presence Resurrection Medical Center in Chicago, IL. Following his fellowship, Dr. Remias served on an American Indian reservation in Tohatchi, NM and Crownpoint, NM, where he provided medical care to the Navajo Indian population. After this time, he began his practice as a Sports Medicine physician at Ascension St. Vincent’s, where he has served the local Jacksonville community for five years.

Dr. Pavel Balduyeu is a Board Certified and Fellowship Trained Interventional Pain Management Specialist. Dr. Balduyeu attended Belarus State Medical University, where he received his doctoral degree. Following medical school and his internship, Dr. Balduyeu completed a residency and fellowship in Anesthesiology at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Gainesville, FL. Dr. Balduyeu has served as the Co-Chair of the Program Committee for the Florida Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and the Chair of the Peer Review Committee at UF Health Shands Hospital. Dr. Balduyeu will be treating patients in the Fleming Island and Riverside locations.

“We have a very active population here in Jacksonville, both young and old, and sometimes that can lead to injuries,” said Donnie Romine, CEO of Southeast Orthopedic Specialists. “With the addition of these new physicians to the Southeast Orthopedic Specialists team, we can continue to provide care for all of the orthopedic and spine needs of our growing community using the most innovative and effective modalities available.”

About Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

###

For media inquiries, please contact:

Daniel Goldberg

Sr. Director of Marketing, Branding and Communications

Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo)

623.241.8649

Daniel.Goldberg@hopco.com

North Florida Athletics Announces Joint Venture Partnership with Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, Brooks Rehabilitation and Ascension St. Vincent’s

Posted on November 13, 2020 - 3:10 pm by Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

JACKSONVILLE – The University of North Florida Athletic Department announced a joint venture partnership with Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, Brooks Rehabilitation and Ascension St. Vincent’s that includes a variety of financial, marketing and service elements.

This five-year agreement, initiated on Nov. 1, 2020, not only features a significant financial investment to UNF Athletics but also provides Osprey student-athletes with access to top quality medical care that includes preseason, in-season and postseason coverage.

“We are thrilled with the caliber of medical services this contract provides for our student-athletes,” stated UNF Director of Athletics, Lee Moon. “This holistic coverage includes every aspect of our student-athletes health and welfare from physicals to medical testing, injury evaluations, corrective surgeries, injury rehabilitation as well as advisement in areas like nutrition and mental health. It is an exciting opportunity for us to partner with the region’s top medical care organizations in support of our athletes. This is a winning combination on multiple levels.”

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, established in 2001, is a regional leader in musculoskeletal care. Southeast Orthopedic Specialists was founded on the principle of providing high-quality, comprehensive care in the North Florida region. The entire spectrum of orthopedic care is provided to patients including: orthopedic surgery, spine care, physiatry, pain management, chiropractic, podiatry and physical therapy. Physicians at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists are leading experts in their field with decades of experience, including the completion of multiple fellowships and groundbreaking research.

“Our Sports Medicine experts at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists all have the shared goal of getting athletes of all ages back in the game,” said Donnie Romine, CEO of Southeast Orthopedic Specialists. “We felt this partnership with UNF was a great opportunity to help keep their elite athletes at the top of their game.”

For 50 years, Brooks Rehabilitation, headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., has been a comprehensive source for physical rehabilitation services. As a nonprofit organization, Brooks operates one of the nation’s largest inpatient rehabilitation hospitals in the U.S. with 160 beds, one of the region’s largest home healthcare agencies, over 40 outpatient therapy clinics, a Center for Inpatient Rehabilitation in partnership with Halifax Health in Daytona Beach, the Brooks Rehabilitation Medical Group, two skilled nursing facilities, assisted living and memory care. In addition, Brooks operates the Clinical Research Center, which specializes in research for stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury and more to advance the science of rehabilitation.

“Brooks Rehabilitation has a long history of partnering with UNF through the Brooks College of Health for nursing and physical therapy programs and also as the official rehabilitation partner of UNF athletics,” said Victor DeRienzo, Brooks Rehabilitation COO for Outpatient and Aging Services. “We look forward to supporting the teams with our expertise in sports therapy, allowing athletes at all levels to reach their peak performance goals.”

Ascension Florida and Gulf Coast includes Ascension St. Vincent’s based in Jacksonville, Florida, Ascension Sacred Heart based in Pensacola, Florida, and Ascension Providence in Mobile, Alabama. Ascension Florida and Gulf Coast operates nine hospitals and more than 100 other sites of care, employing more than 13,000 associates. Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization dedicated to transformation through innovation across the continuum of care. As one of the leading non-profit and Catholic health systems in the U.S., Ascension is committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Nationally, Ascension operates more than 2,600 sites of care – including 146 hospitals and more than 50 senior living facilities – in 19 states and the District of Columbia, while providing a variety of services including clinical and network services, venture capital investing, investment management, biomedical engineering, facilities management, risk management, and contracting through Ascension’s own group purchasing organization.

“This partnership is rooted in our Mission to improve the health of individuals, families, and our entire community, both within and beyond the walls of our facilities,” said Ascension Florida and Gulf Coast President and CEO Tom VanOsdol. “We are excited to join with our outstanding partners to ensure that every student athlete at the University of North Florida receives the clinically excellent, compassionate, personalized care they need, when and where they need it most.”

The Most Common Orthopedic Injuries in Football

Posted on October 16, 2020 - 1:59 am by Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

The Most Common Orthopedic Injuries in Football

Since football season’s kicked off, our Sports Medicine Specialists at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists know that potential for injury emerges with every game and every practice. Whether you’re the athlete or a supportive spectator, here is what you should know about the most common orthopedic injuries resulting from high speeds and full contact.

Shoulder Injuries

Most football-related shoulder injuries occur when a player gets tackled to the ground. The impact of the hit or fall onto the outstretched arm can dislocate the shoulder. In more severe dislocations, the soft tissue connections around the acromioclavicular joint (AC joint), where the collarbone connects to the scapula above the shoulder, can be damaged or torn. Commonly referred to as a ‘shoulder separation,’ this injury can most often be treated without surgery, but in some instances may lead to ongoing discomfort or shoulder dysfunction with throwing activities.

Due to the repetitive overhand motion involved in throwing, quarterbacks can be at an increased risk for developing injuries related to overuse of their shoulder, including rotator cuff tears. Rotator cuff tears may be partial or complete. Although rotator cuff tears are rare in the young athlete population, a partial tear occurs when a tendon becomes frayed or damaged and a complete tear is when the tendon is torn more than 50% or is pulled completely away from the bone. However, most rotator cuff tears occur in adults and are associated with prolonged wear and tear as we age.

For more information on shoulder injuries, click here.

Knee Injuries

Knee injuries are the most common injuries in football and often occur after a sudden twist or direct blow to the knee. Two of the most common injuries are tears to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus tears.

With an ACL injury, often the feeling of a “pop” is reported at the moment of injury. As one of the main stabilizing ligaments of the knee, ACL tears can lead to instability in the knee and the feeling of the knee buckling or giving out. Pain and swelling are often common signs of injury and surgery may be recommended to restore knee function, depending upon the severity of the tear.

Meniscus tears of the knee can vary widely in severity and pain and often occur alongside other knee injuries, such as an ACL tear. Each knee has two menisci, which are the specialized cartilage providing cushioning between the bones in the knee. Twisting of the knee or forceful contact can lead to the meniscus tearing. In the instance of a torn meniscus, many players report pain, swelling and the feeling of the knee catching or “locking” when standing or walking.

For more information on knee injury treatment, click here.

Foot and Ankle Injuries

An ankle sprain is the result of the ankle twisting, rolling or landing awkwardly after a jump or change in direction. The ankle joint’s ligaments stretch beyond tolerance causing a strain or small tears in the ligaments. This results in pain, swelling and limited mobility and may last for several weeks.

Another chronic football injury is Achilles tendonitis, which is caused from overuse of the band of tissue connecting the calf muscle to the heel bone. The pain usually begins as a mild ache above the heel bone but, in some advanced cases if left untreated, the tendon can become damaged and lead to a tendon rupture.

For more information on foot & ankle care, click here.

Fractures

Football players are frequently placed at higher risk of experiencing fractures than other athletes. From every catch to each tackle, players are constantly using their hands, which can result in fractured fingers. Through a tough tackle or hard fall, a player can fracture the shoulder, clavicle or pelvis—the latter known as a hip pointer. A Jones fracture in the fifth metatarsal, the long bone connecting the smallest toe to the rest of the foot, often occurs from repetitive motion, overuse or after rolling the ankle.

For more information on fracture care, click here.

Seeking Treatment

Kevin Murphy, MD, an Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in Sports Medicine at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, serves the Jacksonville community as the team physician for various Duval and St. John’s county high schools, as well as for the Jacksonville Icemen and the University of North Florida Athletics.

Dr. Murphy emphasizes the impact made by sports medicine specialists who treat athletes seeking professional care.

“By properly diagnosing the problem, we address the root cause of a sports-related pain or injury,” Dr. Murphy said. “Seeking care from an experienced sports medicine professional will ensure players receive proper, timely treatment in order to accelerate their return to activities.”

Prevention

Heeding precautions both on and off the football field can help protect players from injury. Obtaining a pre-season physical from a Sports Medicine Specialist, performing proper stretches, warm-up and cool-down routines and wearing properly fitted protective equipment all serve as proven preventative measures. Also, staying hydrated will help minimize fatigued athletic performance, which can result in injury.

If you are concerned about football injuries, or interested in prevention strategies, seek advice from an expert. Many of the specialists at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists have experience working with sports teams of all levels, ranging from high school to the professional level, and are dedicated to getting you back in the game.

If a sports injury has sidelined you, contact Southeast Orthopedic Specialists. As a regional leader in orthopedic medicine, our specialists are committed to restoring you to an active lifestyle as quickly and safely as possible.

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists Expands with Additional Physician and Riverside Location

Posted on September 22, 2020 - 8:11 pm by Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

Jacksonville, FL (September 22, 2020) – Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, the regional leader in musculoskeletal care, is pleased to welcome Dr. Michael Robinson to its highly-trained team of orthopedic and spine specialists. Dr. Robinson will be seeing patients in Southeast Orthopedic Specialists newest Riverside location beginning October 1. The new Riverside DePaul Clinic is located at 2 Shircliff Way, Ste. 605 in Jacksonville.

“Our goal has always been to recruit physicians with the highest level of training and clinical skills. Dr. Robinson is certainly no exception to that given his extensive military achievements,” said Donnie Romine, CEO of Southeast Orthopedic Specialists. “Dr. Robinson will help continue our mission of providing the highest level of care to patients throughout the Jacksonville area.”

Michael Robinson, MD is a board-certified and fellowship-trained Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in joint replacement, including total knee replacement and total hip replacement. Dr. Robinson joins Southeast Orthopedic Specialists with extensive military service in the United States Navy.

After earning his Doctoral Degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Dr. Robinson completed a surgical internship with Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii. He received flight surgeon training from the Naval Aviation Medical Institute in Florida. He served as a Naval Flight Surgeon before his orthopedic surgery training. He completed his orthopedic residency at Naval Medical Center-San Diego and fellowship training in adult reconstruction and joint replacement at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.

Before joining Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, Dr. Robinson cared for patients as an Orthopedic Surgeon locally and internationally while deployed in Afghanistan and stationed in Japan. Throughout Dr. Robinson’s distinguished career, he has served in leadership roles such as Chief Medical Officer and Chair of the Medical Executive Committee at the Naval Hospital Jacksonville where he also served as the Department Head of Orthopedic Surgery.

Dr. Robinson’s professionalism and dedication has earned him numerous honors such as the Jacksonville Business Journal Healthcare Hero Award, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. He has broad experience in research, presentations within the medical community and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.

About Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

Established in 2001, Southeast Orthopedic Specialists is a regional leader in musculoskeletal care. SOS was founded on the principle of providing high-quality, comprehensive care in the North Florida region. The entire spectrum of orthopedic care is provided to patients including: orthopedic surgery, spine care, physiatry, pain management, chiropractic, podiatry and physical therapy. Physicians at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists are leading experts in their field with decades of experience, including the completion of multiple fellowships and groundbreaking research. Visit www.se-ortho.com to learn more.

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About Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

Lumbar Discectomy vs. Fusion: Which Surgery is Right for Me?

What is a lumbar discectomy?

What is a lumbar spinal fusion?

How do lumbar discectomy and spinal fusion differ?

Which surgical procedure is right for me?

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists Adds Two New Physicians to Team

About Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

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