Orthopaedic surgery is the branch of surgery that deals with the musculoskeletal system. The term is derived from the Greek words "orthos" (correct or straighten) and "paid on" (child). It was first discovered in text from the 1700s describing the process of straightening bone and spinal deformities. Many developments were made while treating wartime injuries, including casting and later intramedullary nailing of fractures.
Arthroscopic procedures were pioneered in the 1950s, and revolutionized the field of orthopaedics, especially in sports medicine. These procedures allowed for dramatically reduced recovery periods, as well as a deeper understanding of the surrounding joints.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal and neurological problems. Regardless of the patient’s injury or condition, the goal of the PM&R physician is to treat the whole person, not just the patient’s symptoms.
Since 90 percent of all sports injuries are treated non-surgically, a sports medicine specialist is an ideal physician to evaluate and treat athletes. Common treatments include rest or modified activity, medication, physical therapy referrals, injections and bracing. If surgery is required, a referral to our orthopedic surgeon can be provided.
In addition, sports medicine physicians are also the ideal providers for non-athletes, “weekend warriors” suffering from injury, those who wish to become active or those seeking non-surgical treatment options for common musculoskeletal conditions, like arthritis.
Our experienced orthopedic surgeon, Christopher Carey, MD, treats a variety of arthroscopic injuries and conditions, including:
Sports medicine is a branch of medicine focused on treating joint, tendon, ligament, articular and cartilage injuries suffered as a result of physical activity. Sports Medicine physicians work in various capacities, from treating injured high school athletes on the sidelines to performing a complex ligament reconstruction in the operating room. The most common injuries are ligament or muscle sprains and strains that require a period of rest, ice and NSAIDS.
Focused Aspiration of Scar Tissue Procedure
Dr. Katie Gollotto is pleased to provide this treatment option for those suffering from tendon pain. Focused Aspiration of Scar Tissue (FAST) Procedure was developed at the Mayo Clinic and is minimally invasive treatment designed to remove tendon scar tissue, allowing patients to return to their athletics and/or active lifestyle.
This procedure involves percutaneous (through the skin) removal of diseased tissue using ultrasound guidance and restoration of natural tendon and soft tissue function. This distinctive combination allows physicians to identify and simultaneously debride, emulsify and aspirate pain-generating pathologic soft tissue in tendons and other musculoskeletal structures of the elbow, knee, ankle, foot and shoulder. This treatment is sometimes used in conjunction with Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP) to maximize results.
Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP) is a procedure used in conjunction with other conventional treatments to help heal damaged tissue. The procedure involves drawing your blood, which is then placed in a filtration system that separates the platelets from the blood cells. The platelets and other related substances are highly concentrated and when injected in to the damaged body part, help foster new soft tissue or bone cell growth due to their healing properties.
It is currently being used to treat common chronic conditions such as tendinitis of the shoulder and elbow, patella and Achilles tendon disorders, as well as for other conditions such as plantar fasciitis, labral injuries, muscles tears, arthritis and meniscal tears.
Over time, arthritis takes its toll on joints and bones and can cause disabling pain. Our physicians can discuss a variety of treatment options, including nutritional supplements, anti-inflammatory medications, activity modification, exercise, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections (commonly known as cortisone), viscosupplementation and platelet rich plasma. If surgery is recommended, our physicians will provide referrals to a surgeon.
Dr. Katie Gollotto is a Certified Impact Consultant (CIC) and utilizes ImPact testing in addition to other clinical assessments to help determine when an athlete is ready to return to play. As co-founder and co-director of the Virtua Concussion Management Program, Dr. Gollotto works with other area healthcare professionals who are committed to providing children with quality care using the most current recommended guidelines.
Whether you are a young athlete striving for success or a middle-aged adult who enjoys physical activity, we all need to take precautions to prevent serious injury. Here are few suggestions on what you can do to stay healthy:
Our physicians are dedicated to the local community and take great pride in participating in local community events. If you are looking for physician support for a local sporting event or other outreach programs, contact us at
856-795-1945.