Orthopedics

Our Orthopedics program is comprised of physicians and other healthcare professionals who provide comprehensive treatment and care of diseases, injuries, fractures, and pain to the musculosketal system. Through the combined expertise of our dedicated Orthopedics team, we offer the most advanced surgical treatments and rehabilitation options in a supportive, compassionate environment.

The Department of Orthopedic Surgery
The Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Seton Medical Center has benefited from the recent explosion of medical information and technology. The evolution of joint replacement, arthroscopy, spine surgery, sports medicine, as well as hand, foot, and trauma surgery, has enabled our Orthopedics Department to perform state-of-the-art surgery with less pain and with greater efficiency, thereby reducing the cost of medical treatment.

Evaluation & Treatment Process
After a comprehensive evaluation of the patients’ health disorder, the Orthopedist makes recommendations for a non-operative or more conservative treatment method. For most orthopedic disorders and injuries, there is more than one form of treatment, and these treatment plans may involve a combination or progression of several treatments.

Initial treatments may include:

• Rest
• Medical counseling
• Medication
• Immobilization
• Physical therapy
• Exercise
• Activity modifications
• A combination of these methods

Additional treatments may include casts, splints, or arthroscopy. If these treatment options prove unsuccessful, surgery may be considered. Most surgical procedures require hospitalization; however, most surgeries can be performed in an outpatient setting, due to modern anesthesia and advanced technology that is available at Seton Medical Center.

Inpatient Treatment
For orthopedic procedures that are more involved, such as spine surgery or joint replacement, the patient is hospitalized. During the post-operative phase, our patients are initially transferred to the 7th floor of the hospital, which is staffed by orthopedic nurses and staff. An interdisciplinary approach is utilized, whereby the patient meets with physical therapists, occupational therapist, social workers and discharge planners. The length of hospitalization varies depending upon the procedure, patient, and attending physician. At Seton Medical Center, it is our philosophy that patients are not discharged until they are independent. If additional time for recuperation or therapies e.g. physical therapy is needed, the patient is transferred to the ninth floor, which is our progressive care unit.

Although some orthopedic trauma such as fractures can be treated in the emergency room, not all surgery is elective. For example, a patient who has suffered a hip fracture would require immediate admission and surgery. At Seton Medical Center, our operating rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art power instruments and imaging tools to ensure that our patients receive the best possible outcome to their surgery. With modern methods of pain control, orthopedic surgery can be accomplished with less discomfort and greater confidence for our patients. Our interdisciplinary and personalized approach provides for the quality of care and compassion that characterize our commitment to provide the best comprehensive healthcare for our patients.

To reach our Program Coordinator, please call Pamela Davis, RN at 650-991-5819.