Orthopaedics
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Hip
Hip pain and problems range from sciatica to osteoarthritis and hip fractures. |
Knee
The knee is a complex joint of bones held together with tendons, ligaments, and muscles—any of which can be damaged through everyday activities or high-impact sports. |
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Did You Know?
Having a joint replacement doesn't mean you can't be active. In fact, you should be active, says the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Check with your health care provider before choosing an activity, because some forms of exercise may be better for your replacement joint than others. |
At Carolinas Hospital System, our physicians and staff provide comprehensive orthopaedic services on an inpatient and outpatient basis. We offer a very wide range of services and have a very active orthopaedic surgery staff.
Orthopaedists treat a wide variety of medical problems. Among the many procedures that Carolinas Hospital System orthopaedists perform are:
- setting broken bones and putting on casts or splints
- treating joint conditions (dislocations, slipped disks, arthritis, and back, shoulder, and neck problems)
- treating bone tumors and birth defects of the skeleton
- treating conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and osteoarthritis
- surgically repairing or replacing, hip, knee, elbow, shoulder or finger joints
- Some orthopaedists specialize in the treatment of one or several areas such as the foot, hand, shoulder, spine, hip or knee
Making Appointments with an Orthopaedist
You can see an orthopaedist either through a self-referral or by referral from another physician. Also, you may receive treatment by an orthopaedist if you arrive at our Emergency Room as a result of an accident or illness.
Diagnosing the Problem
Before any treatment or rehabilitation protocol can be established, it is important that your doctor determine the reason for, and source of, your condition. Generally this means you will have a complete physical examination and you and the physician will discuss your general medical history. In addition, your orthopaedist will want to discuss the complete history and description of the symptoms related to your orthopaedic difficulties. Be sure to include information about any other illnesses, injuries, or complaints that have been associated with the pain or condition, as well as previous treatments and medicines prescribed. Diagnostic tests may then follow, including blood tests and/or X-rays.
Treatment
After making a diagnosis, your physician may prescribe medication, an exercise program, surgery or a combination of those. For most orthopedic conditions there is more than one form of treatment, which may include physical therapy.
Orthopaedic patients have benefited from technological advances such as joint replacement and the arthroscope that allows the orthopaedist to look inside a joint. Surgery is frequently done in a same-day operating room that makes it possible for you to go home within hours of having your surgery.
Total Joint Replacement Program
Carolinas Hospital System has developed a comprehensive planned course of treatment. You play a key role in enduring a successful recovery, and our goal is to involve you in your treatment through each step of the program. Education, preparation, continuity of care and a pre-planned discharge are essential for optimum results in joint replacement surgery. The Total Joint Replacement Program will provide you with the information needed for a safe and successful surgical outcome.
After Orthopaedic Surgery
If your orthopedist recommends that you have surgery, he or she might prescribe rehabilitative exercises or physical therapy to help you restore movement, strength and function to the surgery site. At your post-surgery appointments, you will discuss ways to prevent further damage to the diseased or injured area.
The Joint Center
Choosing to have joint replacement surgery is a big decision. That’s why the staff and physicians at Carolinas Hospital System have designed our joint replacement program to meet the needs of our patients - helping them to regain and maintain their independence as soon as possible after surgery.
In addition to our affiliated surgeons, the joint center team consists of a diverse group of skilled professionals including anesthesiologists, physical and occupational therapists, discharge planners, specially trained nurses and a joint center coordinator who will work with you and your loved ones throughout the process before and after surgery. All patients are encouraged to attend a pre-surgery class that not only educates the patient, but their caretaker as well. In this class, the Joint Center coordinator reviews everything from how a patient should prepare their home for their return, to post-operative exercises that can enhance the recovery process.
While recovering in the hospital, all Joint Center patients receive personalized care, with a one-on-one nurse ratio. That means you or your loved one with be cared for by one nurse dedicated to meeting your needs during your stay, each shift. You will also receive specialized attention from the physical therapy department who will provide your therapy sessions both in your room and in the rehabilitation unit conveniently located on the same floor as your inpatient recovery room. All rooms are private and are equipped with a flat-screen TV for you to enjoy while you recover.
Under the direction of a physician specializing in rehabilitative medicine, multi-disciplinary teams work with neurological, orthopedic and other patients to facilitate their recovery in our 42-bed Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit. A family-centered approach is emphasized to help in the rehabilitation process.
Comprehensive and progressive outpatient rehabilitation services range from sports medicine and neuro-rehabilitation to treatment for vestibule disorders such as dizziness and imbalance. A diverse and experienced staff provides physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, recreational therapy, hand therapy, social work, psychology services and vocational rehabilitation.
Orthopaedic Physicians
Members of the medical staff of Carolinas Hospital System
- Rakesh Chokshi, MD
- Barry Clark, DO
- Alfred Dawson, MD
- George Dawson, MD
- Partrick Denton, MD
- Bill Edwards, MD
- Robert Elvington, MD
- Albert Gilpin, Jr., MD
- Robert Moore, MD
- Jason O’Dell, MD
- Nigel Watt, MD
- Matthew Welsch, MD