Mending the broken body

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class James Stenberg | PENSACOLA, Fla. – This photo shows a hip prosthesis before and after attached to a mock hip bone. Hip replacement is a common orthopedic procedure, and one of the many performed at Naval Hospital Pensacola.  

UNITED STATES

03.02.2015

Story by Jason Bortz 

NMRTC Pensacola

PENSACOLA, Fla. – Naval Hospital Pensacola’s Orthopedics Clinic is available to assist beneficiaries with broken bones, joint replacements and other orthopedic needs.

Orthopedics is the care and study of bone diseases as well as the repair and treatment of bones and musculoskeletal injuries.

Orthopedics consists of several different specialties and sub specialties that allow orthopedists to provide care and treatment for a wide range of bodily damage. Unfortunately, bones and joints can get damaged in numerous ways.

“A lot of times it is normal wear and tear that happens to the bones and joints,” said Lt. Scott McClure, division officer, Orthopedics, NHP. “However, damage from sports, activities or accidents can also cause damage to bones and joints that requires help to heal properly.”

The process for helping patients with orthopedic injuries depends largely on the type of injury it is. Common injuries to knees and shoulders are routine in the Orthopedics Clinic.

“We do major joint replacements here, like hips, knees and shoulders,” said McClure. “We also assist in the repair of bones that have been broken. They can be repaired surgically with plates and screws or with the use of a cast to keep the injured part of the body stabilized to allow it to heal properly.”

With so many different types of orthopedic injuries that can occur and so many specialties within Orthopedics, all orthopedic cases at NHP are evaluated on a case by case basis to ensure the proper care is provided for each case.

“Our Orthopedics Department can take care of most of the basic types of injuries,” said Capt. Richard Savarino, orthopedic surgeon, NHP. “We evaluate all cases, and if a procedure is not within our capabilities, we will refer them to another specialist.”

Having NHP perform orthopedic procedures has several advantages. The average wait time for patient referrals is three to five business days from the time of the referral to meeting the orthopedist, but times can vary slightly depending on the orthopedic injury.

“Another benefit is the proximity to all the services we have here,” said McClure. “Primary care is right down one hallway, [physical] therapy is just down another and the pharmacy is here as well. Having them all together is a huge benefit to anyone getting their surgery done here.”

Orthopedics is available to all TRICARE and Department of Veteran Affairs beneficiaries on a referral only basis. Patients will need to see their primary care provider to discuss referral options. For more information on receiving a referral to the Orthopedics Clinic, please contact the Health Benefits office at 850-505-6709.

• Date Taken: 03.02.2015
• Date Posted: 03.02.2015 12:03
• Story ID: 155697
• Location: US