35th Surgical Operations Squadron fixes the injured

MISAWA, AOMORI, JAPAN

01.15.2018

Story by Airman Xiomara Martinez 

35th Fighter Wing

Whether reconstructing a foot or knee, performing surgery, removing a cast or treating a spine disorder, 35th Surgical Operations Squadron orthopedic surgeons and technicians treat personnel ranging from the 35th Force Support Squadron Airmen to maintainers on the flight line, allowing them to move, work and be active during their daily routines.

Orthopedics is a medical specialty unit that treats the musculoskeletal system, which includes joints, ligaments, muscles and nerves. The musculoskeletal system provides support and stability to the body, ensuring Airmen are physically able to execute the Wild Weasel mission.

"We keep everybody fit to fight," said Senior Airman Andrew Rankin, a 35th SGOS surgical technician. "We take care of any injuries. In Misawa, with icy roads there are many slips and falls. If someone has a broken leg, the job is unable to get done. Everyone gets slowed down. Orthopedics wants to ensure Airmen get patched up and on the road to healing in order to get back to work as soon as possible."

The 35th SGOS orthopedic clinic sees about 30 patients daily. Prior to an appointment, orthopedic technicians will ask patients critical questions such as the history and scale of pain and number of times the patient has been seen. These are later taken to the provider to ensure the best care possible to the patient.

When determining the order of appointments for injured Airmen, the clinic considers two factors: referrals or consults from a primary care manager and recommendations from the Urgent Care Clinic. Consults coming from the UCC are generally more time-sensitive, since the injury is most likely related to broken bones and/or severe enough to require surgery.

In deciding whether or not a patient requires surgery, there are a few more factors to consider, especially if the injury does not absolutely require going under the knife. If the injury cannot be addressed through any other means besides surgery and the patient consents to the treatment, then the 35th SGOS will operate. If not, the patients can decide whether they want surgery or wish to address the ailment through other means.

For those who do opt for surgery, technicians schedule patients for follow-up visits after the operation to see if the injury improves and how the patient is doing. Some patients require multiple follow ups, while some patients may only need one, depending on the type of surgery done. For others, consults are put in for physical therapy to continue an Airman's rehabilitation.

At the center of every surgical decision, though, is the Airman the 35th SGOS is tasked to treat, a job which many in the squadron find to be extremely rewarding.

"I enjoy working with patients, especially children, because they're so much fun," said Staff Sgt. Nandie Merjillia, a 35th SGOS orthopedics clinic technician. “Even though patients come in with pain, once the cast is put on, you can see a drastic change in emotion. It’s rewarding to see the results of a patient’s recovery and know we made a difference.”

A day in orthopedic surgery can include anything from treating problems inside of knees or shoulders to rotator cuff repairs, knee repairs, simple diagnostic arthroscopy, repair of a torn meniscus and fixings of screw or plates in the leg. The 35th SGOS doesn't know what injury will be coming through the door next, but they are always ready to get Misawa Airmen and families back into the fight.

“In general, the medical profession can be challenging but in a fun way,” said Maj. Robert Niewonder, the 35th SGOS surgery specialty clinic flight commander. “There’s always new information to learn in some degree. The job is very gratifying, and I enjoy it greatly.”

• Date Taken: 01.15.2018
• Date Posted: 01.18.2018 01:32
• Story ID: 262374
• Location: MISAWA, AOMORI, JP