Excellent Ortho Care and Outcomes
Faster recoveries, less pain, and fewer complications are hallmarks of Munson Healthcare Orthopedic Services. From arthritis flare-ups to total joint replacements, we specialize in relieving your pain and restoring your ease of movement.
Munson Healthcare has fellowship-trained specialists in almost every orthopedic specialty who treat diseases, injuries, and conditions of the bones and muscles, which include all of your joints, ligaments, tendons, and nerves.
No matter what kind of orthopedic care you need, an expert team of surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and therapists is standing by to give you the best possible outcome through an individualized treatment plan. Outstanding orthopedic care is available throughout northern Michigan at Munson Healthcare facilities in Cadillac, Charlevoix, Frankfort, Gaylord, Grayling, Kalkaska, Manistee, Prudenville, St. Ignace, and Traverse City. Many orthopedic procedures can be performed in your community.
The high level of expertise among orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, trauma specialists, and physical therapy specialists available through Munson Healthcare is comparable to that found in many large metropolitan areas, making it one of the best places in the country for orthopedic care. Our orthopedic outcomes are better than national and state averages for most procedures.
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Minimally-Invasive Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopy is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure that allows the surgeon to see, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint by using a small, fiber optic camera. A surgeon can inspect the joint and perform certain procedures using a much smaller incision than with traditional open surgery. Patients are given a general, spinal, regional, or a local anesthetic, depending on the joint or suspected problem. Munson Healthcare orthopedic surgeons are highly skilled in arthroscopic surgery.
Benefits
A smaller incision can mean shorter recovery times with less pain and less scarring. Many people have their arthroscopic surgery as an outpatient and are home several hours after the surgery.
How it Works
An orthopedic surgeon makes a small incision in the skin, about the size of a buttonhole, and then inserts a pencil-sized instrument called an arthroscope. This scope is fitted with a miniature camera, and a light source. The surgeon sees the cartilage, ligaments, and joint on a screen. Looking at the magnified image, the surgeon can assess the amount or type of injury and then repair or correct the problem as needed. Small precision tools are used to perform the procedure.
Trauma Surgeons for Complicated Cases
Munson Medical Center is a Level II Trauma Center and is the only hospital in the northern half of Michigan with four fellowship-trained orthopedic trauma surgeons. Our skilled traumatologists specialize in complex, trauma-based orthopedic cases, including pelvis fractures, high-impact traumatic injuries to the arms and legs, and geriatric fracture management.
Trauma surgery is also available at Otsego Memorial Hospital.
Advanced Technology, Tools, Techniques
Specialized equipment allows for more complex repairs and helps provide a superior level of orthopedic care.
Hana® Surgical Tables for Anterior Hip Replacement Procedures
These rotating surgical tables allow the surgeon to position the patient so that no muscles are cut during the surgery, resulting in a smaller incision, less pain, and quicker recovery. Anterior hip replacements performed with the specialized Hana® surgical table are performed at Cadillac Hospital, Charlevoix Hospital, Manistee Hospital, Munson Medical Center, and Otsego Memorial Hospital.
O-arm CT scanner
Specialized equipment at Munson Medical Center enables 2-D and 3-D imaging during an operation, allowing the surgeon to plan, implement, and confirm success of the procedure before the patient leaves the operating room.
Sports Medicine
Munson Healthcare orthopedic sports medicine specialists are experienced in arthroscopy of the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee for sports-related injuries. Many of our sports medicine providers are specially trained in cartilage preservation, restoration, concussion rehabilitation, helping athletes train and play safely, and a safe return to the activities they enjoy following an injury. These physicians are experienced and skilled in innovative procedures, including:
- ACL reconstruction
- Elbow arthroscopy
- Hip arthroscopy
- Knee arthroscopy
- Knee ligament reconstruction in the young athlete
- Meniscus root repairs
- Platelet-rich plasma treatments
- Shoulder arthroscopy, including rotator cuff repair
- Shoulder stabilization
Pediatric Orthopedics
In partnership with Spectrum Health and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, pediatric orthopedic specialists see children from northern Michigan at Cadillac Hospital, Grayling Hospital, and Munson Medical Center for club feet, hip dysplasia, and congenital deformities. Talk to your family physician or pediatrician about a referral to these specialists.
Orthopedic Grand Rounds
A multidisciplinary team of surgeons and support staff deliver a continuum of care to patients. Once a month, orthopedic specialists attend Grand Rounds to present and consult on cases. Patients and staff benefit from a wealth of experience as a group of specialists review their case and share their expertise on appropriate treatment.
Pre-Surgery Patient Education
Patients play a key role in successful recovery from hip or knee replacement surgery. Our goal is to involve you in your treatment each step of the way, from pre-operative teaching to post-operative exercising.
Joint Camp at Cadillac Hospital and Manistee Hospital
Joint Camp prepares patients for surgery with a physical strengthening program. It gives patients an overall understanding of expectations for before, during, and after surgery. It helps prepare patients physically and mentally for surgery by strengthening their joint to enhance healing and recovery.
Patient Education at Charlevoix Hospital
Patients attend a class prior to knee or hip replacement surgery. During the class they receive a Patient Guide booklet that outlines goals, introduces the hospital team, provides pre-surgery information, dietary and lifestyle prep, information on preventing pneumonia, blood clots, and infections, improving bowel and bladder function, equipment recommendations, fall prevention and safety at home, exercises, information on dressing changes, pain medication, when to contact the doctor, diabetic precautions, and contact information for durable medical equipment suppliers.
Devotion to Motion at Grayling Hospital
This class guides patients through the entire surgical process, from preparing for surgery and pre-surgical testing, to the actual procedure, recovery, and rehabilitation. You will learn what to expect every step of the way, what you need to do, and how to care for your new joint.
Award-winning Care
Munson Healthcare’s orthopedic program is recognized as a Blue Distinction Centers+ for Knee and Hip Replacement by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for demonstrating expertise in total knee and total hip replacement surgeries, resulting in fewer patient complications and hospital readmissions. This distinction has been awarded to Cadillac Hospital and Munson Medical Center.
Close to Home Appointments
Munson Healthcare orthopedic specialists travel to clinics in Bear Lake, Frankfort and Prudenville for consultations, pre-surgical visits, and follow-up care. Find an orthopedic specialist near you.
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