About Orthopaedics


Welcome to the January Medical Moment site dedicated to your physical health and well-being. This month's topic is the treatment and prevention of injuries to the musculoskeletal system. Please read the brief description of the medical terms below. Then explore how you, with your physician, can make the best health decisions for you and your family.

An orthopaedist is…
... a medical doctor with extensive training* in the diagnosis and non-surgical and surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system.

Featured Topics: Interviews with the Orthopaedic Specialists • Hip and knee replacement slideshow - Bruce Fauré, M.D. • Who should consider shoulder replacement? - R. Sean Churchill, M.D. • How to avoid and best treat ACL tears - Rosemary Schultz, M.D. • When back surgery is the best option (spinal stenosis) - James Stoll, M.D. • Hip replacement gives patients new lease on life - James Stiehl, M.D. • Minimize injury risks for high school and college athletes - Thomas Weber, M.D. • Arthroscopy surgery for the knee - Donald K. Middleton, M.D. • It's all in the wrist - carpal tunnel syndrome - Eric Gaenslen, M.D. • Joint camp improves rehabilitation - John Lesko, M.D. • Knee replacement surgery - Rajit Saluja, M.D. • Building a better ankle - Eric Malicky, M.D. • Put your best foot forward - John Schuller, D.P.M. • New spinal disc surgery - Miguel Jimenez, M.D. • Foot and ankle - Anthony Ferguson, M.D.

The musculoskeletal system…
... includes your bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves and allows you to move, work and be active.

Orthopaedics …
... once devoted to the care of children with spine and limb deformities, now cares for patients of all ages. From newborns with clubfeet to young athletes requiring arthroscopic surgery to older people with arthritis. And anybody can break a bone.

An orthopaedics specialist…
… diagnoses your injury or disorder.
… treats with medication, exercise, surgery or other treatment plans.
…rehabilitates by recommending exercises or physical therapy to restore movement, strength and function.
…prevents with information and treatment plans to prevent injury or slow the progression of diseases.

For most orthopaedic diseases and injuries there is more than one form of treatment. Our physicians will discuss the treatment options with you and help you select the best treatment plan to enable you to live an active and functional life.

Some orthopaedists specialize in treating the foot, hand, shoulder, spine, hip, knee, and others in pediatrics, trauma or sports medicine.

To find the right orthopaedist for you, use our comprehensive physician locator or call 414-963-9355 to speak with the Columbia St. Mary's physician referral line and 262-512-2880 for Advanced Healthcare's 24-hour HealthLine.

* Orthopaedic surgeons are medical doctors with up to 14 years of formal education, who passed examinations by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. They spend many hours studying and attending continuing medical education courses to maintain current orthopaedic knowledge and skills.

The orthopaedic specialists at Columbia St. Mary's and Advanced Healthcare are pleased to contribute their expertise to the Medical Moment Web site on treatments, surgery and prevention of injuries to the musculoskeletal system.

Should you encounter any unusual symptoms or pain in your joints, please contact your physician immediately. Some injuries, if left untreated, may cause permanent joint incapacity.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to dispense medical or professional advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health or considered surgical procedure, you should consult your physician or surgeon.