Orthopedics covers a wide range of procedures and conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. Conditions, including sports injuries, trauma and congenital conditions, can be treated by surgery and medical options.
As strong as bones are, they can break. Muscles can weaken and injury or disease can damage joints. If a musculoskeletal problem exists, the patient will most likely be treated by an orthopedic surgeon.
Sports injuries make up a large part of orthopedic treatments. They include everything from twisted ankles, sprains and torn ACLs, to a variety of knee injuries and shoulder injuries.
Virtua's orthopedic surgeons perform a variety of specialized procedures. Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons hail from some of the country's leading institutions, including the Mayo Clinic, Harvard's Massachusetts General Hospital and New England Baptist Hospital.
Virtua's Joint Replacement Institute
Virtua's Joint Replacement Institute helps patients restore the ability to move pain-free following injuries to the hips or knees. The program offers a wide range of care - from prevention and fitness to surgery and rehabilitation.
Same-day knee replacement
The Institute distinguishes itself as the only regional facility offering same-day total knee replacement surgery for appropriate patients. Same-day knee replacement surgery is total knee replacement. But, instead of spending a day or two in the hospital, the patient goes home the day of surgery. Rehab starts before leaving the hospital, and therapists have patients on their feet within hours after the procedure. Patients frequently go back to work within weeks, not months.
Virtua’s Joint Replacement Institute provides a comprehensive continuum of state-of-the-art surgical, nursing and rehabilitative care that includes everything from a pre-surgery orientation class and pre-admission testing, to discharge planning and rehabilitation. All of it is here in South Jersey, close to home, family and friends.
Virtua’s Joint Replacement Institute is dedicated to the recovery and return to functionality of all total joint replacement patients. Individualized, personalized care and attention are hallmarks of the Virtua program.
The Virtua surgeon you choose is the surgeon who performs the procedure and cares for you before, during and after surgery. All care is overseen by a supportive staff of highly skilled professionals including your orthopedic surgeon, experienced registered orthopedic nurses and a clinical team that includes: rheumatologists, family physicians and internists, anesthesiologists, social workers, case managers, dietitians, plus occupational and physical therapists.
Minimally invasive procedures
Virtua offers minimally invasive surgeries that reduce blood loss and trauma to the surrounding tissues. In addition, many Virtua physicians use the quad-sparing method for total knee replacement. This practice removes the need to cut the quadriceps tendon and enhances a faster return to normal activities.
The advantages to minimally invasive surgery include:
- Smaller incisions
- Decreased blood loss
- Shorter recovery time
- Faster return to normal activities
Virtua was the first healthcare organization in the Northeastern United States to earn certification from the Joint Commission for its care and treatment of patients needing total joint replacements.
Virtua's surgeons form a special relationship with their patients. They diagnose the patient pre-operatively, perform the surgery, and are responsible for all post-operative care, providing a continuum of care that patients don’t often experience with their surgeons.
For more information, call 1-888-VIRTUA-3 (1-888-847-8823).
Virtua's Orthopedic Team and Facilities
Virtua offers a multi-disciplinary team led by a surgeon and supported by orthopedic nurses, case managers to help make the transition from the hospital to home and physical therapy.
Virtua was the first healthcare organization in the Northeastern United States to earn certification from the Joint Commission for its care and treatment of patients needing total joint replacements.
If surgery requires a hospital stay, there are floors dedicated to orthopedic patients at Virtua Marlton and Virtua Memorial. These units specialize in the care of orthopedic patients and are staffed by nurses with additional education in orthopedics. Physical therapy is also provided right on these orthopedic units.