Orthopedics

Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics announces receipt of the Orthopedic and Spine Center of Excellence Designation from DNV. This designation affirms an organization’s excellence in the provision of diagnostic services, surgical services, and therapies related to orthopedic and spine care. 

Iowa Specialty Hospital’s Orthopedic program is the first facility in Iowa to have been found to be compliant with the requirements of the following four areas: Orthopedic and Spine Center of Excellence Designation (OSCED); Advanced Hip and Knee Replacement Certification (AHKRC); Advanced Spine Surgery Certification (ASpSC) and Advanced Shoulder Surgery Certification (AShSC).   

 “This designation assures our community that we have the ability to provide consistent, high quality orthopedic and spine care” says Steve Simonin, President & CEO. “The community can be confident that we have the equipment, personnel and training to be a demonstrated leader in the safe delivery of orthopedic and spine services. Achieving this designation validates all the effort we put into ensuring the health and safety of our patients.”

The DNV Orthopedic and Spine Center of Excellence Designation is obtained by achieving advanced certification in at least three (3) advanced programs. The DNV advanced orthopedic and spine requirements are informed by the guidelines and recommendations of organizations such as the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, the ERAS® Society, the North American Spine Society, the American Society of Anesthesiologists, and relevant requirements of the CMS Conditions of Participation for Hospitals.  

“Achieving designation shows a commitment to excellence,” says Kelly Proctor, President of DNV Healthcare USA Inc. “It helps demonstrate to your community that you are performing at the highest level.” 

About DNV

DNV is a global independent certification, assurance and risk management provider, operating in more than 100 countries. Through its broad experience and deep expertise, DNV advances safety and sustainable performance, sets industry benchmarks, drives innovative solutions. 

For more information about DNV, visit www.dnvhealthcare.com.

Elbow Anatomy 101

The elbow is a hinge joint that connects the humerus bone of the upper arm to the radius and ulna bones of the lower arm. The joint is made up of a complicated system of muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Elbow injuries come in many forms and can unfavorably affect people of all ages and lifestyles. Common elbow conditions include overuse injuries like tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and tendonitis to diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and cubital tunnel syndrome.

Common concerns

Elbow stiffness and pain are often linked to a more serious underlying issue. Our elbow specialists are able to treat elbow injuries and issues at every stage. Whether you have a small amount of discomfort or serious chronic pain, our experts can provide a personalized treatment solution.

If you aren’t sure about seeking treatment, here are a few indicators that you’re in need of a visit with an orthopedic specialist: 

• Pain in your elbow when lifting heavy objects 
• Persistent dull pain even when your arm is at rest 
• Difficulty or discomfort when bending your arm
• Aching or stiffness in the morning or after extended rest
• Sensitive nerves or shooting pain when using your elbow 

Specialized Solutions 

At Orthopedic Specialists, our specialty-trained and experienced elbow surgeons are recognized as leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of elbow pain and injuries. They provide an extraordinary base of shared knowledge with advanced elbow surgery and treatment methods for patients in Fort Dodge, surrounding areas of Iowa, and throughout the Midwest.

Frequent surgical procedures our elbow surgeons perform include:

• Cubital tunnel release surgery (for cubital tunnel syndrome)
• Elbow replacement surgery
• Total elbow arthroplasty  
• Medial epicondylectomy (for golfer’s elbow) 
• Lateral epicondylitis debridement (for tennis elbow) 

At Iowa Orthopedic Specialists, we understand that elbow surgery can be a serious inconvenience. Please be assured that although highly skilled in using the newest surgical methods, our elbow surgeons always consider using nonsurgical methods to restore your health first. 

From tennis elbow treatment to replacement surgery, our specialists are here to help. Call (515) 955-6767 or schedule an appointment with Orthopedic Specialists today!

Hip Anatomy & Hip Health

Whether you’re sitting, standing, walking, or bending, your hips are a fundamental component of your daily life. The hip joint consists of a cup-and-ball-like joint that connects the femur, or thigh bone, to the trunk. Your hips not only provide your body mobility, but also support your organs and spine. Maintaining hip health is critical for your quality of life and overall physical health!

People of all ages and lifestyles are susceptible to a multitude of different hip conditions. These conditions can be painful, affecting one’s ability to perform daily activities. Common hip problems include hip joint pain and stiffness, hip arthritis, hip bursitis, hip dysplasia, and hip fractures.

Accurate diagnosis of a hip injury or chronic hip condition is vital to receiving proper orthopedic care. With experienced hip doctors and advanced orthopedic technology (like state-of-the-art MRI machines and X-Ray machines), our orthopedic doctors can provide patients with better recovery outcomes. Whether you have a minor hip muscle injury and need physical therapy or need hip replacement surgery, our hip specialists provide unparalleled care from diagnosis to treatment.

Premier Orthopedic Treatment Services

Nonsurgical Hip Treatments

As a full-service orthopedic clinic, Iowa Orthopedic Specialists offers a wide range of orthopedic services and orthopedic products to our patients. Our physical therapists provide expertise and support with hip injury recovery, hip surgery recovery, and general hip stretches and hip exercises for overall hip health. We also offer orthopedic surgeon-approved orthopedic equipment. From hip supports to custom orthotics and more, our orthopedic support products support recovery and provide pain relief from chronic conditions.

As experienced orthopedic healthcare providers, our hip specialists always consider using nonsurgical treatments to restore your health first. When nonsurgical treatments are not an effective option, we provide advanced surgical services. 

Surgical Hip Treatments

At Orthopedic Specialists, our hip surgeons have specialized training and experience in performing highly sophisticated hip procedures. Common procedures performed by our hip orthopedic surgeons include total hip replacement, hip revision surgery, total hip arthroplasty, hip impingement surgery, and hip labral repair. 

Our hip surgeons are proficient in using the latest orthopedic surgery methods, including minimally invasive surgical techniques. Whether you have a broken hip bone or arthritis in your hip, you need specialized orthopedic health services. Get the best hip care at an advanced orthopedic center. Trust Orthopedic Specialists with your hip health! 

If you are experiencing hip pain or need a hip surgery procedure completed, schedule an appointment with Orthopedic Specialists today!

Knee Anatomy 101

The knee is the largest joint in the body, uniting the thigh with the rest of the leg. It is a system of moving parts consisting of cartilage, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The knee is also a hinge that provides the human body with the strength to run, squat, jump, and turn.

Common Concerns

However, it is vulnerable to a number of injuries and conditions because of its inability to rotate in every direction. Common knee injuries include: torn ACL, torn meniscus, fractured or dislocated patella (knee cap), ligament injury, and torn tendons.

ROSA® Robotic Surgical Assistant for Knee Replacements 

We are proud to offer ROSA® Knee robotic technology from Zimmer Biotmet. ROSA, which stands for Robotic Surgical Assistant, is designed to help your specially-trained surgeon tailor the placement of your knee implant just for you. The surgical procedure using ROSA Knee is similar to traditional total knee replacement, but with a robotic assistant. Your surgeon has been specially trained to use ROSA Knee in order to personalize the surgical approach for your unique anatomy.

We are proud to offer ROSA® Knee robotic technology from Zimmer Biomet. ROSA, which stands for Robotic Surgical Assistant, is designed to help your specially-trained surgeon tailor the placement of your knee implant just for you. Robotic orthopedic surgery is one of the latest advancements in orthopedic surgery, and Orthopedic Specialists is excited to offer this groundbreaking surgical technology to our knee replacement surgery patients! 

Getting a precise knee implant fit is important to your comfort and overall experience following knee replacement surgery. ROSA Knee uses data collected before and during surgery to inform your surgeon of many details related to your unique anatomy that may affect your implant fit. By using this data to make more informed decisions, your surgeon is able to plan for and carry out a personalized surgery based upon your individual needs. Learn more about ROSA!

Finding a Solution

At Orthopedic Specialists, our orthopedic knee surgeons have extensive education and training in performing specialized knee procedures. Some common techniques our knee surgeons perform include total knee replacement, knee revision surgery, total knee arthroplasty, and partial knee arthroplasty. They also perform meniscal repair, PCL and ACL reconstruction, ligament repair and reconstruction, and cartilage repair and transplantation among many others. Please note that our knee surgeons are skilled in using the latest surgical methods, including minimally invasive surgery.

If you are experiencing knee pain or a knee injury, schedule an appointment with Orthopedic Specialists today!

For more information about our orthopedic clinic, please visit our Locations page for contact information.

To find an orthopedic doctor, please visit our Providers & Specialists page.

To schedule an appointment, please call (515) 955-6767!

What Is Plasma?

Plasma is one of the main components of blood. It also contains small solid components of red cells, white cells, and platelets. The platelets are best known for their importance in clotting blood. However, platelets also contain hundreds of proteins called growth factors which are very important in the healing of injuries.

Platelet-rich plasma is plasma with more platelets than is typically found in blood. The concentration of platelets can be 5 to 10 times greater (or richer). This means that the concentration of growth factors is 5 to 10 times greater, promoting better healing.  Laboratory studies have shown that PRP can help increase certain growth factors that are important in the healing process.

PRP Injections

PRP injections have been shown to have beneficial effects for a wide variety of injury recoveries such as Achilles injuries and ACL or MCL tears. It can also help support recovery from tennis elbow, tendonitis, and even arthritis. PRP Injections are a form of regenerative medicine meaning the patient's natural healing system is being utilized to help heal tissue and recover faster.

To develop a PRP preparation, blood must first be drawn from the patient. The platelets are separated from other blood cells and their concentration is increased during a process called centrifugation.  The concentration of platelets is then injected directly into the injured or diseased body tissue. This releases the growth factors that stimulate and increase the number of reparative cells in the injured part of the body.   

Side effects are uncommon, but they are possible.  Any time a needle is inserted through the skin, an infection can occur. The other more common side effect of PRP injections is an increase in inflammation and pain after the injection for a brief period of time before the benefits may be felt. 

Since studies have been for a relatively short duration, insurance companies still consider the procedure experimental. However, there have been a large number of success stories. Many patients who have received positive results from PRP injections felt it was well worth the investment for the relief they gained. As always, individual results will vary and not everyone will have the same level of success or benefit.  

Because insurance does not currently cover the cost of PRP injections, our office does require payment prior to receiving the injections. Currently, PRP injections are only available in our Fort Dodge Clinic.

From recovering from a surgery or injury to dealing with a chronic condition to sports medicine purposes, find out if PRP therapy is right for you. As a partner of Iowa Specialty Hospital, we are proud to offer the most innovative health solution and premier providers in the state of Iowa.

Call 515-955-6767 to discuss this option with your provider or to schedule an appointment.  

Shoulder Anatomy & Its Functions

The shoulder is comprised of the clavicle (collarbone), scapula (shoulder blade), and humerus (upper arm bone) as well as numerous muscles, ligaments, and tendons. We utilize our shoulders for both mobility and stability, including lifting, pushing, and pulling. The shoulder is a common source of aches and pains, often the result of repetitive motion used in sports, at work, or during daily activities. Orthopedic injuries and conditions associated with shoulder discomfort range from shoulder tendinitis, arthritis, and bursitis to stress fractures, rotator cuff injuries, and instabilities.   

Shoulder Procedures at Orthopedic Specialists 

At Orthopedic Specialists, our specialty-trained and experienced shoulder orthopedic surgeons are recognized as leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder injuries and conditions. They provide an extraordinary base of shared knowledge with advanced surgery and treatment methods. They treat patients in Fort Dodge, surrounding areas of Iowa, and throughout the Midwest!

Common surgical procedures performed by our shoulder surgeons include arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, arthroscopic labral repair, total shoulder replacement, biceps tendon repair, and shoulder resurfacing, among many others. Although our shoulder surgeons are highly skilled in using the latest surgical methods, please be assured that they always consider using nonsurgical treatments to restore your health first.

If you are experiencing shoulder pain or discomfort, schedule an appointment with Orthopedic Specialists today!

Spine Structure and Function

The spine is one of the most important and intricate systems within the body. It is made up of the lumbar region in the lower back, the thoracic region in the middle back, and the cervical region in the neck.

The neck and back are the places in the body where people most often experience pain and discomfort. A significant number of individuals will experience lumbar region (lower back) pain or cervical region (neck) pain sometime in their life. This pain can be caused by issues with spinal discs, spinal fractures, neck injuries, or pinched nerves. Occasionally, this will require back surgery to provide pain relief.

Personalized Treatment Services

Spine injuries can turn even the simplest activity into a painful ordeal. Iowa Speciality Hospitals & Clinics and Orthopedic Specialists’ orthopedic spine surgeons are committed to addressing your acute spinal issues and chronic spinal issues. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical treatments.

Our spine surgeons deliver the highest quality care for the neck and back. We aim to relieve pain and discomfort, restore function, and prevent future injuries. We often employ nonsurgical treatments to alleviate spine pain, such as:

• Physical therapy and aquatic therapy
• Medication
• Ultrasounds
• Spinal injections
• Exercise
• Education

State-of-the-Art Techniques

The majority of spinal injuries and conditions can be successfully addressed with minimally invasive methods. However, in cases where spine surgery is essential for a full recovery, our orthopedic spine surgeons utilize cutting-edge advancements to ensure a rapid return to the quality of life you deserve. Here are some common spinal procedures our neck and spine surgeons perform:

• Artificial Disk Replacement
• Lumbar and Cervical Spine Fusions
• Cervical Laminectomy, Thoracic Laminectomy, and Lumbar Laminectomy
• Kyphoplasty
• Corpectomy

Don’t let neck pain or back pain prevent you from carrying out your daily activities. If you’re dealing with spinal pain or require a surgical procedure, book an appointment with Orthopedic Specialists today!

Let’s DISH about Spine & Neck Surgery

Wrist Anatomy & Wrist Health

The wrist consists of dozens of bones and joints, as well as ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves, and cartilage. These parts work together to perform everyday tasks. We use our wrists frequently, making them prone to injuries, dislocations, and fractures. Repetitive motion when working or participating in activities can lead to wrist pain or an injured wrist joint.

We provide a variety of services, from wrist x-rays to surgery. No matter your wrist conditions, Orthopedic Specialists is here to help you maintain your wrist health.

Premier Orthopedic Wrist Treatment Services

Nonsurgical Wrist Treatments

As a full-service orthopedic clinic, Iowa Orthopedic Specialists offers a wide range of orthopedic services to our patients. From a dislocated wrist to tendinitis of the wrist, our orthopedic wrist doctors are here to treat any wrist problems you may encounter. 

Our physical therapists provide expertise and support with wrist injury recovery, wrist surgery recovery, and more. In addition to our physical therapy services, we also offer orthopedic surgeon-approved wrist equipment (such as wrist wraps, wrist braces, wrist splints, and more).

At Iowa Orthopedic Specialists, our physical therapists provide expertise and support with wrist injury recovery, wrist surgery recovery, sports injury, and more. In addition to our diagnosis and treatments, we also offer wrist equipment (wrist wraps, wrist braces, wrist splints, and more).

Surgical Wrist Treatments

In some cases, orthopedic surgery is the best option to treat wrist conditions and wrist injuries. At Orthopedic Specialists, our orthopedic wrist surgeons provide highly specialized care and treatment for all types of wrist problems. Care includes carpal tunnel release (for carpal tunnel syndrome), De Quervain’s release, ganglion cyst excision, arthroplasty of the wrist, tendon and nerve reconstruction, compression, and congenital reconstruction.