A specialist
in colon
and rectal
surgery
Do you
really need
that joint
replacement?
Page 4
Page 6
Page 8
UPMC Altoona
Breast Health
Center
•A breast surgery specialist
•State-of-the-art technology
•The world-class resources of UPMC
A huge step forward
for women’s breast health in our region
Page 3
News and
information to
help you get and
stay healthy
Healthy Living
Sp r ing 2 015
Keeping
patients local
for vascular
procedures
Sp r ing 2 015
© 2015 UPMC
Don’t overdo it
Healthy
Living
when you
emerge from
hibernation
M a g a z i n e
UPMC Altoona’s Healthy Living Magazine is published
four times a year by
the Marketing and
Communications
Department.
Common-sense
methods to monitor
exertion include the talk test and finding your target heart rate.
President
Jerry Murray
Chief Operating Officer
Ronald J. McConnell
Director, Marketing and Communications
Dave Cuzzolina
Staff Writers
Jamie Baser
Patt Keith
Contributing Writer
Mary Haley
Daniel Cole of Bellwood works with exercise bands as Ken Kozminski, physical therapist, watches his technique.
It’s important to build up stamina slowly when preparing for spring chores and recreation.
Designer
Chip Mock
Mock Creations LLC
As winter gives way to spring, we start to think about getting outdoors for some yard work or fun and games.
For more information, please contact:
But before you begin, make sure you’re physically ready to
tackle those chores or play that game. If you’ve hibernated
for the past several months, your body may not be ready
for what you’re planning outside, says Paul Tryninewski, a
physical therapist and director of Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation at UPMC Altoona.
UPMC Altoona
Marketing & Communications
620 Howard Ave.
Altoona, PA 16601-4899
814-889-2271
[email protected]
If you are not receiving
Healthy Living Magazine
in the mail and would
like to, you need to join
the Healthy Living Club.
It’s free, and the
magazine is just one of
the many benefits!
Join online at
UPMCAltoona.org
or call 814-889-2630
or 1-888-313-4665.
He warns that you could even injure yourself if you launch
into strenuous activity after a winter of little or no exercise.
To avoid that, he recommends starting slowly with a
consistent program.
“Try to exercise three to four times a week, every other day,”
Paul says.
Monitor exertion
He suggests that as you exercise, you monitor your exertion
levels to make sure you’re working out in the right range to
get the maximum benefit.
“There are some common-sense methods to
do this, including the talk test and finding your
target heart rate,’’ he says.
The talk test is easy: You should be able to talk
but not sing when doing moderate exercise
correctly, he says. To get your target heart
rate, subtract your age from 220, then
exercise at a pace where your heart
rate is 60 to 75 percent of that
number.
To illustrate, he uses the example
of a person who is 60 years
old. To get an ideal rate for
moderate exercise, subtract 60
from 220, which is 160. Then
take 60 to 75 percent of that,
which would mean a person
60 years old should aim for a
target pulse rate of 96 to 120
beats per minute.
2
Stop if you feel pain
“Remember, this is simply a guide, and more-accurate
exercise levels should be determined by your physician,
especially if you have cardiac or other health-related
conditions,’’ Paul says.
Be careful not to exercise if you start to feel pain, which
could be a warning sign of injury.
“These signs include joint pain or restricted motion,
tenderness at a specific point, swelling, and sudden
weakness compared to an opposite limb,’’ Paul says. “Minor muscle aches or soreness can be expected, but
sharp, unusual pain that lasts a week should be reported to your physician.’’
If you do have an injury, you should stop exercising
immediately, wrap the affected area for compression, apply ice at 15-minute intervals, elevate the injured site, and call your physician, he says.
Recruit a buddy
As you slowly increase your activity level — about 10 percent a week — you might want to
recruit a buddy or two with roughly the same level
of fitness as you to join your exercise routine,
Paul says.
“Training with others of similar fitness levels can
provide you with the motivation and support
necessary to make your training fun,’’ he says.
There’s no need for any special equipment,
either.
“Simply a good pair of sneakers, possibly
elastic exercise bands for resistance, an
exercise partner, and maybe some guidance
from a trainer or physical therapist may help,’’
he says.
Breast Health Center
Care you can trust, close to home
Comprehensive breast
health care — the first
service of its kind in Blair
County — is available at
UPMC Altoona at Station
Medical Center.
The hospital has always
offered high quality
breast health services for
women. And the recent
exciting additions of 3D
mammography and a
surgeon specializing in
breast disease make the
UPMC Altoona Breast
Health Center the regional
leader in the field.
Dianna Craig, MD, FACS,
joined the Center in
February and is UPMC
Altoona’s first dedicated
breast surgeon. At her
Station Medical Center
office, Dr. Craig will see
patients in consultation,
order imaging studies,
provide clinical breast
exams, and perform
minimally invasive breast
biopsies in the office and
outpatient settings.
Dedicated to breast disease
Dr. Craig is a board-certified
general surgeon whose
practice has been dedicated
to treating only breast
disease for the last 13 years
at the Joyce Murtha Breast
Care Center in Windber.
“As a general surgeon, I wanted to concentrate on one specialty,” she says.
“By choosing to dedicate
my career to specializing
in breast disease, I am able
Program alert!
Healthy Breast Care for Women
See calendar insert for details, dates, and times
to offer my patients more
opportunities and options
because I can devote my
focus to ensuring I grow and learn along with each
new development in the
breast care field.”
Those developments often
come in the form of new
technology, such as digital
breast tomosynthesis,
also known as 3D
mammography, which is the
most up-to-date screening
technology available. The
Center began offering the
service in January.
Dr. Craig’s
atypical path to medicine
Today, board-certified surgeon Dianna Craig, MD, FACS,
specializes in breast disease, but if circumstances had played
out differently, she might have been an art teacher.
She is a registered nurse
and certified oncology
nurse who helps patients
understand their breast
cancer diagnosis, determine
steps for care, and schedule
that care.
Additionally, women looking
for cancer risk assessment
and genetics counseling
will be able to receive those
services at the Breast
Health Center through
UPMC’s Breast Genetics
Telemedicine Program.
Lauren Deur, MD, a boardcertified, fellowship-trained
diagnostic radiologist with
UPMC Altoona Radiology,
says mammography is
the best tool available for
breast cancer screening.
Tomosynthesis produces
more-detailed images
than conventional
mammography.
Fewer callbacks
“Tomosynthesis reduces
recall rates and improves
cancer detection,” says Dr. Deur, who is also
certified to read digital
mammography.
“UPMC Altoona is invested
in the best technology,
expertise, and convenience
when it comes to women’s
breast health,” says Ron McConnell, chief
operating officer at
UPMC Altoona.
“State-of-the-art
technology, coupled
with Dr. Craig’s surgical
expertise and the
convenience of having
UPMC resources available
at Station Medical Center,
will help us offer women
the most comprehensive
treatment in the region.”
Dr. Craig majored in art and minored in education at the
University of Texas, but upon graduating, the Texas native
couldn’t find a job.
“That was during the time when there was a big push to
hire more math and science teachers,” she said. “No one
was hiring art teachers, so I made use of my art degree in a
science-related field.”
Dr. Craig worked as a technical illustrator and design
draftsman in the aerospace industry for the next 14 years. It was here she developed a renewed interest in the sciences,
so she began taking pre-med courses at night.
Then, in her mid-30s, Dr. Craig quit her job to pursue her
new dream by attending medical school in San Antonio.
Having never lived outside of Texas, her next big move upon
graduation in 1990 was to secure a residency “somewhere
with seasons.” That brought her to Johnstown, where she
completed a general surgery residency at Conemaugh
Memorial Medical Center.
During this residency, she made the decision to specialize
in breast disease, and when the Joyce Murtha Breast Care
Center opened in Windber, she was offered a position.
Dr. Craig’s 13-year tenure at Windber
allowed her to concentrate
exclusively on breast health.
With UPMC Altoona, she will
continue her specialized focus
on breast disease.
“A significant percentage
of my patients at Windber
were from the Altoona and
Bedford areas, so it makes
sense for me to be in a
location where they have the
easiest access to me,” Dr. Craig said. “I am excited to
be a part of the UPMC Altoona
Breast Health Center from its beginning.”
Another vital member of
the Breast Health Center
team is Cheryl Litzinger, an oncology nurse
navigator.
Contact: UPMC Altoona Breast Health Center
Station Medical Center, 17th Street and 9th Avenue, Altoona 814-889-4100
3
When Rexall Secrest’s legs
became painful and tired
easily while walking, his local
physician referred him to the
UPMC Altoona Heart and
Vascular Institute.
Rexall
Secrest
No place like
home
Heart & Vascular Institute
keeps patients local
for complex procedures
That was 2010. Since then,
Rex and Arthur DeMarsico,
DO, a board-certified
vascular surgeon, have
forged a life- and limbsaving partnership. Rex
has improved his health
by stopping smoking and
eating healthier, while Dr.
DeMarsico has performed
four procedures on Rex.
One reduced his risk for
stroke; the others reduced
symptoms of peripheral
artery disease (PAD).
The 70-year-old Mount
Union man is just one
of thousands of patients
treated by Dr. DeMarsico
at the Heart and Vascular
Institute.
Few patients leave town
“I work very closely with
another board-certified
vascular surgeon, Subhashis
Maitra, MD. Together, we
have 35 years of experience
and perform the most
advanced minimally invasive
vascular and open surgical
procedures available in the
region,” Dr. DeMarsico says.
The Institute transfers less
than 1 percent of vascular
patients to affiliates in
Pittsburgh.
All vascular procedures are
performed in the hospital,
and most patients are able to return home the same
day. A high-risk vascular
procedure performed in the
hospital setting affords fast
access to higher levels of
care, if needed.
“Being able to go
home the same
day without
sacrificing safety
is important.”
— Arthur DeMarsico, DO
4
“Being able to go home the same day without
sacrificing safety is
important,” Dr. DeMarsico
says. “And remaining close
to home is a huge benefit for
patients and their families.”
technology in the treatment
of PAD is explosive and
exciting. Our patients
deserve the best technology
for saving lives and saving
limbs, and that is our
mission.”
Also a professor
Rex has nothing but praise
for Dr. DeMarsico and his
staff. He originally consulted
him about his legs, but a
thorough examination of
his entire vascular system
turned up a more urgent
problem — 90 percent
blockage in his carotid
artery, which put Rex at a
very high risk for a stroke.
For the few patients
transferred, it is often to
participate in a clinical
trial or for a procedure not
offered at UPMC Altoona,
like carotid stenting. The
Institute’s integration into
the vascular division at
UPMC accelerates access to affiliates if patients need
to be referred.
“Together, Dr. Maitra and
I perform a high volume
of open and endovascular
procedures encompassing
all of the vascular territories,”
he says. “Dr. Maitra takes
care of the majority of
dialysis patients within
a 100-mile radius of our
institution.”
In addition to being the
medical director of the
UPMC Altoona Heart and
Vascular Institute, Dr. DeMarsico is a clinical
assistant professor of
surgery at the University
of Pittsburgh School of
Medicine. He participates
in the division’s educational
conference each month,
presenting cases and
working with the faculty to
educate students, residents,
and fellows. He is respected
by his peers for his robust
practice, experience, and
favorable outcomes.
Offering all available
procedures
“Our patients should be
comforted to know that
experience matters and we
offer all of the state-of-theart procedures commercially
available to combat
peripheral vascular disease
and aortic aneurysmal
disease in Altoona,” he says.
“We strive to evolve and
integrate new technology
when it is supported in the
vascular literature. The
“I had the fullest
confidence in him,” Rex
says, remembering their
first meeting. “He has
an excellent bedside
manner and is excellent at
thoroughly explaining what
the problem is and how he
can help it. He makes you
feel very relieved.”
No symptoms of stroke risk
Rex underwent a carotid
endarterectomy (removal of
the plaque-obstructed area
and vessel repair), which
restores vessel health.
“He had no symptoms of
the blockage in his carotid,
so our studies detected this
significant symptom of a
stroke before it happened,”
Dr. DeMarsico says.
Vascular patients undergo
ultrasound imaging because
the disease is systemic,
so vascular disease often
occurs in multiple vessels.
Rex also benefited from
three minimally invasive
procedures — atherectomy,
angioplasty, and stenting
of his lower extremity
arteries. All procedures
reduce symptoms of PAD
by reopening arteries.
“Like all our vascular
patients, Rex will be
followed over the long term
using ultrasound testing,”
Dr. DeMarsico says,
“because a single blockage
increases the risk for more
in the future.”
For more information on UPMC Altoona’s board-certified vascular surgeons,
call our Physician Finder line at 1-800-258-4677.
From left: Stacey Hufman,
registered respiratory therapist;
Jamie Makin, CRNA; Mehrdad
Ghaffari, MD, and Renee Henry,
registered respiratory therapist,
demonstrate navigational
bronchoscopy.
Passageways
New technology provides
nonsurgical access to entire lung
UPMC Altoona offers minimally invasive lung procedures
that may give doctors a head start on cancer treatment.
And, as always with cancer treatment, the earlier, the better.
Compared to traditional diagnostic approaches, these
interventional state-of-the-art procedures can provide an
earlier diagnosis of whether lung lesions and lymph nodes
are cancerous, leading to quick treatment if they are, and
avoiding surgery if they are not.
The innovative techniques include electromagnetic
navigational bronchoscopies and bronchoscopies
with endobronchial ultrasound, along with traditional
bronchoscopies.
Less invasive, faster
“These techniques provide
peace of mind to patients,
less invasively and faster,”
says Mehrdad Ghaffari,
MD, pulmonologist and
medical director of UPMC
Altoona’s Pulmonary
Services. “They combine
advanced imaging techniques
like CT, fluoroscopy, and ultrasound, sometimes with
electromagnetic navigation. The whole process is minimally
invasive; traditional open lung biopsy procedures are not.”
The pulmonologist and registered respiratory therapist
are specially trained to provide a successful and safe
procedure. When appropriate, a pathologist provides rapid,
real-time-in-the-room evaluation of the lesion’s cells.
“The navigation system, with GPS-like technology, is a
significant advancement for aiding in the diagnosis of lung cancer,” Dr. Ghaffari “These techniques
says. “It overcomes the
limitations of traditional
provide peace of
diagnostic approaches,
mind to patients…”
including bronchoscopy,
— Mehrdad Ghaffari, MD
needle biopsy and surgery.”
Access to entire lung
Traditional bronchoscopy is effective in the central airways,
Dr. Ghaffari explains, but not extending into the peripheral,
smaller bronchi of the lungs that are not wide enough to
allow passage of a normal bronchoscope. Previously, needle
biopsy or traditional open surgery, both carrying greater risk
to the patient, were necessary to find out if the lesion was
cancerous or benign.
“By guiding us through the complicated web of pathways
inside the lungs,” he says, “the navigation system enables
us to access and sample target tissue throughout the entire
lung without surgery.”
State-of-the-art procedure suite
With the advanced interventional procedures, CT scan
images create a roadmap of the thousands of tiny pathways
inside the lungs. This allows physicians to guide tiny tools
through the lung pathways so they can take tissue samples
of lesions and place markers for future treatment.
Pulmonologists now work in a new, dedicated suite at the hospital. The procedures mentioned, combined with
this dedicated, state-of-the-art space, mean better patient
care because procedures are scheduled more quickly, can be done as either an outpatient or inpatient, with or
without anesthesia — all without the patient having to leave town.
‘Like a car’s
GPS system...’
Along with traditional bronchoscopy tools, the interventional
tools available in the new
state-of-the-art procedure
suite include electromagnetic
navigational bronchoscopies
and bronchoscopies with
endobronchial ultrasound.
Electromagnetic navigational
bronchoscopies aid in the
diagnosis of lung lesions and
lymph node abnormalities.
Like a car’s GPS system, the
navigational system allows
the pulmonologist to enter the
peripheral, smaller bronchi
of the lungs that are not wide
enough to allow passage of a
normal bronchoscope.
Endobronchial ultrasound
provides the pulmonologist with
direct, visual confirmation of
lesions and nodes and allows
ultrasound-guided needle
biopsies. A pathologist in the
room examines the sample
for malignancy. If malignant,
additional tools are used to
sample and stage the cancerous
area, which reduces the need for a second procedure.
Often, electromagnetic
navigation and endobronchial
ultrasound are used in a single
procedure to diagnose and treat
lung and lymph lesions.
Traditional bronchoscopy is used for the larger, central air passages.
5
Area’s only board-certified colon and
rectal surgeon treats a wide variety of problems
Howard Black, MD, is the
only board-certified colon
and rectal surgeon in Blair
County. That extra level
of training can make a
difference to his patients —
from diagnosis to follow-up
care.
Take the recent case of
a young man who came
to Dr. Black with chronic
constipation. Because of
Dr. Black’s expertise, he
diagnosed the problem
quickly, realized the man
needed surgery, and
performed the appropriate
procedure.
“This is what my interest is;
this is what my specialty is,’’
Dr. Black says. “This is what
I focused my continuing
education on.’’
Here since 1992
Dr. Black graduated from
Tufts University School of
Medicine in Boston in 1986.
He did both his internship
and residency at Thomas
Jefferson University
Hospital in Philadelphia, and completed his colon and rectal surgical fellowship at the University of
Medicine and Dentistry in Plainfield, N.J.
To receive his board
certification, Dr. Black had
to successfully pass oral
and written exams given
by the American Board of
Colon and Rectal Surgery.
To keep his certification, he
must continue his surgical
education and be recertified
by the board every 10 years.
Since 1992, Dr. Black has
worked in Blair County,
helping people deal with a
wide variety of colon and
rectal issues. He joined
UPMC Altoona Surgical
Associates last October and
welcomes new patients at
his offices in Altoona and
Roaring Spring.
“I think I take a more up-todate approach, whatever
the particular problem is,
because I have more than
20 years of experience
taking care of all kinds
of problems in my field,’’
says Dr. Black, who is also
a board-certified general
surgeon.
“This is what I focused my
continuing education on.’’
— Howard Black, MD
David Burket of Altoona, a big fan of Penn State women’s basketball, can continue seeing the team play in person thanks to several surgical treatments.
Three surgeries since ’95
One person very familiar
with Dr. Black and his work
is David Burket of Altoona.
Three times since 2005,
David has chosen Dr. Black
when he needed surgery.
The last time was just a few
months ago when David
had to have part of his colon
removed because of a polyp.
David, 68, works part time
fueling diesel vehicles and
stocking shelves. He and his
wife, Nancy, are also avid
Penn State fans and like to
go to a lot of the women’s
basketball games. Now,
thanks to Dr. Black, they can
look forward to seeing many
more games in the future.
David and Nancy are
pleased with how Dr. Black
handled all three surgeries.
“He’s really friendly,’’
David says. “He explains
everything.’’
David agrees that Dr. Black’s
board certification gives
patients an extra sense of
confidence.
“It means he really knows
what he’s doing, that he
keeps up on things,’’ David says.
Ailments run the gamut
Board-certified colon and rectal surgeons such as Howard Black, MD, specialize in caring for people who have diseases of the intestinal system.
They treat conditions such as colorectal cancer, which is the second-leading cause of cancer death
in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the third
most common cancer in men and women.
They are also trained to deal with polyps, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s
disease, and diverticulitis, as well as hemorrhoids and constipation.
Board-certified colon and rectal surgeons are knowledgeable in procedures such as colonoscopies
and endoscopies, which are used to detect abnormalities in the large intestine and digestive tract,
respectively.
As a board-certified general surgeon, Dr. Black is also trained in laparoscopic surgery. This minimally invasive surgery allows him to perform the same types of surgery as traditional
operations but with smaller incisions, which reduces recovery time.
His general surgeries include appendectomies and cholecystectomies (gall bladder removal).
6
Contact: UPMC Altoona Surgical Associates
501 Howard Ave., Suite B110, Altoona 814-943-4937
102 Hillcrest Drive, Roaring Spring 814-224-2215
Program alert!
Colon Concerns
See calendar insert for details, dates, and times
News from the
In support of patient care at UPMC Altoona
Capital campaign will raise funds for
Breast Health Center
Over 700 guests enjoyed a fun and relaxing evening at Winter Splendor in
January at the Blair County Convention Center.
Winter Splendor provides a fun time, raises $65,000
The UPMC Altoona Foundation is grateful to the many guests and sponsors who made this year’s Winter Splendor a success.
More than $65,000 was raised for patient care items during the evening’s festivities.
A special thank-you to Chuck Harvey, DO, and his wife, Carol,
who were our event co-chairs; Nancy Devorris, committee
chairperson, and all the committee members.
During Winter Splendor, Ben Levine, Esq., and Joseph Reilly,
CPA, were recognized for their
many years of service as board
members of the local hospital. Both received the prestigious
Health Care Honors Award for over 40 years of dedication to local health care.
Ben Levine
In his remarks, UPMC Altoona
President Jerry Murray also
recognized the employees who
received this year’s Award for
Commitment and Excellence
in Service (ACES) from UPMC,
and the 150 Guardian Angels
nominated by grateful patients for
providing exemplary patient care.
Administrative assistant Sharon
Squillario was also recognized as
this year’s Dignity and Respect
Champion for her outstanding
consideration for others in the
workplace.
Please save the date for next year’s Winter Splendor — Jan. 15, 2016, at the Blair County
Convention Center.
Joseph Reilly
St. Francis sorority Gamma Sigma Sigma visited patients and nurses in
December, helping brighten the holidays at UPMC Altoona.
Holiday visits are the highlight of the season for patients, staff
Groups in the community remembered hospital patients during
the holidays.
Sorority Gamma Sigma Sigma members at St. Francis University
visited every patient floor in the hospital, distributing holiday
cards and treats at the nurses stations.
Members of the same sorority have visited UPMC Altoona the
last several years for Christmas and Easter.
Lance Hale and other Shriners from Altoona’s Jaffa Shrine
donated a large number of toys and games for pediatric patients
for the holidays.
The hospital also received 142 Jared Boxes from Karen Gall and
her friend Stephanie Lambenstein. The boxes contained art
supplies, coloring books, and small games for pediatric patients.
Karen said they originally planned on only a few boxes, but once
they posted the project on their Facebook pages, their friends and bowling league members took the project to a much larger
scale — so large that there were enough supplies left over to send a large tub of craft items to the Emergency Department for patients and their siblings.
Karen took the project on in memory of her late infant son, who passed away seven years ago.
Nurses, staff, and patients appreciate these visits and the
many donations from the community during the holidays. Thank you, Altoona!
Team plays ‘Pink Zone Game’ to raise funds for breast cancer fight
The Penn State Altoona Women’s Basketball Team held a
fundraiser in February that supported women’s breast cancer
services at UPMC Altoona.
The UPMC Altoona Foundation
is pleased to announce that
Karen Pfeffer, Esq., will serve as
capital campaign
committee
chairperson to raise
funds for the new
UPMC Altoona
Breast Health
Center (see story on
Page 3).
“I look forward to working with
the campaign committee to raise
funds to support the Center,” says Karen.
Karen is a trustee on the UPMC
Altoona hospital board and chairs
its Medical and Quality Affairs
Committee.
At the Breast Health Center,
patients receive the full range
of advanced diagnosis and
treatments for breast cancer and other breast conditions,
including 3D breast imaging.
If you are interested in making
a gift to support the UPMC
Altoona Breast Health Center,
please contact Tim Balconi at the Foundation office at 814-889-6744 or email
[email protected].
Save
the
date!
Golf
Classic
Monday, June 22, 2015
Scotch Valley Country Club
The Lady Lions played a basketball game
against Franciscan University, raising funds
that went to the UPMC Altoona Foundation.
Many fans sported a pink T-shirt in support of the team’s annual fundraiser, called the
“Pink Zone Game.”
The Foundation thanks Winter Splendor Committee members (from left): Mike Corso, Karee Saylor, Michelle Dodson, Gayle Conner, Judy Halbritter,
Suzie Zavalanski, Sally Earnest, Jerry Murray, Patti Geesey, Ann Benzel, Deb Hawksworth, Ro Gibson, Tim Balconi, Sharon Squillario, Grace Beere,
Rebecca Bouchard, Karen Isenberg, Gregg Weise, and Paulette Farabaugh.
“Our team is proud of its players and fans
who come together to help women who are
battling cancer,” Lady Lions coach Casey
Shoup said after the game. “The winners of
the game are the patients of UPMC Altoona.”
“We want to express our deepest thanks to
the Penn State Altoona women’s basketball
team, Coach Shoup, and their fans,” said Tim Balconi, Foundation president.
7
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Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
UPMC Altoona
UPMC Altoona
620 Howard Avenue
Altoona, PA 16601
Change Service Requested
and
Ask the specialist
about joint replacement
Adrian Clayton, DO, is a fellowship-trained adult joint replacement and reconstruction surgeon
practicing with UPMC Altoona Elite Orthopaedics. He is skilled in practicing all surgical approaches
to hip replacement, including minimally invasive techniques, as well as both partial and total knee
replacement. Dr. Clayton has expertise in complex surgeries and is experienced in treating a wide variety of arthritis and osteonecrosis.
If I have arthritis of a joint (hip, knee, shoulder), does that mean I need a joint replacement?
Patients often
ask this question and
are sometimes surprised
by my answer. No, joint
replacement surgery for
arthritis is not required or
needed. Joint replacement
surgery is a quality-of-life
decision, not a life-or-death
decision. I always try to
return my patients back to
their normal activities with
less pain without surgery.
What nonsurgical treatment options are available?
I always prescribe several treatment
options before discussing
joint replacement surgery.
Bracing and/or splints,
physical therapy, antiinflammatory medications
(over-the-counter or
prescription strength),
medication compound
creams, and injections
can provide patients with
significant relief. These
treatments can be used alone
or in combination with each
other to find the right mix
to provide each individual
patient with significant
relief.
Even something as simple
as diet and exercise can
provide joint pain relief.
Reducing your weight can
significantly reduce the
stress your joints receive
during each step while
walking, jogging, climbing
stairs, etc. Exercise can
strengthen the muscles
and tendons around a joint,
helping to stabilize it. When
a joint is more stable, it
becomes less irritated, and
that can reduce pain.
So, when should I
consider joint replacement?
Only you can determine that. The two questions I have
patients ask themselves are:
•Does my joint pain cause
me significant pain every day?
•Does my joint pain prevent me from doing
things that I enjoy?
If you can answer yes to these questions, and you have tried the other conservative
treatments mentioned,
only then can a
discussion about
joint replacement
surgery begin.
Program alert!
What You Need to
Know About Joint Pain
See calendar insert for
details, dates, and times
UPMC Altoona Elite Orthopaedics has offices in
Hollidaysburg, Altoona, Bedford, and Huntingdon.
Appointments can be made by calling 814-889-3600.
Adrian Clayton, DO