Our mission is to treat patients with primary arthritis ( wear and tear ), and secondary arthritis (as a result of rheumatoid disease, trauma, and other causes). We specialize in joint preservation, replacements, hip resurfacings, and revisions. I utilize the latest medications, techniques, and tools available to delay the need for joint replacement as long as possible. In my career, I have performed more than 10,000 joint replacements, and receive consults from around the globe for managing complex orthopaedic patients.
For me, healthcare is a full team approach, and the patient is at the center of that team. I want my patients to be well informed. My team and I are highly accessible - every patient I have helped throughout my entire career has my cell phone.
Although I am a surgeon, I firmly believe in educating every patient regarding their unique disease process and exhausting all non-operative treatment options before recommending surgery. As a result, many of my patients are effectively treated with nonsurgical interventions, which may include weight loss, physical therapy, oral medication, and injections. If surgical intervention results to be the best option for an individual patient, my team provides the patient and their immediate family, with a full description of the procedure, the risks and potential complications, as well as a thorough explanation of the post-surgical rehabilitation process.
As a world leader in the field of osteonecrosis (ON), also known as avascular necrosis, I am an author of over 800 peer-reviewed publications, and have received in excess of 100 government and industry grants. Over the last 30 years of practice, we have revolutionized the treatment protocol for ON, mastering joint saving procedures such as core decompression, percutaneous drilling, and bone grafting. My team and I have successfully saved thousands of patients needing joint replacements.
My career continues in academics as an active, life-long member of Knee Society, Hip Society and the National Osteonecrosis Foundation. I am also Assistant Editor In-Chief of Journal of Arthroplasty, the most prominent joint replacement journal. Education and research is a great way to stay relevant in this ever- evolving field. This participation has been fundamental in my success as a surgeon.
As much as I love orthopaedics, medicine, and research, my true devotion is to my wife, Rhonda, and our four children. One of my hobbies is conchology (the study of seashells). I am President of the Molluscan Science Foundation, a venture dedicated to protecting and preserving our rapidly deteriorating coral reef system. Together, my wife and I enjoy collecting Art deco powder compacts and antique perfume bottles. We travel to various annual tradeshows and enjoy learning about these rare collector s items.