What to Expect
History and Physical Exam
Each patient will be thoroughly evaluated, starting with an in-depth history taking process. This is an essential part of determining what is ailing a patient, how it affects his or her life, and what expectations regarding return to play or function the patient has in mind. Due to our emphasis on this part of the evaluation process, each new patient complaint will require adequate time to gather the necessary information. Our physicians take the time to listen to the patient. We do not sacrifice quality of care for volume.
The physical exam is a vital part of assessing injury and pain. Not all injuries affect every patient in the same manner. The exam allows the physicians to determine both the diagnosis, as well as the extent of dysfunction. Depending upon the complexity of the injury, the physical exam process may also require a lengthy period of time. Occasionally, multiple exams may be required for thorough assessment and diagnosis.
Plain Radiographs
Generally speaking, a thorough evaluation requires a series of plain radiographs (X-Rays). Our philosophy is to provide the patient with a definitive and final diagnosis. A requisite of this is the plain radiographic series. At times, even when a patient has already had a set of films taken, we will request an additional set to be taken as special views may be required for completeness.
Advanced Imaging
Our physicians rely upon the history, exam and plain radiographs for diagnosis in the vast majority of cases. However, in some instances, advanced imaging such as MRI may be required for definitive diagnosis or pre-surgical planning. Our staff will arrange for and submit the necessary referral to obtain these studies. Our physicians are highly qualified to interpret these studies and choose to do so themselves in all cases. They will take the time necessary to provide in-depth discussions of the interpretations with each patient.
In Office Procedures
In rare instances, aside from routine suture removal or aspiration, office based procedures will be performed. Cortisone injections are used sparingly as our physicians have found a lack of evidence to support their routine use in most sports-related diagnoses/conditions. We will incorporate viscosupplementation into the treatment regimen when clinically indicated. Our physicians stay current with advances in the published literature to be sure they have the latest data on procedures and medications.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a cornerstone of the rehabilitation of the orthopedic patient. Our team of physicians has a very close working relationship with several of the higher-quality physical therapy groups throughout the greater Clay county area. Our physicians and therapists have taken great efforts in studying the current rehabilitation literature to develop evidence-based protocols for the rehabilitation of orthopedic injuries and surgeries. In addition, our physicians are clinical educators for the University of North Florida School of Physical Therapy.
Surgical Procedures
Our faculty is comprised of highly-trained specialists in the field of arthroscopic surgery, along with shoulder, hip, knee and ankle reconstruction. They are well-versed in all cutting-edge techniques and employ them when clinically indicated and evidence-based. Furthermore, our faculty is comprised of educators that train the surgeons of the future. Surgery is often indicated for many orthopedic conditions and injuries. However, our physicians will inform each patient on all non-operative and operative treatment alternatives available for a given condition or injury. Our physicians take the time to understand the patient as an individual to better advise him or her concerning what treatment alternative is the best option in a given situation.
Continuation of Care
Our physicians believe in following through on patient care. They will arrange for the necessary follow-up care to ensure that each patient achieves their best possible outcome. Our physicians believe that "once a patient, always a patient." Our door is always open for each patient, as well as his or her relatives, friends, or colleagues.
