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Orthopedics

Orthopedics2024-07-02T14:26:35-04:00

Stop living in pain and start living again. It’s your move.

Whether you need treatment for arthritis, broken bones, osteoporosis, sports injuries or other conditions, CentraState can help get you back to an active life. Our team of board-certified orthopedic surgeons, specially-trained orthopedic nurses, patient care technicians, physical and occupational therapists, dietitians, social workers and case managers can help keep your joints healthy and pain free, so you can keep moving and living life well.

866-236-8727
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THE TOTAL JOINT CENTER OF NEW JERSEY AT CENTRASTATE

The Total Joint Center of New Jersey provides an array of non-surgical options for joint pain treatment. These include a tailored physical rehabilitation program designed to increase mobility, build strength, and relieve joint pain, along with pain management and complementary therapies.

Joint Commission Reaccreditation

After a rigorous onsite review, CentraState’s Total Joint Center has earned The Joint Commission’s two-year accreditation by demonstrating compliance with the Commission’s national standards for health care quality and safety in disease-specific care.

joint-commission

JOINT PAIN TREATMENT

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Physical Therapy

CentraState’s physical therapy and rehabilitation facilities offer comprehensive services to aid in the recovery from injury, stroke, illness, surgery, and other physical setbacks.

Just as every individual is physically unique, so is each treatment plan. Our team works one-on-one with you to provide the expertise, education, and encouragement you need to safely maximize your progress.

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Injections

Ultrasound technology allows for the precise placement of injectable medications into or around the joint.

Cortisone injections help relieve pain and inflammation. Hyaluronic injections help lubricate joints so they can move more freely. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem-cell injections help relieve pain and heal injuries.

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Surgical Treatment Options

Cartilage repair and regeneration is a viable treatment for joints that have damaged cartilage but are otherwise healthy, helping patients delay or avoid joint replacement surgery altogether. This approach is generally appropriate for patients who have specific cartilage injuries rather than widespread damage and are especially effective in patients who are under 50 and active.

Cartilage restoration procedures resurface, realign and regenerate cartilage and are performed most commonly in the knee, but can be also performed on the shoulder, ankle or hip. Some procedures can be performed through minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery that requires no overnight stay.

The Total Joint Center utilizes the latest techniques to perform cartilage repair and regeneration procedures, including:

  • Microfracture – This method uses the body’s own healing abilities for tissue regeneration. Small incisions are made arthroscopically to remove damaged cartilage, then small holes are made in the exposed bone, bringing bone marrow cells into the damaged area to regenerate new cartilage.
  • Osteochondral Autograft or Allograft Transplantation – These methods treat cartilage injuries by replacing both cartilage on the surface and the underlying bone. The tissue can come from other parts of the patient’s body (called osteochondral autograft) or from a tissue donor (osteochondral allograft). The grafts are then applied to the damaged area.
  • DeNovo® NT – This method treats cartilage injuries by implanting juvenile cartilage cells that migrate, proliferate, and form new cartilage in the damaged area.
  • Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation– This method treats cartilage injuries with a two-step procedure; first, cartilage cells are harvested arthroscopically and are cultured in a lab to increase the number of cartilage-producing cells. Once the cells are obtained (typically after 4 weeks), the cells are transplanted into the damaged area to regrow new cartilage.

To learn more or request an appointment , call 866-236-8727.

Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive, same-day procedure used to visualize, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint.

Our skilled orthopedic surgeons perform arthroscopic surgery in our state-of-the-art Same-Day Surgery Center at The Star and Barry Tobias Ambulatory Campus at CentraState Medical Center. Unlike traditional open surgery, patients are typically home within hours after the surgery.

Procedures performed include rotator cuff surgery, cartilage repair or replacement, ligament repair or reconstruction, removal of inflamed lining, release of carpal tunnel, removal of loose bone (osteotomy) and more.

Orthopedic surgeons use arthroscopic surgery to treat acute or chronic problems of the:

  • Knee— Cartilage (meniscus) tears, wearing or injury of cartilage cushion, and anterior cruciate ligament tears with instability
  • Shoulder—Rotator cuff tendon tears, impingement syndrome, and recurrent dislocations
  • Wrist—Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Loose bodies of bone and/or cartilage in the knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle, or wrist
  • Inflammation of the lining in the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, or ankle

 To learn more or request an appointment, call 866-236-8727.

The Total Joint Center offers a range of knee and hip joint replacement surgeries using the latest prosthetic implants for longer-lasting results. Innovative procedures include quad-sparing knee replacement surgery and direct anterior hip replacement surgery that can allow an expedited recovery process where patients can leave the hospital after a brief stay and recover in the comfort of their own home.

Our orthopedic surgeons are specially trained to perform minimally invasive joint surgery through incisions several inches shorter than those used during traditional surgeries. Using small, flexible instruments, they can repair tissues and bones or replace joints with enhanced precision. The benefits of this approach may include:

  • Minimal damage to surrounding tissue
  • Reduced risk for complications such as infection
  • Less scarring
  • Reduced pain
  • Faster recovery

Our approach includes rehabilitation customized for you, and all of the resources needed for a safe and successful procedure and recovery. This includes:

  • A Total Joint Center coordinator to orchestrate all preoperative and postoperative care, pre-arranged discharge and rehabilitation
  • A physician-directed, proven approach to pain management
  • Nurses and therapists who specialize in the care of joint patients
  • Group and individual therapy, guided by:
    • Physical therapists to help you increase mobility and build strength
    • Occupational therapists to educate you on assistive devices, joint protection, and energy conservation techniques that can be used during activities of daily living
  • Pre-discharge Q&A with the Total Joint Center coordinator
  • A comprehensive patient guide for you to follow from six weeks pre-operation until three months post-operation and beyond

To learn more or request an appointment, call 866-236-8727.

JOINT REPLACEMENT FAQs

The goal of joint replacement surgery is to reduce joint pain, restore independence, and get you back to the activities you enjoy as soon as possible. If your physician determines that surgery is your best option, a clinical coordinator at CentraState will help plan all your preoperative appointments and consultations.

A physical therapist will prepare you for surgery through a personalized exercise regimen, because preoperative strength-training activities have been shown to reduce recovery time and make rehabilitation easier.

Education classes are offered to introduce you to the staff, explain medical devices that may be used, and familiarize you with the surgical unit.

The Total Joint Center provides joint replacement patients with around-the-clock, high-quality, compassionate care. Our innovative approach to pain management helps ensure patients’ comfort while encouraging them to get up and move as soon as possible after surgery. Most joint replacement patients are walking with an assistive device the day following surgery and are able to return home within three days of the procedure.

Our orthopedic specialists will work to manage any pain safely and effectively to minimize your discomfort. If opioids are prescribed, we’ll “dial down” the dosage as soon as you feel relief or we can prescribe a lower-level pain reliever, like NSAIDS or Tylenol. If you can’t tolerate opioids or would prefer not to take them, there are several alternatives, including ice, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), therapeutic taping, or cryotherapy, a type of therapy using extremely cold temperatures. Ensuring that you feel well enough to move the joint and participate in physical therapy is the main goal in managing your pain.

With guidance from their orthopedic surgeon and proper outpatient physical therapy, patients are usually back to work and the activities they enjoy in three to six weeks. Those who require more intense therapy after joint replacement can receive the specialized care they need at The Manor Health and Rehabilitation Center, CentraState’s health and rehabilitation facility located on the hospital campus.

When choosing a hospital, be sure to find a facility that performs an adequate number of surgeries, has good outcomes and low complications rates (check Medicare.gov for this data). You may want to consider an accredited surgical center of excellence, which is designed to deliver high-quality care and specialized attention while providing coordinated, streamlined services for fewer complications, less pain and more rapid recovery. CentraState Medical Center is accredited by The Joint Commission as a Total Joint Center of Excellence for hips and knees.

When choosing a surgeon, look for one who is fellowship trained in joint replacement. Also, be sure to choose a physician who reviews all of your treatment options, including non-surgical procedures. He or she should talk with you to understand your goals and expectations for treatment, and work with you to decide what course of treatment is best for you.

A total hip replacement is when the arthritic ball of the upper thigh bone (femur) and damaged cartilage from the hip socket is removed. The ball is replaced with a metal ball that is securely attached inside the femur. The socket is replaced with a plastic liner that is usually fixed inside a metal shell. This forms a new smooth cushion and a working joint that does not hurt. Surgery may be performed as posterior total hip replacement or direct anterior hip replacement, depending on patient needs and surgeon preferences. Each has a different incision location but similar long-term outcomes.

A total knee replacement is actually a cartilage replacement with an artificial surface. An artificial substitute for cartilage is inserted on the end of the bones. In includes a metal alloy on the upper thigh bone (femur), and a plastic spacer on the shinbone (tibia) and kneecap. This forms a new smooth cushion and a working joint that does not hurt.

At CentraState, we also offer partial knee replacement surgery for certain patients when arthritis does not involve the entire knee joint. Younger, more active patients may benefit from this less invasive procedure. Most procedures are also quad sparing, meaning that they do not involve cutting the quadriceps tendon. These approaches allow most patients to recover mobility and range of motion more quickly.

Most patients experience good to excellent results with pain relief and significantly increased activity and mobility.

Most joint replacement patients stay in the hospital for one to three days after their surgery.

Yes. There are two types of anesthesia – spinal/epidural or general. You can discuss which anesthesia is the best choice for you with your anesthesiologist.

Most patients can go home directly after discharge. Some may transfer to an outpatient or inpatient rehabilitation facility, such as The Manor Health and Rehabilitation Center. Inpatient stays typically last from three to 10 days. Our Total Joint Center coordinator or discharge planner will help you with this decision and make the necessary arrangements. You should check with your insurance company about your inpatient and outpatient physical therapy coverage and homecare benefits.

Yes. During the first several days or weeks, depending on your progress, you will need someone to help with meal preparation and other activities of daily living. If you go directly home from the hospital, the Total Joint Center coordinator or discharge planner will arrange for a home health care nurse to come to your house as needed (depending on what your insurance allows). It is helpful if family or friends can be available to assist you.

Preparing ahead of time can minimize the amount of help needed. For example, it’s a good idea to have the laundry done, house cleaned, yard work completed, clean linens put on the bed, and single- portion, frozen meals ready to go before your surgery.

We recommend that most patients take at least one month off from work, unless their jobs are quite sedentary and they can return to work with crutches. Our occupational therapists can make recommendations for joint protection and energy conservation on the job.

Rehabilitation options after surgery include inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, as well as homecare. Insurance coverage varies and referrals to rehabilitation facilities or homecare (such as the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey) will depend on a combination of patient needs and insurance coverage. If a certain service is not covered by insurance, patients can choose to pay privately if the service is available.

The goal is to provide a joint replacement that lasts a lifetime. Most joint replacements last more than 15 years. However, there is no guarantee. A small percentage do not last that long and a second replacement may be necessary.

ORTHOPEDIC DOCTORS & SURGEONS

Jason Nitche, M D JN

Jason Nitche, M D

Orthopedic Surgery

Alan Nasar, MD

Alan Nasar, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

Dhimant Balar, DO

Dhimant Balar, DO

Sports Medicine

David Rodricks, MD DR

David Rodricks, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

Sergei Pushilin, MD

Sergei Pushilin, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

Sunil Thacker, MD

Sunil Thacker, MD

Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine

William Baione, MD WB

William Baione, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

Joseph Bogdan, MD

Joseph Bogdan, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

Joseph Marsicano, MD

Joseph Marsicano, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

Justin Elkrief, DO

Justin Elkrief, DO

Orthopedic Surgery

Brian Katt

Brian Katt

Orthopedic Surgery

Eric Buxbaum, DO

Eric Buxbaum, DO

Orthopedic Surgery

Ryan Coyle, MD

Ryan Coyle, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

Gary Pess, MD

Gary Pess, MD

Hand Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery

Gregg Berkowitz, MD, FAAOS

Gregg Berkowitz, MD, FAAOS

Orthopedic Surgery

Patrick Buckley, MD PB

Patrick Buckley, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

Michael Nakashian, MD

Michael Nakashian, MD

Elbow Surgery, Hand Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Shoulder Surgery, Wrist Surgery

Ravi Verma, MD RV

Ravi Verma, MD

Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Surgery

James Cozzarelli, MD, FAAOS JC

James Cozzarelli, MD, FAAOS

Orthopedic Surgery

Michael Greller, MD, MBA

Michael Greller, MD, MBA

Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine

Stacey Gallacher, MD

Stacey Gallacher, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

Grigory Goldberg, MD

Grigory Goldberg, MD

Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Surgery

Bruce Stamos, MD

Bruce Stamos, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

Gerardo Goldberger, DO

Gerardo Goldberger, DO

Orthopedic Surgery

Kenneth Chern, MD

Kenneth Chern, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

Kevin McDaid, MD

Kevin McDaid, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

David Lamb, MD

David Lamb, MD

Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Surgery

Garret Sobol, MD

Garret Sobol, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

Ahmed Siddiqi, MD, MBA AS

Ahmed Siddiqi, MD, MBA

Orthopedic Surgery

David Polonet, MD DP

David Polonet, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

Christopher Collins, MD

Christopher Collins, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

Arthur Vasen, MD

Arthur Vasen, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

Joel Fechisin, MD JF

Joel Fechisin, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

Arth Patel, MD

Arth Patel, MD

Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine

Andrew Harrison, MD AH

Andrew Harrison, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

Jonathon Lentz, DO

Jonathon Lentz, DO

Orthopedic Surgery

Paul Haynes, MD

Paul Haynes, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

Sheref Hassan, MD SH

Sheref Hassan, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

Christos Plakas, MD

Christos Plakas, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

Praveen Yalamanchili, MD

Praveen Yalamanchili, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

Christopher Spagnuola, MD CS

Christopher Spagnuola, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

Nicholas Phillips, DO

Nicholas Phillips, DO

Hand Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Upper Extremity Surgery

Richard Klein, MD RK

Richard Klein, MD

Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Surgery

David Chalnick, MD DC

David Chalnick, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

Kenneth Swan, MD KS

Kenneth Swan, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

Tyler Kreitz, MD

Tyler Kreitz, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

Gregory Roehrig, MD GR

Gregory Roehrig, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

Steven Mennona, MD SM

Steven Mennona, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

Arthur Mark

Arthur Mark

Orthopedic Surgery

Shamik Chakraborty, MD

Shamik Chakraborty, MD

Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery

Steven Weintraub, DO

Steven Weintraub, DO

Sports Medicine

David Junkin Jr., MD DJ

David Junkin Jr., MD

Orthopedic Surgery

Aron Green, MD AG

Aron Green, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

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Joanie's Story
Joanie's Story
Joanie's Story
Joanie Sapienza placed second in a surfing contest last summer on Long Beach Island. It’s one of many trophies the 59-year-old lifelong competitive surfer has won. This honor was the sweetest, however, because it marked the Manasquan resident’s return to the sport she loves after a potentially life-altering injury. Joanie, a critical care nurse practitioner at CentraState, had just finished...Read More >
Julia's Story
Julia's Story
Julia's Story
Julia Schleuss was a trailblazer when she joined the boys’ wrestling team at Wall Township High School. However, when she broke her collarbone during a match this winter, she was concerned that she might never wrestle again. Julia, 16, decided in eighth grade that she wanted to join the boys’ wrestling team because of the team’s workout regimen; being the...Read More >
Edward's Story
Edward's Story
Edward's Story
Edward Stoner, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician on staff at CentraState, has considered team sports as his “gym” for most of his life. A self-proclaimed aging athlete, his interests have ranged from high school football to tennis, golf, and racquetball. But over the past decade, he’s found a new passion in a men’s competitive soccer league based in Freehold....Read More >
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Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) Model

CentraState Medical Center is participating with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in a new care improvement initiative called the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) model. Lower extremity joint replacements and major leg procedures are included. The goal of the project is to support better and more efficient care. The model tests bundled payments for the hospital and quality measures.

As part of this model, hospitals, physicians, and post-acute care providers will work together to further improve quality of care. Drs. Berkowitz, Buxbaum, Greller, and Nasar are working with CentraState on plans for care. CentraState’s participation in the CJR model should not restrict your access to care for your medical condition or your freedom to choose your health care providers and services. Additional information is available here.

Read CentraState’s Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement Program (CJR) Collaborator Selection Policy

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