New Orleans Magazine July 2007

ORTHOPEDIC UPDATE
Since the hurricanes of 2005, some of the busiest medical professionals in the New Orleans metro area are those in the field of Orthopedics. Orthopedics, the branch of medicine concerned with diseases, injuries, and conditions of the musculoskeletal
system, is one medical discipline widely represented in the New Orleans areas. Physicians and other medical specialists tend to various conditions relating to the body’s muscles and skeleton, including the joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves.  
Orthopedists and their associates have been busy treating individuals who suffered injuries or other conditions brought on by their participation in the rebuilding of hurricane-damaged areas. Fortunately in the past decade, diagnostics,
treatment and disease management in orthopedics have taken giant steps toward alleviating or successfully treating a variety of conditions. Among the greatest advances is the emergence of arthroscopic surgery, allowing an orthopedic surgeon to make a small incision in the patient’s skin, insert a pencil sized instrument with a small lens and lighting system and then magnify and illuminate the structures inside the joint.

Here are some of the leading orthopedic specialists in our area:
 Alexis Waguespack, M.D., is a fellowship-trained spine specialist, providing treatment of cervical, thoracic and lumber spinal disorders and trauma, including
herniated discs, spinal stenosis (pinched nerve), tumors and infection. She also treats adult scoliosis and osteoporotic fractures. “I try things conservatively, not operatively, but if surgery is necessary I often can do minimally invasive procedures,” says Dr. Waguespack. 

“For osteoporatic fractures, we use kyphoplasty procedures, where we inject cement into the bone, which restores height and strength and gives immediate pain relief. “The injection component is advancing rapidly now,” Waguespack says. “It also allows patients to stand and walk again.”

Other conditions sometimes require major reconstructive surgeries to prolong quality of life, Waguespack says, who also works in conjunction with interventional pain
specialists. The Spinecare Medical Group has offices in Metairie and the Westbank.
In Metairie, call (504) 887-7207. On the Westbank, call (504) 392-7123.

Neil J. Maki, M.D., is well known throughout the area as an orthopaedist
specializing in sports injuries and shoulder work. Dr. Maki is one of the few in the area who performs carpal tunnel procedures endoscopically. He also performs shoulder replacement surgery, shoulder athroscopy and treats rotator cuff injuries. Patients are referred to Dr. Maki from all over the state of Louisiana for shoulder problems. Dr. Maki is a past president of the Louisiana Orthopaedic Association. Call (985) 446-6284 or (800) 521-2647 for more information.

The Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine is distinctive in the practice of orthopedics, in that it offers timely doctor visits, physical therapy and MRI scans all under one roof. With two locations, the doctors treat patients from all over the New Orleans Metro area. They specialize in minimally-invasive arthroscopic shoulder procedures as well as arthroscopic management of knee, elbow and ankle problems. The doctors at Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine are the official doctors for the New Orleans Zephyrs, the AAA affiliate team of the New York Mets.




Luis M. Espinoza, M.D., Thomas R. Lyons, M.D. and Chuck P. Murphy, M.D. are all board-certified by the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons. “We try to cater to the convenience of the patient,” Espinoza says. “That is why we offer services such as in house physical therapy and diagnostic imaging. “Our team approach gives us a unique ability to maintain close contact with our patients throughout the entire healing process to ensure the best possible outcomes.” The Metairie office of The Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine is located at 4921 Airline Drive – call (504) 889-2663. The Kenner office is located at 261 W. Esplanade, Suite 100 – call (504) 467-5900.

Southern Orthopedic Specialists is a medical corporation currently composed of six orthopedic surgeons highly trained in the evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal problems involving the extremities and spine as well as sports medicine. “We are pleased that two new physicians will be joining our group in August after completing their fellowship training which will expand our group to eight,” says Terry L. Habig, M.D.  Field Ogden M.D., is completing a one year foot and ankle fellowship in Charlotte, N.C. and Andrew Todd, M.D., is completing a fellowship in spine surgery at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.

“I think that bringing two young speciality trained physicians back to New Orleans not only benefits our group but also benefits the medical community, our patients, the hospitals and ultimately, the economic development of the city,” says Habig. Southern Orthopedic Specialists has two offices, which are open five days a week and the practice has 24-hour on-call coverage seven days a week. The facilities include physical therapy, X-ray facility, durable medical equipment and on-site surgery suite.  For more information, call (504) 897-6351, or visit www.southern-ortho.com.

The surgeons at Westside Orthopaedic Clinic are trained in virtually all areas of modern Orthopaedic surgery, including total joint replacement surgery, performed by Dr. Fernando Sanchez; arthroscopy and hand and shoulder surgery, performed by Dr. Chris Digrado; and specialty spine surgery performed by Dr. Ralph Katz. All of the surgeons at Westside Orthopaedic Clinic are board-certified and fellowship-trained in orthopaedic surgery. The clinic has been in operation since 1962, making it one of the longest-standing of is kind in the city.

Westside Orthopaedic Clinic also provides full service in-house X-ray, physical therapy and bone mineral density testing. Workers compensation injuries and fractures, back pain, shoulder, hip or knee pain can all be treated by the physicians at Westside Orthopaedic Clinic.  For more information, visit www.westsideortho.com, or call
(504) 347-0243.

At MRI of Louisiana, patients get more space, more comfort and more quality. MRI of Louisiana’s Siemens Open Bore MRI combines Total Imaging Matrix Technology with Open Bore MRI, allowing a true 1.5T high-field power magnet to be used with CT-like comfort. With its heads-out and feet-first innovative design, the Open Bore allows patients maximum comfort. Patients experience no claustrophobia due to the Open Bore’s ground-breaking 70cm inner diameter tube. Superior image quality eliminates the need for retakes. MRI of Louisiana also offers physicians fax scheduling which enables staff members the ability to schedule same-day exams and reports, in a speedy, efficient manner. MRI of Louisiana’s friendly and courteous personnel accept all insurance plans, including newly signed People’s Health. The skilled team of radiologists is on call 24 hours, 7 days a week. With two
locations, MRI of Louisiana is conveniently available at West Jefferson Hospital, or 4525 Westbank Expressway in Marrero. For appointments call (504) 349-6191. For added convenience, MRI of Louisiana offers reserved parking on the 2nd floor in the Physicians center parking garage.

John Logan, M.D., is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon
specializing in adult spinal surgery. Dr. Logan works with Donald Dietze Jr., M.D., a board-certified neurosurgeon, specializing in neuro-spinal conditions, and surgery clinical professor of neurosurgery, Tulane University. Drs. Logan and Dietze,
of the North Institute, partner with the patient in every phase of treatment and recovery. “It’s two for one,” says Dr. Logan. “Our patients really love the idea. Dr. Dietze and I conference about every patient. North Institute patients benefit from the expertise of us both. When we operate together. It’s like having a second opinion built in to your treatment.”

Dr. Logan and Dr. Dietze work with Richard P. Texada, Jr., M.D., general
orthopedic surgeon, fellowship-trained in sports medicine, to offer state-of-the-art
clinical facilities and technology for pain management services. On site are specialists in rehabilitation medicine, and in-house rehab programs. Patients visit the doctors for their expertise in orthopedics and neurosurgery, total joint replacement, sports medicine and spine problems.

“We’re proud of the fact that probably 80 percent of our patients benefit by pain management, medications and physical  therapy and really don’t have to have surgery,” Dr. Logan says. “Also, answering questions and educating patients is a big part of what we do.” North Institute is located in Lacombe. Visit www.northinstitute.com,
or call (985) 871-4114.

For 36 years the doctors at Pontchartrain Bone and Joint Clinic  have been providing expert orthopedic services to the people of the New Orleans metropolitan area. “We treat musculo-skeletal disorders in children, athletes and up to elderly people,” says Jeffrey J. Sketchler, M.D. Treatment is offered for sports injuries, arthritis, back pain, motor vehicle accidents, workers’ compensation injuries and fractures. 

Dr. Sketchler says that less invasive surgical techniques, such as computer-assisted knee replacement and arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery are now available. Conservative treatment is always considered first before a decision for surgery is made. Patient input is given the highest consideration during any course of treatment.  For more information on locations and services, visit www.pontbone-joint.com,
or call (504) 885-6464.

At Jefferson Orthopedic Clinic on the West Bank, the doctors have decades of experience in treating a wide array of musculoskeletal conditions. Dr. M. Juneau is joined by Dr. M. Grimm, Dr. L.T. Cashio and Dr. R.D. Bostick, III, all board-certified and trained in minimally invasive and arthroscopic surgery techniques. The doctors at Jefferson Orthopedic Clinic offer state-of-the-art treatments, including computer-assisted joint replacement. Jefferson Orthopedic Clinic is the only practice on the westbank offering this service, says Dr. Juneau. “This new technique helps us get our patients up faster, with small incisions and far less blood loss,” says Dr. Juneau. “We pride ourselves in offering same day appointments for acute injuries.”

Conditions treated include athletic injuries, joint problems, fractures, foot and ankle problems, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, hand injuries and shoulder disorders, among others. Offices are located at 1111 Medical Center Blvd, Marrero; and 120 Meadowcrest St., Suite 110. For more information, call (504) 349-6804, or visit
www.jeffersonorthopedicclinic.com.

Premier MRI4U is an open MRI facility located in Covington. Open MRI means that the patient does not enter a “tube” or “tunnel” device. Instead, the patient lies on a table that has open sides. This creates a more comfortable experience, especially for larger individuals or those who suffer from claustrophobia. Premier MRI4U is an American College of Radiology-accredited facility. The MRI technologist, on staff, is not only licensed but also certified. Doctors always receive a report about their patient’s scan within two hours. At Premier MRI4U, everything possible is done to ensure patient comfort, including blankets and mints. Family members, friends or even a member of the staff can sit with patients if they are uncomfortable in any way during the procedure. All staff members are certified in CPR. For more information, visit www.premiermri4u.com, or call (985) 809-6744.

Even with the best medical care, patients need the right equipment to regain their mobility and live quality lives. Jefferson Orthopedic Appliances offers orthopedic appliances (brace) or prosthetic devices (artificial limb). Board certified in orthotics and prosthetics, the professionals at Jefferson Orthopedic Appliances are trained to
evaluate, fit and fabricate orthotic and prosthetic devices. With a doctor’s referral, they can custom fit any type of brace or artificial limb and fitters services are
available for men, women and children. They also counsel patients in the use of the device, and offer support and understanding.

Each prosthesis is uniquely designed for the individual patient’s need, assuring
comfort, function and ease of movement. For more information, visit Jefferson Orthopedic Appliances at 1612 Clearview Parkway, Metairie, or call (504) 888-0213; or visit 909 Avenue C, Marrero, (504) 347-2324.

Many patients are unaware of the hundreds of healthcare products available to either treat their medical conditions or improve their quality of life,” says Jeff Friedman, owner of Total Health Solutions. The Metairie store has a huge showroom filled with products to improve mobility such as canes, walkers, rolling walkers, lightweight wheelchairs and power wheelchairs/scooters. Those with difficulties performing daily tasks such as eating, bathing and lifting can benefit from special utensils, reachers, magnifiers, long handled bath products and dressing aids. Safety in the bathroom can be easily addressed with grab bars, shower chairs/bathtub benches and
elevated toilet seats. Those who have difficulty getting up when seated can benefit from an electric lift-chair/recliner and adjustable homecare beds. 

Total Health Solutions also carries all types of medical supplies such as ostomy, wound care, catheters, CPAP and incontinence. People with aches and pains can benefit from wrist, knee, back and foot supports, special neck pillows, hot and cold packs and moist heating pads. Their Caring for Women Boutique addresses problems unique to women and offers mastectomy bras and breast forms, compression stockings, lymphedema garments, wigs and maternity products. The store is located at 3211 N. Causeway Blvd. Metairie. For more information call (504) 834-8114.