Orthopedics is the branch of medicine concerned with the prevention and correction of disorders, injuries and diseases of the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and related tissues. Although disorders such as joint degeneration or a torn ligament may require surgical intervention, often patients with orthopedic problems are successfully treated without surgery.

Huntington Hospital's orthopedics department includes expert staff, state-of-the-art facilities, and advanced diagnostic and treatment techniques, and offers patients the most comprehensive orthopedic care available in the San Gabriel Valley. Whether treating a painful fractured hip, or repairing damage to the delicate bones of the human hand, our utmost commitment is to provide individual attention and ensure patient satisfaction.

Total Joint Replacement
Through advances in orthopedic surgery and artificial joint technology, orthopedic surgeons are now able to replace immobile or painful joints with metal or metal-and-plastic prostheses. Each year, orthopedic surgeons here carry out hundreds of knee and hip replacement procedures, and their expertise helps ensure optimal outcomes for their patients.

Computer Assisted Joint Replacement
Huntington Hospital has the highest level of experience in this advanced field of medicine and currently offers computer assisted joint replacement surgery, featuring the Navitrack Navigation System. This offers patients greater precision than ever before when it comes to joint position accuracy.

Huntington Hospital is one of the few facilities in Southern California that offers hip replacement surgery utilizing an anterior approach. This is performed on a modified surgical table, allowing surgeons to make shorter incisions and no muscle cutting. Many patients recovery times are nearly cut in half when the anterior approach is used and virtually all patients enjoy a faster return to function.

Femoral Nerve Block
Another added bonus for Huntington patients undergoing joint replacement surgery is femoral nerve block anesthesia. By blocking the femoral nerve and feeding medication directly to the source of pain, patients have quicker recovery periods and less post surgical discomfort. They are usually able to get up easier and begin walking sooner – enhancing the surgical outcome.

Before and After Joint Replacement Surgery
Huntington Hospital's unique presurgical preparation and aftercare programs ensure that patients receive the information needed prior to surgery, and the aftercare needed to return to an active, healthy lifestyle as quickly as possible. Our Joint Replacement Class, for example, is staffed by members of the hospital's joint replacement team, who guide patients through the replacement process and answer any questions they may have. Aftercare programs include coordinated physical therapy, diet and nutrition consultation and individualized preparation for the return home.

Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Orthopedic surgeons at Huntington Hospital treat the numbness, pain and weakness of carpal tunnel syndrome through a procedure called carpal tunnel release. This minimally invasive procedure releases pressure on nerves and restores hand functioning. The carpal tunnel release procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, and patients typically have full use of the hand in approximately four weeks.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Repair
Minimally invasive surgical procedures allow surgeons to reconstruct a torn or damaged ACL without opening the knee. Several small incisions allow physicians to insert tiny surgical instruments and miniature video equipment into the joint. The damaged portion of the ACL is removed, and a healthy segment of ligament, taken from a donor or from another part of the patient's own body, is carefully attached.

Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI)
Huntington orthopedic surgeons also performed autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), a new procedure ideal for younger patients (50 and under) who have suffered traumatic cartilage injury. This is a staged procedure in which cartilage cells are harvested in the first stage and then re-implanted into the area of injury. Not only does the new cartilage flourish, but the undergoing the procedure usually curbs the life-long pain associated with osteoarthritis typically suffered by patients who have sustained cartilage injury.

Staff and Facilities
Huntington Hospital's orthopedic service encompasses a range of orthopedic specialties, delivered with extraordinary care and compassion. We offer:

• More than 20 dedicated and highly skilled orthopedic physicians, along with a full team of affiliated professionals and caregivers.
• Two specially equipped operating rooms devoted to orthopedic surgery.
• An orthopedic unit with specially trained nurses and therapists.
• A unique case management system to help ensure that follow-up, home care and other aftercare needs are met.
• A wide range of aftercare options.

Rehabilitation and Aftercare
Following an orthopedic surgical procedure such as knee or hip replacement, the road to recovery involves a program of specialized rehabilitation and aftercare. To meet the individual needs of recovering orthopedic patients, Huntington Hospital's orthopedic department offers rehabilitation and aftercare on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. Services are provided by skilled physical and occupational therapists, supported by a premier rehabilitation unit and gymnasium.

From prompt and precise diagnosis through caring treatment and recovery, the specialists at Huntington Hospital are the region's caregivers of choice.

For a physician referral call 1 (800) 903-9233 or go to our Physician Directory