JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
There's a new helping hand at the Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics and Surgery Center (MGMCSC) orthopedic clinic. A visiting hand surgeon is available every Monday and Tuesday, by appointment, to perform a variety of procedures ranging from carpal tunnel release and ganglion cyst removal to complex reconstructions.
But that's not all, a new Sports Medicine surgeon is also available every Tuesday and Wednesday to treat sports related injuries including anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery.
"The orthopedic clinic at MGMCSC provides a full range of comprehensive orthopedic services to address nagging knee, shoulder, hip and hand pain. Visiting surgeons from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) have recently expanded our capability," said Maj. (Dr.) Ronald Quam, chief of Orthopedic Surgery Clinic, 779th Medical Group.
Other outpatient orthopedic services include cortisone (steroid) injections and viscosupplement gel injections for arthritis in major joints, such as the hip and knee, performed by all orthopedic providers.
A fracture clinic is held four days a week (Mon., Tu., Fri. and on Wed. for follow-up), by appointment, for acute injuries and fractures. An orthopedic surgeon is also on call, 24/7, to care for any fractures or injuries that come through the Emergent Care Center.
Outpatient surgery is conveniently performed onsite after evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon and advance scheduling. Surgery for shoulder, hip and knee joint repairs is accomplished with arthroscopy, a video-assisted procedure, where surgery is done through the use of a scope.
"Arthroscopic surgeries are very successful for treating patients with extensive involvement of a major joint. Recovery is usually fairly quick, pain is minimal and medical resources are used more efficiently," said Quam.
The Orthopedics Clinic recently teamed with Fort Belvoir Community Hospital (FBCH) to create a joint replacement program. When inpatient surgery is required, patients receive all their pre-operative care at MGMCSC. Surgery is then performed at FBCH, with MGMCSC surgeons working hand-in-hand with Army and Navy providers.
"Total knee replacements are our most common joint replacement surgeries and are highly successful in restoring joint function, decreasing or alleviating pain, and improving quality of life for those patients with severe arthritis in two or more joint spaces in the knee," said Quam.
Total hip replacement is also offered for patients with end-stage osteoarthritis of the hips. Both traditional posterior and antero-lateral approaches to total hip replacement are offered routinely and are highly successful. Additionally, the anterior approach to hip replacement is offered by Dr. Quam, for patients meeting certain qualification criteria.
"Our surgeons are highly qualified and routinely provide care to wounded warriors recovering at WRNMMC for amputations, skin grafting, wound and fracture care," said Quam.
Don't let another day with aching joints or pains go by. Let our orthopedic surgeons help you to feel better.
The orthopedic clinic is open from 7:30 am- 4:30 p.m. and a referral from your Primary Care Manager (PCM) is required prior to obtaining an appointment at the clinic.
For more information on specific orthopedic services call 240-857-3692/8599. To obtain a referral, please contact your PCM.