Orthopedics

Orthopedic Care in New Jersey

Orthopedics is the medical specialty dedicated to correcting deformities and diseases related to the bones and muscles.

We all rely on our healthy bones and joints to stay active, resilient and independent. At RWJBarnabas Health, we understand just how disruptive an orthopedic concern can be to your lifestyle.

Our expert orthopedists aim to restore the functionality of ligaments, joints, nerves and tendons to their original state whenever possible. Orthopedic care may range from setting broken bones to repairing complex fractures, to the treatment of serious disorders and degenerative diseases, which may include hip and knee replacement surgery and spine surgery.

Multidisciplinary Care

Musculoskeletal conditions can be complicated, and treatment for orthopedic issues may involve a combination of therapies, including occupational therapy, physical therapy, medications or injections to manage symptoms and improve mobility. When necessary, orthopedic surgery may be recommended to address disease, correct deformities and improve quality of life. Our multidisciplinary team will work together with you to create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses every aspect of your care.

Orthopedic Causes and Conditions

Orthopedic issues can have a variety of origins and can present into many different symptoms and conditions. Orthopedic conditions of the musculoskeletal system can be congenital (present from birth), develop over time or result from an injury.

Congenital Orthopedic Conditions

Some orthopedic conditions and diseases are apparent at birth. While some conditions can be inherited and some are not, their cause is not always known.

Pediatric orthopedics is the area of medicine dedicated to orthopedic conditions that either appear at birth or during childhood. Some congenital conditions include:

• Limb length discrepancies
• Scoliosis, which is a curvature of the spine
• Spina bifida, which is a neural tube defect that results in the incomplete development of the spinal cord, affecting movement, posture and muscle tone
• Hip dysplasia, a condition in which the pelvis socket and femur do not fit together properly

Trauma

Common sources of trauma that can require orthopedic care are car accidents, machinery accidents, sports injuries and falls. Orthopedic surgery or therapy may be needed after traumatic impact or from repetitive wear and tear on the bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons. These orthopedic issues can include simple broken bones to complex fractures, stretched or torn ligaments or muscles, dislocated joints, rotator cuff injuries, tennis elbow, runner’s knee, sciatica and more.

Orthopedic Issues That Develop Over Time

While many orthopedic conditions are congenital or trauma-related, others may develop from repetitive wear and tear or with age. Some of these conditions include:

• Arthritis is an umbrella term for more than 100 different conditions involving the swelling of the joints — the places in the body where two bones meet. It includes joint disease that is caused by wear and tear, and well as inflammatory or rheumatologic conditions such as:
  • Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease
  • Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune and inflammatory disease affecting joints
  • Psoriatic arthritis, a progressive, chronic inflammatory condition of the joints and the places where the tendons and ligaments attach to bones
• Carpal tunnel syndrome, a repetitive motion injury that occurs when a nerve is compressed
• Bursitis, an inflammation associated with repetitive wear on the affected joint
• Osteoporosis, a condition identified by weak bones that have lost density

Orthopedic Treatments and Surgeries

Depending on the orthopedic condition, symptoms and severity, a patient may be treated with a variety of noninvasive therapies to restore or improve function. Therapies may include:

• Orthopedic rehabilitation
• Medications
• Injections for pain management

Orthopedic surgery may be required to address disease, correct deformities and restore mobility. Some orthopedic surgeries include joint replacement surgery (hip or knee replacements); spine surgery; and various other orthopedic procedures that are helpful in fostering mobility and improving a patient’s quality of life.

Orthopedic Care in New Jersey

As the largest and most comprehensive healthcare system in the state of New Jersey, RWJBarnabas Health delivers world-class orthopedic care including medical screening, diagnosis and treatment options for the health and wellness of the entire family. The mission shared across our award-winning healthcare network is to advance innovative strategies in high-quality patient care, education and research in a way that aids in all aspects of health, including the clinical, emotional and social needs of our patients.

Our orthopedic teams include orthopedic surgeons, physicians, physician assistants, registered nurses, physical therapists and other medical professionals who are dedicated to treating our patients with compassion and care.

We use a “patient-first” model of care that aims to enrich our patients’ lives, upholding the highest standards in medical practices while administering the latest treatments, technologies and procedures.

A Resource for Health and Wellness

Our orthopedic specialists provide information and referrals to community resources that aid in educating you about orthopedic conditions that may affect you and your family. We also offer seminars and educational sessions to clearly explain orthopedic conditions and treatment options.

Stay Active with Us

Whether you require emergency care for an accident or are suffering from a degenerative condition, our dedicated, caring professionals are ready to assess your needs and provide the latest, state-of-the-art treatment options to help facilitate a more enjoyable, active lifestyle.

Discomfort should never have to be a way of life. If you are looking for an orthopedist in New Jersey, look no further. With evidence-based practices, we are here to offer you guidance and support. We strive to leave no stone unturned throughout your screening, diagnosis and treatment journey to get you on the road to a better, more active life.

Let's be healthy together. Request an appointment.