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REFERRING TO AN ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON Patients with musculoskeletal problems typically first visit a primary care physi- cian, who might perform initial evaluations, order imaging studies, and initiate treatments such as anti-inflammatory medication or injection, physical therapy, or chiropractic alternatives. If those measures fail to alleviate symptoms, physicians often refer patients to an orthopaedic surgeon. "Part of the cha llenge of being a good orthopaedic surgeon is determining when conservative care is the correct pathway to hea ling and when surgery is the more appropriate means of treatment," explains Dr. Jackson. " W hen you look at the overa ll numbers of acute injuries that we treat in the office on a daily basis, it 's ver y sma ll compared to chronic conditions with progressive pain," explains Dr. Jackson. "Surgery can often be avoided with a bit of conservative treatment and some work on the part of the patient." SURGERY VERSES CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT According to Dr. Jackson, the field of orthopaedics is constantly changing and evolving with new techniques and treatments being researched daily. Currently, the use of anti-inflammatory medications, injections, viscosupplementation, stem cell treatments, over-the-counter supplements, weight reduction, and physical therapy are popular alternatives to surgical treatment. "A significant number of patients are interested in preserving their joints and wish to have as much conservative treatment as possible prior to considering major joint replacement surgery," Dr. Jackson says. "For the majority of patients, one or more of these non-surgical options will greatly improve the longevity of their natural joint." If pain is not relieved by conservative care, the patient may be a candidate for surgical intervention. When surgery is indicated, it is usually elective and often based on the patient's pain tolerance and desired lifestyle. "There has been a significant improvement in surgical techniques," Dr. Jackson points out. "This often results in decreased hospital stay, shorter recovery and quicker return to activities of daily living." In the case of total joint replacement surgery, there have been significant improve- ments in the materials used, specifically the metal and polyethylene components. "These improved components have allowed for greater longevity of joint replace- ments with fewer complications," explains Dr. Jackson. "There has also been a better understanding of human biomechanics and what is expected of not only our natural joints but the limitations imposed by artificial joints." A WELL-ROUNDED PLAN OF CARE Dr. Jackson believes it is very important to provide a well-rounded plan of care to help the patient restore function to as near normal as possible. That plan often includes work on the part of the patient to improve his or her overa ll hea lth. "Obta ining a nd ma inta ining a n appropriate body mass index a nd weight rea lly protects your la rger joints," says Dr. Jackson. "Keeping physica lly fit will prevent a lot of musculoskeleta l problems. Having that reser ve of being otherwise hea lthy rea lly helps you recover from surgery or injuries a lot faster." For Dr. Jackson, being a n or thopaedic surgeon is rewa rding. " W hether it is relieving a patient 's symptoms with conservative treatment in the office or providing care through surgery and post-operative recovery, for the majority of patients what we can do as orthopaedic surgeons can significantly change a patient's life for the better." D r. Steven Jackson sees patients at Western Reserve Hospital Physicians Inc. Orthopaedics at 999 N. Main Street in Akron , Ohio and 5655 Hudson D r. in Hudson , Ohio. To refer a patient, call 330 - 650 -5110. n M D N E W S .C O M /// M D N E W S C L E V E L A N D /A K R O N / C A N T O N ■ N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 017 1 3