MDNews - Minnesota

THE UNIVERSIT Y OF MINNESOTA HE ALTH CARTIL AGE RESTOR ATION AND JOINT PRESERVATION PROGR AM USES A MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH THAT ENCOMPA SSES SURGICAL, NONSURGICAL AND REHABILITATIVE TECHNIQUES, A S WELL A S LE ADING-EDGE RESE ARCH, TO PRESERVE OR IMPROVE JOINT HE ALTH AND ALLOW PATIENTS TO LE AD MORE ACTIVE LIVES. at University of Minnesota Health BY JOSH GARCIA W HILE JOINT REPL ACEMENT surgery plays a vital role in orthopedic care, this significant surgery is not for everyone and is associated with limitations and restrictions that can be permanent. University of Minnesota Health experts work to identify and implement therapies that can negate or delay the need for joint replacement surgery. "Joint replacements can have serious consequences," says Jeffrey A. Macalena, MD, orthopedic surgeon with University of Minnesota Health. "Patients are not supposed to run after a knee replacement, for example. Joint replacements can also wear down over time and cause patients to require additional surgery or treatment." BUILDING A CUSTOM SOLUTION In response to this concern, Dr. Macalena, alongside orthopedic surgeon Bradley J. Nelson, MD, spearheaded the development of the University of Minnesota Health Cartilage Restoration and Joint Preservation Program. This program helps prevent the need for joint replacement in patients with joint damage so that they can remain mobile and active in their daily lives. For patients who do require surgery, the program's new cartilage restoration technologies and techniques facilitate better outcomes and improve pain management. "We have created an inclusive program that leverages surgery, rehabilitation and nonsurgical management of joint issues for optimal patient outcomes," Dr. Nelson says. " We follow our patients and their clinical outcomes through structured research studies to improve on the services we offer, as well as our understanding of how joints function and heal. We are invested in discovering what works best." Thus far, the program's research has focused solely on the joint most commonly affected by cartilage damage — the knee. However, projects are already in development to expand research to additional joints, including the hip, shoulder and ankle. THE STARTING LINE In the same way that certain lifestyle choices can benefit the heart, joint articular cartilage can be protected by making intelligent health decisions, such as not smoking or ceasing to smoke, managing weight, building muscle strength, and exercising. In light of this, lifestyle management is an important part of the Cartilage Restoration and Joint Preservation Program. "We want patients to be as healthy as possible before we consider surgery," Dr. Macalena says. "Our evaluation starts with an initial discussion about modifying behaviors that the patient has control over. We then coordinate care with our primary care sports medicine providers and physical therapists to see if patients could benefit from rehabilitation or other lifestyle modifications." David J. Jewison, MD, spor ts medicine physicia n with University of Minnesota Health, and his fellow specialists within the program are often the first point of contact for patients who are experiencing joint pain. In some cases, joint pain can hinder patients from sticking to a physical therapy regimen or pursuing healthier lifestyle choices. In the past, patients typically chose The Cartilage Restoration and Joint Preservation Program's expert physical therapists — like Elizabeth Niemuth, PT, DPT, OCS, who is pictured here — work directly with patients during follow-up visits and coach patients' hometown therapists to ensure complete support at every stage. A FRESH TAKE ON JOINT PAIN 0 6❱❱❱❱❱ C O V E R S T O R Y 0 6

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