Many people do not understand the wide range of treatment options available to the Orthopedic Physician. Here is a summary of some of those options that range from nonsurgical treatments to limited invasive surgery.

Treatment with Medication

Treatments with medications include the use of Cortisone injections, Glucosamine/Chondroitin for joint health, anti-inflammatories (Motrin, Alieve, etc), custom pharmacy gels and creams for pain relief, Roostercomb and gel injections.

Joint Reconstruction

Ranges from ligament and tendon repairs (ACL, MCL, rotator cuff, etc...) to realignment procedures to keep kneecaps from dislocating and joints from wearing out quickly.

Common causes of knee pain and instability include arthritis, wearing out of surface cartilage, injuries resulting in torn ligaments or cartilage pads, pain due to joints out of alignment, birth abnormalities and broken bones. We are also seeing cases of improper patellar alignment that lead to other knee problems such as patellar dislocation and premature arthritis of the kneecap.

Treatments include:

• Physical therapy
• Temporary Bracing and Stabilization
• Medication
• Injections of cortisone or roostercomb shots (viscosupplementation)
• Arthroscopy
• Repair of fractures
• Joint Resurfacing
• Cartilage Transplant
• Repositioning of the kneecap
• Knee Replacement
• Robotic partial and full knee replacements

In addition to arthritis, trochanteric bursitis (also called hip bursitis) is a common problem of pain and inflammation over the outside of the hip and thigh area. Hip fractures are common in older patients. Hip Pointers are generally sports related indicating a bone bruise or fracture. Additional issues can result from osteoporosis, such as fractures from falls or insufficiency fractures (the bone fails from being too weak).Trauma injuries to the joint. All resulting in pain and disability.

Treatments include:

• Physical Therapy
• Medication
• Cortisone injections
• Rest and Stabilization
• Arthroscopy
• Joint Resurfacing
• Hip Replacement (both robotic and standard techniques)

Shoulder pain is an extremely common complaint. It is important to make an accurate diagnosis of the cause of your symptoms so that appropriate treatment can be directed at the cause. If you have shoulder pain, some common causes include:

Bursitis, Arthritis, Tendonitis and Calcification, Shoulder Instability, Dislocation or Separation, and Rotator Cuff Tears.

Treatments include:

• Rest or Physical Therapy
• Anti-inflamatory medications
• Cortisone Injections
• Arthroscopy
• Resurfacing replacements- both limited and full replacements
• Traditional Surgery and scope surgery
• Shoulder Replacement
• Cartilage transplants

Trauma treatment including pediatrics and sports injuries. We offer x-ray facilities and can re-set simple fractures in the office. Complex fractures and injuries to growth plates may require additional treatment. I am one of the leading orthopedic trauma surgeons working at a level 1 trauma center (car accidents, multiple fractures, falls from roofs, crash injuries). I also treat complex fractures and open fractures, many referred from surrounding hospitals for specialized care. I have specialized training treating fractures due to osteoporosis often seen in our elderly population (shoulder, hip, knee, ankle, and elbow). I can be requested if your family member is in the hospital.

Alternative Joint Replacement

Osteotomies (cutting the bone to straighten it)
Resurfacing arthroplasty (small metal and plastic implants that cover damaged surface cartilage, yet preserves the ligaments and cartilage)
One and two compartmental (bicompartmental) joint replacements instead of a total knee – they last just as long and have quicker recovery, with fewer complications.
Makoplasty robotic joint replacement (partials and totals) for hip and knee – less invasive and more precise.

Bicompartmental & Robotic Joint Replacement

Bicompartmental Joint Replacement

• For all individuals, even older less active patients
• Repairs only the worn surfaces
• More natural feel by rebalancing your joint
• Smaller incision
• Less pain during recovery
• Recovery in half the time of standard replacements
• Complications are much lower
• Often times outpatient surgery
• Allows you to remain fully active for sports and work
• Precise placement to allow a custom fit
• Designed for your anatomy, not off the shelf
• Rapid recovery, back to work in as little as 2-4 weeks
• Longer lasting due to the precision in the placement

Cartilage Transplant and Transfer

Modern research technology has produced methods to cultivate cartilage in the lab. The new cartilage can then be transplanted to supplement this tough cushioning layer in your joint, providing fresh surfaces and eliminating "bone to bone" friction that is both destructive and painful. Cartilage can also be transferred from a less important part of the body to a more critical location. This is done for trauma situations and to prolong the need for joint replacement

Resurfacing

Refinishing the joint surface within an inflamed or injured joint can at times provide long term relief from pain or discomfort.This can be done using biological and synthetic materials( metal and plastic).This minimally invasive procedure allows for rapid recovery, getting you back to your regular activity level with limited recovery time.

Physical Therapy

Often times muscle weakness and stiffness is the source of pain. Dr. Drayer will direct a treatment plan to help relieve pain or strengthen surrounding muscle tissue to ease discomfort through better support of the joint. He will recommend an experienced certified therapist near where you live.

Sports Injuries

Combinations of surgical and nonsurgical care for quick return to the court or playing field.
Many times can be corrected with physical therapy.
Sometimes a combination of scope surgery and physical therapy.
My training included treatment for the Detroit Lions and Tigers, plus area colleges and high schools.