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Orthopedics

What is Orthopedics?

Orthopedics is a branch of medical science that treats spine and joint disorders and deformities.

You can learn about orthopedic problems at our Health Library. Topics covered include ACL injuries; back, feet and knee pain; hip fractures; rehabilitation and more.

Orthopedic Services

Catholic Health offers a full spectrum of knee and joint treatment options, from total replacement and resurfacing to the latest in advanced robotic procedures – including options that can help preserve the joints you have.

Orthopedic procedures at Catholic Health include:

• Total knee replacement
• Partial knee replacement
• Knee resurfacing
• Hip replacement

In 2009, Kenmore Mercy Hospital ranked in the top 10% in the nation for joint replacement in a study by HealthGrades. Kenmore Mercy has received this honor four years in a row.

"Custom Fit" Knee Replacement

With "custom fit" knee replacement surgery, custom cutting guides preserve healthy bone and ligaments and improve implant fit and alignment. This procedure allows for a quicker recovery time, less pain, and a better range of motion. Only 400 doctors nationwide perform this specialized surgery. 

Sisters of Charity Hospital was the first in Western New York to perform the "custom fit" knee replacement procedure.

Outpatient Partial Knee Replacement

Partial knee replacement is a minimally invasive surgery option that could mean shorter recovery time. More than 90% of our patients go home the very same day.

MAKO Medical Robot

MAKO is a medical robot that uses a robotic arm and patient-specific visualization techniques to prepare the knee joint for reproducible bone shaping, implant insertion and alignment – all through a minimal incision.

Revolutionary Procedure

Up until recently, the general approach for arthritic knees and other knee issues has been to use cortisone shots and eventually replace the entire knee joint, which is comprised of three compartments. Surgeons were unable to isolate a specific compartment manually, and therefore would remove and replace the entire knee. This rather invasive procedure required a lot of recovery time and pain management, not to mention a large scar.

John Repicci, D.D.S., M.D., a dentist turned orthopedic surgeon, noted that the knee functions much like that of teeth, with more than 90 percent of damage to the joint affecting just the inner portion and reasoned that replacing the entire knee was excessive. It was he who developed the afore mentioned unicondylar knee implant.

By using the MAKO TGS system to replicate Dr. Repicci’s technical skills, hospitals across the United States are saving thousands of dollars.

Patient Benefits

Patients are able to postpone and potentially eliminate the need for a full knee replacement. To top it all off, the patient can walk out of the hospital the same day as the surgery!

Kenmore Mercy is currently the only facility in Western New York operating with a MAKO robot.

For more information about the MAKO robot, including an educational video, click here.

Rehabilitation by Partners In Rehab & AthletiCare

After an injury or surgery, many patients require outpatient physical therapy as part of their recovery process. Catholic Health’s experienced therapists offer individualized programs while maintaining communication with the referring physician. 

Becoming a Patient

Evaluation / Surgical

A referral for orthopedic services may be needed, depending on your insurance company. Please contact an orthopedic physician affiliated with Catholic Health. His or her staff will evaluate your situation and determine if a referral is needed before your visit. 

If you do not have an orthopedic physician, click here to search our physician directory or contact our HealthConnection representatives at (716) 447-6205 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday - Friday.

Rehabilitation

A physician referral is required in order to receive therapy. If you do not have a physician, click here to find a Catholic Health primary care facility near you or search our physician directory.