DON'T LET PAIN HOLD YOU BACK- ORTHOPEDICS AT ALBEMARLE HEALTH CARE
Are you a baby boomer? A product of the golden age of births — the years between 1946 and 1964? If so, you may be feeling the effects of aging. According to some estimates, there are more than 77 million Americans between the ages of 45 and 65. As a result, more and more people are looking into orthopedic procedures, such as hip and knee replacements, to help keep them active.
Even if you’re not a baby boomer, you may be a younger, “weekend warrior” athlete, who enjoys playing basketball, softball, or golf with a group of friends. Or, one of the millions of senior citizens who are living longer and more active lives.
Whatever the case may be, keeping up with today’s busier lifestyles depends on staying healthy, and often on quality orthopedic care. Albemarle Health is the region’s leader in orthopedic services, including surgical procedures and rehabilitation programs.
Orthopedic surgeons at Albemarle Hospital perform a variety of orthopedic procedures, including:
• repair of fractures to bones in the hand, ankle, or foot
• knee and shoulder arthroscopy
• repair of rotator cuff injuries
• repair of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
• total hip replacement
• total knee replacement
“There have been so many advances in medicine over the last 20 years. What used to be a lengthy and difficult procedure such as a hip replacement is now simpler, and easier on the patient,” said Peter J. Spohn, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon with Albemarle Orthopedics, in Elizabeth City, “Patients are typically up and around the next day, and going home much sooner than they did just a few short years ago. We also do many surgeries as small incision procedures now. It means less time is spent in surgery, and recovery times are a fraction of what they used to be.”
Dr. Spohn (left) began practicing in Elizabeth City in February. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Carnegie Mellon University, in Pittsburgh, PA, and his Medical Degree from Oregon Health Sciences University School of Medicine, in Portland. He completed his internship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, in Jackson; his residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, in Denver; and an Orthopedic Trauma Fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, in Nashville, TN. Dr. Spohn served in the United States Air Force, and saw active duty as part of the US Air Force Reserves in Operation Desert Storm before being honorably discharged as a Lieutenant Colonel. He is board certified in orthopedic surgery.
Orthopedic surgeons also help children, teenagers, and adults suffering from sports-related injuries.
Karl W. Hubbard, M.D., (right) is an orthopedic surgeon with Hubbard Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, in Elizabeth City. He has been in practice in the Albemarle area for more than 15 years. Dr. Hubbard earned his Medical Degree from the University of Louisville, in Louisville, KY. He completed his internship and residency at the Albany Medical Center, in Albany, NY. Dr. Hubbard is also board certified in orthopedic surgery.
“I see such a variety of patients these days, and bone and joint problems seem to be on the rise,” said Dr. Hubbard. “As more and more young people become active in organized sports — and even unorganized play such as neighborhood soccer or baseball — the number of sports-related injuries is on the rise. It’s not just sprains and strains, it’s broken bones in the hands and feet, and ACL tears.”
Albemarle Health’s orthopedic surgeons also treat the pain and discomfort associated with many joint and musculoskeletal injuries and diseases, such as arthritis.
In addition to orthopedic surgery, Albemarle Hospital also provides patients with quality inpatient and outpatient physical, occupational, and aquatic therapy through our Rehabilitation Services Department. Our specially trained team of professionals is dedicated to helping you with your rehabilitation, and increasing your level of activity and independence following injury or surgery.
“Orthopedics is not just about hip and knee replacements,” said Sharon M. Tanner, Albemarle Health President. “Our skilled physicians are able to do so much more, and with great success rates for our patients. Whether it’s an arthroscopic knee procedure, fixing a torn ACL, working with a sports injury, repairing a fractured hand bone, or helping someone with arthritis, Albemarle Health’s orthopedic surgeons and rehabilitation programs play a key role in helping patients return to a richer, fuller, and more active lifestyle.”
