FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 16, 2009
Contact: Anthony Stahl
Director HR/Marketing
Howard Memorial Hospital
707-456-3101
Willits - The OJC at HMH is implementing new, pain-reducing shoulder surgery
techniques in order to reduce pain, suffering and disability.
Technologies have advanced significantly over the past few years in
joint replacements as well as fracture repairs. In addition to
designing minimally invasive joint replacement implants and
techniques, Stephen Gunther, MD and William Bowen, MD have designed
less intrusive implants for fractures of the clavicle and radius
that allow patients to recover more quickly from surgery.
In a highly publicized cycling accident, Lance Armstrong severely
fractured his clavicle. He flew from Europe to Texas to receive a
standard treatment, where a long plate with 12 separate screws is
placed in the clavicle. Similar surgeries performed in Willits
practice new treatments using a flexible rod inside the bone through
much smaller incisions, minimizing soft tissue trauma and allowing a
quicker recovery.
In most geographic areas, these services are offered only at large
university hospitals. In fact, Dr. Gunther directed the shoulder and
elbow services at UCSF in San Francisco for four years, and
continues to teach on a national level. Dr. Bowen teaches at UC
Davis and Loma Linda University. The surgeons at the OJC are leaders
in innovation and patient care.
The OJC specializes in world class joint replacement, including hip
replacement, knee replacement, elbow replacement, spine surgery,
fracture care, and sports medicine. Shoulder services include custom
implants for severe arthritis and reverse ball implants for rotator
cuff deficient shoulders.
The OJC’s goal is to make every patient feel cared for as if they
were staying in their own home. HMH is a friendly, hometown
environment and serves the population of multiple northern
California communities, as well as hosting patients from other
states and countries.
Learn more about the Orthopedic Joint
Center