Cayuga Orthopedics

Orthopedists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and disorders of the skeletal system and associated joints, muscles, and ligaments.

Our Services

At Cayuga Health we are proud to offer state-of-the-art surgical techniques to correct a variety of orthopedic conditions. All our surgeons are board certified in orthopedic surgery and several have completed additional fellowship training in subspecialties. Our mission is to give our patients the opportunity to make the best recovery possible, right here, close to home.

The surgical procedures we perform include (but are not limited to):

  • Arthroscopic Rotator cuff repair
  • Arthroscopic shoulder stabilization for instability
  • Arthroscopic management of shoulder stiffness
  • Fracture repair
  • Repair of separated and dislocated shoulders
  • Total Shoulder replacements for arthritis
  • Complex revision surgery

  • Fracture fixation
  • Nerve releases and transposition
  • Total Elbow Replacement
  • Tennis Elbow (lateral epicondylitis) debridement
  • Elbow arthroscopy for elbow stiffness, loose bodies, or arthritis
  • Ligament Reconstruction (i.e. “Tommy John” surgery)
  • Biceps tendon repair
  • Complex revision surgery

  • Wrist, hand, and finger fracture fixation
  • Carpal tunnel release
  • Trigger finger release
  • Tendon repairs
  • Nerve repairs
  • Joint replacements and fusions for arthritis
  • Ligament repairs
  • Release of contracted or deformed fingers
  • Wrist arthroscopy
  • Xiaflex injections
  • Complex revision surgery

  • Total hip replacements, including revision surgery
  • Hip fractures
  • Periprosthetic femur fractures

  • Fracture fixation
  • Ligament reconstructions, including ACL
  • Meniscus repairs and debridements
  • Articular cartilage procedures
  • Patella tendon repairs
  • Patella tendon realignment
  • Total knee replacements, including revision surgery

  • Ankle arthroscopy
  • Fracture fixation
  • Tendon repairs, including Achilles
  • Ligament reconstruction and joint stabilization

Preparing for Surgery
Once you and your surgeon have decided on joint replacement, the surgery is scheduled. At this time, you enroll in a pre-operative education class.

You and a caregiver, who will be your “coach” through your recovery, are invited to class to learn what to expect and how to prepare for the surgery. The class also gives you an opportunity to ask questions and interact with other people preparing for surgery. You’ll learn about the importance of pre-operative exercises in preparation for the surgery and you’ll receive an education guide outlining what to expect before, during, and after the operation.

Your Stay at Cayuga Health
The surgical day involves completion of the surgery and optimal post-operative pain control to help prepare you to begin moving. Orthopedic nurses and physical therapists will teach you about total hip precautions or total knee care. The Joint Solutions team will continue to emphasize these safety factors throughout your hospital stay

The day following surgery physical therapy begins and continues twice a day, each day in the Joint Solutions gym. The therapist works with you to improve strength, range of motion and mobility. Your “coach” is invited to attend therapy group sessions to observe and assist you.

As the exercises become more advanced and walking distances increase, you will become more independent in preparation for discharge. You’ll progress to stair climbing and learn more about total hip precautions or self total knee stretches. The occupational therapist will assist you with activities of daily living and make recommendations regarding assistive devices.

Returning Home
Prior to discharge, our discharge-planning nurse will assist you in obtaining necessary equipment and will help to determine an optimal discharge plan. The discharge plan will determine whether you will qualify for acute rehabilitation or be discharged directly home. When you are ready for discharge to home, the discharge planning nurse will assist in setting-up continued services for home-care physical therapy and nursing if needed. You will work with a therapist on continuing to improve strength, range of motion, and mobility.

Some patients may qualify to go home the same day after their joint replacement procedure.Hip, knee, ankle, and shoulder replacements can all be done safely as outpatient surgeries. Studies have shown that outpatient same-day surgery is not only safe but can be a more satisfactory experience for patients.

Studies have shown that outpatient same-day surgery is not only safe but is also a more satisfactory experience. The key is to have help at home for a few days after the procedure. You can experience a more comfortable recovery in your own home, allowing you to return to your normal activities and routines faster. You may be able to go home within hours after your procedure is complete as the muscles around the joint are usually preserved. In additional, the pain is minimized with regional anesthesia (numbing in and around the joint) and nerve blocks.

Your surgeon may also recommend outpatient physical therapy following home-care to further optimize your recovery. Cayuga Health has multiple outpatient physical therapy clinics at Physical Therapy in Ithaca, Cortland, and Montour Falls.

Robotics

Are you ready for the ultimate knee replacement experience?

The CORI◊ Surgical System is an advancement in the way orthopedic surgeons perform partial and total knee replacement.

It’s a handheld device that works in conjunction with your surgeon’s skilled hands to achieve accurate positioning of components during planning and surgery.

Discover the benefits robotics-assisted surgery with Smith+Nephew implants can deliver—a naturally shaped knee,2 a quicker, smoother recovery*3,4 and an implant made from materials designed to last.

A unique plan

With 3D digital modeling, you get a surgical plan that’s customized to your unique anatomy. That means your surgeon can perform your procedure efficiently and more accurately than traditional knee replacement surgery.

A natural fit

With a robotics-assisted procedure using Smith+Nephew implants, your surgeon can help you keep more of your natural bone and ligaments, including the ACL. That means your body can maintain more of its natural rhythm and step.

Why does my knee hurt?

Sometimes called “wear and tear” arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. When the smooth cushion between bones (cartilage) breaks down, joints can get painful, swollen and hard to move.

What can I do about my knee pain?

There’s no cure for osteoarthritis, but there are lots of treatment options, including exercises, weight loss, medication or surgery. If your doctor has recommended knee replacement surgery, there are important choices for you to consider.

Partial
Most often an option for early- to mid-stage osteoarthritis, your surgeon replaces the damaged part of your knee.

Total
Most often an option for advanced osteoarthritis, your surgeon replaces the entire knee joint.

Not all patients are candidates for the Smith+Nephew knee products. Knee replacement surgery is intended to relieve knee pain and improve knee functions. Implants may not produce the same feel or function as your original knee, and individual results will vary. Potential risks include loosening, wear and infection that may result in the need for additional surgery. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure, including CORI-enabled Knee Replacement. CORI Surgical System is not for everyone. Discuss your condition and implant options with your surgeon to determine if the CORI Surgical System is right for you. Children, pregnant women, patients who have mental or neuromuscular disorders that do not allow control of the knee joint, and morbidly obese patients should not undergo a CORI-enabled procedure. The information listed in this brochure is for informational purposes and is not meant as medical advice. For more information, please talk to your surgeon or visit RediscoverYourGo.com.

Joint Solutions

State-of-the-art Joint Replacement at Cayuga Health

Joint pain can be caused by injury or inflammation to the joint. The most common cause of joint inflammation is osteoarthritis. This occurs when the cartilage covering the ends of the bones wears away, resulting in pain and stiffness.

Initially, osteoarthritis can be treated conservatively with medication, weight loss, exercise to increase range of motion and gain strength, and the use of an assistive device (such as a cane) to relieve stress on the joint.

The goal in treating inflammation is to relieve pain and improve joint function. However, when conservative measures are unsuccessful and the pain you experience diminishes your quality of life, your doctor may recommend total joint replacement surgery.

The name Joint Solutions reflects the goal of our program: To assist patients in working toward a solution to joint pain and deteriorating function.

We know from patient satisfaction surveys that our patients are satisfied with the education we provide throughout the program, the quality of care they receive, and the favorable outcomes from joint replacement surgery. Knowledge is the power that motivates joint replacement patients to strive for and gain optimal function. As a result, they can resume their lives without the pain they lived with prior to surgery.

The Joint Solutions program has three components to help you through joint replacement surgery.

Once you and your surgeon have decided on joint replacement, the surgery is scheduled. At this time, you enroll in a pre-operative education class led by the Joint Solutions program director and an experienced orthopedic nurse.

In class you learn what to expect and how to prepare for the surgery. The class also gives you an opportunity to ask questions and interact with other people preparing for surgery. You’ll learn about the importance of pre-operative exercises in preparation for the surgery and you’ll receive a journal outlining what to expect before, during, and after the operation.

Day One

The surgical day includes completion of the surgery and optimal post-operative pain control. Our staff will monitor your vital signs and pain level, and will prepare you to begin moving around the next morning. Experienced orthopedic nurses and physical therapists will teach you about total hip precautions and total knee care, depending on the surgery you’ve undergone. This important education and awareness component continues throughout your hospital stay.

Day Two

Group physical therapy begins in our Joint Solutions gym and continues twice a day, every day, in preparation for discharge. Therapy works on improving strength, range of motion, and mobility. The family member or friend who is acting as your coach is invited to attend these classes to observe and to assist you.

Day Three

Group physical therapy sessions continue twice a day. As the exercises become more advanced, walking and distances increase, and you will become more independent. You’ll also progress to stair climbing and learn more about total hip precautions and self total knee stretches. Our occupational therapist will assist you with activities of daily living and make recommendations regarding assistive devices (such as reachers, sock aids, or long-handled shoehorns).

Day Four

Group physical therapy classes continue. Your coach should plan to attend, to help you maximize your gains in independence and function. We wrap up the stay with a gourmet meal for lunch or dinner so that you and your coach can celebrate your success.

Some patients may qualify to go home the same day after their joint replacement procedure.Hip, knee, ankle, and shoulder replacements can all be done safely as outpatient surgeries. Studies have shown that outpatient same-day surgery is not only safe but can be a more satisfactory experience for patients.

Studies have shown that outpatient same-day surgery is not only safe but is also a more satisfactory experience. The key is to have help at home for a few days after the procedure. You can experience a more comfortable recovery in your own home, allowing you to return to your normal activities and routines faster. You may be able to go home within hours after your procedure is complete as the muscles around the joint are usually preserved. In additional, the pain is minimized with regional anesthesia (numbing in and around the joint) and nerve blocks.

Prior to discharge, our discharge-planning nurse will assist you in obtaining necessary equipment and setting up home-care services for physical therapy and nursing. You and your home-care therapist will continue to work for two to four weeks on gaining strength, improving range of motion, and walking without the use of a cane or walker.

After home-care therapy has ended, your surgeon may recommend continued outpatient physical therapy. Outpatient physical therapy is available in our Department of Physical Therapy, located in Ithaca, Cortland and Montour Falls. We offer aquatic therapy at Island Health and Fitness.

Frequently Asked Questions

The components of the artificial joint last an average of fifteen years, depending on the activity level of the patient. Our surgeons specialize in selecting the optimal components for the activity level and age of each individual patient. Our surgeons also specialize in total joint replacement revision surgery, if necessary.

Total joint replacement components may be made of plastic, metal (including cobalt chrome and titanium), or ceramic materials.

The Joint Solutions pre-operative education class outlines how you can best prepare for the surgery and includes information on appropriate exercise, home safety, and arrangements for a post-operative support network.

Most surgeries occur without any complications. However, the risk of infection and blood clots concern us the most. Antibiotics, blood thinners, and early mobilization assist in preventing these complications.

The average hospital length of stay is four days, followed by home care and outpatient therapy as needed. Some patients may qualify to go home the same day after their joint replacement procedure.Hip, knee, and shoulder replacements can all be done safely as outpatient surgeries. Recovery times vary; however, most patients return to driving and work activities four to six weeks after surgery.

COLLABORATIONS

URMC Orthopaedics and RehabilitationIthaca College

RESOURCES

Latest Orthopedics News

what our ORTHOPEDICS patients are saying

“My total hip replacement surgery with Dr. Blake went remarkably well. I am excited about my recover and being able to raise and train my bird dogs.”

Rodger Linton, Enfield • NY

“The need became apparent that I had to do something about my knee. I’m really enthusiastic about where I’m at and that I was able to receive excellent care, right here.”

Rich Andersson, Brooktondale • NY
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