Orthopedic Medicine

Strains and sprains to the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints and connective tissue) are not uncommon. But the damage caused by injury, overuse or disease can create pain and swelling and can limit your mobility or flexibility. When that happens, you may need specialized care to get your body moving again as it should.

Our orthopedic specialists can help you get back on your feet. Many of our surgeons are board-certified, and they have also received additional advanced fellowship training in their particular areas of focus. In addition, our team can draw on the vast resources of the entire hospital – specialized imaging studies, advanced anesthesia and the broad spectrum of consulting services – if needed in the diagnosis and treatment of your condition.

Our team of fellowship-trained and board-certified orthopedic surgeons is experienced in emergency care and highly skilled in treating traumatic fractures, dislocations and soft tissue injuries. We treat a full spectrum of cases, from simple injuries to complex surgery.

We have access to the latest and most advanced diagnostic techniques and tools available. Through our multidisciplinary approach, we also work with physicians from other specialties within the health system, including general surgeons, trauma surgeons, plastic surgeons and rehabilitation and other medical specialists.

Orthopedic trauma care at The University of Kansas Health System is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Rehabilitation is enhanced by skilled and certified physical and occupational therapists on site in the same facility. Our goal is to get you back on your feet and in optimal condition in the least amount of time.

Bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons are all connected in a way that helps our body move. The lack of movement or its restriction changes everything about how we function in our daily lives.

Sometimes our movements are restricted because of normal wear and tear on our bodies. We sit, stand, walk or run every day, and the excessive movements that accumulate over the years often cause us to require a tune-up. At times, an injury or disorder has damaged one of these vital functions, and we need therapy or surgery to heal properly.

We provide orthopedic services for:

We also provide these services:

Joint and ligament reconstruction
Ligament reconstruction is surgery to help rebuild ligaments that are damaged. While ligaments sometimes can heal on their own without surgery, surgery is frequently necessary to ensure joint stability. Ligament reconstruction uses healthy tendon tissue to repair a damaged ligament. One common ligament reconstruction surgery involves the knee, such as ACL or PCL reconstruction, to repair tendons that support it.

Joint pain injections
For many types of tendonitis and joint inflammation, an injection of cortisone, a strong anti-inflammatory medicine, can be effective in reducing or eliminating joint pain and swelling. This treatment is most often used in joints like the hips, knees and shoulders.