Orthopedics & Spine Center: Specializing in Bone and Joint Disorders and Musculoskeletal Diseases

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Orthopedics & Spine Center

When it’s time to feel strong again.

We’ll stand with you: a team of leading orthopedic surgeons, neurologists and neurosurgeons joining together to deliver world class medicine, and something more. The reassurance that the choice you’ve made today will help you live a fuller life for all the days to come.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 314.996.5000 or email us.

For bone and joint disorders — and musculoskeletal diseases — this is the home of new possibilities:

Joint replacement - knee or hip
Spinal surgery
Hand and wrist surgery
Shoulder surgery
Foot and ankle surgery
Sports medicine

Discuss your options

To help diagnose disease and develop treatment programs, we use the world’s most advanced technologies, including PET, CT and MRI. We are not the only hospital that has these machines. But in the right hands, the best technology becomes even better.

Choose the right treatment

Surgery isn’t always the answer. And we treat many patients successfully with drug therapies, physical therapy and rehabilitation. When surgery is the best option, we’re ready with the latest techniques and technologies.

Our team also includes rheumatologists, plastic surgeons, physicians who specialize in pain management and specially trained nurses, therapists and support staff — all dedicated to help you…

Feel better, faster

Our inpatient and outpatient rehab centers are here to keep your recovery — and you — in motion. Because we’re part of BJC Healthcare, you can use BJC Home Care for follow-up physical therapy as well.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 314.996.5000 or email us.

Orthopedics "Tip of the Day"

Excess weight

The more body mass on joints, the more damage. Losing 15 pounds can decrease knee pain by 50 percent.

Joint pain

Joint pain or stiffness that limits your activities should not be considered normal. Injuries need to be evaluated when they first occur, before arthritis has set in and joint cartilage is damaged.

Stay active

During movement, most joints produce a lubricating fluid that helps reduce friction. When there’s no joint movement, there’s no fluid going into the joint and stiffness increases. To keep your joints healthy, stay active.

Injured?

If a joint swells and is stiff, allow it to rest for seven to 10 days with ice every 20 minutes for the first 24 to 48 hours. If it doesn’t get better, then see your primary care physician to evaluate the condition.

Keeping Your Joints in Shape

Always check with your doctor before beginning any new exercise or eating plan to discuss what’s appropriate for you:

Maintain a healthy weight
Vary your exercise to reduce stiffness
Use weight training to strengthen your muscles and ligaments
Ice your joints after exercise
Eat a healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids

Arthritis 101

Arthritis occurs when the cartilage that helps to cushion your bones breaks down causing pain, swelling and stiffness of the joint. Risk factors for developing arthritis include a genetic link, obesity, previous injuries, or long-term overuse in work or sports.

Exercise and Arthritis

Joints benefit from exercise by increasing circulation of fluid, which allows nutrients in to and out of cartilage. In addition, exercise helps to decrease fatigue, strengthen muscles and bones, increase flexibility and improve overall well-being.

Pick exercises you like

To stay fit and improve your health without increasing your pain, it is important to find some exercise that you enjoy and will be able to do on a regular basis.

Your exercise plan

Work with your therapist and physician to develop your right exercise plan. It may take some patience, but once established, you will reap the benefits of less pain, improved range of motion, increased strength, and improved quality of life.

Low bone density testing

All women over the age of 65 should have a DEXA bone density test, according to the guidelines set by the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

Healthy habits for stronger bones

Exercise and physical activity throughout life can reduce your risk of bone loss and the development of osteoporosis. Both weight-bearing and resistance exercise help decrease your risk.

Exercise Tip

You don’t have to visit a gym or have specialized equipment for exercise. Two practical applications you may not have realized were good for keeping your bones strong are mowing the lawn (weight-bearing exercise) and pulling weeds (resistance exercise).

Bone Health Tips

Fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet not only because of calcium, but they also contribute to other important nutrients for bone health, such as vitamin K, potassium, magnesium and manganese.

Bone Health Tips

Calcium is absorbed best when consumed in 500-600 mg amounts; therefore, it is ideal to spread out calcium-rich foods throughout the day. Try to include at least 3 servings of dairy per day.

Bone Health Tips

Many whole-grain products are now fortified with calcium. Read the label for exact amounts. Try to choose whole grains that are a significant source of fiber.

Bone Health Tips

Adequate vitamin D is essential for bone health. Milk is high in calcium and fortified with vitamin D. Also, sunlight on the skin enables the body to make vitamin D.

Bone Health Tips

When purchasing non-dairy “milk,” such as soy or almond milk, choose those fortified with calcium and vitamin D.

Bone Health Tips

Increase resistance exercise and weight-bearing aerobic exercise.

Bone Health Tips

When cooking, if you can substitute blackstrap molasses for sugar, you will increase the calcium. One tablespoon of molasses has about 170 mg of calcium.

Bone Health Tips

Your physician may recommend calcium supplements to make up for lack in dietary intake of calcium. Calcium supplements are available in many different forms and strengths, so consult a medical professional.

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