Quality Orthopedic Care in Palm Harbor

Whether it’s your hips, knees, elbows, or wrists, joint problems make it hard to live your day-to-day life. Activities that were fun and easy are suddenly a challenge, and you start to second guess whether you can engage in activities you once took for granted.

Whatever problem you’re experiencing, the experts at Alexander Orthopaedic Associates will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan to meet your needs and get you feeling better. Alexander Orthopaedics’ new Palm Harbor location offers top-of-the-line facilities for surgery and physical therapy that will help you feel like yourself again.

Alexander Orthopaedic Associates’ Palm Harbor location also features a SmartCare Surgical Center on site. The surgical center is equipped with advanced new medical technology that makes it possible for patients to go home the same day they receive surgical care. Recovering at home reduces the likelihood of secondary infection and lets you recuperate in a more relaxing and familiar environment. Our Alexander Outpatient Advantage includes medical and therapy teams who will work with you to prepare your home for your recovery and evaluate your progress.

Orthopedic Specialties in Palm Harbor

Alexander Orthopaedics’ new office brings the latest in medical technology and patient care to the Palm Harbor area. Our team of skilled physicians, physician assistants, and physical therapists work together to make sure you receive a level of dedicated care that sets a new standard for orthopedic care. Come to our new Palm Harbor location for surgical and therapeutic treatment for an array of joint-related problems, such as common sports injuries, which include:

ACL Tear

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of four main ligaments in the knee that connect your thigh bone (the femur) to your shin bone (the tibia). The ACL is one of the most commonly injured ligaments: about 200,000 people per year are affected by ACL injuries, usually from participation in high-risk sports such as basketball, football, skiing, and soccer. ACL tears are also four to eight times more common in female athletes than in males, though the symptoms and treatment methods are the same.

Patients often report a loud popping sound when the injury is sustained, followed by pain and swelling, a loss of full range of motion, and discomfort or instability while walking.

Treatments can vary based on the extent of the injury, the patient’s age and activity level, and the severity of your symptoms, so it’s important to consult with an orthopedic doctor to find out what kind of treatment you need.  

Sprained Ankle, Knee, or Wrist

Sprained ankles are the most common musculoskeletal injury among youths and young adults: they account for approximately one fourth of all sports-related injuries.

Sprained wrists are usually caused by a fall or some other sudden motion that twists the wrist into an unusual position, damaging the ligaments in the process. Often the wrist is swollen and it hurts when you move it. Surgery usually isn’t needed, though doctors will often take x-rays to make sure there are no dislocated joints, broken bones, or fully torn ligaments. 

Tennis/Golfer’s Elbow

Tennis Elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and Golfer’s Elbow (medial epicondylitis) are conditions brought on by repetitive and vigorous use of the forearm muscles and repetitive extension of the wrist or hand. They get their names because they commonly afflict people who play tennis and golf, but they’re also caused by other activities and frequently affect professionals that use similar repeated physical movements such as painters, plumbers, butchers, cooks, and carpenters.

These conditions are caused by inflammation or micro-tearing of tendons from overuse. Unlike an ACL tear, which comes on very suddenly, tennis/golfer’s elbow symptoms develop gradually, and can include:

• pain or burning in the elbow
• stiffness in the elbow and forearm
• weak grip strength
• pain at night

Treatments range from simple things such as rest, ice, and over-the-counter medications to braces, splints, and anti-inflammatory medications for more persistent problems. Alexander Orthopaedic Associates in Palm Harbor also specializes in several different surgical procedures to treat persistent joint and elbow problems that are unresponsive to traditional remedies.

Our physical therapists are also available to work with you both on site and at home after your surgery in order to help you fully recover.

Hip Replacement in Palm Harbor

There are over 300,000 hip replacement surgeries in the United States each year, making it one of the most common procedures in the country. In hip replacement surgery, part or all of the hip joint is removed and replaced with a prosthetic implant made from metal, plastic, or ceramic.

The surgery is usually needed to repair damage from:

• Traumatic injuries or fractures caused by falling
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteonecrosis 

At Alexander Orthopaedics, Dr. Vladimir Alexander has pioneered the technique of SMART total hip replacement surgery, which substantially reduces the risks of postsurgical complications.

In traditional hip replacement surgery, the surgeon uses either a standard posterior approach (through the buttocks) or a direct anterior approach (through the front of the leg). However, Dr. Alexander has developed a semi-posterior approach from the side of the patient, allowing the surgeon to directly view the area of operation without the need for fluoroscopy, X-Ray, or a special operating room.

This safe and stable approach optimally exposes the hip and significantly reduces the likelihood of postoperative complications. At Alexander Orthopaedic Associates’ SmartCare Surgical Center in Palm Harbor, this surgery can be done as an outpatient procedure – meaning you can be back home the same day. Our team specializes in postoperative house calls and in-home rehabilitation so you can recover from surgery in the comfort of your own home. 

Spine Surgery in Palm Harbor

The specialists at Alexander Orthopaedics are at the forefront of new, minimally invasive surgical procedures that minimize recovery time. Traditional back surgery can affect the integrity of the spine through large incisions and the removal of bone and ligaments. For patients whose spines have already been affected by aging, arthritis, or traumatic injury, these surgical procedures can be destabilizing.

However, Alexander Orthopaedics’ Board Certified Fellowship Spine Surgeon, Dr. Ali Zahrai, has helped pioneer the use of robotics in his surgical practice. Robotic surgery significantly increases surgical accuracy and minimizes complications. Robotic guidance allows for very small incisions and minimal blood loss, resulting in faster recovery. These procedures augment and restore the spinal column without compromising the larger structure.

Knee Surgery and Replacement in Palm Harbor

Knee surgery can be necessary for a variety of reasons. Some common reasons include:

• Removal or repair of a torn meniscus (cartilage that cushions the joint)
• Removal of loose fragments of bone or cartilage
• Reconstruction of a torn ACL
• Treatment of patella (kneecap) problems
• Removal of inflamed connective tissue

Sometimes total knee replacement may be necessary due to severe damage from injury or arthritis. We use OrthoAlign for computer-assisted navigation on all total knee replacements in order to reduce the likelihood of blood clots. Alexander Orthopaedics uses cutting-edge surgical technology in our SmartCare Surgical Center to get you home the same day as your procedure. 

Testimonials

“Dr. Alexander has a great bedside manner. When you come in for your initial consultation, he’s engaged, very thoughtful; he makes you feel like you are the most important person at that time, you don’t get that with most doctors. Post-op he’s at your bedside right away and lets you know what happened. He’s very upbeat, very positive. Having the office, the surgery center and the rehab under one roof streamlines the process completely. As a result, my recovery went extremely well and I recovered more quickly than I otherwise would have. The team at Alexander Ortho is the best!”

-Retired NHL Goaltender Olie Kolzig

“I had a full knee replacement with fantastic results! I did follow both pre and post op directives, as prescribed, so there were no “surprises”. Post-op physical therapy is absolutely necessary to achieve optimal recovery, and it does require commitment. I am male, 69 years old, 3 months post op as I write this. Much thanks to Dr. Alexander and his Associates! I can climb stairs again.”

-JW Marina

“The best thing I have ever done, I would recommend Doctor Alexander without reservations. He was wonderful and so is his staff. He made my hip surgery easy, as I had put it off for a long time. If I had known before how wonderful and talented he was I never would have waited so long.”

-Nancy Amaral

Care Where You Need It and When You Need It

At Alexander Orthopaedics, you come to us, then we come to you. Our patients always receive world class care – both at our Palm Harbor office and while they recover at home. With the assistance of our outpatient total joint liaison and our medical and physical therapy teams, you’ll receive innovative medical and surgical treatment in our office and individualized, expert care at home. Schedule an appointment at our Palm Harbor office today!