NCH becomes first Mayo Clinic Care Network member in Florida.

Orthopedic Treatment at Its Best
By Jean Amodea
Before Peter Miskech consulted an orthopedic specialist for a possible knee replacement,
he did his homework.
He researched the training and experience of eight surgeons before choosing H. Kurtis
Biggs, DO, a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeon and founder of the
Joint Replacement Institute in Naples.
“It was the process, system and methodology that sold me on Dr. Biggs. The design of
the knee replacement was made within one-half millimeter for precision fit, with virtually
no room for error,” Miskech said. “Today, at eight weeks recovery, I am able to swim,
bicycle, play tennis and golf, and I continue to work hard to restore my knee to full mobility.”
Dr. Biggs said that patients who are informed, who know what questions to ask and
who have realistic expectations will attain the best outcomes.
Dr. Henry Kurtis Biggs, DO examines patient Peter Miskech who underwent a full
knee replacement procedure eight weeks ago, as Vincent Schaum, student physician’s
assistant, observes.
CARDIAC REHAB:
An important part of
NCH Cardiovascular
Service By Kelly Merritt
David Smith had open heart surgery in February. He left the hospital after
one week to recover at home, but then was offered the chance to start cardiac
rehab at four weeks post-op. He arrived as a heart surgery patient and left a
changed man.
“I did all 36 sessions and completed them on June 20. Right now I feel better
than I ever have and I’ll be 81,” says Smith, who formed a close bond with the
staff at NCH Cardiac Rehab located in the Briggs Health Pavilion.
Smith says cardiac rehab gave him the confidence that he could push himself
to get better.
“Instead of sitting around and wanting to get better, I was put
in a system that checked on me every moment I was there, and
therefore I got better quicker,” he says. “Thank goodness my
heart problem was caught before I had a heart attack; but
the people at rehab are very caring, thoughtful and knowledgeable,
and they were there checking every rehab assignment
during each session.”
Exercise physiologist Ann Rosenquist says Smith’s
success is the result of a team effort between Smith and
the staff.
“It takes time to establish habits, and while some need a
longer program—typically the full 36 sessions—other people
do less,” she says.
For those like Miskech in need of patient-specific knee replacements, Dr. Biggs said
cutting-edge computer navigation and information from the patient’s MRI enable him to
custom design precision implants.
Using the latest techniques, the patient is discharged after just 48 hours compared to
traditional procedures which require a longer hospital stay.
For those requiring patient-specific partial knee resurfacing, procedures are performed
with the newest version of patient-specific implants and cutting jigs. Because this portion
of the procedure is done before the surgery, this evolution has not only eliminated the need
for the robot-assisted technique but also has shortened the procedure, thereby reducing
blood loss and lessening the risk of infection.
Another common procedure, hip replacement, is performed with a direct anterior approach
technique that results in less trauma since muscles are not cut.
Different from traditional hip surgery, which has a back-entry approach, the surgeon
can better estimate leg length and reduce the risk of dislocation after surgery. There is also
less loss of blood and decreased scarring around the joint.
The hospital stay is significantly shortened to 24 hours, and the recovery rate and return-to-function
time are shortened to four- to six-weeks as compared to the eight- to
12-week recovery period of traditional surgery.
In addition to his expertise in the field of orthopedic implant surgery, Dr. Biggs said the
hallmarks of his practice are his compassion, personal attention and ability to explain
complex problems in a clear, upfront and simple manner.
Dr. Biggs completed his fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and was in
private practice in Massillon, Ohio for five years, performing more than 400 joint replacements
each year.
In 2008, he relocated to Naples with his wife and five children and opened the Joint
Replacement Institute.
Dr. Jamie Weaver, a podiatric surgeon, also works at the Joint Replacement Institute,
which offers a complete range of services for orthopedic and podiatric care.
For more information about
the orthopedic unit and rehabilitation
services, call (239) 436-5342.
Sue Howlin--Darlene Hadley--Marianne Plamondon--Ann Rosenquist
Marianne Plamondon, RN monitors blood pressure and other vital measures
to ensure patients are ready for the rehab sessions.
“We are looking at the rhythm of the heart and blood pressure;
and if the patient is a diabetic, we’re also looking at blood sugar,”
Plamondon says.
Ultimately, cardiac rehab is a crucial part of recovery
for heart patients—it can mean a major difference in
quality of life.
“Now we are able to go on a trip for two months,”
Smith says. “And I am very happy to have gone through
cardiac rehab. I’m way past where I would have been
without it. If you have a heart problem, that’s the place to
go. They even conduct a cute little graduation ceremony
when you finish. I hope to see them again—but in a leisurely
fashion—no more heart problems for me.”