Integrated Bone and Joint Center Launched by Pottstown Memorial Medical Center

Pottstown Memorial Medical Center (PMMC) realized a major milestone in the advancement of bone and joint treatment in our community with the launching of the Center for Bone & Joint Health on the sixth floor of the hospital.

Today, rapid improvements in knee and hip joint replacement materials and techniques allow PMMC to offer active adults a lifestyle free of chronic pain and discomfort.  At the Center for Bone & Joint Health, patients benefit from a fully integrated regimen of care — from pre-operative counseling to post-operative physical therapy and follow-up — all in one convenient location. Combining the latest surgical techniques with encouragement and support provided by a highly skilled staff, the Center for Bone & Joint Health offers patients an atmosphere of caring, comfort, and complete understanding.  The Center is designed to give patients the best quality care and outcomes possible.
The 20-bed unit integrates comprehensive care into a single setting. Treatment encompasses state-of-the-art evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and education in a comfortable home-like wellness environment.  A core component of the program unites orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and patient care technicians into an integrated delivery system.

“The Center provides the best surgical management of joint disorders by offering the most advanced techniques and technologies, including minimally invasive surgery accomplished with image guidance,” said Richard Whittaker, M.D., Chairman of the Board and one of many orthopedic surgeons on staff at PMMC.  “Our goal is to help patients get back to doing the things they enjoy without the interference of joint pain.  These otherwise healthy patients are motivated to participate in their recovery and get back to their normal daily activities.”

Patients who are well educated about a surgery tend to have less apprehension and thus do better during both surgery and rehabilitation. The Center’s Joint Replacement Coordinator meets with patients during their pre-admission testing.  They receive educational materials to familiarize themselves with their surgery, and take a tour of the unit, where they can meet the nurses and therapists who will be caring for them.  Following surgery, the coordinator visits patients on a daily basis to monitor their progress.

Specialized orthopedic programs at the Center include minimally invasive procedures, joint replacement surgery, cartilage repair, cartilage regeneration, spine and back care, ankle and foot care, hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder care, and physical/occupation therapy. 

“An important key to developing an effective joint and bone center is successfully working with existing joint care services in the community” comments Steve MacLauchlan, CEO, PMMC.  “Our hospital’s highly skilled orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons are performing techniques that use to be done only at large teaching hospitals.  We want our patients to experience excellent care within a setting that focuses solely on joint and bone health.”

For more information on PMMC’s Center for Bone & Joint Health, please contact Thao Wesler, Joint Replacement Coordinator, at 610-327-7319.