HEALING in MOTION

How the best in orthopaedics are keeping N.J. on its feet

- BY SUSAN BLOOM

Whether it’s a weekend warrior sidelined by a torn ligament, a grandparent hoping to dance at a wedding without knee pain, or a young athlete chasing a college scholarship, more people than ever are turning to orthopaedic specialists to keep them moving. As we live longer, stay active later in life, and push our physical limits in new ways, the demand for expert care of bones, joints, muscles, and everything in between has never been greater.

From mending shattered bones and repairing torn tendons to replacing worn-out joints and correcting complex spinal issues, today's orthopaedic specialists bring a wide range of skills to the table. Some focus on restoring movement after injury, while others help prevent problems before they start — offering training tips, injury-prevention strategies, and even nutritional guidance to keep patients in peak condition. Whether it’s a shoulder surgery for a pitcher, a knee replacement for a retiree, or treatment for scoliosis in a teen, orthopaedic care is as diverse as the patients it serves.

Regardless of their specialty, the field of orthopaedics continues to witness exciting developments, from robotic-assisted techniques that improve surgical precision to the proactive use of artificial intelligence (Al) to enhance the preoperative planning process, regenerative medicine to accelerate healing, and the growth of genetics-driven personalized medicine tailored to each patient. Thanks to these and other breakthrough advancements, orthopaedic doctors are restoring functionality and enabling pain-free movement in a more minimally invasive way than ever, significantly reducing patient recovery times and the risk of post-operative complications while bringing about improved outcomes that are transforming lives.