- Orthopedics, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAfter numerous setbacks, Hope Lomvardias thought she was out of options. In the spring of 2015, Hope was a 17-year-old Archbishop Spalding junior who was excitedly touring colleges around the Northeast in preparation for applying in the fall. However, during the long car trips, she started experiencing intense low back pain, as well as leg pain and numbness. Her mother, Karyn, an infusion nurse at Anne Arundel Medical Center, became increasingly concerned. “When we would stop the car, Hope could hardly stand up because she was in terrible pain,” explains Karyn. “And, it just worsened. I knew something was wrong, because I’ve had my own cervical spine issues, and I recognized nerve pain.” Because of Hope’s young age, her healthcare providers were reluctant to diagnose a spinal disc problem. Eventually, Hope had an MRI that confirmed a large herniation in the disc in the lowest part of her spine, between L5 and S1 — an unusual diagnosis at her age. She began conservative treatment options that included medication and physical therapy. “During all of this, Hope started her senior year of high school,” recalls Karyn. “It really created problems because she was in excruciating pain.” Hope was able to make arrangements with the school to use the elevator and a rolling backpack, although she hated having to do things differently than her classmates. When Hope was younger, she wore a brace to treat her scoliosis, and she didn’t like feeling different again. However, she had little choice. Next Steps The medication and physical therapy did not offer Hope the relief she needed, and school was getting more difficult. Her parents gave her the option of taking placement tests and going straight into college. But Hope did not want to give up her high school experience, including graduating with her class and going to prom. She continued on with physical therapy, while searching for other treatment options. Hope then met with Roy Bands, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at The Spine Center at AAMC. Dr. Bands had treated both Karyn and Karyn’s father for spine issues, and now Hope would be the third generation to see him. “Hope had a degenerative herniated lumbar disc, which in someone her age, we believe is primarily genetic,” says Dr. Bands. “She has a strong family history of this, including her mother and grandfather.” At first, Dr. Bands recommended Hope continue physical therapy so he could monitor for any improvement. “Unfortunately physical therapy did not improve her condition, so we then discussed her surgical options.” According to Chad Patton, MD, medical director of The Spine Center at AAMC, “Our philosophy of care is patient-centric from beginning to end. It’s important to exhaust conservative treatment options before surgery is considered.” Better Images, Better Outcomes The Spine Center at AAMC recently added the O-arm 3-D imaging system, which can improve patient safety and outcomes during complex spinal procedures. Chad Patton, MD, medical director of The Spine Center at AAMC, is shown in front of the new O-arm 3-D imaging system. “The O-arm captures full 360-degree 3-D images of a patient’s spine, giving us precise anatomical views,” explains Chad Patton, MD, orthopedic surgeon and medical director of The Spine Center at AAMC. “In real time, navigational software can show us where our instruments and implants are in relation to the patient’s anatomy without having to take additional x-rays during the surgery. Not only does this dramatically decrease the radiation exposure to the surgical team, but it also improves patient safety and ultimately allows us to tackle more complex surgery here at AAMC.” According to Dr. Patton, AAMC’s investment in O-arm technology is one additional way the hospital provides the highest quality care possible. A Surgical Solution Although Hope was hesitant to have back surgery, she also recalls how badly she was hurting. “One time it got so bad right before surgery that I even thought ‘if only I can have my leg amputated’ because I couldn’t stand the pain,” she remembers. “The pain was that bad.” By that point, Hope was ready for surgery. “The surgery to repair a herniated disc involves opening the spinal canal and shaving off the herniated portions of the disc. It’s called a laminectomy and discectomy,” explains Dr. Bands. Hope had surgery over the Christmas break to minimize her time away from school, and she emerged in a much better place both physically and mentally. “Immediately after the surgery, I felt so much better,” says Hope. “It was amazing. I felt like I had my old leg back. I was basically pain free. I’m so glad I decided to have surgery.” Now, Hope has returned to her life as an active teenager. Dr. Bands cleared her to play sports again if she’d like. Plus, Hope was accepted to Johns Hopkins, where she plans to study history in the fall. “Hope is a perfect example of how back surgery can make significant improvement in your life,” says Dr. Bands. Author Roy Bands, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon at The Spine Center at AAMC.0
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWouldn’t you want your surgeon to have greater stamina and focus and less pain? Research by Adrian Park, MD, chair of AAMC’s Department of Surgery, may prevent surgeons from suffering work-related pain, potentially making surgery safer for patients. As the surgeon’s tools and incisions become smaller, surgeries are easier on the patient but oftentimes harder on the doctor. Minimally invasive surgeries require surgeons to remain still for long periods of time. This has led surgeons to experience more frequent pain in the neck, shoulder and back areas during and after performing an operation. In Dr. Park’s study, surgeons performed a 90-second series of targeted exercises every 20–40 minutes during surgery. Surgeons who took the breaks reported less discomfort and an improvement in physical performance and mental focus. Most of the surgeons who took part in the study said they wanted to incorporate targeted stretching micro breaks into their operating rooms in the future. “It seems obvious that stretching would help relieve any discomfort while performing surgery. But the act of pausing during surgery is not a widely accepted practice — we are trained to work until we finish the job,” says Dr. Park. Dr. Park, an expert in the ergonomics of the surgical suite, says a cultural shift is needed in the way surgeons are trained. Otherwise, he warns, we could face an epidemic of occupational injuries to surgeons. Contributor Adrian Park, MD, is chair of AAMC’s Department of Surgery.0
- Orthopedics, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogInjuries and a lifetime of high-impact sports have left Doug Herman, 58, with significant knee damage and arthritis. Yet this competitive athlete maintains peak performance by varying his exercise routine and working closely with the orthopedic specialists at Anne Arundel Medical Center to help protect and preserve his knees. “I’ve been exercising my entire life. I’ve got to stay in motion,” he says. Whether you’re an older weekend warrior or a young competitive athlete, the earlier you take steps to protect your joint health, the longer you can continue to participate in the activities you love. Doug was a young surfer and water skier in the 1970s when he faced his first knee surgery to repair a torn ACL, leaving him vulnerable to arthritis. When doctors suggested that he pursue a less risky activity, he chose competitive running. But 15 years of continuous training and many marathons later, he was in trouble. “My orthopedist advised me to stop running to save my knees,” he says. That’s when Doug switched to competitive cycling, a low-impact sport that puts much less pressure on lower body joints than running. That’s also when he learned the benefits of cross-training, a strategy that alternates high- and low-impact activities. Highs and Lows High-impact exercises should be done in moderation, and include activities with sustained periods of running, jumping or lifting heavy weights. Low-impact exercises include walking, swimming, biking, light resistance work with exercise bands, some forms of dance, yoga and Pilates. Mix It Up “Regular exercise protects joints by strengthening the surrounding muscles and keeping bones strong, but sustained, high-impact exercise can place extreme impact on joints over the long term,” says Daniel Redziniak, MD, an AAMC board-certified orthopedist who specializes in sports medicine. “For example, when one leg hits the ground during a run, five times your body weight is translated across the knee joint, leading to wear.” Cross-training can protect joint health in people of all ages and all activity levels by allowing time for the joints to recover from this stress, he says. It should include low-impact activities; exercises that strengthen the “core” area, which includes abdominal and back muscles; and a regular regimen of stretching to help joint-supporting tendons, ligaments and muscles stay limber, says Dr. Redziniak. This whole-body approach can help prevent not only common knee and hip problems, but also lower back pain, rotator cuff injuries of the shoulder, and a multitude of other bone and joint injuries, he adds. “I now alternate my cycling sessions with swimming and core strengthening. And, I’m more careful with my weightlifting routine, using proper posture and limiting my time,” says Doug. “I feel stronger all the way around.” Arthritis Options Doug has also benefitted from orthopedic intervention to manage his arthritis symptoms. According to Dr. Redziniak, people with arthritis can help prolong the life of their joints and remain active by: Maintaining a healthy weight. Using ice and anti-inflammatory medication. Bracing joints for strenuous activities. Those who need additional relief may benefit from therapies, including: Cortisone shots directly into the affected joints for extended pain relief. Viscosupplementation shots, which may help lubricate the affected joint for periods of up to six months. Doug currently uses anti-inflammatory medications and viscosupplementation injections. Due to his careful arthritis management and the switch to cross-training, his doctors say he’ll likely avoid joint replacement surgery for up to a decade longer. Doug doesn’t plan to let the inevitable surgery stop him. In fact, many people with artificial knee and hip joints can continue high-performance, competitive activities as long as they protect the new joints, says Dr. Redziniak. Doug’s got an advantage: He now knows exactly how to do that. Learn more about The Joint Center at AAMC, which performs more joint replacements than any other hospital in Maryland. Read more about how to protect bones and joints at any age. Contributor Daniel Redziniak, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon at Anne Arundel Medical Center.0
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWe’re excited to announce the opening of our new care facility to help meet mental health needs of Anne Arundel County residents and residents of surrounding communities. Our Psychiatric Day Hospital is an intensive daytime treatment program providing clinical, diagnostic and mental health treatment services for adults and adolescents (13 and up). The program is designed for patients who are either transitioning from inpatient care or need help stabilizing a condition in order to prevent hospitalization. “Expanding access to mental health services is a top priority for Anne Arundel Medical Center,” said Dawn Hurley, executive director of behavioral health at AAMC. “The addition of AAMC Psychiatric Day Hospital to our growing list of mental health services is another step in our efforts to offer comprehensive care to help meet a critically important community need. Patients will receive quality care from our multidisciplinary team of specialists in a safe, secure setting.” The AAMC Psychiatric Day Hospital is located at 132 Holiday Court, Suite #209, Annapolis, MD. Treatments offered include: Mental health and medical evaluation Group psychotherapy Family evaluation and therapy School-based on-site tutoring Art/activity therapy Goal setting/skills development 24/7 emergency coverage for enrolled patients Patients must be referred into the AAMC Psychiatric Day Hospital by a physician. If you think you or a loved one may be a candidate for these services, please speak with your doctor. If you need a doctor who specializes in mental health, please contact AAMG Mental Health Specialists at 410-573-9000.0
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) has been named one of the nation’s Most Wired® healthcare organizations for the seventh year. This designation recognizes our use of technology to create a better patient experience. We were recognized for our use of technologies, such as electronic medical record tools that assist physicians, nurses, and patients communicating efficiently. This system includes a patient portal called MyChart that enables patients anytime online access to review their medical information, contact their doctor’s office with questions and request appointments and medication refills. “Anne Arundel Medical Center is committed to providing the best possible patient experience,” said Barbara Baldwin, AAMC chief information officer. “We are constantly engaged in ways to improve care delivery efficiency and creating a new dynamic in patient interactions through technology use. We are honored to be recognized for our efforts and proud to be named as a Most Wired healthcare organization for the seventh time.” Conducted by the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Health Forum, the annual Most Wired survey is designed to measure the level of information technology (IT) adoption in U.S. hospitals and health systems. To achieve Most Wired designation, hospitals must continue to advance and improve their use of new technology. As one of 364 Most Wired healthcare organizations nationwide, we have stayed ahead of the curve in maintaining security; improving inter-hospital communication and records sharing; and using patient portals to get patients actively involved in their health and healthcare. “Hospitals are breaking out of their traditional four walls and providing care where and when patients need it,” said Rick Pollack, AHA president and CEO. “These Most Wired hospitals exemplify this transformation by harnessing technology, engaging patients and offering services remotely. And, removing policy and other barriers to telehealth will allow even faster adoption of these amazing technologies.” The Most Wired survey is published annually by Hospitals & Health Networks (H&HN).0
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