Specialty Surgical Center

If you experience foot pain, it can be difficult to know what the cause may be. Both Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis are common conditions that can be treated with conservative and minimally invasive procedures.

Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury that affects the Achilles tendon, which is located at the back of the leg and is responsible for connecting the calf muscles to the heel. This condition is common in runners who have suddenly increased the length or speed of their runs, or in “weekend warriors” – middle aged adults who only play sports on the weekends.

Achilles tendinitis pain is usually mild to start, and then progressively gets worse or is aggravated by longer runs or sprints. Pain is located in the back of the leg above the heel, and stiffness may also be present early in the morning.

Treatment of Achilles tendinitis is generally conservative and includes medication, physical therapy and strengthening and stretching exercises. For severe cases of Achilles tendinitis or if the tendon has ruptured, minimally invasive surgery to repair it may be required.

Plantar fasciitis is also common in runners, and pain is generally located in the heel. Plantar fasciitis is characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes. Those who are overweight or who continuously wear unsupportive shoes are also at risk for developing plantar fasciitis.

Pain from plantar fasciitis is usually sharp, and is generally worse when first waking or when standing after sitting for a long period of time. Treatment for plantar fasciitis usually begins conservatively with medications, physical therapy, strengthening and stretching exercises, or the use of splints to stretch the plantar fascia into a lengthened position while you sleep. Injections of a corticosteroid into the affected area may also help with pain.

If conservative measures fail, minimally invasive surgery to detach the plantar fascia from the heel bone may be required.

For more information on minimally invasive procedures for Achilles tendinitis or plantar fasciitis at Specialty Surgical Center in Sparta, New Jersey, call 973-940-3166 or visit our information page.

Specialty Surgical Center is located in Sparta, New Jersey and our staff consists of board certified surgeons and anesthesiologists performing procedures in Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Spinal Care, Podiatry, Urology, Pain Management, ENT, Hand Surgery, Lithotripsy, Brachytherapy, GYN and Laser Surgery.

For more information about Specialty Surgical Center, call 973-940-3166 or visit our Contact Page.

©Specialty Surgical Center, 2015
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Chronic pain is a symptom that may occur with a wide variety of conditions: arthritis, migraine, CRPS, fibromyalgia, spinal stenosis, plantar fasciitis, degenerative disc disease – there are many, many conditions and diseases that are accompanied by chronic pain.

It is estimated that over 100 million adults in the United States suffer from chronic pain, and that number continues to grow. For those who suffer from chronic pain, treatment options include alternative therapies like chiropractic care; prescription and over-the-counter medications; and interventional pain management procedures, including injections.

These injections are minimally invasive and may be used both diagnostically and therapeutically. They usually consist of a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid – the local anesthetic provides quick, temporary pain relief, while the corticosteroid works to provide long-term results. If being used diagnostically, steroid injections are administered where the pain management doctor believes the patient’s pain to be originating from. If the patient receives relief from the injection, the pain management doctor may recommend a more permanent procedure to continue the relief of symptoms.

If used therapeutically, these injections are administered at the site of pain, and the patient should begin to feel pain relief within a few days, if not immediately. Injections may be given as a series to further improve pain symptoms and increase mobility and function.

These injections are usually used for chronic pain conditions that are nerve related. Degenerative disc disease is one example of this type of condition, as the disc of the spine begins to push outward, putting pressure on the nerves of the spinal cord. This pressure can cause pain to be referred into other areas of the body, including the buttocks and legs. Once the steroid injection is given, the irritated and inflamed nerve is calmed by the local anesthetic and steroid, and provides relief from pain.

Specialty Surgical Center is located in Sparta, New Jersey and our staff consists of board certified surgeons and anesthesiologists performing procedures in Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Spinal Care, Podiatry, Urology, Pain Management, ENT, Hand Surgery, Lithotripsy, Brachytherapy, GYN and Laser Surgery.

For more information about Specialty Surgical Center, call 973-940-3166 or visit our Contact Page.

©Specialty Surgical Center, 2015
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Oncology is the medical specialty that is focused on treating cancer, and within it, there are three subspecialties – medical oncology, surgical oncology, and radiation oncology.

At Specialty Surgical Center in Sparta, New Jersey, specialists on staff treat cancer through radiation oncology. This treatment involves the carefully targeted use of radiation to kill cancer cells, both immediately and long term as the chromosome and DNA involved with the tumor are damaged and no longer able to grow.

Treatments will be designed to narrow in on the exact area that needs radiation, and a radiation oncologist will have the training required to be extremely intentional and precise. Specifically at Specialty Surgical Center, Dr. Bob Cole is an expert in a technique called Prostate Seed Implants, one of the most innovative treatments for prostate cancer. Patients with early, localized, and small tumors are the best candidates for Prostate Seed Implantation.

This therapy involves implantation of a small piece of radioactive iodine or palladium that is as small as a seed or grain of rice. Placed into the prostate gland, they temporarily deliver radiation to the prostate over several weeks, and then become inactive. They remain in the prostate and are harmless.

Specialty Surgical Center is proud to partner with Dr. Cole to bring this innovative treatment to prostate cancer patients. For more information, call Dr. Cole at 1-800-232-1104 or Specialty Surgical Center at 973-940-3166

Specialty Surgical Center is located in Sparta, New Jersey and our staff consists of board certified surgeons and anesthesiologists performing procedures in Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Spinal Care, Podiatry, Urology, Pain Management, ENT, Hand Surgery, Lithotripsy, Brachytherapy, GYN and Laser Surgery.

For more information about Specialty Surgical Center, call 973-940-3166 or visit our Contact Page.

©Specialty Surgical Center, 2015
©Medical Marketing Solutions, 2015

The Achilles tendon is located at the back of the heel and connects the muscles at the back of the leg to the bone of the heel. Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury that is extremely common in runners who suddenly increase their mileage or speed without taking the time to condition themselves into it. Achilles tendinitis can also cause pain for “weekend warrior” types, who play intense sports only occasionally.

Most mild cases of Achilles tendinitis will go away over time with rest and conservative care like ice, heat, and over the counter pain medications. However, serious cases of Achilles tendinitis may cause a tear or rupture of the tendon, which will generally require surgery to repair. At Specialty Surgical Center in Sparta, New Jersey, the orthopedic team performs procedures to surgically repair tendons that are too damaged for conservative care.

Symptoms of Achilles tendinitis include persistent pain in the back of the leg in the calf or heel area that does not improve with time. Pain generally becomes more severe after longer runs, sprints, or stair climbing exercise. Pain may also be worse upon waking and improve as you go about your day. A torn or ruptured Achilles tendon will cause severe pain in the back of the leg, and it may become difficult to walk or stand upright.

Surgery to repair the Achilles tendon is usually done on an outpatient basis, and patients are advised to use crutches, a wheelchair, or a knee scooter to get around as the surgical site heals. Patients are usually allowed to bear their full weight at six weeks, and can usually return to athletic activity within 6 months.

For more information about Achilles tendon injuries or Achilles tendon repair at Specialty Surgical Center, call 973-940-3166

Specialty Surgical Center is located in Sparta, New Jersey and our staff consists of board certified surgeons and anesthesiologists performing procedures in Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Spinal Care, Podiatry, Urology, Pain Management, ENT, Hand Surgery, Lithotripsy, Brachytherapy, GYN and Laser Surgery.

For more information about Specialty Surgical Center, call 973-940-3166 or visit our Contact Page.

©Specialty Surgical Center, 2015
©Medical Marketing Solutions, 2015

At Specialty Surgical Center, we take an interest in the organizations in our community and that matter to us.

In addition to being a premier surgical center for patient safety, our team is also involved with Pass It Along, a non-profit that focuses on helping teens.

According to the website, Pass It Along is a hands-on program that provides opportunities for self-discovery, volunteering, and leadership. Through working in these service-learning roles, it is the goal of the organization that teens learn to become confident, resilient, and compassionate.

Through Pass It Along, teens learn how to become the change in their world, and become equipped to avoid behaviors that may be risky. This mission resonates with Specialty Surgical Center, as our goal is to change healthcare for better patient outcomes and patient empowerment.

Specialty Surgical Center is also involved with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, a non-profit that believes everyone should get the best care and health possible. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement and Specialty Surgical Center share the same goal of putting the needs of the patient and their family first while improving care, reducing costs, and improving health of their patients and the community.

Eliminate The Unknown is another partnership that Specialty Surgical Center engages in and has helmed since its beginning. At Specialty Surgical Center, our team believes in price transparency and encourages patients to take control of their healthcare. An emerging trend in healthcare is for patients to understand the costs of their care and have the power to price compare, and Specialty Surgical Center firmly supports this through their own cost reduction and price transparency policies.

For more information about Specialty Surgical Center or any of the organizations we partner with, be sure to visit our homepage and click the links at the bottom.

Specialty Surgical Center is located in Sparta, New Jersey and our staff consists of board certified surgeons and anesthesiologists performing procedures in Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Spinal Care, Podiatry, Urology, Pain Management, ENT, Hand Surgery, Lithotripsy, Brachytherapy, GYN and Laser Surgery.

For more information about Specialty Surgical Center, call 973-940-3166 or visit our Contact Page.

©Specialty Surgical Center, 2015
©Medical Marketing Solutions, 2015

No matter the procedure, most people will generally feel nervous and apprehensive at the thought of surgery. As more than two-thirds of all operations are now performed in an outpatient surgery center, many have questions about having their surgery at one of these facilities instead of a traditional hospital.

Specialty Surgical Center in Sparta, New Jersey is an outpatient surgery center, and aims to educate patients about their options when it comes to surgical procedures. If your question is not answered here, please reach out to us and we are happy to help you.

What is an outpatient surgery?
An outpatient surgery is one where the patient is allowed to return home the same day and does not require an overnight hospital stay. There are many procedures that are now being performed on an outpatient basis to not only reduce the cost of care for patients, but also to allow them to recover in their home where they will be more comfortable.

Is outpatient surgery as safe as surgery in a hospital?

It is just as safe, if not more! There have been several studies that show the safety of outpatient surgery centers to be equal to or exceed traditional hospitals. There are risks to any procedure, and those patients who are considered high risk may require their surgery to be performed in a traditional hospital, but generally, outpatient surgery centers are very safe.

What are the benefits of surgery in an outpatient facility?

One of the biggest benefits is the reduction in cost for the patient. Instead of paying for an overnight stay in a hospital, the patient spends some time in recovery and then goes home to continue to recover. Another benefit is that many patients end up taking less pain medication following an outpatient procedure than they do if they have a hospital stay. Studies have also shown lower post-surgical infection rates for those who had procedures at outpatient facilities.

Many patients report that waiting times are shorter, procedures are less expensive, and the care is more personalized.

If you have questions about outpatient surgery, please call Specialty Surgical Center in Sparta, New Jersey at 973-940-3166

Specialty Surgical Center is located in Sparta, New Jersey and our staff consists of board certified surgeons and anesthesiologists performing procedures in Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Spinal Care, Podiatry, Urology, Pain Management, ENT, Hand Surgery, Lithotripsy, Brachytherapy, GYN and Laser Surgery.

For more information about Specialty Surgical Center, call 973-940-3166 or visit our Contact Page.

©Specialty Surgical Center, 2015
©Medical Marketing Solutions, 2015

As technology advances, more surgeries are moving toward a minimally invasive approach. While not necessarily suitable for all patients and all types of surgery, a minimally invasive surgery usually has the benefits of a shorter recovery time, less pain, and reduced blood loss.

Hip replacement surgeries are one of the most common orthopedic surgeries. Traditional hip replacement surgery requires a large incision and detachment of the muscles from the hip. This allows the surgical team to view and access the hip through the large incision. The damaged ball part of the hip is removed and replaced with a metal piece, which is then fit into a metal socket that is lined with plastic, metal, or ceramic to create a smooth surface. This replicates and replaces the way the ball and socket formation of the hip naturally moves.

In the minimally invasive approach to hip replacement, a much smaller incision is made – generally between 3 to 6 inches, whereas in traditional hip replacement surgery, an incision of 10 to 12 inches is made. One or two small incisions are made for minimally invasive hip replacement surgery. The muscles and tendons are detached from the hip in the minimally invasive approach as well, but to a degree. The implants used are the same as in traditional hip replacement surgery, but specific instruments are used to work through the smaller incision.

Those who are ideal candidates for minimally invasive hip replacement surgery are generally younger, healthier, and motivated to be extremely involved in the rehabilitation process to get back to their normal routine. Patients who are older, overweight, or have already undergone a hip replacement surgery are usually not good candidates for the minimally invasive approach.

Your orthopedic surgeon will discuss which type of hip replacement surgery will be most beneficial for your particular case and will discuss all the risks and benefits involved with that approach. If you have more questions about minimally invasive hip replacement surgery, contact Specialty Surgical Center in Sparta, New Jersey at 973-940-3166 or speak to your orthopedic surgeon.

Specialty Surgical Center is located in Sparta, New Jersey and our staff consists of board certified surgeons and anesthesiologists performing procedures in Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Spinal Care, Podiatry, Urology, Pain Management, ENT, Hand Surgery, Lithotripsy, Brachytherapy, GYN and Laser Surgery.

For more information about Specialty Surgical Center, call 973-940-3166 or visit our Contact Page.

©Specialty Surgical Center, 2015
©Medical Marketing Solutions, 2015

Since we depend on healthy feet and ankles for walking and mobility, quick recovery from an injury is extremely important. The skill of the surgeon, the type of surgery required, and the willingness of the patient to stick to the physical therapy regimen all can impact how well someone bounces back from an ankle injury.

Minimally invasive surgeries to repair foot and ankle injuries generally provide the fastest recovery time and the highest chance of returning to previous level of function.

At Specialty Surgical Center in Sparta, New Jersey, there are several minimally invasive surgeries that are regularly performed for foot and ankle conditions, including Achilles tendinitis, arthritis of the foot or ankle, bunions, plantar fasciitis, or turf toe.

The surgical staff also provides joint replacements, fusions, arthroscopic surgery, and bunion surgery.

There are many benefits to having your surgery in an outpatient surgery center like Specialty Surgical Center. Outpatient surgery centers usually report the same or lower risk for post-surgical infection, and many patients are pleased with the level of care and attention they get at an outpatient center. Because patients are allowed to return home the same day, they are able to heal and recover at home, and often experience shorter recovery times.

For more information about foot and ankle surgery at Specialty Surgical Center, call us at 973-940-3166

Specialty Surgical Center is located in Sparta, New Jersey and our staff consists of board certified surgeons and anesthesiologists performing procedures in Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Spinal Care, Podiatry, Urology, Pain Management, ENT, Hand Surgery, Lithotripsy, Brachytherapy, GYN and Laser Surgery.

For more information about Specialty Surgical Center, call 973-940-3166 or visit our Contact Page.

©Specialty Surgical Center, 2015
©Medical Marketing Solutions, 2015

Corticosteroid injections are one of the interventional pain management tools that the doctors at Specialty Surgical Center use to reduce lower back pain.

What is it?
The adrenal gland, which is located on top of the kidneys, produces hormones like cortisol. Cortisol controls how our body handles both physical and mental stress, but it also helps fight inflammation to our bodies. When your adrenal gland is under stress, one symptom that may arise is lower back pain. So when the adrenal gland does not produce enough cortisol when it is under stress, corticosteroid injections are used to mimic cortisol and treat lower back pain.

How the procedure is done
After the patient is given an anesthetic, a patient is given an injection into or around a patient’s back joints. It is just like having an injection in your arm that you may be more used to. This may provide the patient with a fast way of reducing inflammation for months or potentially years. Our doctors recommend using ice on the injection spot if a patient is sore over the next two days after the procedure. It will be up to your doctor at Specialty Surgical Center to discuss how often you need to have a corticosteroid injection.

Who should consider one?
If you have any of these conditions, talk to your doctor to see if he or she recommends using corticosteroid injections as a form of treatment. Here are just a few examples of the types of patients who might consider the procedure.

• Osteoarthritis patients – If osteoporosis is affecting the joints in your lower back and hip, it can be difficult to move around pain free. A corticosteroid injection can make an osteoarthritis patient feel less stiff by reducing inflammation.

• Tendinitis – Like osteoarthritis, people can have tendinitis anywhere in their bodies. A person who has tendinitis in their lower back may be a great candidate for corticosteroid injections because of the tight muscles caused by tendinitis. Instead of injecting the corticosteroid into the joints, it is injected directly into a patient’s tendons.

• People with muscle injuries – From athletes to people who move heavy objects, anyone can injure their lower back with a muscle injury. While a corticosteroid injection is not recommended for someone with a new injury, it can be considered for someone with a muscle injury who is in chronic pain and has suffered from the injury for a long time.

Specialty Surgical Center is located in Sparta, New Jersey and our staff consists of board certified surgeons and anesthesiologists performing procedures in Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Spinal Care, Podiatry, Urology, Pain Management, ENT, Hand Surgery, Lithotripsy, Brachytherapy, GYN and Laser Surgery.

For more information about Specialty Surgical Center, call 973-940-3166 or visit our Contact Page.

A spinal adjustment, also referred to as a chiropractic adjustment, is a fairly common technique that the chiropractors at Specialty Surgical Centers use to help manage chronic back pain symptoms. When one of our specialists performs a spinal manipulation, he or she uses their hands to create a sudden force onto your joints.

During this procedure, a chiropractor will move you into different positions to apply that force into different areas of your back and neck. It is normal to hear a “pop” sound when they do this. The sound is the release of gasses putting pressure on your joints. Ultimately, a spinal adjustment relieves pressure and nerve irritation by improving spinal alignment.

Our specialists encourage an open line of communication regarding where your pain is, so if you feel any tenderness during your adjustment, tell your chiropractor exactly where the pain. That way, they’ll be able to can cater your spinal adjustment to your needs and reduce any tenderness you may have.

Spinal adjustments work best when the patient is completely relaxed during the procedure, so your chiropractor may use some relaxation techniques before your adjustment.

Having a spinal adjustment may relieve lower back pain, neck pain and even headaches. Our specialists will discuss introducing a spinal adjustment into your pain management treatment plan if they feel it’ll help you live pain-free.

A patient may feel a little soreness in the muscles around the spine following a spinal adjustment, but that should dissipate after a day or two. Pain relief from a spinal adjustment differs for everyone; nevertheless, a Specialty Surgical Center chiropractor may recommend another appointment or a different manipulative therapy offered at Specialty Surgical Centers to help treat your chronic back pain.

Specialty Surgical Center is located in Sparta, New Jersey and our staff consists of board certified surgeons and anesthesiologists performing procedures in Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Spinal Care, Podiatry, Urology, Pain Management, ENT, Hand Surgery, Lithotripsy, Brachytherapy, GYN and Laser Surgery.

For more information about Specialty Surgical Center, call 973-940-3166 or visit our Contact Page.