Innovative orthopedic treatments helping you move better, helping you feel better. Our orthopedic department works directly with the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons. We perform surgery to address and fix trauma, tumors, injuries, infections and other conditions requiring surgical procedures.
Joint Replacement
Total joint replacement is the process of replacing an arthritic, injured, or painful joint that interferes with daily living. Our team of physicians have a special interest and expertise in joint replacement surgeries. Dr. Starling, Dr. Love and Dr. Davis perform the procedures exclusively at Colquitt Regional Medical Center, the first hospital in South Georgia to receive the Gold Seal of Approval for Certification for Total Hip and Total Knee Replacements from the Joint Commission.
We have designed our processes around the best national standards to assure that our patients are receiving care that has been proven to deliver successful outcomes. Our program includes specially trained staff, a multi-disciplinary team approach, pre-surgery education, physical therapy, and other coordinated outpatient options to provide the patient with comprehensive care.
This team looks at every step of the patient’s care, from preoperative tests to post-discharge home safety, to ensure that patients achieve the best possible outcomes.
HIP REPLACEMENT
Hip replacement (total hip Arthroplasty) is done through a surgical incision. The process involves removing the worn out joint and replacing it with articulating prosthetic components. This procedure may be done through a variety of incisions. Anterior approach limits the amount of muscle involved in the surgery. Physical therapy, joint injection, fracture treatment and medication are commonly employed before deciding that surgery is the correct option.
KNEE REPLACEMENT
Knee replacement (Partial or Total) is done through a surgical incision on the front of the knee. The joint surfaces at the distal end of the femur and proximal end of the tibia are removed and replaced with articulating components. The process stabilizes the joint and will allow for a returned range of motion with physical therapy. The main conditions leading to knee replacement are osteoarthritis, deformity, and injury. Physical therapy, joint injection, and medication are commonly pursued before deciding that surgery is the correct option.
The Orthopedic team also has the only Mako SmartRobotics (TM) for Total Knee Replacement in South Georgia. The Mako Robot is utilized in both total knee and partial knee replacements, and is an innovative solution for many suffering from painful arthritis of the knee. Mako uses 3D CT-based planning software so your surgeon can know more about your anatomy to create a personalized joint replacement surgical plan.
Is a joint replacement right for you? Hip and Knee replacements have a strong track record of improving patients’ quality of life. If you have been experiencing chronic joint pain, request an appointment with Dr. Starling, Dr. Love or Dr. Davis by calling 229-785-2400.
Sports Medicine
Our orthopedic surgeons work closely with athletes, coaches and parents to diagnose and treat a variety of sports-related injuries. They also treat a lot of “weekend athletes” and offer surgical and non-surgical care using the latest techniques and technology. All patient evaluations and treatments are conducted personally by our physicians.
Our partnership with Vereen Rehabilitation Center allows us to follow patients’ progress closely and offer comprehensive care providing the best possible health outcomes and helping athletes get back to their normal activities.
Fracture Care
A fracture occurs when a bone is impacted by a force greater than it can bear. Fractures can range from a minor crack in a bone to a completely broken bone and a displaced fracture. Our physicians are experienced in fracture care and routinely provide treatment to patients of all ages.
- Ankle/Foot Fracture – Ankle fractures are unfortunately quite common. But with good healing and physical therapy, most patients regain all or most of their function.
- Finger/Hand Fracture – The bones of the hand support the muscles that make the wrist and fingers move. The severity of the break will determine whether a splint or cast will successfully allow the fracture to heal or if a surgery is necessary. Most hand fracture surgery is fairly quick and occupational therapy will be very beneficial to regain full use and prevent stiffness.
- Wrist Fracture – Minor wrist fractures can often be treated with a cast or brace that will support the wrist and keep the bones in place to allowing for healing. More severe fractures will require surgery to place the bones back together and keep them in the correct place. Most wrist fracture surgeries are fairly quick procedures and a majority of patients get back to baseline. The incision is small, but because the hands are so richly innervated and are the main way in which we interact with our environments, even a small incision can be bothersome for some time.
- Hip Fracture – Hundreds of thousands of hip fractures occur every year in the United States. The majority are considered ‘fragility fractures’ and can be a marker of deteriorating health. Consequently, there is a higher complication rate with hip fracture surgery than with most elective procedures both from the surgery itself as well as the other medical issues surrounding the affected patient. The care of a patient’s hip fracture surgery involves a team approach between our surgeons, medical doctors, rehab specialists and case managers.
- Elbow Fracture – If elbow fracture surgery is required the surgery is normally quick, and a majority of patients get back to a functional baseline. Stiffness of the elbow due to injury and/or surgery is very common, especially with getting back full extension. Regular and dedicated physical/occupational therapy will prevent this and is a key component of our plan for treatment of elbow fractures.
Workers Comp/Disability
Our goal at The Sterling Center is to take care of our patients. We understand that injuries which occur at work can be difficult, expensive and time-consuming. Not only do they interfere with a patient’s ability to earn a living, but they also distract resources away from their employer’s core business. That is why we strive to provide definitive orthopedic and rehabilitation care, as promptly as possible, and to “close the loop” with clear communication back to all involved parties.
Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation
We partner with the Vereen Rehabilitation Center which offers a variety of treatments including physical, occupational, and aquatic therapies, along with a wound care clinic. Their team of highly trained professionals help our patients gain confidence and strength by providing one-on-one care, focusing on the individual during treatment.
Patient Instructions
Linked here are general guidelines for rehabilitation after common orthopedic procedures. However, your specific instructions/restrictions might differ from the below. Our protocols update as new data or technology becomes available for use in our practice.
Our Providers:
C. Curt Starling, MD
Dexter Love, MD
Franklin Davis, Jr, MD
