Health Wonders - Summer 2008 - (Page 4)

Geauga patient undergoes complex surgery to restore function in her right hand Give Her a linda bookman Hand a plastic surgeon for removal of several ganglion cysts on top of her hand, but she was unprepared for the wilted finger. New orthopaedic Programs Fellowship-trained surgeons, specialtycertified therapists and support staff provide their expertise to assist patients with distinctive orthopaedic needs. University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center offers the following new programs: Hand and upper extremity center: Minimally invasive and advanced microsurgery techniques are combined with sophisticated equipment and therapy regimens to help individuals overcome severe injuries to hands, arms and shoulders and work toward regaining independence. foot and ankle center: Injuries and disease to the lower extremities are repaired and restored using the latest surgical and therapeutic modalities to improve each patient’s quality of life. For more information about these and other programs available at the Orthopaedic Center or to request a physician referral, call 440-285-7757. could not lift a finger. To be precise, a tendon ruptured in her right ring finger, causing it to go limp. “It happened all of a sudden,” Bookman says. “The finger totally drooped.” The 52-year-old Beachwood resident had previously visited a rheumatologist for treatment of arthritis and Under Attack “Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that attacks a person’s own joints, ligaments and tendons,” explains Scott Zimmer, M.D., medical director of the Hand and Upper Extremity Center at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center. “When one tendon ruptures, it’s a sign that other tendons will probably also rupture. “Mrs. Bookman was unable to grip or twist with her right hand,” Dr. Zimmer continues. “Her joint was essentially destroyed, and it also shifted out of position.” Save the Date! The public is invited to attend the fourth annual orthopaedics Day on Sept. 17, a free community education event devoted to maintaining good joint and spine health. Watch for details regarding time and location. For more information, call 440-285-7757. “We reconstructed the joint to stabilize it with the help of a tendon transferred from another finger, and we also removed a section of bone that had shifted out of place,” Dr. Zimmer says. He also notes that surgery is the first step, with a prescribed course of rehabilitation and exercise under the supervision of an occupational therapist, which is necessary to restore total function. Back in the Kitchen “I’m so thankful,” says Bookman of her current condition. “I am feeling much better. I’m cooking and slicing— you need your hands for cooking.” She also enjoys taking care of her seven grandchildren. “Geauga Medical Center was very nice,” Bookman says. “The people were so nice also. I really felt like a celebrity.” l Bookman underwent a complex surgical procedure at Geauga Medical Center in September 2007 to restore her tendon’s function and help decrease the risk of future occurrence. 4 Summer 2008 Check out our website at www.UHGeauga.org http://www.UHGeauga.org

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Health Wonders - Summer 2008 Contents Geauga Changing with the Seasons Baby Love Under Attack with Arthritis Surgery that Gets You Back in Action Faster What's New at Geauga Medical Center Meet our Physicians

Health Wonders - Summer 2008

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