Licking Memorial Health Systems - Measurably different...for your health
An Overview of Orthopedic Medicine

Orthopedic physicians are medical experts who focus on repairing injuries to the musculoskeletal system, including the spine and major joints.  This involves:

  • Diagnosis of the injury or disorder 
  • Treatment with medication, exercise, surgery or other treatment plans 
  • Rehabilitation by recommending exercises or physical therapy to restore movement, strength and function 
  • Prevention with information and treatment plans to prevent injury or slow the progression of diseases 
Generally, the specialty is referred to as orthopedic surgery, although many non-surgical treatments are provided by orthopedic surgeons.  In fact, most orthopedic surgeons have an office-based practice and spend the majority of their time treating patients outside of the operating room.  Orthopedists also can be found assisting in the emergency department, taking care of patients in an inpatient hospital setting, or even on the sidelines of a sporting event.
  • Orthopedists have extensive training and complete up to 14 years of formal education: 
  • Four years of study in a college or university 
  • Four years of study in medical school 
  • Five years of study in orthopedic residency at a major medical center 
  • One optional year of specialized education 
The most common reasons that patients receive treatment from an orthopedic physician are for a broken bone, arthritis, rotator cuff injuries, meniscus tears and carpal tunnel syndrome.  Orthopedic physicians routinely perform arthroscopies, which are minimally invasive procedures to explore hip, shoulder or knee damage.  Minor joint problems often can be corrected during an arthroscopy, but more serious conditions may require further surgery.  Other commonly-treated orthopedic conditions include:   
  • Bursitis 
  • Elbow pain  
  • Foot pain   
  • Hand pain 
  • Knee pain  
  • Osteoporosis 
  • Soft-tissue injuries 
At Licking Memorial Orthopedic Surgery, physicians Robert W. Mueller, M.D., Kevin M. Ouweleen, M.D., and Andrew John Terlecky, D.O., provide general orthopedic care and surgery, including diagnosing and treating conditions such as fractures, sports injuries, arthritis and disabling conditions of the upper and lower extremities.  

Dr. Mueller received his Doctor of Medicine degree at Johns Hopkins University Medical School in Baltimore, Maryland.  He completed an internship and residency in orthopedic surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.  Dr. Mueller is board certified in orthopedic surgery.  Dr. Ouweleen received his Doctor of Medicine degree at The Ohio State University in Columbus.  He completed an internship and residency in orthopedic surgery at Mount Carmel Medical Center in Columbus.  He is a member of the American Medical Association, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery, and American College of Sports Medicine.  Dr. Ouweleen also is board certified in orthopedic surgery.  Dr. Terlecky received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at The Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine.  He completed an orthopedic research fellowship with Southwest Ohio Orthopedic Associates and his residency at Grandview Hospital in Dayton.  He is a member of the Ohio and American Osteopathic associations. 

Licking Memorial Orthopedic Surgery also provides services for individuals with work-related injuries.  Patients who have been assigned a claim number should bring this information to their appointment.  Partnering with Licking Memorial Occupational Health, every effort is made to return employees to work in a timely manner, reduce medical expenses, and decrease time away from work.  The experienced staff understands the Workers’ Compensation system and the processes are efficient, cost effective and convenient.

An online medical record allows patients to have secure access to their health information and communicate with the physician’s office – without the need to call or visit.  To set up an account, please call the office during regular business hours and the staff will offer assistance.

Licking Memorial Orthopedic Surgery office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  All visits with the physicians are scheduled.  To request an appointment, please call (220) 564-2900 during regular business hours.  Physicians allow time in the daily appointment schedule for urgent or emergency visits.  In the event of an urgent situation after hours, please call our answering service at (220) 564-1635.  
  

| Posted On : 11/17/2016 9:09:46 AM