Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections Help the Body Heal Itself

What Are Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections?

PRP injections are a treatment that separates the platelets in a patient’s own blood and uses them to promote healing. A small sample of blood is collected and placed in a centrifuge, a machine that spins at high speeds to separate the platelet-rich plasma from the other components, like red and white blood cells. Guided by ultrasound imaging to ensure accuracy and precision, the concentrated PRP is then injected directed into the affected area. The entire procedure takes about an hour.

Post-injection care may mean avoiding certain movements or activities for a period of time to optimize the healing process and minimize potential side effects. It’s normal for the injection site to become inflamed and may be quite painful for one to three days following treatment. The swelling and soreness are part of the healing process, and patients should avoid taking anti-inflammatory medication like Aspirin or ibuprofen, which can make the injection less effective.

What conditions do PRP injections treat?

PRP injections are frequently used to treat musculoskeletal injuries and orthopedic conditions like tendonitis, ligament sprains, bursitis, and partial rotator cuff tears, and tennis elbow. The injections can also be used to reduce joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation caused by arthritis.

How long will it take for me to see improvement?

Because the bioactive substances in the platelet-rich plasma need time to stimulate tissue repair and cellular regeneration, it can take a few weeks to start noticing the effects of PRP injections. Patients with musculoskeletal injuries like tendonitis or ligament sprains may experience improved functionality and pain relief quicker than patients with more severe or chronic conditions. Factors like age, overall health, and adherence to post-injection instructions all influence the speed of the healing process. It’s crucial to follow your doctor’s recommendations to maximize treatment benefits.

We recently sat down for a Q&A with our Sports Medicine provider and PRP expert, Dr. Andrew McMahon.

Q: In your own words, how does this procedure benefit your patients?
A: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy uses injections of a concentration of a patient’s own platelets to accelerate the healing of injured tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints. In this way, PRP injections use each individual patient’s own healing system to improve musculoskeletal problems.

Q: Who is a good candidate for a PRP Injection?
A:

Patients with overall good health
Patients with mild to moderate arthritis, partial tears, or chronic wear and tear injuries
Patients with decreased function due to pain, stiffness, or lack of mobility
Failure with more conservative treatment methods

It’s important to note that while PRP injections are generally considered safe, they may not be suitable for everyone. The treatment can’t be used if the tendon is torn completely and though PRP injections can address symptoms of arthritis, they can’t reverse pre-existing damage. The treatment’s efficacy and appropriateness depend on the specific condition being treated and individual patient factors. It’s important to consult with a specialist to evaluate whether PRP injections are appropriate for your specific needs.

Q: Where do you perform this procedure?
In our Portsmouth, NH office only, some of the surgeons use it intraoperatively.

Q: Do you have a recent patient success story you can share?
A: Recently, I have had a lot of success with PRP treating knee arthritis. Peter S. is a 68-year old gentleman who is very active in tennis/pickleball and is an avid skier. His moderate arthritis has given him a lot of stiffness and some pain which resulted in him cutting back on these activities at times, affecting his happiness and mental health. He had a consult for treatment options and we ultimately opted to inject PRP into both knees. Within 4 weeks, he had regained a significant amount of his function and he was able to play more tennis, and he successfully took a week long ski trip to Colorado.

Q: Anything else you’d like current or future patients to know about this procedure and how it would benefit them?
A: In the appropriate patient, PRP can offer a nice treatment option for patients with musculoskeletal problems who have failed conservative treatment options like PT, bracing, and cortisone injections. PRP can help heal soft tissue injuries (a torn tendon, for example), potentially avoiding surgical repair. PRP also provides patients with arthritis a treatment option that decreases pain and increases mobility and function. It typically lasts 2-3 times longer than cortisone injections and does not contribute to deterioration of the joint like a cortisone injection can.

Think PRP Injections may be right for you? Schedule a consultation with our specialist Dr. McMahon to learn more.

Pain Relief for Rotator Cuff Tears–Introducing the Stryker InSpace Balloon

What is a Rotator Cuff Tear?

The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that surround and stabilize the shoulder joint, connecting the muscles of the upper arm to the shoulder blade. When a rotator cuff tear occurs–from acute trauma, repetitive stress, or degeneration over time–the tendon becomes separated from its attachment point on the bone. Rotator cuff tears are painful and cause weakness in the joint and limited shoulder mobility. Common symptoms of a tear include difficulty lifting your arm, a popping or crackling sensation in the shoulder, and pain both at rest and with movement.

Unfortunately, rotator cuff tears don’t heal on their own. If an untreated tear results in arthritis in the joint, patients often require shoulder replacement surgery, but for patients who still have shoulder function and haven’t developed arthritis, there is a less invasive treatment option called the Stryker InSpace Balloon.

What is the Stryker InSpace Balloon?

The Stryker InSpace Balloon is a medical device used to treat rotator cuff tears. It’s made of biocompatible material–a substance that can be implanted in the body and tolerated without damaging existing tissue. The balloon creates more space within the subacromial area–the space between the bone at the top of the shoulder and the ball of the shoulder–reducing compression and friction caused by the torn rotator cuff.

What’s involved in the procedure?

The Stryker InSpace Balloon is placed arthroscopically, using a small incision and the guidance of a camera to precisely place the deflated balloon in the subacromial space. The balloon is then inflated with a sterile saline solution, causing it to push the acromion away from the rotator cuff tendons. This reduces impingement on the injured tissues to restore function and alleviate pain.

The procedure is minimally invasive and performed on an outpatient basis. Recovery time varies, depending on the individual patient and the extent of the injury, and rehabilitation may include physical therapy to help restore strength and mobility in the shoulder.

How do I know if the Stryker InSpace Balloon can help me?

If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, or have been diagnosed with a rotator cuff tear, it’s important to consult with a shoulder specialist as soon as possible. The specialist will evaluate your injury and medical history, and may recommend the Stryker InSpace Balloon procedure as a treatment option.

Below is our Q&A with Dr. Noerdlinger, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in the shoulder. Dr. Noerdlinger is a partner at Atlantic Orthopaedics with extensive experience performing the Stryker InSpace Balloon procedure.

Q: In your own words, how does this procedure benefit your patients?
A: This is a pain relieving procedure.

Q: Who is a good candidate for the Stryker InSpace Balloon procedure?
A: The procedure is indicated for patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears, with good shoulder function and minimal to no arthritis.

Q: Where do you perform this procedure?
A: I perform the procedure at NECOS (New England Center for Orthopaedic Surgery) in Portsmouth, and York Hospital in Maine.

Q: Do you have a recent patient success story you can share?
A: I performed the Stryker InSpace Balloon procedure on a 67 year old man with years of pain and an unfixable rotator cuff tear. He described his shoulder as getting worse despite physical therapy and injections. He had pain with an active range of motion, and stated his shoulder was 30% normal. Four months after his February surgery, he described his pain as a 2 out of 10 on a daily basis and rated his shoulder as 60% normal.

I also treated a 73 year old female patient who came to me with pain from an irreparable rotator cuff tear. She described her shoulder as 40% normal before the procedure and 70% normal 3 months after her March 1st surgery.

Another patient, a 60 year old man with bilateral irreparable rotator cuff tears, had the balloon placed in his right shoulder on March 1st, and his shoulder improved from 20% normal to 65% normal in 6 weeks. He then underwent left shoulder balloon placement May 10th.

Q: Anything else you’d like current or future patients to know about this procedure and how it would benefit them?
A: The rotator cuff is the one structure that, when torn, causes the most pain and dysfunction in the shoulder. Rotator cuff tears do not heal, get bigger over time, become unfixable, and cause arthritis. Rotator cuff repair surgery is very successful and can restore normal, pain-free function.

If the rotator cuff is irreparable, the painful shoulder is often treated with a reverse shoulder replacement. For patients with unfixable, painful rotator cuff tears with little to no arthritis and good function, an InSpace balloon is a good option.

If you’re suffering from shoulder pain from a rotator cuff tear that hasn’t responded to treatments like injections or physical therapy, schedule an appointment to find out if the Stryker InSpace Balloon procedure is right for you.

FREE Sports Physicals – July 31st, 2024

Updated July 2024 – Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine will be offering free sports physicals to all student athletes for the 2024-2025 sports season on Wednesday, July 31st from 5pm to 6pm at our Portsmouth, NH facility.

Young athletes planning to participate in a sports activity during their school year are encouraged to stop by for a complete examination. Physicals will be free of charge and a RSVP is required. Please call (603) 431-1121 to schedule an exam.

The Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Portsmouth, NH address is 1900 Lafayette Road Suite A. Please complete this form prior to your exam.

Torn Meniscus? Eliminate Knee Pain With This Procedure

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage in the knee joint that plays a crucial role in function and stability. The two meniscii in each knee function as shock absorbers. They are composed of dense fibrocartilage, which is more flexible than bone but firmer than other types of cartilage. Meniscus pads play an important role in walking, running and jumping, and they aid in weight distribution and alignment. The meniscus also helps keep the knee joint lubricated to reduce friction between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone).

A meniscus root tear is a relatively common knee injury that occurs when the meniscus separates from its attachment point on the tibia bone. This type of tear can be caused by the wear and tear that happens with age, or by trauma or injury, such as a sports injury. People who suffer a tear often feel a “popping” sensation in the back of the knee, followed by pain, instability, and a loss of function. Untreated, a meniscus root tear can lead to osteoarthritis and degeneration in the knee. Fortunately, there is a minimally invasive procedure available to fix the issue.

Atlantic Orthopaedics’ surgeon Dr. Welch specializes in meniscus root repair, having performed more than 100 successful procedures to restore function, eliminate pain, and prevent further damage. In this surgery, he makes three small incisions, prepares the torn end of the meniscus for repair, then securely reattaches the meniscus to the root attachment site on the tibia bone through a small tunnel in the tibia.

Following surgery, Dr. Welch places the patient’s knee in a brace to protect the repaired meniscus and allow it to heal. Physical therapy is an important part of the recovery process. Recovery from meniscus root repair takes time and it’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding weight-bearing and the use of crutches. It may take three months for the knee to fully heal, but the vast majority of patients have excellent outcomes and experience a return to normal knee function.

Below, Dr. Welch answers some questions about Meniscus Root Repair:

Q. In your own words, how does this procedure benefit your patients suffering from knee pain?

A. A meniscus root tear is a specific type of meniscus tear that is more serious than a typical meniscus tear. If the root tears, the meniscus becomes loose and unstable. Surgery involves repairing the meniscus back to the tibia bone. This procedure benefits patients because it restores the function of the meniscus, eliminates pain, and helps restore patient confidence in his/her knee.

Q. Who is a good candidate for a Meniscus Root Repair?

A. A proper candidate for meniscus root repair is a patient who sustains a root tear who does not have significant arthritis in the knee.

Q. Where do you perform Meniscus Root Repairs ?

A. I perform meniscus root repairs at New England Center for Orthopedic Surgery (NECOS) in Portsmouth, NH and at York Hospital in York, ME.

Q. Do you have a recent patient success story you can share?

A. I have dozens of patient success stories. Meniscus root repairs are very reliable; as long as the meniscus heals to the tibia, patients usually return to normal function with no issues. Previous studies have revealed success rates > 90%.

Q. Anything else you’d like patients to know about this procedure?

A. I have many patients (>100) who have had tremendous success after a meniscus root repair. Unfortunately, one issue with this procedure is that each patient must use crutches or a walker for the first 5-6 weeks after surgery. This is inconvenient, but necessary, so that the meniscus has time to heal.

If you’re suffering from knee pain and loss of mobility from a meniscus root tear, you may be a good candidate for this minimally invasive procedure. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Welch for an evaluation: https://www.atlanticorthopaedics.org/providers/tyler-welch-md/

What is Collagen Augmented Rotator Cuff Repair?

Rotator cuff injuries are one of the most common causes of shoulder pain, affecting more than 2 million Americans each year. If you have a partially torn rotator cuff that hasn’t responded to non-surgical treatment like physical therapy and cortisone injections, you may be a candidate for a procedure called Collagen Augmented Rotator Cuff Repair, performed by our shoulder specialist Dr. Noerdlinger.

What is the rotator cuff?
Shoulders are not singular joints, but rather a complex arrangement of bones, cartilage, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles, connected by tendons, that originate from the shoulder blade (scapula) and attach to the upper arm bone (humerus) to form a cover, or “cuff.” The rotator cuff provides stability to the shoulder joint and helps the arm lift and rotate.

What causes a rotator cuff tear?
A rotator cuff tear happens when the tendons pull away from the bone. With a partial tear, the tendon remains attached to the bone and with a full tear it separates from the bone completely. Tears most commonly happen as a result of normal wear and tear due to aging, with people over 40 at greatest risk. A tear can also be caused by an acute injury like a fall, from repetitive shoulder movement from jobs like carpentry or painting, or from sports like tennis or rowing. Untreated, a rotator cuff tear can worsen over time and may lead to chronic shoulder pain and limited range of motion.

How do I know if I have a rotator cuff tear?
The most common symptom of a rotator cuff tear is pain. A tear can also cause weakness in the arm and shoulder, difficulty raising your arm or lifting something, and a clicking or popping sensation in the shoulder. You may also experience swelling or tenderness in the shoulder joint. If you think you have a rotator cuff tear, a doctor will need to perform a physical exam and may confirm your diagnosis with an x-ray, MRI, or ultrasound.

What is Collagen Augmented Rotator Cuff Repair?
Collagen augmented rotator cuff repair is a surgical technique that uses a collagen implant to reinforce the rotator cuff repair. The implant is made of a biologically derived material similar to the collagen found in human tissue. It’s designed to provide additional strength and support to the healing tendon, reducing the risk of re-tear. The postage-size collagen patches are absorbed by the body within about 6 months, and patients generally experience shorter recovery times than with conventional rotator cuff surgery.

We recently sat down with shoulder specialist Dr. Noerdlinger and asked him a few questions about this procedure.

Q: How does this procedure benefit your patients?
A: Collagen implants can lead to quicker recoveries. Adding collagen facilitates the biologic healing of torn tendons in certain situations. They are used in two situations:

To repair a partially torn rotator cuff tendon. In this scenario, the collagen is laid on top of the partially torn tendon. The implant blends in with the thinned rotator cuff tendon, thickens it and allows it to heal. Patients, with partial tears, do not need to wear a sling after surgery.
To augment a repaired shredded tendon that may not heal on its own, particularly in the setting of a revision rotator cuff tear when the tendon did not heal after the first surgery.

Q: Who is a good candidate for the Collagen Augmented Rotator Cuff Repair Procedure?
A: Not everyone is a candidate for this procedure. Patients with irreparable rotator tears would not qualify for this procedure. Also, patients with good tissue may not need to augment their repairs.

Q: Where do you perform the Collagen Augmented Rotator Cuff Repair procedure?
A: The procedure requires anesthesia and is performed arthroscopically at NECOS and York Hospital.

Q: Can you tell us about a success story?
A: I recently saw a 56 year old female with worsening constant shoulder pain since April 2022. I performed a Partial Rotator Cuff Repair with collagen implant in January of 2023. She was seen in early March of 2023 and reported to be doing well with minimal complaints of pain.

NOTE: Shoulder surgery has a long recovery and often people take 4-6 months before they feel great. Having an expert shoulder surgeon like Dr. Noerdlinger may help speed up recovery.

Torn ACL? Get Educated About BEAR

Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine now offers patients an alternative to surgical reconstruction – a less invasive procedure called Bridge Enhanced ACL Restoration, or BEAR. Clinically tested and FDA-approved, this promising new procedure has been adopted by our own Dr. Tyler Welch, who performed the first BEAR surgery in the state of Maine! Dr. Welch is an orthopedic surgeon and partner at Atlantic Orthopaedics who specializes in Sports Medicine, with a focus on the knee, shoulder, and hip. His mission is to restore his patient’s function through compassionate, evidence-based care.

Anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, tears are one of the most common knee injuries, affecting more than 100,000 Americans each year. The ACL is a band of tissue that connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia) inside the knee joint. It is one of the two cruciate ligaments, along with the medial collateral ligament (MCL), that stabilize the knee joint and prevent the tibia from sliding forward. ACL injuries most often occur when playing sports that involve sudden changes in direction, like:

Basketball
Soccer
Gymnastics
Downhill skiing

Pivoting with your foot firmly planted in place, landing awkwardly from a fall or jump, stopping suddenly, or getting a blow to the knee, along with wearing shoes that don’t fit properly or using ski bindings that aren’t correctly adjusted, can all increase your risk. ACL tears are also more common among women than men. Signs that you’ve torn the ligament, either partially or fully, include severe pain, a popping sensation, rapid swelling, and a feeling of the knee “giving way” when you put weight on it.

If you think you’ve torn your ACL it’s important to be evaluated by an orthopedic doctor as soon as possible. It is possible that the ligament has been stretched or only partially torn, and in those cases the injury may respond to non-surgical treatments like ice, rest, elevation, or physical therapy. Unfortunately, a complete ACL tear can’t heal on its own. This is because the synovial fluid in the knee that keeps the bones from rubbing together also prevents the formation of blood clots needed for healing. Until recently, the only fix for a complete tear has been surgical reconstruction, where a tendon is taken from another part of the patient’s body, or from donor tissue, to reconstruct the torn ligament.

We recently sat down with Dr. Welch to ask him a few questions about the new BEAR procedure.

Q: Tell us Dr. Welch, how does this new procedure benefit your patients?

A: This procedure can benefit patients because it is less invasive than a typical ACL reconstruction. Unlike typical ACL reconstruction, the patient does not need a “graft” to replace the ACL with the BEAR technique. As a result, the procedure may lead to less pain and swelling in the post-surgery period.

What makes BEAR unique is that it doesn’t require patient or donor tissue, instead using an implant made from collagen to bridge the gap between the torn ends of the ACL ligament. The implant is secured via suture, and the patient’s own blood is injected into it during the surgery to form a clot that surrounds the device. This facilitates cell proliferation and enables the body to heal itself. Within about eight weeks of surgery, the implant is absorbed, and replaced by the patient’s own tissue, which will continue to strengthen over time.

Q: Who is a good candidate for a BEAR Procedure?

A: Anyone with an ACL tear is a candidate. Based on recent research, individuals over the age of 20 are the best candidates.

Q: Anything else you’d like patients to know about this new procedure?

A: This is an exciting time in the world of ACL surgery. The BEAR procedure may be a game-changer, but the jury is still out. It is important for patients to know that we do not have any long-term clinical data regarding the BEAR technique. We do not yet know if the re-tear rates (failure rates) are higher in patients who have a BEAR compared to those who have a typical ACL reconstruction over the long term (more than five years). However, current research (two year outcomes) has revealed similar success rates when comparing the BEAR technique to traditional ACL reconstruction. This is encouraging data that suggests that the BEAR technique is reliable.

Candidates for the BEAR procedure must have a complete rupture of the ACL. Eligible patients must also have a stump still attached to the tibia to allow for repair. Dr. Welch currently performs this procedure at York Hospital in York, ME and the BEAR procedure should be available soon at AOSM’s state-of-the-art orthopaedic ambulatory surgery center, NECOS in Portsmouth, NH.

If you think you may be a good fit for the BEAR procedure, schedule an appointment for an evaluation with Dr. Welch. To learn more, click HERE.

NH Magazine Announces 2023 Top Docs

Each year, over 3,000 licensed New Hampshire physicians nominate their peers for the opportunity to receive the honor of ‘Top Doctor.’ Those named Top Doctors received the greatest number of recommendations within 55+ specialties, and the results are in! We think all of our docs are top, but this year, eight of our physicians were voted ‘Top Doctor,’ including:

Glen Crawford, MD – Top Doctor for Orthopaedic Surgery
Robert Eberhart, MD* – Top Doctor for Hand Surgery
Andrew McMahon, DO – Top Doctor for Sports Medicine
Mayo Noerdlinger, MD – Top Doctor for Orthopaedic Surgery
H. Matthew Quitkin, MD – Top Doctor for Hand Surgery
Akhilesh Sastry, MD – Top Doctor for Orthopaedic Surgery
William Sutherland, MD – Top Doctor for Orthopaedic Surgery
Tyler Welch, MD – Top Doctor for Orthopaedic Surgery

Congratulations to all the 2023 Top Doctors!

Learn more about our providers in Portsmouth, NH and York, ME HERE. Or click HERE to make an appointment with our orthopaedic and sports medicine team.

*As of January 1, 2023 Dr. Robert Eberhart officially retired.

Dr. Welch Becomes First Surgeon in Maine to Perform a BEAR Procedure

ACL tears are one of the most common knee injuries, affecting more than 100,000 Americans each year. Until now, the only way to repair the torn ligament was with invasive surgical reconstruction using tendons from other parts of the body or from donor tissue.

We’re excited to announce that there’s now a simpler, less invasive treatment available called Bridge Enhanced ACL Restoration (BEAR), pioneered by our own Dr. Welch, who recently performed the first BEAR procedure in the state of Maine. The surgery uses an implant to ‘bridge’ the torn gaps of the ACL without the need for donor tissue but instead, using patient’s own blood encourages the body rebuild the tissue, typically within 8 weeks.

Congratulations Dr. Welch on this outstanding achievement!

If you’re suffering from knee pain, and would like to discuss your options with one of our knee specialists, please contact us today.

*Other resources on BEAR Procedure can be found here.

Our New Partnership with Phillips Exeter Academy

We are proud to be the exclusive orthopedic provider for Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, NH!

Learn more about our services at https://www.atlanticorthopaedics.org/

Hear from Dr. Tyler Welch about this exclusive new partnership!

*The following is a transcription of the video.

My name is Tyler Welch from Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. And I’m here to announce that we are now the exclusive orthopedic provider for Phillips Exeter Academy. As part of the new partnership with Phillips Exeter Academy, one of the doctors from AOSM will be on site covering all home football games. During those games, we can help diagnose and treat injuries if necessary.

At Atlantic, we have specialists that focus on every part of the body. This enables us to offer tailored care for each individual athlete here at Phillips Exeter Academy. We’re always trying to get better, we’re always trying to improve, so that we can take the best care of the community possible.

I have experience treating athletes from multiple professional teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Los Angeles Kings. That experience was very valuable to me. It taught me that you always have to treat each athlete as an individual. All athletes have different goals. They have different needs. They have different injury histories. And you always have to take these variables into account when you’re treating each athlete. This is a mindset that I’m excited to bring to Phillips Exeter Academy.

The one piece of advice I give high school athletes it to listen to your body. You know, if you don’t trust your knee, you don’t trust your shoulder, or you’re lacking confidence, or if you’re having pain that keeps coming back, you want to tell your trainer, tell your doctor. There’s usually an issue that you don’t want to ignore.

Atlantic Orthopedics, Phillips Exeter, game on!

2022 Top Docs

Each year, over 3,000 licensed New Hampshire physicians nominate their peers for the opportunity to receive the honor of ‘Top Doctor.’ Those named Top Doctors received the greatest number of recommendations within 55+ specialties, and the results are in! We think all of our docs are top, but this year, seven of our physicians were voted ‘Top Doctor,’ including:
(Pictured below from left to right)

Glen Crawford, MD – Top Doctor for Orthopaedic Surgery
Robert Eberhart, MD – Top Doctor for Hand Surgery
Andy McMahon, DO – Top Doctor for Sports Medicine
Mayo Noerdlinger, MD – Top Doctor for Orthopaedic Surgery
H. Matthew Quitkin, MD – Top Doctor for Hand Surgery
Akhilesh Sastry, MD – Top Doctor for Orthopaedic Surgery
William Sutherland, MD – Top Doctor for Orthopaedic Surgery

Congratulations to all the 2022 Top Doctors!

Learn more about our providers in Portsmouth, NH and York, ME HERE. Or click HERE to make an appointment with our orthopaedic and sports medicine team.

New Ambulatory Surgery Center Coming to AOSM!

New England Center for Orthopaedic Surgery Will Open Spring 2021

Atlantic Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine broke ground last week on a new ambulatory surgery center, New England Center for Orthopaedic Surgery.

The new, single-story ambulatory surgery center, affiliated with Portsmouth Regional Hospital and jointly owned with HCA Healthcare, will provide high-quality outpatient care for orthopedic patients.

The project encompasses 11,000 square feet of space for patients and visitors, and the building is located at 1900 Lafayette Road, Suite E, Portsmouth, New Hampshire 03801.

New England Center for Orthopaedic Surgery will feature:

Three operating rooms specially designed for orthopedic procedures
Private registration area for patients
Modern, comfortable waiting area with welcoming atmosphere
Operating rooms with the most up-to-date technology

The new, state-of-the-art facility will be highly specialized as a single-specialty center offering only orthopedic procedures for patients. It is set to be complete in the spring of 2021.

“Patients in Portsmouth will have a safe, convenient and cost-effective environment for receiving orthopedic outpatient care at New England Center for Orthopaedic Surgery,” said Michael Morwood, MD, orthopedic surgeon at New England Center for Orthopaedic Surgery. “Our modern ambulatory surgery center will be thoughtfully designed to ensure patients will feel comfortable and at ease while receiving excellent healthcare.”

About The HCA Healthcare Ambulatory Surgery Division

The HCA Healthcare Ambulatory Surgery Division operates and jointly owns with physicians, 144 ambulatory surgery centers throughout the United States. Located in 16 states with more than 3,200 physician partners, the HCA Healthcare Ambulatory Surgery Division is focused on collaborating with physicians to advance healthcare in our communities. Each year, the HCA Healthcare Ambulatory Surgery Division cares for more than 786,000 patients. HCA Healthcare ambulatory surgery centers are built on a foundation of quality care and a commitment to providing patients with healthier tomorrows.

New 1.5T Open MRI Available Now!

On June 30th, 2020, we will scan our first patient on a brand new 1.5T open MRI machine in Portsmouth, NH. This new MRI machine is one of few in the region that offers this level of detail and clarity, along with the largest field of view to create the most comfortable patient experience.

The state-of-the-art 1.5T GE Voyager is a 70 cm open MRI and is considered to be the gold standard for imaging. The machine comes fully equipped with new, innovative features including:

-MAVRIC software that allows imaging for patients with implants with no reduction in image quality. As more patients are receiving joint replacements, this is a terrific solution to improve the medical care that they need.

-A wider and more comfortable table design that sits lower to the ground, allowing for feet-first or head-first imaging. This features memory foam surfacing, is easier access for patient positioning, and accommodates up to 550 lbs.

-The open 70cm of headroom is the most comfortable patient experience without compromising imaging quality. 1.5T imaging is preferred by radiologists.

If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of having this new machine at our Portsmouth, NH location, please let us know.