Northside: Comprehensive Care to Keep You Moving Northside Arthritis CenterNorthside Total Joint SpecialistsComprehensive care to keep you movingBy Michelle MartinFor the many people in North Fulton and metro Atlanta who are suffering from arthritis and joint pain, the experienced doctors at Northside Arthritis Center (NAC) and Total Joint Specialists (TJS) in Alpharetta offer a comprehensive, conservative approach that combines nonsurgical, alternative treatments with advanced surgical technology. Dr. David J. Covall, of NAC, and Dr. Jon Minter, of TJS, each have more than 20 years experience in orthopaedic care, especially involving joints of the hips and knees. They bring together a high level of expertise, including research, design innovation and pioneer use of robotics, in establishing a comprehensive orthopaedic center as part of Northside Hospital. As Dr. Covall explains, More and more research is showing that joint problems can be managed successfully without surgery. We wanted to develop a total care center that could offer patients the best in diagnostics and understanding the level of disease and its pathway to progression, the best in nonsurgical treatments, and the best surgical treatments when other options fail. Dr. Minter performed the first outpatient robotic hip replacement surgery in the country, and, like Dr. Covall, has designed artificial implants for knees and hips that are used around the world. Essentially, weve developed a seamless system of care from the nonsurgical to the surgical, adds Dr. Minter.There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. Drs. Covall and Minter specialize in osteoarthritis, a chronic condition in which the cartilage that cushions the joints breaks down and causes the bones to rub against each other; however, NAC offers the full spectrum of diagnostic technology available for identifying any type of arthritis. Once a diagnosis is made, Dr. Covall and his medical team at NAC will recommend the best course of treatment based on patients level of progression, or refer patients with problems other than osteoarthritis to the appropriate specialist. Osteoarthritis can affect people at any age, Dr. Covall says. Most patients develop problems after some type of trauma to the joints, such as a sports injury or auto accident, or simply from wear and tear as a result of advanced age, obesity, overuse of the joint, weak thigh muscles, and genetics.People suffering from osteoarthritis typically experience pain during normal daily activities or sports. In most cases, people notice pain, a reduced amount of function, or less range of motion, Dr. Covall says. Its very common for people who play golf or tennis to find that they can no longer compete without experiencing pain. Even simple tasks like putting on their shoes, shopping and gardening can become more difficult and more painful. While some people can cope with mild to moderate pain, Dr. Covall recommends seeking treatment early to help manage the problem before it progresses to the point of surgery. In addition, he says a decrease in mobility also affects other aspects of health, including the cardiovascular function. As people become less active, they tend to get depressed because it affects their overall quality of life. Arthritis is a relentless disease for which there is no cure, but there are proven treatments and therapies short of surgery, if treated early.Drs. Covall and Minter describe their approach to care as patient-centered personalized care. This isnt cookie-cutter medicine. Were proud that we can offer patients a level of state-of-the-art comprehensive orthopaedic care not otherwise accessible in metro Atlanta, says Dr. Minter. Adds Dr. Covall, We take time with our patients to understand the pain they are experiencing and how it is affecting their lives. Once we understand the level of the disease, we can recommend the best treatment to get them back to enjoying full mobility. NAC uses gait analysis, radiologic imaging, laboratory testing, and genetic and biochemical marker evaluation to measure how pronounced arthritis has become and how it could progress over time in patients. Both doctors have been sending patients home in less than 24 hours after treatment, and have used their extensive experience to instruct other doctors to do the same. Dr. Covall now uses the latest advancements to provide conservative care, incorporating traditional and alternative nonsurgical treatments, including ultrasound guided injections that provide relief for six months or longer; physical therapy; supplements; weight-loss and nutritional plans; acupuncture; and lifestyle education. New research of stem-cell replacement therapy has shown significant improvement as well, he says. There is a lot of research into treating arthritis, with many treatments approved in other countries that could soon be approved in the United States. Were always trying to find new and better ways to manage it, so we try to stay current on the latest treatments and assess the benefits to individual patients.When nonsurgical approaches do not offer adequate relief, Dr. Covall refers patients to Dr. Minter. He is considered the preeminent physician in robotic hip and knee replacement surgery in metro Atlanta, having designed some of the artificial implants that can be fitted to patients individual anatomy with the robot. Dr. Minter explains that robotic surgery is more precise, which minimizes impact on the soft tissues also minimizing pain and scarring. Robotic surgical replacement of the hip and knee is dramatically easier on patients, he says. Normally, patients are up moving and even discharged within six hours after surgery, compared to the national average of three to five days in the hospital after regular replacement surgeries. Studies have shown that patients who go home from the hospital sooner have better results than those who stay in the hospital. Patients can expect good to excellent results greater mobility and range of motion for overall greater quality of life for 20 years or more.Dr. Minter performs all surgeries at Northside Hospitals Forsyth location. Our goal is to develop a program unlike any other in the area a one-stop shop that offers patients a seamless transition from focused non-invasive care for simple situations to sophisticated operative care for complex situations, says Dr. Covall.Northside Arthritis CenterDavid J. Covall, M.D.770-667-43373400 Old Milton Pkwy. AlpharettaManagement of Osteoarthritic JointsGait AnalysisRadiologic ImagingLaboratory TestingGenetic & Biochemical Marker EvaluationUltrasound-Guided InjectionsConservative Nonsurgical & Alternative Medical TreatmentsNorthside Total Joint SpecialistsJon Minter, D.O.770-667-4343 3400 Old Milton Pkwy. Alpharetta Hips, Knees & ShouldersPartial & Total Replacement ArthroscopyPatient-Specific InstrumentationMakoplasty Robotic Surgery
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