Bone & Joint Staff • September 18, 2023
Repairing a Broken Arm: Tammy Pace’s Patient Story

In life, unexpected events can sometimes lead us down a path we never anticipated. For Tammy Pace, an accidental fall on a Sunday evening in August became the turning point that led her to the remarkable care of Dr. Charles Cefalu, a hand specialist at The Bone and Joint Clinic. Tammy's journey to recovery has not only been a testament to her resilience but also to the exceptional care she received from Dr. Cefalu and the entire team at the clinic.


Broken Arm from a Fall 

Tammy vividly remembers the moment when she fell backward while standing on her sofa on August 21st, resulting in a broken arm. Initially, she visited an urgent care facility, and it was there that the seriousness of her injury became evident. The emergency room advised her to consult a hand specialist. With her arm in pain and uncertainty looming, Tammy decided to seek the expertise of Dr. Cefalu.


From the very first contact with The Bone and Joint Clinic, Tammy was amazed by the level of care she received. She recounts, "From the first call to make an appointment all the way through was amazing." This positive experience only continued when she saw Dr. Cefalu on August 22nd. The moment he walked into the room, she knew she was in good hands.


A Complicated Fracture Repair

Tammy needed an open reduction to her left wrist and forearm, and plates and screws were required to stabilize her radius. The surgery took place on September 2nd, with Dr. Cefalu performing an open surgery with the oscillating saw. Although the procedure was successful, Tammy still experienced soreness, which is expected due to the nature of soft tissue injuries. Dr. Cefalu reassured her that complete recovery could take anywhere from six months to a year.


As a seasoned nurse who has worked in various healthcare settings, Tammy was particularly impressed with the organization and professionalism of The Bone and Joint Clinic. She continued to work from home for Blue Cross Blue Shield, and just four weeks after her surgery, she was able to type and perform her duties. Tammy took an active role in her recovery, researching her injury and asking pertinent questions. Dr. Cefalu, ever the caring physician, not only answered her queries but also showed her X-rays, walking her through every step of her treatment.


A Dedicated Orthopedic Surgeon

What truly stood out for Tammy was Dr. Cefalu's dedication to his patients. She received an email from him after the surgery to check on her progress, an act of genuine concern that she had never experienced before. Tammy stated, "He sincerely cares," and it meant the world to her.


For Tammy Pace, the exceptional care she received from Dr. Charles Cefalu and The Bone and Joint Clinic has left an indelible mark. She now knows that for all her orthopedic needs in the future, she will turn to the clinic that has provided her with unwavering support, from the very first phone call to her ongoing recovery.

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By Bone and Joint Clinic Staff April 1, 2025
BATON ROUGE, LA, January 30, 2025 – Effective April 1, 2025, four distinguished orthopedic surgeons from The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will transition to Baton Rouge Orthopedic Clinic (BROC), continuing their commitment to providing high-quality orthopedic care. The physicians joining BROC are: 1. Joseph "Jeb" Broyles, MD – Specializes in joint replacement surgery, knee arthroscopy, and cartilage regeneration. 2. Arthur "Art" Hess, MD – Specializes in trauma, hip, knee, and shoulder reconstruction, and total joint replacement surgery. 3. Mat hew "Matt" Mazoch, M D – Specializes in shoulder and knee surgery. 4. Alan Schroeder, MD – Specializes in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. Beginning April 1, 2025, these physicians will operate under BROC's umbrella while continuing to see patients at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge's current location, 7301 Hennessy Blvd. Eventually, the doctors plan to transition to BROC's campus on Bluebonnet Blvd. The estimated timeline for that move is Summer/Fall 2025. In addition, Dr. Patrick Hall will be transitioning to his own practice, Hall Podiatry, that will continue to provide quality podiatric care to patients. Dr. Hall will continue to practice at 7301 Hennessy Blvd. until May/June 2025. After that date, patients may see him at a new nearby location. Dr. Christopher Belleau is transitioning to The Neuromedical Center in Baton Rouge.  Patients are encouraged to continue scheduling appointments at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge using the current process for the foreseeable future. To ensure a seamless transition, The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will provide detailed information to patients in the coming weeks, including the secure transfer of medical records and continuity of care. The health and well-being of patients remain the top priority, and The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge, BROC, and Hall Podiatry are working together to make this transition as smooth as possible while maintaining uninterrupted care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, patients can contact The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge at 225-766-0050 or by visiting bjcbr.com . Patients can also reach BROC at 225-924-2424 or by visiting brortho.com .
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By The Bone & Joint Clinic March 10, 2025
Dr. Gerard Murtagh will retire from Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge on March 12, 2025, after a long and distinguished career dedicated to advancing orthopedic surgery.
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