Bone & Joint Staff • February 27, 2023
Shoulder Bursitis and Rotator Cuff Injuries: Tammy Delaney's Patient Story

For nearly three whole decades, Tammy Delaney loyally served as a member of the United States Postal Service. Her job, while rewarding, was also physically demanding. Daily repetitive motions to lift and move packages made future orthopedic issues all but impossible to avoid, and while her dedication to her work never wavered, her shoulder, knee, and back were not so accommodating.


Referral to an Orthopedic Specialist


Tammy was initially referred to the
Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge after speaking with her usual medical provider about her ongoing knee pain. It was at that appointment that she first encountered the name, Dr. Gerard Murtagh. At the time, she had no way of knowing just how instrumental Dr. Murtagh would become in her orthopedic health and ability to enjoy her upcoming retirement.


Back-to-Back Orthopedic Procedures


In short order, Dr. Murtagh offered Tammy solutions for not only her knee pain but for her
lingering shoulder issues as well. As it turns out, decades of heaving large boxes had done significant damage to both shoulders in a multitude of ways, most notably in the form of bursitis and rotator cuff injuries. One month he scoped her knee, and in the next, he repaired her left shoulder. It was a lot to undergo back-to-back, but Tammy felt an extreme sense of peace and confidence with Dr. Murtagh.


“From the very first time he walked in that room, I knew he was going to be my doctor,” recalls Tammy. “He was just so knowledgeable. He was very kind, compassionate, and very funny. He didn’t talk above my head but explained things on my level. He treated me like I was the only patient in the whole building.”


Back Pain from a Ruptured Disc


If not for her confidence in Dr. Murtagh, Tammy may have suffered even longer with other orthopedic problems beyond his area of expertise. As it was, she felt secure in mentioning her
back pain from a ruptured disc. Despite a surgery many years before and multiple rounds of steroid injections, her discomfort remained. Upon hearing her concerns, Dr. Murtagh referred her to Dr. Christopher Belleau - another Bone and Joint physician who specializes in interventional spine procedures.


In Dr. Belleau, Tammy found success once again. Not only did she have another kind and knowledgeable specialist on her side, she also had one who was able to find a solution that so many others had not. His recommendation, a course of two nerve blocks followed by a nerve burn, could just be the answer she had spent years searching for. And although the procedures frightened her, her faith in Dr. Belleau carried her forward, just as it had with Dr. Murtagh.


“Dr. Belleau was great,” says Tammy. “He gathered all of his information and knew exactly what was wrong. He said, ‘We’re going to try this,’ and I was more than willing to. I was kind of afraid of those nerve blocks, but he was just so kind and so caring.”


Tammy’s retirement came at the end of 2022, and while she can’t be completely sure of what this next chapter in life will hold, she can be sure that if orthopedic problems arise, she has the right team in her corner to conquer them.

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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 .
Dr. Gerard Murtagh to Retire After Distinguished Career in Orthopedic Surgery
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.
Recognizing the Signs That You May Need a Joint Replacement
By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff February 12, 2025
Sometimes, joint replacement is the best course of action, even when conservative measures like medicine, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes might be helpful. Knowing when a joint replacement is necessary can help you take prompt action and improve your quality of life.
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