Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge
Bone & Joint Staff • March 26, 2019
Spina Bifida: Prevention & Treatment in Baton Rouge

Spina Bifida in Children: Prevention and Treatment

In the not so distant past, spina bifida was a condition for which treatment and prevention still required much advancement. Fortunately, scientific research and study have given physicians a far greater understanding of what causes the condition, steps that may be taken to prevent it and treatment options that offer the greatest quality of life and longevity to affected children.


What is Spina Bifida?

Spina bifida is a type of neural tube defect, or NTD, affecting approximately 7 out of every 10,000 live births in the United States. The neural tube is the structure that will eventually develop into the brain, spine, and spinal cord in a growing fetus. However, in the case of NTDs, this formation does not occur completely and an opening within the structure remains. In spina bifida, this means that part of the spinal cord is exposed through the spine. In mild cases, the condition may cause very few problems for children. However, more severe cases may lead to problems with bladder and bowel control, hydrocephalus, or paralysis or loss of sensation in the legs.


Spina Bifida Prevention and Treatment

The single most impactful measure in the prevention of spina bifida has been the recommendation of daily folic acid supplementation for women who are pregnant or of child bearing age. This simple change can help reduce the risk of having a child impacted by spina bifida by up to 70 percent. However, even with the use of folic acid, spina bifida still occurs in about 1,500 pregnancies each year.

While there is no cure for spina bifida, there are treatment options available which can help manage the condition and reduce associated complications. In most cases, this will include the use of physical therapy, medications, and the use of devices such as back braces. However, more severe cases may require surgery to replace the exposed sack and nerves into the spine and close the opening. While this may not completely eliminate all associated symptoms and disabilities, it can help reduce them dramatically and improve quality of life for patients.


Spina Bifida Treatment in Baton Rouge

In the Baton Rouge area, pediatric orthopedic specialist Dr. Michael Frierson is a board-certified surgeon experienced in the treatment of spina bifida in all its forms and levels of severity. Whether a patient requires symptom management via physical therapy and bracing or surgery to close the spinal opening, Dr. Frierson has the expertise needed to provide effective, successful treatment. Contact The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge to learn more or to request a consultation.

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Bone & Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge Physician Practice Transition – Effective April 1, 2025

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

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

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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