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Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge
Bone & Joint Staff • September 28, 2020
Spinal Fusion Myths: 4 Common Misconceptions

Spinal fusion is the most commonly performed spine surgery in the U.S. with over 350,000 cases each year. The procedures can address pain, instability, and even deformity of the spine from a wide range of health conditions including arthritis, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and herniated discs. In the end, the vast majority of patients will experience positive outcomes and improved quality of life following their procedure. Still, spinal surgery is a serious undertaking that has developed a bit of a reputation over the years. Despite its safety and recent advancements, many misconceptions regarding spinal fusions remain to this day. If your physician has recommended the procedure, it is important to understand these pervasive myths and to not allow them to interfere with the care you need.


Spinal Fusion is Major Surgery for Major Injuries

While the spine is a delicate area that requires a high level of skill and precision, it can also often be performed via minimally invasive techniques. This means smaller incisions, shorter recovery times, and lower risk of complications. Furthermore, spinal fusions can be used to help bring relief to many different types of conditions, not just severe injuries. If you are suffering from spine instability due to any reason, speak with a specialist about your treatment options, including spinal fusion surgery.


I Will Drastically Lose Mobility After Spinal Fusion

The spine is comprised of 33 individual vertebrae. Fusing two of these together is not going to make a drastic change in your mobility. Some specific movements may be more limited than before. Overall, however, you will still be able to move and bend the same ways you did before. Even better, many of these movements that were previously accompanied by pain will be far less painful.


Recovery After Spinal Fusion Takes Forever

There is no question that recovery from spinal surgery will take some time to ensure that all heals properly. However, the exact period of time will vary from patient to patient. There are many factors that influence recovery, such as patient age and health, location of the fused vertebrae and whether or not minimally invasive techniques were used. Generally speaking, most patients will make great strides in their recovery in a matter of weeks.


Spinal Fusion Recovery is Incredibly Painful

While any surgery will be accompanied by some level of pain and discomfort, it is very rare for a patient to have excessive pain for an extended period of time. The worst pain comes in the days immediately following the procedure and is typically controlled with prescription pain medication. As pain subsides and the patient heals, pain can be well managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. In the end, spinal fusion surgery is meant to alleviate symptoms such as pain, not make them worse!

If you are suffering from back pain and instability and believe a spinal fusion may be a viable option for you, contact the Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge, and request an appointment with one of our board-certified spine specialists.


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The Signs and Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

The Signs and Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff • February 11, 2025
Damage to the meniscus, which serves as a cushion between the thigh and shin bones, can cause severe pain and impair movement.
Understanding the Most Common Types of Arthritis and Managing It at Different Life Stages

Understanding the Most Common Types of Arthritis and Managing It at Different Life Stages

By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff • January 31, 2025
While it is often associated with aging, arthritis can affect individuals at any stage of life. Understanding the different types of arthritis and how to manage them at various life stages is key to maintaining a high quality of life.

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

By Bone and Joint Clinic Staff • January 30, 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. Zachary Rohr and Christopher Belleau will also transition their practice to a new location effective March 31, 2025. We will update our patients once those details are finalized. Dr. Gerard Murtagh of The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will be retiring effective March 2025. Dr. Murtagh has been a vital part of the clinic since 1988 and has significantly contributed to its success. We thank Dr. Murtagh for his many years of service to the patients of Bone & Joint Clinic. 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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