Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge
Bone & Joint Staff • June 30, 2023
SuperPath Hip Replacement: Suzanne Ulmer’s Patient Story

When faced with the daunting prospect of a hip replacement at the age of 56, Suzanne Ulmer, an occupational hand therapist and sports enthusiast, found herself grappling with doubts. She felt far too young to have to undergo such a major orthopedic procedure and had grave concerns about how it could impact her quality of life. She spent months searching for effective, alternative solutions. She tried physical therapy and steroid injections, only to find that neither offered lasting relief. Eventually, time and poor treatment outcomes led her to seek the opinion of a specialized orthopedic surgeon, leading her to The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge and the office of Dr. Joseph Broyles.


Cartilage Regeneration or Hip Replacement


Suzanne initially hoped to undergo cartilage regeneration treatments with Dr. Broyles - a specialty in which he is a leader and well-respected researcher. However, with Dr. Broyles’ expertise and guidance, it became clear that a replacement would be the most appropriate option with the greatest positive impact. While her knowledge of the procedure, owing to her previous experience working with hip replacement patients, added to Suzanne’s anxiety, the exceptional care Dr. Broyles' nurses and assistants provided put her at ease.


Seamless Pre- and Post-Operative Care


Today, nearly two years later, Suzanne recounts how Dr. Broyles and The Bone and Joint Clinic left no stone unturned in ensuring her comfort and well-being throughout her surgical journey. The pre-operative nurse meticulously went over every detail, addressing Suzanne's concerns and ensuring she was fully prepared for the procedure. Post-surgery, a nurse visited Suzanne's home to monitor her recovery, assess her mobility, and provide any necessary assistance. Having a direct line of communication with the nurse further bolstered Suzanne's confidence in her recovery process.


"Dr. Broyles, his nurses, and his assistants were all fantastic! They took wonderful care of me, and everything went off without a hitch!"


SuperPath Surgery and Recovery


Suzanne underwent the SuperPath hip replacement procedure on August 9, 2021. While the first few weeks were undoubtedly challenging, her determination and the excellent care she received paved the way for a remarkable recovery. Incredibly, she was walking on the day of surgery, and just nine months later, she participated in a basketball tournament during the senior Olympics.


The Rewards of Overcoming Fear


Today, Suzanne enjoys an active and fulfilling life, free from the limitations that once plagued her. Occasionally experiencing stiffness after strenuous activity, she is grateful for the immense improvement in her overall mobility and quality of life.

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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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