Special Note: Congratulations to NCMA physician Dr. John Tomasin of Healdsburg Orthopaedics who has been voted one of the top doctors in the field of orthopaedics in Sonoma Magazine’s 2017 Top Doctors survey. For this survey local doctors were asked which medical specialist they would most often recommend to a loved one, more than 300 professionals emerged as top docs in 50 categories of medicine, and Dr. Tomasin’s name rose to the top in his specialty. NCMA would like to congratulate Dr. Tomasin on this timely recognition.

According to most recent statistics the number of hip replacements performed in the United States continues to rise – with hip replacement happening more often in people age 45-50 making up 95 percent of all procedures. This number is a very significant jump – 205 percent in just the past decade. The majority of hip replacements are due to degenerative arthritis caused by wear-and-tear stemming from this population of patient’s more active lifestyle – making them more likely to struggle with arthritis.

“The increasing number of patients who opt for hip replacement proves that this procedure is one of the most studied and cost-effective ways to improve the quality of life, and we are happy to be able to offer THR to residents of Northern Sonoma County.” said NCMA Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. John Tomasin, MD. “The recovery rate has improved right along with technique making it easier for patients to choose surgery over suffering from constant join pain. The statistics also demonstrate that the baby boomer generation is less willing to accept the limitations that accompany arthritis,” added Tomasin.

Dr. Tomasin practices at Healdsburg Orthopaedics in Healdsburg where he offers a full array of orthopaedic services, including hip replacement surgery. He is a Board-Certified physician in Orthopaedic Surgery as well as a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He attended medical school at the University of California Davis School of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and the Scottish Rite Hospital for Crippled Children in Atlanta, GA. Dr. Tomasin completed his Sports Medicine Fellowship at Hughston Sports Medicine Clinic in Columbus, GA as well as an AO Fellowship in Munich, West Germany. Dr. Tomasin has been published in numerous professional medical journals, including Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma, and The Physician and Sports Medicine.

Getting Hip with Joint Health

Hip replacement is one of the most successful contemporary surgical procedures. Refined surgical techniques, improved implant characteristics, aggressive physical rehabilitation and a focus on pain management have all contributed to this achievement. The long-term success rates for both total hip and total knee surgery well exceed 95 percent. Advances in approaches along with pre- and postoperative physical therapy are improving an already very successful operation. The latest peri-operative pain control methods, including spinal anesthesia and continuous peripheral nerve blocks for regional anesthesia, add to patient comfort throughout the surgical process.

“These recent changes have dramatically improved results for patients,” explained Dr. Tomasin. “With more rapid recovery and shortened length of stay. Having the latest techniques in our surgical repertoire has made it possible to better determine the best approach to take with each patient.”

Understanding Hip Injuries

Hip pain is a common symptom experienced by all age groups – the intensity of which can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that impairs normal daily activities. Senior citizens are particularly susceptible to hip injuries resulting from a fall. This is due to a decrease in bone density as part of the aging process combined with a reduction in joint elasticity – the combination of which leaves them susceptible to fractures. People who are overweight are also disposed to hip injuries because of the excessive pressure placed on the on the hip.

Common Reasons for Hip Pain

With the advancements in surgical technique many hip disorders may be treated by an orthopaedic surgeon through arthroscopic surgery or other minimally invasive procedures. When osteoarthritis becomes so severe that the pain is intense or the hip joint becomes deformed, a total hip replacement will likely be a consideration. Hip fractures sometimes require surgery to repair the fracture or to replace the hip. Other common causes of hip pain include;

• Bursitis – due to overuse or repetitive actions around the joints of the body
• Muscle strains – (particularly groin and hamstring muscle strains) result from small micro tears in muscles caused by a quick twist or pull to the muscle
• Hip fractures or a break in the hip bone – usually occurring in a fall by an elderly patient
• Tendonitis – stemming from the many tendons located around the hip that can become inflamed resulting in pain around the hip region
• Arthritis – is the most common cause of chronic hip pain frequently treated with a joint replacement

When to Seek Help for Hip Pain

If a hip injury impairs the ability to stand, bear weight and walk, consulting with an orthopaedic physician is the best bet. If the pain is more gradual and does not respond to rest, ice and over-the-counter pain medications then seeking medical help is also a good idea. This is especially true if the hip pain begins to limit the range of motion of the hip or causes limping.

About NCMA Orthopaedics and Dr. Tomasin

In addition to making ongoing scientific presentations on orthopaedic medicine across the country Dr. Tomasin has practiced orthopaedic medicine in Sonoma County for more than 20 years. After establishing a private medical practice in 1988, Dr. Tomasin established partnerships with various medical groups in Sonoma County and serves as a Clinical Medical Professor at Sutter Medical Center in Santa Rosa.  Dr. Tomasin has served as medical consultant for the Northern California Rugby Football Union and team physician for the Santa Rosa Rugby Club. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and member of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, California Orthopaedic Association and Hughston Society of Sports Medicine. And, he was the team physician at Healdsburg High school for 27 years and at Cardinal Newman for 10 years.

NCMA Orthopaedics diagnoses, treats, and manages a full spectrum of orthopaedic health issues. In addition to general orthopaedic medicine services, NCMA Orthopaedic surgeons also have expertise, special interest, and experience in the following areas: ACL repair, foot and ankle surgery, hand surgery, joint injections, joint replacement, knee ligament repair and x-ray. To learn more, visit our website or call 707-433-0126 for more information.