New technology services that we provide include:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) for joint replacements
• Oxinium, an advanced bearing surface for joint replacement
• Stealth CAS, Computer Assisted Surgery for joint replacement
• Arthroscopic knee surgery with cartilage regeneration techniques
• Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery
  
  MIS Hip and Knee Replacement: Patients benefit from a smaller scar, less post-operative pain and a faster return to normal activities. This new technology has many benefits including:
  
  
  • Decreased blood loss
  • Minimized soft tissue trauma
  • DVT prophylaxis protocols, resulting in fewer complications
  • Pre-emptive analgesia (in conjunction with the anesthesiologist) with advanced pain control for faster recovery and shortened hospital stays

  Oxinium: A technology breakthrough, available only from Smith and Nephew Orthopedics, is the development of a superior material, Oxinium, a metallic alloy with a ceramic surface. The availability of Oxinium makes joint replacement accessible to patients as young as their 40s.
  
  Stealth Computer Assisted Surgery:  This system provides real-time virtual navigation information and enhanced 3-D visualization to promote optimum alignment during hip and knee arthroplasty. The procedure with CAS reduces surgical exposure and enhances accuracy, thereby reducing mechanical complications.

  Arthroscopic knee surgery: New cartilage regeneration techniques including chodroplasty and osteochondral allografts with patellofemoral realignment and tibial osteotomy for deformity is a conservative alternative to joint replacement for relatively young patients with high demand activity levels

  Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery: Dr. Duffner has used the single portal endoscopic technique since 1992 with no complications in over 500 cases – this allows quicker return to activity and less long-term loss of grip strength

Your visit with an Orthopedic Surgeon is an important meeting that can be most effective if you plan ahead. It’s important that you give your doctor the information he or she needs and that you understand what your doctor is recommending. Research shows that patients who are more involved with their care get better results. Lack of communication is a primary reason for medical errors. The following checklist will help you and your doctor discuss the issues most important for getting the most out of the visit.

Before you go
1. Find out the basics about the office. Where is it? What time should you arrive? If you’re going to drive, where can you park?

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2. Schedule your appointment. The receptionist may ask why you want to see the doctor. Based on the problem, a specified amount of time will be set aside for you. If you have more than one problem, tell the receptionist.

3. Assemble your records from other physicians; results and copies of x-rays and other imaging studies and lab tests. Personally take the records to the doctor’s office.

4. Make written lists of:

• Medications
• Herbs
• Vitamin Supplements & over-the-counter medications you are taking
• Your medical history, such as prior treatment for heart or thyroid problems or operations, even those not related to your current problem.

5. Consider asking a friend or family member to accompany you.

At The Doctor’s Office

1. Arrive early so you can complete any required forms or tests before meeting with your doctor.

2. Ask what to expect from your treatment, what effect it will have on your daily activities.

3. Ask your doctor for handouts or brochures that you and your family members can review at home. Your doctor may refer you to his Internet Web site for more information.

Physician Assistants

Total Orthopedics of Palm Springs regularly utilizes the services of PA’s in our office. A PA (Board Certified Physician’s Assistant) is a medically trained professional who can provide many of the health care services traditionally performed by a physician, such as taking medical histories doing physical examinations, making diagnoses, prescribing and administering therapies. Physician Assistants treat patients with close consultation with the supervising physician.

We look Forward to Your Visit with Our Office