Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common diseases affecting quality of life for millions of people nationwide. This places a significant financial burden on the healthcare system. There has been a significant focus placed on research towards more cost-effective options in order to manage this knee pain.
Dr. Bonner is one of only a few Fellows of The Arthroscopy Association of North America in the Commonwealth of Virginia to receive this honor.
This past weekend, Dr. Kevin Bonner had the honor of serving as the Co-Chair of “The Orthopedic Summit: Evolving Techniques” (OSET). OSET has become one of the most popular CME courses for orthopedic surgeons. It is typically held annually in Las Vegas, but due to the pandemic, it was held virtually this year. Dr. Bonner was instrumental in the transition of this large in-person meeting to a virtual meeting.
During “normal” (pre-COVID-19) times, patients often wait far too long to consider a more permanent, surgical solutionto their severe and/or persistent joint or back pain. Conservative non-surgical treatments, including creams, exercise, physical therapy and injections will provide some relief, but often not enough or long-lasting. Patients typically seek orthopedic or spine surgery when they can no longer tolerate or function with their level of pain.
A question we often get from patient’s after their total knee replacement is “when can I drive?”
Factors that affect a person’s ability to drive after total joint replacement include type of joint replacement, surgery on left vs. right side, strength to react in an emergency, narcotic use, various comorbidities, and vehicle type.
This past weekend, Dr. Kevin Bonner served as the Co-Chairman for the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) Shoulder/Knee Course. The course was scheduled to be held in Chicago, IL, but was changed to a virtual course due to COVID-19.
Shoulder arthritis occurs when the cartilage of the ball and socket joint wears out. Symptoms can include pain, stiffness and limited range of motion. The pain can preclude people from various activities of daily living including reaching overhead, brushing hair or trouble sleeping. Many patients often suffer too long before seeking medical care because they are fearful that shoulder arthritis will require surgery. The good news is that pain from shoulder arthritis can frequently be addressed without surgery. Patients are encouraged to see a shoulder specialist so they can understand their options. There are a variety treatments depending on the extent of the problem.
Ultimately, a knee replacement is an elective procedure, so the choice to have it done lies solely with the patient. A medical provider can and will provide their advice, but the patient will make the decision to schedule the surgery. So, what is the magic formula to know if you are ready? There are several factors to weigh that can help you make the choice.
Kevin Bonner, MD co-authored an article in publication “Arthroscopy Techniques” about an arthroscopic procedure to treat Bennett lesions. The publication aims to provide arthroscopic and related researchers and clinicians with practical, clinically relevant, innovative methods that could be applied in surgical practice.
JYI's David Vincent, MD (Neurosurgeon) contributed to the recently published textbook "The Resident's Guide to Spine Surgery." Dr. Vincent co-authored a chapter on Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (MIS TLIF).
