Orthopedic care

Orthopedic services in Austin and Central Texas

St. David’s HealthCare uses the latest techniques, including minimally invasive care, to treat orthopedic injuries and illnesses. Board-certified physicians as well as therapists at our hospitals have the technology needed to reduce recovery times and get you back to your favorite activities as soon as possible.

For more information about our orthopedic services, call the St. David’s Help Center at (888) 868-2104.

Our orthopedic services

Orthopedic care starts with a diagnosis using state-of-the-art imaging techniques. These tools are also used to guide minimally invasive surgeries. Our orthopedic specialties include:

• Joint replacements (hip, knee and shoulder)
• Spine care
• Sports medicine

Comprehensive joint replacement services

St. David's HealthCare participates in Medicare’s Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR). This program promotes high-quality, cost-efficient and effectively coordinated care for patients undergoing joint replacement surgery.

We also actively work with physicians and post-acute care providers to improve your overall patient experience, from initial hospitalization through recovery. Our joint replacement team features:

• Board-certified orthopedic surgeons
• Case managers
• Physical and occupational therapists
• Social workers
• Specialized nurses and technicians

Relief through a hip, knee or shoulder replacement

Your joints are lined with cartilage—a layer of smooth, tough tissue that cushions the bones. Cartilage wears away with age, stress and use. When this happens, the bones rub against each other, resulting in pain, swelling and other issues. Conditions such as arthritis may also cause significant discomfort and limit your physical activity. Thankfully, most of these symptoms can be relieved through joint replacement surgery.

Preparing for joint replacement surgery

During a preoperative ("pre-op") visit to the hospital, you will complete blood work and other diagnostic tests. Your physician will meet with you and provide information regarding:

• Alcohol and smoking cessation
• How to prepare for surgery
• Medications
• Pre-op nutrition

Your orthopedic doctor may also suggest exercises you can complete before your surgery. These are designed to strengthen and prepare the joint for your procedure.

Joint education classes

Before joint replacement surgery, you will learn about the procedure and rehabilitation through a free Joint Adventure Patient Education class. We will discuss the risk factors associated with joint replacement surgery and the steps we take to minimize these risks. You will also meet with a physical therapist, who will answer any questions you have and explain what you can expect before and after surgery.

Find a joint education class

Our advanced surgical tools

Your doctor may recommend joint surgery that uses robot-assisted technology. These tools combine 3D imaging techniques and precise control, enabling orthopedic surgeons to perform procedures more accurately and with smaller incisions.

Sports medicine

Whether you're an athlete following an intense training program or simply like to stay active, injuries are more than an inconvenience. Left untreated, even minor issues can become chronic problems that keep you from your favorite activities.

Our skilled physical therapists and orthopedic doctors can help you recover fully and get back in the game. Conditions we treat include:

• Back pain
• Cervical disc problems
• Chronic headaches
• Degenerative disc disease
• Herniated discs
• Jaw pain
• Neck pain and whiplash
• Sciatica

St. David’s Spine and Sports Therapy

A dedicated sports medicine program is available at St. David’s Spine and Sports Therapy, which is located inside St. David's Medical Center. Specialty programs unique to this location include:

• Aquatic therapy
• Gait training
• Golf swing analysis and training
• Orthopedic specialty therapy to treat sports injuries, such as sprains, strains and rotator cuff tears
• Spine rehabilitation
• Sports-specific performance retraining
• Vestibular rehabilitation and balance training
• Video gait and running analysis

Physical and occupational therapy for joint care

We provide physical therapy for a wide range of issues. You may work with a physical therapist before and/or after surgery to treat an orthopedic issue. In fact, physical therapy and other measures—such as pain management medication—may be all you need to relieve chronic or acute discomfort.

The goal of therapy for orthopedic patients is to maximize functionality and help individuals return to an active lifestyle. Physical rehabilitation focuses on areas such as improving strength and maximizing your range of motion. You may also complete occupational therapy, which is designed to help you complete activities of daily living.

St. David's HealthCare participates in Medicare’s Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) program, which promotes high quality, cost efficient, and better coordination of care for patients undergoing hip and knee replacement surgery. St. David's HealthCare is working closely with its physicians and post-acute care providers to improve quality and coordinate care from the initial hospitalization through recovery. The CJR program permits facilities to enter into financial gainsharing relationships with its collaborators to share in the success of the program.

Download the hospital's CJR Collaborator Selection Policy.

Physician Collaborators

St. David's HealthCare has entered into gainsharing arrangements with the following physician collaborators:

• Current Physician Collaborators
• Historical Physician Collaborators