Non-Surgical Procedures

At Green Mountain Orthopaedic Surgery, our doctors provide advanced treatment options for non-surgical injuries and conditions.

Injections |  Ultrasound Guided Injections | Fracture Care and Casting | Sprains and Strains | Arthritis

Injections

Injectable cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication: a synthetically produced steroid that lasts for a longer period of time than the cortisone your body naturally produces. It is injected directly into joints such as shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles to decrease inflammation, which can subsequently decrease pain. Cortisone injections usually work within a few days, and the effects can last up to several weeks.

Viscosupplementation therapy is an appropriate treatment for people with knee arthritis that has failed to respond to more conservative therapy. At Green Mountain Orthopaedic Surgery, we use an injection of hyaluronic acid called Orthovisc® for viscosupplementation.

Orthovisc is injected directly into the knee joint to restore the cushioning and lubricating properties of normal joint fluid. It is useful for people who are trying to delay surgery or are not candidates for knee replacement surgery. Orthovisc injections are typically given weekly for 3 weeks.

Not sure what to expect from an injection? Download our injections fact sheet.

Please visit our patient education library to learn more about viscosupplementation therapy.

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Ultrasound Guided Injections

Why do we use ultrasound injections?

Many studies have shown that the accuracy of joint injects by physicians are not what you would think.  Even under the careful guidance of orthopaedic surgeons, the targeted tissue is often not injected.  Recent studies have compared ultrasound guided injections versus experience surgeons using standard injection techniques.  Similar results have been found in several other studies and although an injecton without imaging is less expensive, it may not be cost effective.

We also know that injections that are unusually painful have frequently been injected into the tendononous structures or the meniscus of the knee.  By injecting cortisone (steroid) into the tendon, the steroid may act to weaken the tendon and increase the risk ot tendon rupture or failure to improve.

Based on the accuracy of ultrasound guided injections in current research, and the decreased risk of injection directly into the tendon, we off to our patients the option of ultrasound guided or traditional unguided injections. 

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Fracture Care and Casting

Many types of fractures can occur from traumatic injuries, ranging from simple fractures that require only casting or splinting, to severe, complex fractures that require surgical intervention. The doctors of Green Mountain Orthopaedic Surgery have specialized expertise to diagnose and treat traumatic injuries and complex fractures. We provide complete casting care to treat all types of fractures right in our office.

For certain types of hand, wrist or thumb injuries, we may be able to provide you with an Exos brace or splint.  These braces, casts and splints are thermoformable and are prepared for application using a waterless, dryless heat preparation system.  See our patient testimonial on his Exos brace!

Click Here to Read  How to Care for Your Cast and link to the pdf on the Patient Resources page

Please visit our patient education library to learn more about fractures.

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Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains are common injuries that can happen to anyone, but occur most frequently in people who participate in sports, perform repetitive activities, or are at-risk for falls. Sprains involve ligaments, which connect bones together, while strains involve muscles and tendons, which connect muscles to bones. Mild sprains and strains can heal with rest and home care. Significant sprains and strains may require rehabilitation, surgery or both.

The doctors of Green Mountain Orthopaedic Surgery can diagnose the severity of your sprain or strain and provide non-surgical treatments, including bracing, splinting, referral to physical therapy or a prescription for an  anti-inflammatory medication.

Please visit our patient education library to learn more about sprains and strains.

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Arthritis

Arthritis is a common disease that causes the cartilage in joints to degenerate, resulting in joint pain, stiffness, immobility, and swelling. Cartilage is a shock-absorbing material that enables the bones in our joints to glide easily during motion. Loss of this protective lining can cause painful bone-on-bone rubbing.

Most cases of arthritis can be treated with non-surgical methods. Our doctors will evaluate your condition and prescribe a plan of care for pain management such as prescription medication, cortisone injections or viscosupplementation therapy to reduce pain and swelling.

Please visit our patient education library to learn more about arthritis.

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For comprehensive non-surgical orthopaedic services in Central Vermont, call Green Mountain Orthopaedic Surgery today at (802) 229-2663 or use our online appointment request form.