You might assume that to receive top-notch orthopedic care using cutting-edge technology, you’d need to make a trip to Portland or Seattle, but you’d be wrong. Washington Orthopaedic Center offers a full range of advanced treatments using leading technology that rivals anything you’d find in the big city—all right here in Lewis County.
The clinic’s team of doctors are excited about the advanced technology the center has in-house, including a new digital foot scanner.
When your feet are aching and you need orthotics, your thoughts might go straight to having a plaster impression made of your foot. But think again. Newer technology means simply placing your foot on a small glass screen and watching in fascination as a digital picture of it appears on the computer screen. No plaster mess and it’s over in a few minutes.
“It acquires 10,000 data points on each person’s foot with a 3D image,” explains Dr. Michael Dujela. “The digital impression of someone’s foot structure gives us more accuracy and true representation.” The machine takes 3D pictures of the foot. It also shows various pressure points on the foot through color, looking a bit like an image from Doppler weather radar.
“Traditionally, a cast had to be made of the patient’s foot, then it was sent off to have the orthotics made. The new process is much cleaner without the casting, and faster, as it takes less than one minute per foot. Digital technology speeds up the process because we can send the images to the lab electronically,” says Dr. Dujela.
In addition, about 4 percent of the time, the orthotic had to be sent back for changes because it didn’t feel right to the patient or other issues. That percentage is now down to 1 to 2 percent and patient satisfaction has gone up as a result.
Russ Chace, X-ray technician, is also proud of all the center has to offer. “We have been taking digital X-rays since 2006, but last year we bought a new Swissray Direct Digital Radiology machine. The new machine is even faster than the old digital machine, taking only ten seconds for the image to appear on the screen. Once an X-ray is taken, it goes into the system and is available in all exam rooms.
In addition, Chace says, “The new technology is very precise so we don’t have to repeat X-rays. It’s basically like the difference between old film cameras and new digital cameras.”
Chace also likes to show off the MRI machine, which has a frequency shield made for use in smaller offices. Unlike the closed-in tube style machines most people have experienced, this one is open and can be used for extremities, so it is much more comfortable for patients who just need an MRI of their arm or leg.
For patients requiring surgery, the technology is no less impressive. A state-of-the-art arthroscopy camera system allows surgeons to clearly see the injured or diseased area.
“It’s basically a small, high-definition video camera that attaches to a 3 or 4 millimeter diameter tube with a scope on the end of it,” explains Dr. Scott Slattery. “It lets us see in really fine detail, small microscopic blood vessels, fine fibers, defects in cartilage. We can watch ourselves work. It allows us to see like we’re standing inside the joint to see.”
In addition to the camera, Washington Orthopaedic Center has all the accompanying high tech accessories – large-screen monitor to see the video output, and equipment to be able to do work like put stitches in through the tiny hole.
“We used to have to open the joint up, but now we have all the equipment to do the surgery inside a small hole. Now it’s like an extension of our fingers,” Slattery explains. “It allows for improved patient care, better recovery time, it’s less painful, less invasive, there’s less stiffness and less scarring.”
For those fascinated with the details of their surgery, the information is stored on a main computer, which can then be emailed to the patient. In addition, Dr. Slattery transfers the pictures to an iPad so he can meet with the family immediately after and explain the process.
Another fascinating piece of equipment in the operating room is the C-arm fluoroscopy X-ray. It provides what is basically an X-ray movie. The surgeon can see the movement in the joint live, so they can make sure it’s working correctly before leaving the operating room.
Washington Orthopaedic Center strives to keep up to date with the latest advances and technology. It’s exciting – and comforting – to know that there is no more need to travel out of town in order to get the best orthopedic care available.
Washington Orthopaedic Center
1900 Cooks Hill Road
Centralia, WA 98531
360-736-2889
