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George Hernandez is in the business of easing pain, whether it’s the limited mobility of a “frozen shoulder” or the life-changing need of a hip replacement, Campbell Clinic serves a most basic human need. We are functional creatures, and our moving parts require attention, and at every stage of life.

“The breadth and types of patients we see are almost never-ending,” says Hernandez, “from a baby born with scoliosis to someone at a latter stage of life suffering debilitating arthritis. A joint replacement can return someone to a fruitful and enjoyable life. To see the improvement we can make on people’s lives . . . it’s so rewarding. You can literally impact the enjoyment of life.”

Hernandez saw much of the country before making Memphis home in 1986. Born and raised in Delmar, New York (near Albany), he moved west to San Antonio, Texas, for graduate school after earning a degree in biology at the State University of New York in Plattsburgh. After discovering an acumen for healthcare administration at Trinity University, Hernandez spent time in Hawaii, Southern California, and Louisville before making his way to the Bluff City for a job with the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. “When you come to Memphis, it has enough seasons to be different and enjoyable,” says Hernandez. “The traffic compared with Southern California [was delightful]. And great people, great food, and entertainment.”

Hernandez joined Campbell Clinic in 1995 and spent 15 years as CFO alongside then-CEO John Vines, taking over as Campbell Clinc CEO in 2010 upon Vines’ retirement. “I’m thankful that I earned the trust and respect of the physicians who own the clinic,” reflects Hernandez. “I felt I was ready for the position. The timing was perfect, as John was ready to do the fun things that come with retirement and I was ready for something more than CFO [duties]. I’d had some mentoring in areas that John was very good at, like strategic planning.”

In 2010, Campbell Clinic had almost 40 physician providers and topped $50 million in gross revenue. At the end of 2019 — after what amounts to a decade under Hernandez’s leadership — the company has more than 50 providers and reached $300 million in revenue. There are a total of five clinics and two surgery centers, the most recent development being the $46 million, four-story building on Wolf River Boulevard that opened in December. The new facility (a total of 120,000 square feet) features a physical therapy center and Accel Performance and Wellness on the ground floor and an ambulatory surgery center on the fourth floor (with eight operating rooms).

There’s a ripple effect to Campbell Clinic’s work that Hernandez has come to appreciate, one that results from young physicians growing into the kind that make an impact on an international level. A rising specialist will often take a fellowship in another part of the country before returning to start a career at Campbell Clinic. This infuses new and fresh perspectives that yield growth throughout the business. “They’re talented, intelligent, and dedicated,” notes Hernandez, “but to see them grow a name for themselves through hard work, and become a spokesperson under the umbrella of Campbell Clinic, is really rewarding.”

Counting 600 employees on his watch, Hernandez takes seriously the goal of making each feel like a priority. “It’s the most difficult part of my job,” he says. “I try to start at day one, attending [weekly] new-employee orientation. Give them some background on who I am, but more importantly, I want to understand who they are, how they joined us, and where they want to go. I give each of them a six-month assignment. I want them to evaluate how Campbell Clinic is as an employer to them. What do they think makes a good job a great job? How are we doing at meeting that criteria?”

With a decade as Campbell Clinic CEO under his belt, Hernandez seeks new challenges — and answers for them — in an industry that must grow with the pace of technology and continue to provide the wide range of care our imperfect bodies require. “I continue to learn more,” says Hernandez. “I rely on my peers, the physicians who own the clinic, and our management staff. The larger a business grows, the more the strength of a management team will gauge success. The shortest-tenured member of our [six-person] administrative team is seven years.”

Hernandez recently suffered a neck ailment, one that landed him in the hands of a member of his physical-therapy team, Kevin Olds. Lying on a table, his head literally in the hands of an employee, Hernandez screamed upon his neck being twisted suddenly . . . but precisely as he needed. Relief was immediate, a CEO’s impact come full circle.

This post originally appeared in Memphis Magazine.

The spine is made up of a stack of rectangular-shaped building blocks called vertebrae. Normally, when you look at a child’s back, the spine appears straight. However, a spine affected by scoliosis appears curved – giving the appearance that the child is leaning to one side.

This sideways curvature of the spine often occurs during a child’s growth spurt just before puberty. Most cases of scoliosis are mild, but some spine deformities continue to get more severe as children grow.

In most cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown. Though in some situations, scoliosis may develop as a result of arthritis, osteoporosis, or a hereditary condition.

If your child or someone you know is living with this spine condition, here’s what you need to know about pediatric scoliosis treatment.

How is scoliosis diagnosed?

Early detection is important for successful scoliosis treatment. If you think your child has scoliosis, it’s important to get in touch with a doctor right away. A physical evaluation and X-ray will properly diagnose atypical curve patterns on the spine. Doctors may also test for scoliosis through an MRI or CT scan. Children who have mild scoliosis are monitored closely, usually with X-rays, to see if the curve is getting worse. In many cases, no treatment is necessary.

Pediatric Scoliosis Treatment

The goal of pediatric scoliosis treatment is to stop the curve and prevent deformity. Observation and repeated examinations may be necessary to determine if the spine is continuing to curve.

In cases of severe scoliosis or when a child has a curve that has worsened to more than 50 degrees, a spine surgeon would find the best scoliosis treatment plan for that individual. This might include:

• Wearing a brace to stop the curve from worsening
• Undergoing surgery to straighten severe cases of scoliosis

Braces

Wearing a brace won’t cure scoliosis or reverse the curve, but it usually prevents further progression of the curve. The most common type of brace is made of plastic and is designed to conform to the body. This brace is almost invisible under clothes, as it fits under the arms and around the rib cage, lower back, and hips.

Most braces are worn day and night. A brace’s effectiveness increases with the number of hours a day it’s worn. Children who wear braces can usually participate in most activities and have few restrictions. If necessary, kids can take off the brace to participate in sports or other physical activities.

Surgery

Severe scoliosis typically progresses with time, so a spine doctor might suggest scoliosis surgery to reduce the severity of the spinal curve and to prevent it from getting worse.

The most common type of scoliosis surgery is called spinal fusion. In spinal fusion, surgeons connect two or more vertebrae, so they can’t move independently. Pieces of bone or bone-like material are placed between the vertebrae. Metal rods, hooks, screws, or wires typically hold that part of the spine straight and still while the old bone fuses with the new bone.

If the scoliosis is progressing rapidly at a young age, surgeons can install a rod that can adjust in length as the child grows. This growing rod is attached to the top and bottom sections of the spinal curvature and is usually lengthened every six months.

Our spine specialist, Dr. Jeff Sawyer will carefully walk you through each step of your child’s care. We treat a variety of spine conditions and will work to find the best scoliosis treatment plan for your lifestyle. Make an appointment with Dr. Sawyer today.

You’ve likely felt it – a tingling sensation or pain through your hand after typing on a keyboard all day. Many people who work at desk jobs and spend large amounts of time on computers are often wary of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. But how do you know that what you’re feeling is actually carpal tunnel syndrome? There are many factors that go into diagnosing this condition, and it’s important to know if you’re at risk or not.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that affects more than 3 million Americans each year. It’s caused by pressure on the median nerve, which runs through a small passageway between your forearm and hand. Pressure on the nerve causes a squeezing effect that results in annoying and uncomfortable sensations in the hand. The median nerve signals affect feeling in the hand, as well as motor function in the muscles around the base of the thumb.

While this condition is common, it can cause serious complications if not properly treated. Anyone can experience carpal tunnel pain, but some people are more prone to developing this condition than others.

Let’s take a closer look at a few of the associated risk factors.

1. Anatomic factors

Carpal tunnel syndrome is generally more common in women. This may be because the carpal tunnel area is relatively smaller in women than in men. Women who have carpal tunnel syndrome may also have smaller carpal tunnels than women who don’t have the condition. Obesity, menopause, and pregnancy are additional risk factors women may face resulting in an irritated median nerve.

A wrist fracture or dislocation, or arthritis that deforms the small bones in the wrist, can also alter the space within the carpal tunnel and put pressure on the median nerve.

2. Workplace factors

If you work with vibrating tools or on an assembly line that requires prolonged or repetitive flexing of the wrist, you need to be aware of creating harmful pressure on the median nerve and avoid worsening existing nerve damage. Alternate tasks when possible. This is especially important if you use equipment that requires you to exert a great amount of force.

For those who work in offices, make sure that your computer mouse is comfortable and doesn’t strain your wrist. Gently stretch and bend hands and wrists periodically. You’re more likely to develop hand pain and stiffness if you work in a cold environment. If you can’t control the temperature at work, put on fingerless gloves that keep your hands and wrists warm.

3. Medical conditions related to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Some chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, increase your risk of nerve damage, including damage to your median nerve. Illnesses that are characterized by inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can further affect the lining around the tendons in your wrist and put pressure on your median nerve.

If you have an existing medical condition that puts you at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome, it’s crucial to pay close attention to any numbness, tingling, or weakness you might be experiencing in your wrist or hand.

If some of these risk factors apply to you, it could be time to seek advice from a healthcare professional. You might not feel pain right now, but the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can start small and worsen with time. The Campbell Clinic team of experienced hand specialists can accurately detect carpal tunnel syndrome and relieve your symptoms before it’s too late.

Athletic trainers are highly qualified, multi-skilled healthcare professionals who practice in the field of sports medicine. You’ve likely seen a certified athletic trainer on-site at a sporting event and may have wondered what their day-to-day job entails. Their roles and responsibilities may vary, depending on the environment, yet in every setting, they remain a crucial component of healthcare teams.

What do athletic trainers do?

While athletic trainers can work in a wide variety of environments, they primarily work with medical professionals, coaches, and athletes to ensure that players are ready to play, maintain proper diets, and receive proper treatment in the event of illness or injury. It’s common to find an athletic trainer on staff for professional sports teams, school athletic departments, and physicians’ offices.

A few key job functions of an athletic trainer include:

• Providing preventive care and educating athletes about how to avoid injury with braces or tape
• Diagnosing injuries, performing the necessary immediate care, and creating a plan for further treatment
• Fully assessing athletes and developing therapies to alleviate pain and increase mobility
• Establishing a rehabilitation program for more serious and long-term injuries
• Providing recommendations about helpful exercises and nutrition or diet information
• Performing administrative duties, including writing reports, ordering supplies and maintaining records

How do athletic trainers advance health care teams?

Athletic trainers are a valuable component of comprehensive health care teams. The presence of on-site healthcare in schools and educational facilities is becoming increasingly important as student participation in sports continues to increase and school sports continue to become more popular. Additionally, the healthcare conditions present in athletes have become more complex and are proving to have long-term implications if not recognized and treated early; these include concussions, for instance.

When an injury does occur, it’s common for athletes to begin a return-to-play program. These programs often require daily follow-up and involve care until the athlete is healed and ready to compete again. In these situations, athletic trainers can collaborate with physicians and the larger medical team to ensure that the return-to-play protocol is followed correctly and the athlete can return to their normal activity safely and efficiently.

At Campbell Clinic, our team supports several high schools and sports clubs in the Memphis area by supplying them with certified athletic trainers. These athletic trainers cover practices, games, and other school events to ensure that athletes stay safe. If a student-athlete is injured on the field or court of play, our athletic trainers provide exceptional care and can help guide student-athletes to the appropriate orthopaedic physician for a timely, efficient appointment.

The shoulder joint, also called the ball-and-socket joint, is the body’s most mobile joint. The downside of this mobility is that the joint is more susceptible to shoulder dislocation.

Symptoms of Shoulder Dislocation

Your shoulder becomes dislocated when the top of your upper arm bone, which is shaped like a ball, pops out of the cup-shaped socket in your shoulder blade. You might experience a partial dislocation, which occurs when the ball is partially out of the socket, or a full dislocation, which happens when the ball is entirely outside the socket.

Shoulder dislocation can include:

• severe shoulder pain
• limited arm mobility
• bruising and swelling of your shoulder or upper arm
• numbness or weakness in the arms, hands, or fingers
• muscle spasms, which can intensify pain

What Causes a Dislocated Shoulder

Common causes of shoulder dislocation include:

• accidents, such as automobile crashes
• sports injuries
• falling on an outstretched arm
• a blow to the shoulder

Treatment for Shoulder Dislocation

Attempting to pop your own shoulder back into place is not recommended, as it can cause damage to muscles, ligaments, nerves, or blood vessels. It’s important to get to an emergency care center promptly for treatment.

There, your provider will examine your shoulder, and if they believe it’s dislocated, they will order an x-ray for confirmation. Your provider will perform a closed reduction, in which they place the ball back into the socket. Putting the joint back in place should swiftly put a stop to severe pain. You may also be given pain relief medication and told to ice the sore area.

Early on in the healing process, you will need to rest a great deal, and you might be required to wear a sling for several weeks to hold your shoulder in place.

Once the pain and swelling have improved, you will begin a physical therapy routine, in which you will perform exercises to strengthen your muscles and improve your range of motion. These might include gentle toning exercises, followed by weight training later. If you stick to your exercise routine, your full range of motion will likely return in several weeks.

Occasionally, patients who dislocate their shoulders can damage nerves or tissue, which may require surgery. This can also happen after repeated dislocations, requiring surgery to restore the shoulder’s stability and reduce the likelihood of future dislocations. 

If you are experiencing shoulder pain and believe you need to have your shoulder examined, connect with our team at Campbell Clinic. Once you schedule an appointment, one of our shoulder doctors will examine your shoulder, determine the cause of your pain, and discuss your options moving forward.

On Thursday, December 5, 2019, we hosted the grand opening of our new $40 million, 120,000 square-foot facility – equipped with state-of-the-art amenities and our Accel Performance and Wellness Center named in honor the S. Terry Canale Family. 

So you’ve studied the benefits of what a joint replacement can do for your quality of life, but now you’re left wondering: What is total joint replacement recovery going to be like?

In the weeks leading up to your total joint replacement procedure, your doctor and medical team will walk you through what to expect and help you prepare for life after surgery.

In some cases, you may be able to go home the same day as your surgery, allowing you to sleep in your own bed on the morning of your surgery and be home that evening. This type of outpatient procedure may be available, depending upon certain health criteria and your insurance coverage. In other cases, patients may need to stay in the hospital for a couple of days before going home. Either way, keeping up with the proper recovery habits after a major surgery is crucial to ensuring a successful outcome.

In the days and weeks following surgery, here’s what total joint replacement recovery might look like for you:

Initial recovery stages

Recovery and rehabilitation will be different for each person. In general, your doctor will encourage you to use your “new” joint shortly after your operation. Although it may be challenging at times, following your doctor’s instructions will speed up your recovery process.

Most patients will experience some temporary pain early on in the replaced joint because the surrounding muscles are weak from inactivity, the body is adjusting to the new joint, and the tissues are healing. This pain should resolve over time.

To make your home safer and easier to navigate during your initial recovery, consider doing the following:

• Create a living space on one floor, since climbing stairs can be difficult.
• Install safety bars or a secure handrail in your shower or bath.
• Secure stairway handrails.
• Remove loose rugs and cords.

Continuing down the road to recovery

Exercise is an important part of the total joint replacement recovery process. Your doctor or physical therapist will provide you with specific exercises to help restore movement and strengthen the joint. As you regain strength and mobility in the replaced joint, the majority of patients are able to perform daily activities more easily after joint replacement surgery. Regular visits to see a physical therapist or follow-up appointments with your doctor may be necessary as you adjust to life with a new joint.

Most people can expect their joint replacement to last for many years, providing them with an improved quality of life that includes less pain, along with improved motion and strength that would not have been possible otherwise.

If you have any questions about limitations on your activities after total joint replacement, it’s a good idea to get in touch with your doctor. To schedule a visit with one of our joint replacement specialists, call (901) 759-3111 today.

Decreased mobility, pain and the inability to perform daily tasks can be a frustrating reality for those who experience severe hip pain. When you can’t sleep well at night, walk around the grocery store and go for walks outdoors, your quality of life can suffer.

The good news is, total hip replacement surgery has evolved over the years and the advancements that have been made can change the course of a person’s life.

What happens during a hip replacement surgery?

During a total hip replacement (or total hip arthroplasty, as it is sometimes called), a physician will remove the damaged femoral head and replace it with a metal stem that is then inserted into a hollow area of the femur. An artificial ball will then be placed on the top of the stem. The ball is typically made of metal or ceramic material. An artificial socket will also be inserted after the damaged cartilage is removed. Along with other components, these pieces will fit together perfectly to form the new ball and socket in your hip joint.

Your doctor will help you find the hip replacement method that best meets your needs.

They will either recommend a posterior hip replacement or an anterior surgical approach.

Posterior hip replacement, a more traditional approach, involves a surgical incision along the outer buttock and provides access to the joint through the muscles on the back side of the lower pelvis.

Hip replacement using an anterior surgical approach may not be suitable for all patients, but for those with limited comorbidities and who are not significantly overweight, it can be a successful alternative.

Long-Term Results

While the procedure will temporarily limit mobility as you heal, artificial hip joints can last for anywhere between 10 to 20 years. The longevity and quality of life that hip replacement surgery provides allows people to live normal lives, pain free.

After having a total hip replacement surgery, most patients:

• Experience better range of motion
• Are able to walk and move without chronic and excruciating pain
• Can resume the activities and hobbies they had before the hip pain got in the way
• Have a vastly improved quality of life

Research has also found that those who decided to undergo total hip replacement surgery greatly reduced their chances of heart failure, diabetes and depression compared to those who avoided treatment.

The long-term results that a total hip replacement provides can help you enjoy life to its fullest. If your hip is causing you chronic and severe pain, it might be time to see a doctor. Hear one patient’s story to learn more about total joint replacement and see how Campbell Clinic can find the best treatment method for your lifestyle.

Football players, dancers, wrestlers, and soccer and basketball players are all at risk for the same common foot injury: turf toe. If you’re unfamiliar with, the simplest explanation is that it’s a sprain of the main joint of the big toe.

Turf toe started to become a common injury for athletes after artificial turf was introduced to playing fields. Artificial turf is harder than grass and does not allow for much “give” when impact occurs. Hence, the term “turf toe” was born.

While the term originated from sports played on artificial turf, a wide variety of athletes can experience injuries on hard surfaces that result in turf toe. During sports, it’s common for the big toe to bend up into hyperextension, such as when pushing off into a sprint or making contact with the ground while kicking a soccer ball.

To better understand what this condition is, let’s take a look at the symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment options associated with this common toe injury. 

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of turf toe can include pain, swelling, and limited joint movement. You might not be able to detect the condition right away–the symptoms usually begin slowly and worsen over time. In some cases, direct injury can occur to the bone beneath the cartilage in your foot. If this happens, you’ll likely feel the pain within 24 hours.

Diagnosis

If you seek medical attention for a turf toe injury, your doctor will ask you about how you injured your toe, ask you to describe your symptoms, and talk to you about your general health.

During a physical exam, your doctor will likely check for swelling, bruising, and range of motion of your big toe joint. Bending the toe up and down and side to side can help indicate whether or not there is a tear in the plantar complex. They may do the same tests to your other big toe to spot any notable differences.

X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may also be used to help a physician accurately diagnose a turf toe injury.

Treatment for Turf Toe

The RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) protocol is effective for most turf toe injuries when they first occur.

• Rest: Take a break from the activity that caused the injury and avoid walking or putting weight on your foot.
• Ice: Use cold packs for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
• Compression: To help prevent additional swelling, wear an elastic compression bandage.
• Elevation: To reduce swelling, recline when you rest and put your leg up higher than your heart.

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can also help provide relief for turf toe symptoms.

Most cases of turf toe can be treated without surgery, but in situations where a severe tear or fracture has occurred, a surgical procedure will be necessary to repair the soft tissues and restore proper mobility.

If you’re experiencing symptoms similar to the ones described above, make an appointment with a physician today. Treating turf toe early on leads to positive outcomes and can prevent long-term side effects. Our orthopaedic surgeons are here to help when you need it.

WORK PERFORMED THIS WEEK:

• Continued electrical rough-in on the first and fourth floors. 
• Continued installing overhead lights and trim-out on first and fourth floors.
• Continued wiring transformers in electrical rooms. 
• Continued working on underground site electrical. 
• Installed light poles.
• Continued installing plumbing overhead on fourth floor. 
• Continued installing plumbing fixtures throughout building. 
• Continued installation of med-gas booms in the operation rooms.
• Continued installing grilles throughout building. 
• Continued testing and balancing on the first and third floors.
• Continued hanging ACM panels on the south and north canopies.
• Continued working in the fire pump room.
• Installed flooring on the first and fourth floors. 
• Installed rubber base.
• Installed wall protection on first and fourth floors. 
• Installed front lobby tile on first floor.
• Continued installation of exterior turf area fence.
• Installed ceiling tile on the first and fourth floors.
• Continued installation of north and south elevators.
• Continued installing wire for the security camera and control systems on the first floor.
• Continued painting on the fourth floor. 
• Touched up paint on the first and third floors.
• Continued installing millwork on the first and fourth floors. 
• Installed solid surface tops on the fourth floor.
• Continued installing Mid-South imaging in the RAD rooms.
• Continued installing Steris in the operation rooms. 
• Installed booms in operation rooms.
• Continued site landscaping.
• Continued final paving and striping of the parking lots.
• Continued addressing owner punch list items.

STATISTICS:

• With the elevation of the roof sitting just over 60 feet from ground level, when on the roof one could see about nine miles.
• The new Campbell Clinic building will not only have patients from all over the world, it will also be full of products from all over the world. For example, the tiling that will be at the front entrance on the first floor came from Italy. The nana wall system that will be installed in the sports performance area is being shipped in from Germany.
• On the entire job, there will be 34,000 pounds of ACM (metal panels on the canopies and balconies) when they’re done installing all the panels. This is the equivalent to them hanging almost six 2019 Ford F-150’s on the canopies and balconies.

For appointments call
901-759-3111