Trusted Orthopedic Doctors in Centralia and Olympia.

At Washington Orthopaedic Center, our highly trained medical staff of orthopedic surgeons specialize in a wide range of services. If you are living with unwanted pain in your bones or joints, we can help you get back to being you! Our clinics are conveniently located in Centralia, and Olympia, Washington.

Why Choose Washington Orthopaedic Center for Orthopedic Care?

Our skilled physicians have proven that they are some of the best in the medical treatment industry. Some of their accomplishments include teaching courses around the world, helping underprivileged patients in third world countries, and being an official provider of the U.S. Ski Team. We provide many services including sports medicine, joint replacement, foot and ankle surgery, arthroscopic surgery, arthritis care, injury treatment, and more. If your injury requires surgery, we have a surgery center that offers cost effective, same day surgery.

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Keith R. Birchard, MD
Keith R. Birchard, MDBoard Certified Orthopaedist
Michael Dujela, DPM
Michael Dujela, DPMBoard Certified Foot/Ankle Surgeon
Chad L. Bender, MD, COL
Chad L. Bender, MD, COLBoard Certified Orthopaedist
Christopher A. Hawkins, MD
Christopher A. Hawkins, MDBoard Certified Orthopaedist
Lucas Harvey, MD
Lucas Harvey, MD

Washington Orthopaedic Center has its own Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) device for extremities. This provides detailed information about tendons, ligaments, muscle, and bone marrow that standard x-rays cannot. Our MRI is particularly useful for looking at knees, shoulders, wrists, ankles, and other small joints.

For larger scans, such as backs and hips, we schedule imaging at Washington Diagnostic MRI and Providence Centralia Hospital directly adjacent to our offices. Our patients also benefit from the latest technology in tele-radiology. This is where the image is sent electronically to specialists that read our patients results with expert accuracy. Today’s MRI technology has virtually eliminated the need for invasive exploratory surgeries.

arthritis careAs many as 36 million people in the United States have some form of arthritis or joint inflammation. It is a major cause of lost work, time, and serious disability for many people. Although arthritis is mainly a disease of adults, children may also have it.

Bursitis/tendonitis, and various sprains and strains may also imitate arthritis. Accurate diagnosis requires a careful history and physical examination, as well as x-rays of the involved area.

Treatment is dictated by the proper diagnosis, location, and severity of the condition. Our orthopedic surgeons are specially trained to provide appropriate care including medications, techniques to protect the joint, and when appropriate; surgery for the afflicted area. Get arthritis treatment in Centralia, Olympia or Elma.

sports injury treatmentAs Americans become increasingly sports-minded, athletic injuries, most of which, affect the musculoskeletal system, become increasingly common. Orthopedics, as a specialty, focuses on surgical and nonsurgical management of these injuries with an emphasis on safe and rapid return to full function.

All of our orthopedists have broad, extensive training in caring for these injuries, some with special interest and extra training devoted to sports medicine.

Total joint replacement is a proven technique for the relief of pain and disability. We are proud of our Joint Care Program. Today’s modern technology and advances support safe and life-changing operations.

Our physicians are specialists in this area of orthopedic surgery specializing in rapid return to normal life after total hip and total knee replacement. State-of-the-art computer navigation is an option for some total knee replacement surgeries. Total joint replacement surgeries are done at Providence Centralia Hospital. Patients begin physical rehabilitation therapy at the hospital under their orthopedic physician’s care and continue rehabilitation in an appropriate setting for their condition and lifestyle.

Our Sports Medicine Team provides the following services:

  • Prevention of injury through sports specific exercise & education
  • Evaluation of acute & chronic sports injuries
  • Rehabilitation of injury for rapid & safe return to play

orthopedic care Olympia, Centralia, hand surgeryHand problems, both surgical and nonsurgical, are typically cared for by orthopedic surgeons. Our orthopedists are trained in the care of the hand and in some cases have obtained additional training in the management of hand problems. We can treat carpal tunnel syndrome using either open or endoscopic surgical techniques. In addition, we have techniques to care for tendonitis, ganglion cysts, and arthritis, as well as trigger finger, Dupuytren’s contracture and other problems using both surgical and nonsurgical means.

arthroscopic surgery, orthopedic doctor olympia, centraliaFiber optic technology now allows examination of the joint through miniature “button hole” sized incisions. Patients have less pain and more rapid recovery than similar procedures performed through larger incisions. In addition, better visualization of the joint can be achieved by displaying the small interior structures on a television screen. As a result, increasing large and complex procedures can be performed arthroscopically. Our orthopedic surgeons are experts in arthroscopic techniques. The joints typically treated with arthroscopic techniques include the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and ankle.

bone fracture treatment, orthopedic surgeonWhen many people think of orthopedic care, they think of care of “fracture care.” Many of our patients with serious fractures are referred to us from the Emergency Room or occasionally from an urgent care center. In some cases, they may come to us directly. We work in cooperation with the hospital to provide surgical care for fractures of the hip, femur, tibia, wrist and forearm, as well as many others. We are also available to the Emergency Room on a consultation basis when fractures or dislocations require manipulation and/or casting.

osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a major health problem affecting 25 million Americans, contributing to an estimated 1.3 million bone fractures per year. One in two women and one in five men over the age of 65 will sustain bone fractures due to osteoporosis. As the orthopedic surgeons who care for these fractures, we understand how painful and debilitating they can be. To help identify and treat osteoporosis as early as possible, we have an established osteoporosis care program. The program is managed by providers with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis.

foot and ankle surgeon, bone fractureFoot and ankle injuries can occur to people of all ages. At Washington Orthopaedic Center, we specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and surgery of the foot, ankle, and the lower leg. We work diligently to find the right approach for each patient since each case is unique.

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