Benefits and Risks of Total Knee Replacement Surgery Total knee replacement is a surgical procedure to replace the weight-bearing surfaces of the knee joint to relieve pain and disability, most commonly offered when joint pain has not responded to other treatments, such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or cortisone injections. The procedure involves removing the damaged cartilage and bone from the knee joint and replacing it with artificial components made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. The artificial components are designed to mimic the natural movement of the knee joint. Total knee replacement is a major surgery, but it is usually very successful in relieving pain and improving function. Most people who have total knee replacement are able to return to their normal activities within a few months of surgery. There are some risks associated with total knee replacement, such as infection, blood clots, and loosening of the artificial components. However, the risks are relatively low, and the benefits of total knee replacement often outweigh the risks. If you are considering total knee replacement, talk to your doctor about whether it is the right option for you. Your doctor can help you understand the risks and benefits of the procedure and make [...]

Meet Dr. Chandra, Our Newest Foot and Ankle Surgical Fellow What does an Advanced Foot and Ankle fellowship mean? A fellowship is a period of training that a physician may undertake after completing their residency. This is done in order to gain further exposure in a specific area of interest and to truly master that specialty. The length of the fellowship can vary, but it is usually at least one year long. During this time, the fellow is fully licensed and acts as an attending physician in their specific field of medicine. A fellowship in advanced foot and ankle surgery entails a period of training in which the fellow gains exposure to complex pathologies affecting the lower extremities as well as the methods and techniques utilized to appropriately manage them. These pathologies can range from forefoot abnormalities such as bunions to severe foot and ankle deformities requiring complete reconstruction to help relieve pain and improve function. It builds upon the experience and knowledge gained during residency and provides the fellow with the tools needed to tackle the most difficult and complex foot and ankle issues. About Dr. Chandra Dr. Amar Chandra was born and raised in [...]

Most Common Shoulder Injuries   Dr. Kazemi is one of the only board-certified fellowship-trained shoulder surgeons in the Pacific Northwest. We’re so glad to have him at Washington Orthopaedic! Dr. Kazemi treats all shoulder conditions, but here are some of the most common injuries that he sees:  Shoulder Arthritis  Shoulder Arthritis is one of the most common shoulder issues that people have. Arthritis is typically defined as joint inflammation that could promote damage or loss of cartilage surrounding the bone. Without the cartilage that surrounds each joint, two bones will rub against each other during movement which creates pain for the patient.   The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which typically develops in older patients from normal wear and tear of the bones.  Another form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, which is connected to rheumatoid disease. Because rheumatoid disease is an autoimmune disorder, the body attacks the tissue that surrounds the bones, which causes the destruction of cartilage in joints. When the cartilage is destroyed, it causes pain and stiffness in the joints that most arthritis patients suffer from. A particular type of arthritis, called Cuff-tear arthropathy, damages cartilage only on one side [...]

Washington Orthopaedic Center would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to the “Milestone” years of service individuals listed below.  The loyalty and dedication to Washington Orthopaedic Center and our patients does not go unnoticed and is greatly appreciated. ? 2021 Years of Service ? Ashleigh Linn One Year of Service Kimberly Soares One Year of Service Chloe Whitaker One Year of Service Beau Boire One Year of Service Kalie Potter One Year of Service Jennifer Brown One Year of Service Beatriz Mejia One Year of Service Nicole Spencer One Year of Service Erin Anderson One Year of Service Dyanna Ramez One Year of Service Kelsie Morang One Year of Service Nikki Schroeder One Year of Service Denise Muller Three Years of Service Hailey Dickinson Three Years of Service Briana Reyes Three Years of Service Rodell Sunga Five Years of Service Debbie Moberg Ten Years of Service Christy Caple Ten Years of Service Traci King Fifteen Years of Service Nikki Wallis [...]

We recently interviewed our 2021 Washington Orthopaedic Center Employee Excellence (WOCEE) recipients. These employees are first nominated by fellow staff members and then chosen by the doctors on a monthly basis. Here’s what they had to say! Rodell Sunga What are your job duties at Washington Orthopaedic Center?  Facilities Coordinator (Maintenance) and IT What do you like most about working at Washington Orthopaedic Center? I like the flexibility in my work schedule What is your favorite memory so far while working at WOC? My favorite memory is the completion of the new roof. Outside of work, what do you like to do for fun? I love to spend time with my wife doing anything, even lounging around. If you were an animal, what would you be? I think I would be a gorilla because they are gentle, but don’t rile them up. If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see? I would want to witness the moon landing. I was only a toddler when it happened. Jodi Urich Sayad What are your job duties at Washington Orthopaedic Center? ASC RN What do you like most about working at Washington Orthopaedic [...]