Common questions about joints and pain.
Carolina's Center for Joint & Spine's Dr. Guirgues' article on Spinal Stenosis.
Dr. Moore's article on knee replacement alternatives.
Dr. Cole's article on treatments for shoulder pain.
Dr. Bate's article on Treatments for Hip and Knee Pain.
Carolinas Center for Joint & Spine
About the Center…
Patients who participate in Carolinas Center For Joint and Spine at Carteret General Hospital receive the best medical and information technology in a supportive environment that focuses on their well-being. Participates begin a process that will allow them to lead happier and more active lives, returning to activities that bring joy into their lives, such as gardening, fishing, traveling and golf.
Our Physicians…
Orthopedic surgeons caring for patients in Carolinas Center use the latest in surgical techniques including joint replacement, spine surgeries, arthroscopy, and minimally invasive partial joint replacement surgery. All are board certified in orthopedic surgery; they ensure the highest level of care for all patients. Following surgery they will visit patients on a routine basis, monitoring all progress, and determine the appropriate therapies to assure a faster recovery for their patients.
Why is our Center so special?
Joint patients participate in individualized and group therapy sessions during their hospital stay. In this atmosphere of camaraderie, caring and sharing patients receive comprehensive treatments and group support. An open door policy allows family members to spend as much time as their schedule allows. Family members are trained to be “coaches” so they can assist in home care.
Our Team…
The nurses and physical therapists demonstrate a compassionate, patient-centered approach to care. They have been chosen for their clinical expertise and positive attitude to help you start each day with a smile. They work closely with your physician to personalize your care throughout the program. You will experience teamwork and camaraderie at its best!
We are always glad to show interested individuals and visitors how joint and spine surgeries can be a positive and live changing experience. To learn more about Carolinas Center for Joint & Spine, please call 808-6673.
Our patients recommend us…
And we feel that is the highest compliment we can earn.
All aspects of the Joint & Spine Center are excellent! The pre-op classes were very helpful and informative. I felt very prepared for surgery. My therapy in the hospital immediately after surgery was excellent. Outpatient therapy was also excellent. The reunion lunch is a wonderful idea.
- Robin P.
The results of my surgery have exceeded my wildest expectations. All my friends and acquaintances have commented on how well I have progressed. The Joint and Spine Center at Carteret General appears to be very enthusiastic and progressive. The news is spreading of your excellent work.
- Harriet S.
The positive attitude and caring concern of the nursing staff was a very big factor in my recovery. I was extremely impressed with the care I received from beginning to end.
- Donna W.
Excellent program!! Working together in groups and pushing us to do our exercises were positive aspects of the program. The physical therapists were great and calmed our fears. Great nurses and physicians especially Dr. Coles. Excellent physical therapy at Carteret Surgical.
- Georgia L.
I think everything was great. A wonderful program to work in groups during physical therapy. Richard would make anyone work hard. He was great with encouraging everyone. Carteret Surgical Physical Therapy was great too. When I need my other leg repaired, I will not wait as long as I did this first time. It was not as bad as I thought. So why wait? Thanks Dr. Bates and staff!
- Gracie G.
Top notch program from the surgeon to the nursing staff and the physical therapists. Your commitment to excellence really shows. I believe your program is on an equal par with Duke or any other great program in the county. Folks in Carteret County are blessed to have access to such a wonderful program. Very supportive and encouraging staff. Everybody really cared. Thank you for the brunch. It was great. Keep up the excellent work. With continued word-of-mouth advertising, soon you’ll have more patients than you can handle. Good luck and continued success.
- Beth K.
Total Joint Excellence Program
The Carteret General Hospital Total Joint Excellence Program is composed of a multidisciplinary team whose mission is to provide the highest quality of both inpatient and outpatient services for our Total Joint population. We are eager to assist the patient back to an active and healthy lifestyle. Our comprehensive program promotes positive patient outcomes shown by increased patient satisfaction and decreased length of stay. The Program begins approximately 1 month before surgery and the team follows the patient up to 1 year later.
Every patient is placed on a customized clinical pathway after an initial pre-operative interactive assessment process. The clinical pathway has three main components: pre-hospitalization care, hospitalization, and post-hospitalization.
Pre-hospitalization Care
Education is the key to pre-hospitalization care. Through a formal invitation process, patients are encouraged to enroll in the Total Joint Excellence Program at the time the decision is made for Joint Replacement Surgery.
Prep Classes are designed to prepare the patient for their elective procedure. The patient will tour the unit and meet the Total Joint Excellence Team. The admission process is started and all pre-operative and post-operative needs are assessed. The patient and staff responsibilities are explained and a Compliance Contract is signed. This contract is a promise that everyone on the team is committed to excellence.
Hospitalization
Hard work is the key to hospitalization. To complete the Total Joint Excellence Program, patients have four days of intensive services. While hospitalized, patients are required to wear their own clothes. Patients are also required to be up for breakfast in our education room. Physical Therapy works with patients twice a day, the Total Joint The nursing staff, who are also referred to as “coaches” are given the task of motivator and teacher. Coaches instruct patients throughout their hospitalization and work towards a safe discharge to home or to short term rehab.
Post-hospitalization
At the time of discharge, the patient receives a “congratulations” gift bag. Thank you note and patient satisfaction surveys are sent out the day of discharge. The surveys help the team monitor program components and make changes as needed. One of the coaches will complete follow-up phone calls approximately 1 week post-discharge. The intent of the phone call is to decrease the early stress of being at home after joint replacement.
All patients who have successfully completed the Carteret General Hospital Total Joint Excellence Program will receive a newsletter informing them of upcoming events, new procedures, and changes to the program.