Dr. Mourning Adds Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF) Procedure to Spine Surgery Arsenal.

Dr. Mourning is trained in the use of the minimally disruptive XLIF procedure. XLIF, which stands for eXtreme Lateral Interbody Fusion, is a surgical procedure where the spine is approached from the side of the body to remove damaged disc material and an implant is placed between two vertebrae in an effort to cause bone to form and fuse together. The XLIF procedure is a minimally disruptive procedure. Instead of a traditional, large, “open” incision, the procedure is performed through one or more small incisions. An instrument, known as a retractor, is used to spread the tissues so that the surgeon can see the spine. Before the advent of minimally disruptive spine surgery, the spine generally had to be reached through one large incision in the front or back of the body. Minimally disruptive spine surgery allows surgeons to reach the spine through small incisions (as opposed to a single, large incision). Minimally disruptive surgery is generally considered better than an open procedure for many reasons, including: less tissue trauma, less scarring, shorter hospital stay, and less postoperative discomfort.

Dr. Mourning discusses options for back pain relief in Health Quest video. To view this video, click here.

Northwest Orthopaedic Surgeons adds Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging to its Service Line.

NWOS providers are now able to offer musculoskeletal ultrasound (MU) imaging on-site in our Mount Vernon office. This imaging technique has the advantage of being non-invasive, easy to use, and cost effective. It provides an opportunity for immediate diagnosis of musculoskeletal problems.

Images obtained from MU provide pictures of muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and soft tissue throughout the body. MU images are typically used to help diagnose the following:

• Tendon tears, such as tears of the rotator cuff in the shoulder or Achilles tendon in the ankle
• Abnormalities of the muscles, such as tears and soft-tissue masses
• Bleeding or other fluid collections within the muscles, bursae and joints
• Small benign and malignant soft tissue tumors
• Early changes of rheumatoid arthritis

Call us today at (360) 424-7041 for an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists.

Dr. Robert Billow rode in the Stinky Weather Poker Run (www.stinkyspoke.org) on January 15, 2011. This 16 or 18.5 mile mountain bike race which is planned for the worst weather day of the year, raises money to support the Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center (www.littlebit.org).

Northwest Orthopaedic Surgeons welcomes Bob Grieve, PTA, to the Physical Therapy department.

Nonsurgical treatment for Dupuytren's contracture now available at Northwest Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Dr. Lang is now available to administer XIAFLEX, the only FDA-approved nonsurgical treatment option to treat Dupuytren's contracture. Dupuytren’s contracture causes a progressive, abnormal thickening of the tissue in the palm of your hand. Over time, a rope-like cord may pull the finger permanently toward your palm. This bend, called contracture, can reduce your range of motion — how much you can move and straighten your finger. For more information on XIAFLEX, go to www.xiaflex.com.
For an appointment, contact us at (360) 424-7041.

David M. Mourning, MD, Fellowship-trained Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon, Slated to Join NWOS in October.

NWOS is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. David M. Mourning to NWOS. Dr. Mourning will expand the services offered at NWOS to include Orthopaedic Spine surgery, filling a long-standing need in the community. Dr. Mourning is relocating from The Doctor’s Clinic in Bremerton, Washington, where he has practiced since August, 2004. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mourning, call (360) 424-7041.

Dr. Oates Volunteers as Olympic Training Center Physician

Dr. Kenneth M. Oates recently spent two weeks as a volunteer physician at the Chula Vista, California Olympic Training Center. While there, he provided medical care for athletes on the USA Bicycle Motocross Team and helped to cover the US Paraolympic Soccer team as they prepared for an upcoming international tournament in Argentina. Dr. Oates specializes in sports medicine, and is available for appointments at both our Mount Vernon and Anacortes offices. To make an appointment, call (360) 424-7041.

Donna Klein completed the 2010 Courage Classic Bicycle Tour held August 7 – 9, 2010. The Courage Classic Bicycle Tour was created as a fundraising ride to support the Rotary Endowment for the Intervention and Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. The 2010 ride raised over $750,000.

Brett Nelson, PT, Coaches Conway Diamond Dogs to State Title

Exemplifying the NWOS commitment to physical fitness and community involvement, Brett Nelson, PT, (along with assistant coaches Ken Hansen and Tracy Tiffany) led his son’s Cal Ripkin baseball team to claim the 2010 12-and-under state title. The team also finished second in the Northwest Region. Their final season record was 48-9.

Neil Plume, OTR/L, CHT Joins Northwest Orthopaedic Surgeons, Expanding Certified Hand Therapy Services to Anacortes.

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Dr. Lyons Serves as Olympic Training Center Physician.

Dr. Patrick M. Lyons recently spent two weeks as the on-duty surgeon at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. While there, he responded to Olympic athletes’ orthopaedic needs, as they trained for the Olympics.
Dr. Lyons specializes in sports medicine, and is available for appointments at either our Mount Vernon or Anacortes offices. To make an appointment, call (360) 424-7041.

NWOS Hires New Administrator

Northwest Orthopaedic Surgeons welcomes Matthew W. Bible, CPA, MHA, CMPE as Administrator. Mr. Bible spent the last seven years as Administrator at Orthopaedic Associates in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Prior to that, he worked for the Hospital Corporation of America as an interim CFO at various institutions. Mr. Bible is looking forward to sampling the many recreational activities offered in our area.

Matt N. Ball, P.A.-C. Joins Northwest Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Matt N. Ball, P.A.-C. joined NWOS in November of 2009. Mr. Ball graduated from the Physician Assistant program at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City in August of 2009. Mr. Ball served as a Special Operations Combat Medic in the U.S. Army from 2003 – 2007.

Mark S. Vollrath PA-C Receives National Recognition as AAPA Distinguished Fellow
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Dr. Kenneth M. Oates receives Subspeciality Certificate in Sports Medicine
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Northwest Orthopaedic Surgeons Surgery Center re-accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).

Mark Vollrath, P.A. -C Receives Distinguished Teaching Award
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NWOS launches new Website