Knee & Hip Replacement Is Focus of Free Spectrum Health Seminars

Summer weather offers the chance to get outside and enjoy more physical activity, from gardening to sports. People who are concerned that their knees and hips might not tolerate increased summer activity should plan to attend the Spectrum Health Orthopedic Community Seminar Series this month.

The public is invited to learn about current treatments, therapies and surgical procedures that can help people enjoy summer activities by easing joint pain, improving range of motion and increasing activity levels.

The three free seminars will be held at 7 p.m. at Calvin College – Prince Conference Center in southeast Grand Rapids. Reservations are required by calling (616) 486-5503.

Knee Replacement: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?
Monday, June 8

Gregory J. Golladay, MD, Orthopedic Associates of Michigan

Approximately 581,000 knee replacements are performed each year in the United States. Learn about knee replacement surgery, including how to tell if you are a good candidate.

Alternatives to Knee Replacement: Less Can Be More!
Wednesday, June 10

Robert L. DeMaagd, MD, Orthopedic Associates of Michigan

A constant evolution of techniques, materials and technologies has given surgeons and patients more options than ever before for treating knee pain. Learn about less invasive alternatives to total knee replacement.

Hip Replacement: New Techniques and Common Misconceptions
Monday, June 22

Thomas A. Malvitz, MD, Orthopedic Department chairman, Spectrum Health Grand Rapids, and Orthopedic Associates of Michigan

Learn about medical advances that have increased the effectiveness of hip replacement surgery, including minimally invasive surgical techniques, as well as the answers to some common myths and misconceptions.
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Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system in West Michigan that offers a full continuum of care through the Spectrum Health Hospital Group, a collection of seven hospitals and more than 140 service sites; the Spectrum Health Medical Group, a multispecialty team of nearly 100 providers; and Priority Health, a health plan with nearly 500,000 members. Spectrum Health’s 14,000 employees, 1,500 medical staff members and 2,000 volunteers are committed to delivering the highest quality care to those in medical need.’ The organization provided $111.1 million in community benefit during its 2008 fiscal year. As a system, Spectrum Health has earned more than 100 awards during the past 10 years.