More than 30 community residents attended a physician forum at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital presented by Dr. Herbert K. Plauché, Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon.  He discussed a full range of arthroscopic surgical procedures focusing on the key improvements in the methods and techniques currently used to treat musculoskeletal trauma, sports injuries, degenerative disease (arthritis), infections, tumors and congenital disorders.  

 “The state-of-the-art equipment provided by HCH is used to perform arthroscopic procedures and gives patients the opportunity to undergo surgery to relieve pain with a shorter recovery time in getting them back to life’s daily tasks,” said Dr. Plauché. Arthroscopy is an out-patient surgical procedure which requires anesthesia. Patients can expect more diagnostic accuracy and little to no out-patient physical therapy after arthroscopic surgery. Individuals recovering from knee arthroscopy at HCH will typically spend the first two days on crutches, visit the physician for a post operative check-up on day six, and are almost always back on their feet in a week.” Dr. Plauché added that during the follow-up appointment, the patient’s operative photographs are reviewed,  at-home exercises are prescribed and the patient is instructed on how to strengthen muscles and regain movement in order to accelerate the healing process. He said patients who are well educated as to their conditions are much better able to participate in their recovery programs.

Many attendees wanted to know which joints were amenable to arthroscopic examination.  Dr. Plauché said the knee was, by far, the most commonly examined joint, however, the shoulder, hip, ankle, elbow and wrist joints can also be examined and treated using arthroscopic methods.  Although total joint replacements are referred to Asheville, Greenville or Gainesville, Dr. Plauché said, “The procedures we do perform here take advantage of the latest arthroscopic technology and, in addition, our patients can also rest assured they will receive the best possible care from our two Board Certified Anesthesiologists pre-, intra- and post-operatively. Also, our Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Department is as fine as any with which I have worked in my 42 years of Orthopaedic practice”.   

Several attendees posed the question, “Why have arthroscopic surgery?”  Dr. Plauché answered by describing some of the advantages of arthroscopic procedures which include improved diagnostic accuracy, less tissue trauma and shorter operative and recovery times.  Arthroscopy was revolutionized by the development of the miniaturized video camera which now provides crystal- clear, real-time color images, both still and video, of the beautiful structures inside the joint being studied.  The surgeon can now visualize these structures, especially those in the back of the knee, much more accurately than with old open, more painful methods.” 

Dr. Plauché closed the discussion by saying “There is essentially no age limit for arthroscopic surgery.  If the patient’s ailment, whether it is arthritis or an injury, is affecting his or her quality to life, if pain levels continue to increase and sleep patterns are interrupted, it is time to see your physician.  All patients are asked to visit their Family Physician or Internist and one of HCH’s Anesthesiologists pre-operatively for medical clearance prior to surgery in order to prevent possible unforeseen problems.

Pictured Dr. Edward “Ted” Copeland discusses the latest evolving treatments of Breast Cancer to area physicians and others during a medical symposium at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital.

Approximately 50 of the area’s retired, semi-retired and active physicians, heard the latest on cardiology and breast cancer last week at a special medical symposium held at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital (HCH).

Sponsored by the HCH Foundation, the symposium featured presentations by distinguished physicians and lecturers Drs. Byron R. Williams, Jr., Chief of Medicine at Emory University Hospital, and Dr. Edward Copeland, Retired Chief of Surgery at the University of Florida. 

Williams, who has been a member of the consulting medical staff at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital in cardiology, spoke on the topic of “Advances in Cardiology” and Copeland discussed the “Evolving Treatments of Breast Cancer”. Discussions of recent advances in both diagnostic and treatment procedures were the dominant themes of both presentations.

“We are very pleased to have these two highly respected physicians come to Highlands to speak,” said Don Mullen, MD, organizer and HCH Board Director. “The lectures that have been presented recently and over the last several years have all been outstanding, and I think physicians who have taken the time to attend one or more events have found them both interesting and informative. We hope even more physicians will decide to take advantage of this opportunity in the future.”

Mullen explained that the yearly symposiums were created to keep retired physicians around the area familiar with Highlands-Cashiers Hospital and the medical services offered locally, develop comradeship among all area physicians, and facilitate continuing educational opportunities for physicians.

Two symposiums are planned for next year at the hospital. They are open to any physician, active or retired, and offers a certificate to be used in filing for medical credit in continuing education to qualified participants.