COVID-19 has changed the way we are able to treat our orthopaedic patients here in the greater New Orleans metro area. As reported in the media, the number of COVID+ patients continues to climb, along with an increase in the number of patients requiring hospitalization and intensive care. To ensure that those patients have top priority at our hospitals, to conserve PPE and hospital equipment for those patients and providers who need it most, and to protect our own patients from potential exposure, all non-emergency surgeries have been postponed and we have transitioned the majority of our clinic appointments to a virtual system.
We can make arrangements for in-person visits for patients with traumatic injuries and acute orthopaedic problems if needed.
I conducted my first virtual clinic appointment this morning through our Telehealth platform and look forward to meeting with more patients this week as we all adjust to this new system.
To schedule an appointment to discuss your shoulder, elbow or other sports medicine orthopaedic problem, you can call 504-988-8476, or submit the form at the bottom of our home page.
On January 24th, Dr. O’Brien was invited by the Center for Sport to its 4th Annual James R. Andrews Lectureship in Sports Medicine. Dr. O’Brien joined a respected group of orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine doctors, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and other healthcare professionals to provide a full spectrum of prevention and treatment options for athletes. Dr. O’Brien shared his protocol for evaluating young overhead athletes with the coaches, parents and other healthcare professionals in attendance as part of this unique collaboration. Throughout the day, experts provided instruction on proper prevention exercises/techniques for the overhead athlete, evaluation of injuries on-field using enhanced tools/tips from physicians, and expanding the understanding of rehab and the return to play process of overhead athletes including a transition from generic exercises to sport specific exercise outside of a clinic setting.