Back to Orthopedics Table of Contents

Diagnostic Testing
To diagnose and treat an orthopedic problem, the orthopedist conducts a physical examination and obtains a detailed medical history profile and full description of symptoms related to the patient’s condition. Diagnostic testing may follow, including blood tests, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans or other advanced evaluation procedures. See Greenwich Hospital Radiology Services for more information on diagnostic testing.

Ambulatory Surgery
Many orthopedic procedures may be performed through same-day surgery. This spares patients the cost of an overnight hospital stay and allows them to recuperate in their own homes. Approximately 500 procedures are done in this way each month.

Ambulatory surgery may be performed at the ambulatory surgical unit at Greenwich Hospital or at the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Ambulatory Surgical Center, 55 Holly Hill Lane, Greenwich.

Each patient has a primary nurse to oversee his care. Those who have had general anesthesia generally stay for several hours. Patients who have had sedation may go home much sooner.

Knee arthroscopies are the procedures most commonly performed through the unit, although many other types of orthopedic surgery may be done on a one-day basis. Arthroscopy is a type of orthopedic surgery performed at the site of certain injuries. Using a fiber optic scope attached to a miniature television camera, the surgeon is able to see inside the joint through a very small incision. Recovery time is greatly reduced because the incision is so small.

Patient education is a high priority, since the stay in the hospital is short. All nurses on the unit have been trained in the special needs of short-stay patients.

Minor Surgery
Some foot surgery and other procedures not requiring general anesthesia may be performed in Minor Surgery. No fasting is required and patients generally can be in and out in an hour. Benefits include lower costs and the convenience of a short stay.

Minor Surgery is located at the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Ambulatory Surgical Center. All procedures are performed under sterile conditions.

Patients are asked to arrive about 15 minutes before the scheduled procedure. Many people return directly to work or other activities afterward.

Physical And Occupational Therapy

Physical Therapy / Occupational Therapy
Physical therapy increases functioning, strength and endurance through exercise. Occupational therapy helps people improve their ability to perform daily activities. Therapy may be an important part of treatment for people disabled through injury, illness or birth defects.

The Greenwich Hospital rehabilitation team sees 150+ patients each day, with medical conditions that range from severe spinal cord injury to simple aches and pains. Arthritis, sports injuries and "overuse" injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome are among the problems commonly treated there.

Both inpatient and outpatient care is provided. More than 25 therapy clinicians work in two locations under the direction of a board-certified physiatrist. A physiatrist is a physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

The Physical Medicine Department provides education to reduce the risk of future injury, as well as rehabilitation. Therapists work one-on-one with patients. In addition to private treatment areas, both facilities feature a gymnasium with conditioning and strengthening equipment. The hospital location also offers a pool and water treadmill for aquatherapy, and the orthopedic unit has its own inpatient gym. Treatment with heat, ice or electrical stimulation also is available.

Our satellite outpatient center for physiatry, physical therapy and occupational / hand therapy is located at 2015 W. Main Street in Stamford, close to the Greenwich/Stamford border.

Learn more about Greenwich Hospital Physical Medicine services and facilities.