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D. Hodari Brooks, MD

Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Education & Training

Doctor of Medicine

Book an Orthopedic Appointment

D. Hodari Brooks, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon with Wellstar since 2005.

Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Education & Training

Doctor of Medicine

Orthopedic Surgeon with Wellstar since 2005
  • Member of the Wellstar Medical Group A friendly image of Derand Hodari MD D. Hodari Brooks, MD
  • Office Locations
  • Expertise
  • Patient Reviews
  • Publications & Articles

Office Locations


Expertise

About D. Hodari Brooks, MD

D. Hodari Brooks, MD is an orthopedic surgeon with Wellstar Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. Board certified in orthopedic surgery and fellowship-trained in adult reconstruction, Dr. Brooks specializes in direct anterior total hip replacement, advanced total knee replacement, orthopedic surgery, outpatient total joint replacement and sports medicine. He has been practicing for more than 23 years and has performed thousands of orthopedic surgical procedures. 

Dr. Brooks received his medical degree from University of Rochester School of Medicine in Rochester, NY and his undergraduate degree from Brown University in Providence, RI. He completed a fellowship in adult reconstructive surgery at OrthoCarolina in Charlotte, NC. 

He is a member of the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, Cobb County Medical Society and that National Medical Association. 

Dr. Brooks is committed to utilizing state of the art techniques to deliver excellent orthopedic care to his patients.  His personal mission is to consistently strive to improve the quality of life of his patients.  

Specialties

  • Orthopedic Surgery

Education & Training

  • University of Rochester

Degree

  • Doctor of Medicine

Residency

  • University of Rochester Medical Center

Fellowship

  • OrthoCarolina

Certifications

  • American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Hospital Affiliations

  • Wellstar Cobb Hospital
  • Wellstar Douglas Hospital
  • Wellstar Paulding Medical Center

Languages spoken

  • English

Patient Reviews

Overall patient rating

4.5

Based on 481 patient ratings

I'd recommend this practice to family and friends
I'd recommend this provider to family and friends
Listened to me carefully
Shared the right amount of information
Earned my trust

All reviews have been submitted by patients after seeing the provider.For more information about the review system, check out this Learn more about our review system.

Patient Reviews

5

This was just my initial consultation with Dr Brooks, but I definitely like him and his approach to care. He's very no nonsense, straight to the point and thorough. The front office staff was extremely kind and informative. Bri, the nurse, was super kind and very helpful and patient.

May 7, 2025

5

Thank you for your service

May 5, 2025

5

Excellent care provider. Thank you for giving me back quality of life!

May 2, 2025

5

I am very satisfied with the way I was treated by the staff!

May 2, 2025

5

Dr Brooks is very confident and qualified in treating his patients... I'm happy with the diagnosis and treatment. The staff, Bre" is also very confident and qualified treating patients with the needed care...

May 2, 2025

5

I had an enjoyable experience as a first-time patient. Doctor Brooks listened to my issue and recommended care to help resolve my pain.

April 24, 2025

5

I like the way Dr. Brooks explained any procedure. He would perform to my understanding, recovery time, etc. This was my 1st time seeing Dr.

April 24, 2025

5

Yes, the doctor was very well, took very excellent care of me, took lots of x-rays and everything, had a very thorough appointment and gave me the correct medication to help me. Thank you so much.

April 21, 2025

4

Satisfied

April 19, 2025

4

I really respect this doctor's perspective on my situation.

April 17, 2025

2

A waste of time!

April 16, 2025

5

EXCELANT

April 9, 2025

4

Dr. Brooks' bedside manner is very short & non-personal. I feel He goes on what you tell the nurse, comes in, gives the treatment & instructions & leaves. I always leave feeling like I was in rotation. I like him though, just don't expect any emotional care from him.

April 7, 2025

5

My experience today went very smooth.

April 3, 2025

5

I was impressed with how the doctor explained my condition to me with other alternatives instead of surgery because of my condition

April 2, 2025

2

I feel like you could most improve by being more concerned about the customer's well-being in terms of if a person says that they're in pain, that you believe them, that you do not tell them that they have bad insurance, when this is the insurance that they have chosen and that you're an independent contractor and that's the insurance that you have. If I tell the provider that I'm in pain, he orders an MRI and says he's sending me in some medicine for my pain and I don't get it until the next day. And I called several times to reach the office, no one ever answers. I just felt like although the provider is probably a good provider,

April 2, 2025

5

It's alway good they make sure am help with my needs and anything I need help with awesome provider and Team

March 23, 2025

4

Quick fast and easy professional

March 23, 2025

5

Very good and I have introduced my sister to see the doctor.

March 23, 2025

5

Great first time experience

March 20, 2025

5

Very friendly and professional

March 20, 2025

5

Dr. needs to be a little more friendly

March 21, 2025

5

Very courteous and helpful

March 20, 2025

5

Very wonderful and friendly staff.

March 18, 2025

5

The Doctor Was Very Professional And He Seemed To Care A lot About His Patients. The Staff Was Very Friendly And Helpful.

March 15, 2025

5

On time. Very friendly staff.

March 7, 2025

5

I understand doctors have unexpected things that come up with their patients. I wasn't told that Dr Brooks was delayed until I had been waiting for 30 minutes and then I was told he would be there in 10 minutes. He actually didn't get there for another 30 minutes, meaning I waited for an hour for my appointment and he spent three minutes with me. It was a post-op and I have no issues so I'm not complaining about the three minutes. I have a problem with waiting for an hour to be seen. I'm glad you got rid of the paid parking.

March 7, 2025

5

I just want to say Dr. Brooks and Mrs. Brie, they're very, very professional, very kind. It made me feel at ease. It was a beautiful experience and I definitely will come back and I definitely will recommend family and friends as well. Thank you for being a blessing. Thank you so much.

March 7, 2025

5

Provider had the answer to what was wrong with me.

March 5, 2025

5

DR. Brooks listens to me and asks questions. I trust him with my care.

March 2, 2025

5

This was just my initial consultation with Dr Brooks, but I definitely like him and his approach to care. He's very no nonsense, straight to the point and thorough. The front office staff was extremely kind and informative. Bri, the nurse, was super kind and very helpful and patient.

May 7, 2025

5

Thank you for your service

May 5, 2025

5

Excellent care provider. Thank you for giving me back quality of life!

May 2, 2025

5

I am very satisfied with the way I was treated by the staff!

May 2, 2025

5

Dr Brooks is very confident and qualified in treating his patients... I'm happy with the diagnosis and treatment. The staff, Bre" is also very confident and qualified treating patients with the needed care...

May 2, 2025

5

I had an enjoyable experience as a first-time patient. Doctor Brooks listened to my issue and recommended care to help resolve my pain.

April 24, 2025

5

I like the way Dr. Brooks explained any procedure. He would perform to my understanding, recovery time, etc. This was my 1st time seeing Dr.

April 24, 2025

5

Yes, the doctor was very well, took very excellent care of me, took lots of x-rays and everything, had a very thorough appointment and gave me the correct medication to help me. Thank you so much.

April 21, 2025

5

EXCELANT

April 9, 2025

5

My experience today went very smooth.

April 3, 2025

5

I was impressed with how the doctor explained my condition to me with other alternatives instead of surgery because of my condition

April 2, 2025

5

It's alway good they make sure am help with my needs and anything I need help with awesome provider and Team

March 23, 2025

5

Very good and I have introduced my sister to see the doctor.

March 23, 2025

5

Great first time experience

March 20, 2025

5

Very friendly and professional

March 20, 2025

5

Dr. needs to be a little more friendly

March 21, 2025

5

Very courteous and helpful

March 20, 2025

5

Very wonderful and friendly staff.

March 18, 2025

5

The Doctor Was Very Professional And He Seemed To Care A lot About His Patients. The Staff Was Very Friendly And Helpful.

March 15, 2025

5

On time. Very friendly staff.

March 7, 2025

5

I understand doctors have unexpected things that come up with their patients. I wasn't told that Dr Brooks was delayed until I had been waiting for 30 minutes and then I was told he would be there in 10 minutes. He actually didn't get there for another 30 minutes, meaning I waited for an hour for my appointment and he spent three minutes with me. It was a post-op and I have no issues so I'm not complaining about the three minutes. I have a problem with waiting for an hour to be seen. I'm glad you got rid of the paid parking.

March 7, 2025

5

I just want to say Dr. Brooks and Mrs. Brie, they're very, very professional, very kind. It made me feel at ease. It was a beautiful experience and I definitely will come back and I definitely will recommend family and friends as well. Thank you for being a blessing. Thank you so much.

March 7, 2025

5

Provider had the answer to what was wrong with me.

March 5, 2025

5

DR. Brooks listens to me and asks questions. I trust him with my care.

March 2, 2025

4

Satisfied

April 19, 2025

4

I really respect this doctor's perspective on my situation.

April 17, 2025

4

Dr. Brooks' bedside manner is very short & non-personal. I feel He goes on what you tell the nurse, comes in, gives the treatment & instructions & leaves. I always leave feeling like I was in rotation. I like him though, just don't expect any emotional care from him.

April 7, 2025

4

Quick fast and easy professional

March 23, 2025

2

A waste of time!

April 16, 2025

2

I feel like you could most improve by being more concerned about the customer's well-being in terms of if a person says that they're in pain, that you believe them, that you do not tell them that they have bad insurance, when this is the insurance that they have chosen and that you're an independent contractor and that's the insurance that you have. If I tell the provider that I'm in pain, he orders an MRI and says he's sending me in some medicine for my pain and I don't get it until the next day. And I called several times to reach the office, no one ever answers. I just felt like although the provider is probably a good provider,

April 2, 2025

2

A waste of time!

April 16, 2025

2

I feel like you could most improve by being more concerned about the customer's well-being in terms of if a person says that they're in pain, that you believe them, that you do not tell them that they have bad insurance, when this is the insurance that they have chosen and that you're an independent contractor and that's the insurance that you have. If I tell the provider that I'm in pain, he orders an MRI and says he's sending me in some medicine for my pain and I don't get it until the next day. And I called several times to reach the office, no one ever answers. I just felt like although the provider is probably a good provider,

April 2, 2025

4

Satisfied

April 19, 2025

4

I really respect this doctor's perspective on my situation.

April 17, 2025

4

Dr. Brooks' bedside manner is very short & non-personal. I feel He goes on what you tell the nurse, comes in, gives the treatment & instructions & leaves. I always leave feeling like I was in rotation. I like him though, just don't expect any emotional care from him.

April 7, 2025

4

Quick fast and easy professional

March 23, 2025

5

This was just my initial consultation with Dr Brooks, but I definitely like him and his approach to care. He's very no nonsense, straight to the point and thorough. The front office staff was extremely kind and informative. Bri, the nurse, was super kind and very helpful and patient.

May 7, 2025

5

Thank you for your service

May 5, 2025

5

Excellent care provider. Thank you for giving me back quality of life!

May 2, 2025

5

I am very satisfied with the way I was treated by the staff!

May 2, 2025

5

Dr Brooks is very confident and qualified in treating his patients... I'm happy with the diagnosis and treatment. The staff, Bre" is also very confident and qualified treating patients with the needed care...

May 2, 2025

5

I had an enjoyable experience as a first-time patient. Doctor Brooks listened to my issue and recommended care to help resolve my pain.

April 24, 2025

5

I like the way Dr. Brooks explained any procedure. He would perform to my understanding, recovery time, etc. This was my 1st time seeing Dr.

April 24, 2025

5

Yes, the doctor was very well, took very excellent care of me, took lots of x-rays and everything, had a very thorough appointment and gave me the correct medication to help me. Thank you so much.

April 21, 2025

5

EXCELANT

April 9, 2025

5

My experience today went very smooth.

April 3, 2025

5

I was impressed with how the doctor explained my condition to me with other alternatives instead of surgery because of my condition

April 2, 2025

5

It's alway good they make sure am help with my needs and anything I need help with awesome provider and Team

March 23, 2025

5

Very good and I have introduced my sister to see the doctor.

March 23, 2025

5

Great first time experience

March 20, 2025

5

Very friendly and professional

March 20, 2025

5

Dr. needs to be a little more friendly

March 21, 2025

5

Very courteous and helpful

March 20, 2025

5

Very wonderful and friendly staff.

March 18, 2025

5

The Doctor Was Very Professional And He Seemed To Care A lot About His Patients. The Staff Was Very Friendly And Helpful.

March 15, 2025

5

On time. Very friendly staff.

March 7, 2025

5

I understand doctors have unexpected things that come up with their patients. I wasn't told that Dr Brooks was delayed until I had been waiting for 30 minutes and then I was told he would be there in 10 minutes. He actually didn't get there for another 30 minutes, meaning I waited for an hour for my appointment and he spent three minutes with me. It was a post-op and I have no issues so I'm not complaining about the three minutes. I have a problem with waiting for an hour to be seen. I'm glad you got rid of the paid parking.

March 7, 2025

5

I just want to say Dr. Brooks and Mrs. Brie, they're very, very professional, very kind. It made me feel at ease. It was a beautiful experience and I definitely will come back and I definitely will recommend family and friends as well. Thank you for being a blessing. Thank you so much.

March 7, 2025

5

Provider had the answer to what was wrong with me.

March 5, 2025

5

DR. Brooks listens to me and asks questions. I trust him with my care.

March 2, 2025

5

This was just my initial consultation with Dr Brooks, but I definitely like him and his approach to care. He's very no nonsense, straight to the point and thorough. The front office staff was extremely kind and informative. Bri, the nurse, was super kind and very helpful and patient.

May 7, 2025

5

Thank you for your service

May 5, 2025

5

Excellent care provider. Thank you for giving me back quality of life!

May 2, 2025

5

I am very satisfied with the way I was treated by the staff!

May 2, 2025

5

Dr Brooks is very confident and qualified in treating his patients... I'm happy with the diagnosis and treatment. The staff, Bre" is also very confident and qualified treating patients with the needed care...

May 2, 2025

5

I had an enjoyable experience as a first-time patient. Doctor Brooks listened to my issue and recommended care to help resolve my pain.

April 24, 2025

5

I like the way Dr. Brooks explained any procedure. He would perform to my understanding, recovery time, etc. This was my 1st time seeing Dr.

April 24, 2025

5

Yes, the doctor was very well, took very excellent care of me, took lots of x-rays and everything, had a very thorough appointment and gave me the correct medication to help me. Thank you so much.

April 21, 2025

4

Satisfied

April 19, 2025

4

I really respect this doctor's perspective on my situation.

April 17, 2025

2

A waste of time!

April 16, 2025

5

EXCELANT

April 9, 2025

4

Dr. Brooks' bedside manner is very short & non-personal. I feel He goes on what you tell the nurse, comes in, gives the treatment & instructions & leaves. I always leave feeling like I was in rotation. I like him though, just don't expect any emotional care from him.

April 7, 2025

5

My experience today went very smooth.

April 3, 2025

2

I feel like you could most improve by being more concerned about the customer's well-being in terms of if a person says that they're in pain, that you believe them, that you do not tell them that they have bad insurance, when this is the insurance that they have chosen and that you're an independent contractor and that's the insurance that you have. If I tell the provider that I'm in pain, he orders an MRI and says he's sending me in some medicine for my pain and I don't get it until the next day. And I called several times to reach the office, no one ever answers. I just felt like although the provider is probably a good provider,

April 2, 2025

5

I was impressed with how the doctor explained my condition to me with other alternatives instead of surgery because of my condition

April 2, 2025

5

It's alway good they make sure am help with my needs and anything I need help with awesome provider and Team

March 23, 2025

5

Very good and I have introduced my sister to see the doctor.

March 23, 2025

4

Quick fast and easy professional

March 23, 2025

5

Dr. needs to be a little more friendly

March 21, 2025

5

Very courteous and helpful

March 20, 2025

5

Great first time experience

March 20, 2025

5

Very friendly and professional

March 20, 2025

5

Very wonderful and friendly staff.

March 18, 2025

5

The Doctor Was Very Professional And He Seemed To Care A lot About His Patients. The Staff Was Very Friendly And Helpful.

March 15, 2025

5

On time. Very friendly staff.

March 7, 2025

5

I understand doctors have unexpected things that come up with their patients. I wasn't told that Dr Brooks was delayed until I had been waiting for 30 minutes and then I was told he would be there in 10 minutes. He actually didn't get there for another 30 minutes, meaning I waited for an hour for my appointment and he spent three minutes with me. It was a post-op and I have no issues so I'm not complaining about the three minutes. I have a problem with waiting for an hour to be seen. I'm glad you got rid of the paid parking.

March 7, 2025

5

I just want to say Dr. Brooks and Mrs. Brie, they're very, very professional, very kind. It made me feel at ease. It was a beautiful experience and I definitely will come back and I definitely will recommend family and friends as well. Thank you for being a blessing. Thank you so much.

March 7, 2025

5

Provider had the answer to what was wrong with me.

March 5, 2025

5

DR. Brooks listens to me and asks questions. I trust him with my care.

March 2, 2025

5

DR. Brooks listens to me and asks questions. I trust him with my care.

March 2, 2025

5

Provider had the answer to what was wrong with me.

March 5, 2025

5

I just want to say Dr. Brooks and Mrs. Brie, they're very, very professional, very kind. It made me feel at ease. It was a beautiful experience and I definitely will come back and I definitely will recommend family and friends as well. Thank you for being a blessing. Thank you so much.

March 7, 2025

5

I understand doctors have unexpected things that come up with their patients. I wasn't told that Dr Brooks was delayed until I had been waiting for 30 minutes and then I was told he would be there in 10 minutes. He actually didn't get there for another 30 minutes, meaning I waited for an hour for my appointment and he spent three minutes with me. It was a post-op and I have no issues so I'm not complaining about the three minutes. I have a problem with waiting for an hour to be seen. I'm glad you got rid of the paid parking.

March 7, 2025

5

On time. Very friendly staff.

March 7, 2025

5

The Doctor Was Very Professional And He Seemed To Care A lot About His Patients. The Staff Was Very Friendly And Helpful.

March 15, 2025

5

Very wonderful and friendly staff.

March 18, 2025

5

Very friendly and professional

March 20, 2025

5

Great first time experience

March 20, 2025

5

Very courteous and helpful

March 20, 2025

5

Dr. needs to be a little more friendly

March 21, 2025

4

Quick fast and easy professional

March 23, 2025

5

Very good and I have introduced my sister to see the doctor.

March 23, 2025

5

It's alway good they make sure am help with my needs and anything I need help with awesome provider and Team

March 23, 2025

5

I was impressed with how the doctor explained my condition to me with other alternatives instead of surgery because of my condition

April 2, 2025

2

I feel like you could most improve by being more concerned about the customer's well-being in terms of if a person says that they're in pain, that you believe them, that you do not tell them that they have bad insurance, when this is the insurance that they have chosen and that you're an independent contractor and that's the insurance that you have. If I tell the provider that I'm in pain, he orders an MRI and says he's sending me in some medicine for my pain and I don't get it until the next day. And I called several times to reach the office, no one ever answers. I just felt like although the provider is probably a good provider,

April 2, 2025

5

My experience today went very smooth.

April 3, 2025

4

Dr. Brooks' bedside manner is very short & non-personal. I feel He goes on what you tell the nurse, comes in, gives the treatment & instructions & leaves. I always leave feeling like I was in rotation. I like him though, just don't expect any emotional care from him.

April 7, 2025

5

EXCELANT

April 9, 2025

2

A waste of time!

April 16, 2025

4

I really respect this doctor's perspective on my situation.

April 17, 2025

4

Satisfied

April 19, 2025

5

Yes, the doctor was very well, took very excellent care of me, took lots of x-rays and everything, had a very thorough appointment and gave me the correct medication to help me. Thank you so much.

April 21, 2025

5

I like the way Dr. Brooks explained any procedure. He would perform to my understanding, recovery time, etc. This was my 1st time seeing Dr.

April 24, 2025

5

I had an enjoyable experience as a first-time patient. Doctor Brooks listened to my issue and recommended care to help resolve my pain.

April 24, 2025

5

Dr Brooks is very confident and qualified in treating his patients... I'm happy with the diagnosis and treatment. The staff, Bre" is also very confident and qualified treating patients with the needed care...

May 2, 2025

5

I am very satisfied with the way I was treated by the staff!

May 2, 2025

5

Excellent care provider. Thank you for giving me back quality of life!

May 2, 2025

5

Thank you for your service

May 5, 2025

5

This was just my initial consultation with Dr Brooks, but I definitely like him and his approach to care. He's very no nonsense, straight to the point and thorough. The front office staff was extremely kind and informative. Bri, the nurse, was super kind and very helpful and patient.

May 7, 2025

Publications and Articles

People playing pickleball

Orthopedic Advice for the Weekend Warrior

By Dr. D. Hodari Brooks, Wellstar orthopedic surgeon

As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, I treat hundreds of patients a year who have injured themselves while exercising on the weekend. Typically, this involves activities such as pickleball, tennis, soccer, golf and running. While these activities can promote improved muscle strength, joint health and cardiovascular benefits, when they are not done correctly, orthopedic injuries can result. Some of the more common injuries include:

Ankle injuries

Achilles injuries are some of the most common injuries I treat. Often, they result from improper stretching and warm-up prior to physical activity. When the Achilles is torn, surgical repair is often, but not always, necessary. Ankle sprains are also very common and usually much less severe than Achilles tears. These injuries typically result from rolling your ankle awkwardly when jumping or running. Rest, ice, elevation and compression with a bandage or brace is an effective treatment.

To help prevent these injuries, focus on a good stretching routine for at least 10 to 15 minutes before engaging in physical activity. Proper shoes can also help, and be mindful of where you step.  

Knee injuries

Meniscal tears are one of the more common knee injuries. The meniscus is a circular disc-like cartilage located in the knee. When a twisting or torsional injury occurs, the meniscus can get torn. This can produce catching or locking type symptoms and may require surgical treatment. Injuries to the patellar tendon or quadriceps tendon are also somewhat common and usually result from a failure to stretch and warm up appropriately. Whenever the patellar or quadriceps tendon is torn, surgery is almost always required.  

Focus again on stretching prior to activity. When the activity is relatively strenuous, such as pickleball, tennis or basketball, then you should build up a quadriceps strengthening program and core strengthening prior to engaging in activity.

Shoulder injuries

Rotator cuff injuries are very common and can range from strains to complete tears. Injuries occur when people fall on an outstretched hand, like diving for a ball, or through other twisting motions. When the rotator cuff is strained but not torn, physical therapy will usually suffice. However, when torn, surgical treatment may be necessary.  

The best way to prevent shoulder injuries is to focus on stretching prior to activity and to engage in a strengthening program.  

I encourage you to engage in physical activity, but attention to stretching, strengthening and focusing on your environment can help you avoid a variety of orthopedic injuries.  

Learn more about orthopedic care at Wellstar at wellstar.org/ortho.

Photo of Dr. D. Hodari Brooks, Wellstar orthopedic surgeon

Dr. D. Hodari Brooks, Wellstar orthopedic surgeon

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Wellstar and the Atlanta Business Chronicle discuss the changing landscape of orthopedic care.

Advancements in orthopedic care

This article was originally published on Atlanta Business Chronicle on April 12, 2024.

Orthopedic care has evolved from injury treatment and corrective surgery into a critical component of modern healthcare. As primary care remains foundational in managing overall health, the demand for orthopedic services has surged, reflecting changing lifestyles, demographics and expectations. In any given year, 12% to 14% of the adult population will visit their physician for back pain, according to the United States Bone and Joint Initiative (USBJI).

Against this backdrop of widespread musculoskeletal issues, Wellstar recently convened with the Atlanta Business Chronicle for a panel discussion to delve into the changing landscape of orthopedic care. This insightful forum explored key trends, challenges and innovations shaping the field, with leading healthcare professionals offering valuable perspectives. These discussions unraveled the complexities of orthopedic care, ranging from preventive strategies to cutting-edge treatments. Among the panelists was Steve Quehl, a former college football player for Notre Dame, who started as a tight end before transitioning to a center. Other panelists were Dr. Hodari Brooks, orthopedic surgeon, Wellstar Health System; Dr. Joseph Burns, chief musculoskeletal officer, Wellstar Health System; Dr. Timothy Oswald, pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Wellstar Pediatric Orthopedics. Moderator was David Rubinger, market president and publisher, Atlanta Business Chronicle.

 


Panelist photo: Steve Quehl, a former college football player for Notre Dame; Dr. Hodari Brooks, orthopedic surgeon, Wellstar Health System; Dr. Joseph Burns, chief musculoskeletal officer, Wellstar Health System; Dr. Timothy Oswald, pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Wellstar Pediatric Orthopedics; David Rubinger, moderator, market president and publisher, Atlanta Business Chronicle

 

The rise of orthopedics and interventions

David Rubinger:  There’s an uptick in the demand for orthopedic services and these specialists have become increasingly essential to healthcare. What societal changes drive this heightened need for specialized ortho care?

Dr. Joseph Burns: We’re facing an aging population alongside a growing desire for an active, pain-free lifestyle. In the past, individuals had to endure their limitations and pain for life. Today, people have more options. Technology, techniques and training advancements now provide surgical alternatives that significantly enhance quality of life well beyond middle age. 

Wellstar conducts numerous community campaigns through various channels, including community events, the media and in our offices and hospitals, highlighting the value of maintaining health and establishing a relationship with a primary care physician.

Dr. Hodari Brooks: Societal changes for both our youth as well as adults have resulted in the increased need for orthopedic care. Physical activity has decreased, with fewer kids participating in physical education. This leads to more injuries related to obesity and lack of activity. The need for joint replacements is soaring, driven by both baby boomers aging and younger individuals seeking treatment earlier. Half of my practice is caring for patients under 55, a shift from when people would wait years for treatment. Now, we prioritize improving quality of life sooner rather than later.

Patients, including those seeking joint replacements, are opting for earlier interventions. They are less inclined to wait for treatment, indicating a shift within the healthcare system towards promptly addressing patient needs.

Rubinger: What new injury trends are emerging in sports due to changing physical activity patterns, especially with the rise of extreme sports and diverse workout routines?

Dr. Burns: The rise in overuse injuries among our younger population is disheartening. Young athletes don’t diversify their sports as they once did, leading to year-round specialization and an increased risk of injury. This relentless pursuit of success often comes at the cost of rest and diversity in physical activities.

We’re also encountering complex medical issues that require specialized treatment, reflecting both advancements in medical care and the aging population’s evolving healthcare needs. Conditions once considered untreatable are now within our reach, marking a significant shift in the scope of orthopedic care over the years.

Rubinger: Dr. Oswald, as a pediatric orthopedic specialist, have you frequently observed the concept of subspecialization and the decline in diversification among young athletes?

Dr. Timothy Oswald: It’s a significant area of concern for us, and we’re conducting more research. Recent studies have highlighted the insufficient breaks and rest periods given to children, as well as the trend of starting high-level athletics too young, which aligns with the issue of subspecialization. Kids are not miniature adults. Their orthopedic stresses differ due to growth plates and differing stress responses.

We’re educating the community, including coaches and parents, about the importance of rest periods during training through channels like social media. We aim to implement better training methods so young athletes can continue playing into their college years, as we’re noticing a concerning trend where many high-level athletes quit sports as early as eighth grade.

Rubinger: Steve, as a former college athlete yourself, what’s your observation of the sports world’s changes regarding how injuries are approached, especially compared to when we were younger?

Steve Quehl:
 I view this issue through the lens of my grandchildren and their friends, and I agree with the insights shared by these doctors. Their perspectives must influence parents’ decisions, particularly regarding the early specialization trend. Parents often have unrealistic expectations of their children becoming professional athletes, which can lead to overtraining and injuries. Kids should have a balanced approach to sports. I’m grateful my daughters chose activities like swimming over contact sports for their children, considering the risks to growing bones and muscles.

Prior to my enrollment at Notre Dame, I appreciated the joy of playing multiple sports during each season for fun, without the pressure of turning it into a professional pursuit.

 

Efficient outpatient care benefits

Rubinger: I’ve noticed remarkable changes in my lifetime regarding the duration of procedures and the efficiency of hospital stays or visits to outpatient surgery centers. I’m curious about your perspective on this shift away from extended hospital stays. Do you believe it’s ultimately beneficial or detrimental to patients? What are your thoughts on this evolution of the time spent in hospitals or surgery centers?

Dr. Brooks: There’s been a significant shift in the duration of hospital stays, especially concerning joint procedures. In the past, patients would typically spend several days in the hospital before and after surgery. In my practice, around 90% of primary joint patients can return home the same day, which is remarkable. This change is not only due to patient preferences for quicker recovery but also has medical benefits, such as reducing the risk of infection. Outpatient joint replacement is not done everywhere, however, and it is important to discuss this option with your individual surgeon.

Insurance companies have started incentivizing shorter hospital stays. While this trend has clear advantages, it also comes with challenges, such as pressure to discharge patients quickly. The ability to expedite recovery and minimize specific complications is a positive development I believe will continue.

Rubinger: Do we have data showing a decrease in complications due to the trend of shorter hospital stays, particularly for joint procedures?

Dr. Burns: Evidence indicates improved outcomes for outpatient procedures, with data supporting this trend. The shift involves a comprehensive approach beyond simply performing the surgery and discharging the patient. It requires a multidisciplinary effort, with investments in establishing preoperative optimization programs, patient education classes and a coordinated team approach on the day of surgery.

Patients undergo physical therapy before returning home, but the care doesn’t stop there. We must ensure effective pain management, minimize infection risks and create a safe home environment to support their recovery. This process goes beyond safely discharging patients. It’s about ensuring their complete and safe recovery. I’m proud of the extensive teamwork and complex processes that Wellstar has implemented to support these programs.

Quehl: When it was time to correct my right shoulder this past year, I went in the morning and came back home in the evening. Dr. Burns assured me that I’d be home the same day, and it was a wonderful experience. I didn’t want any overnight stays. It was well-planned and executed, with proper anticipation and expectations set. The follow-up was excellent, too.

Dr. Brooks: Patients are shocked or hesitant when I inform them that they’ll go home the same day. It’s about managing expectations and explaining the benefits, especially as it relates to improved outcomes. Involvement in these programs gives physicians more control over the process. It’s a serious undertaking but rewarding because we can provide more input, especially in an outpatient setting. Collaboration with anesthesia colleagues has improved, particularly with techniques like regional blocks, as patients need to be up and about after surgery. Almost universally in my experience, patients prefer their outpatient surgical experience to any previous hospital stays.

Multimodal pain management success

Rubinger: This leads me to my next question regarding opioids and pharmacology. Has pharmacology evolved over the last decade to improve patient treatment?

Dr. Burns: Most of us are employing what we refer to as multimodal pain control, which involves a process aimed at sparing, if not entirely eliminating, the need for opioids as a primary method of pain management. By utilizing different medications that target distinct pain receptors, we can effectively manage pain while minimizing potential side effects that may arise from relying solely on opioids or multiple doses of the same medication. Advancements in regional blocks, administered by anesthesiologists, allow injections that can provide numbing effects in the affected areas for several days, alleviating initial post-operative pain and reducing patients’ overall need for pain medication over time.

Dr. Oswald: The opioid crisis in the greater Atlanta area is a significant concern for both children and adults, and it’s something we’re all acutely aware of. We’ve initiated extensive research efforts at Wellstar to address this issue and lead advancements in pain management that don’t rely on narcotics. Similar to the approach described in the total joint experience, we’ve been observing this trend for some time now, even in pediatric cases.

When I trained for pediatric spine surgery 20 years ago, patients stayed in the hospital for at least a week post-surgery. By implementing multimodal approaches, we’ve managed to reduce narcotic use by nearly 90% while also transitioning from a week-long hospital stay to just a 23-hour observation period for certain procedures.

Patient satisfaction is higher with these approaches, directly correlating with their overall experience. Are we expediting discharge solely for the sake of pushing people out? Actually, no. It’s about ensuring patients feel empowered in their recovery process, with their pain managed effectively, and their ability to return to the quality of life they desire. These patient-centered care programs optimize outcomes and enhance the overall healthcare experience.

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D. Hodari Brooks, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon with Wellstar since 2005
Rating
4.5
Specialties
Orthopedic Surgery
Education
Doctor of Medicine
Medical School
University of Rochester
Residency
University of Rochester Medical Center
Fellowship
OrthoCarolina
Certifications
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Spoken Languages
English
Hospital Affiliations
Wellstar Cobb Hospital
Wellstar Douglas Hospital
Wellstar Paulding Medical Center
Office Locations
www.wellstar.org/physicians/d-hodari-brooks-md
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