IN Plum Spring 2020 | Page 3

New nerve block helps healing The IOVERA ® nerve block — administered before knee replacement surgery — reduces post-surgical pain so patients move their knees more freely, leading to a faster recovery.* Forbes Hospital is one of the few hospitals in the region off ering this procedure. Orthopaedic surgeon Brian Moore, MD, has done more than 100 of these short, outpatient procedures in the last year. It freezes the nerves in the knee to block pain for several months. After surgery, patients can do rehabilitation more easily. The nerves eventually regenerate and sensation returns. These patients use far less opioid pain medication, according to Dr. Moore. “They get fewer opioid refi lls, like their new knee more, and are generally more positive,” he said. * Studies noted at iovera.com/providers/resources/clinical-data/ Dr. Moore uses Mako robotics technology In the three years orthopaedic surgeon Brian Moore, MD, has been at Forbes Hospital, he’s seen a lot of changes. Mako™ robotics and other advances have made hip and knee replacement less invasive, reducing trauma, risks, and post-surgical pain. “There’s been a paradigm shift. Instead of three days in the hospital, it’s one night or a same-day discharge,” he said. “Studies showed us that it is safe to get up faster, so as soon as anesthesia wears off , patients are up and on a walker.” Instead of going to a rehab facility, patients have physical therapy at home. “Now is the time to call in favors from family and friends for the support,” Dr. Moore said. The time to recovery depends on a patient’s age, type of surgery, and motivation to exercise. “The vast majority of our hip and knee patients are very satisfi ed with their procedures,” he said. “That comes with educating them about what to expect.” Dr. Moore sees patients in Monroeville, Murrysville, Greensburg, White Oak, and Fox Chapel. BRIAN F. MOORE, MD, ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON FOR APPOINTMENTS OR MORE INFORMATION, CALL (412) DOCTORS OR VISIT AHN.ORG/FORBES.