Home
Services
Orthopedics

Orthopedic Services: Expert Bone & Joint Care in Athens, GA

At St. Mary’s Health Care System, we provide comprehensive orthopedic care for patients throughout Athens-Clarke County, Oconee County, Madison County, and all of Northeast Georgia. Our experienced team diagnoses and treats a wide range of bone, joint, muscle, and ligament conditions using advanced techniques and personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.

Helping Northeast Georgia Stay Active, Mobile, and Pain-Free

Visit Our Office Call: (706) 389-3590

Orthopedic Services: Expert Bone & Joint Care in Athens, GA

In this section

Back

Services

Continuum of Care
Home Health Care
Rehab After Joint Surgery
Inpatient Rehabilitation
Outpatient Rehabilitation
Robotic Surgery

Why Orthopedic Care Matters

Orthopedics focuses on the care of the musculoskeletal system, which includes your bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. You might consider seeing an orthopedic specialist if you’re experiencing ongoing joint pain, stiffness, limited mobility, or an injury such as a fracture, sprain, or sports-related issue. Whether your symptoms are new or have been building over time, early evaluation can help prevent further damage, reduce pain, and restore your ability to move with confidence.

Overview

Comprehensive Orthopedic Care in Northeast Georgia

Orthopedic care focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, including the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons that support your body and enable movement. When something in this system isn’t working as it should, even simple daily activities like walking, lifting, or getting comfortable at night can become difficult. That’s where specialized orthopedic care can make a meaningful difference.

If pain or limited mobility is affecting your daily life, our orthopedic team is here to help you take the next step toward relief.

Personalized Orthopedic Care to Help You Move Better

At St. Mary’s Orthopedic Specialists, our goal is to help patients throughout Northeast Georgia move more comfortably, recover more fully, and return to the activities they enjoy. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden injury, chronic joint pain, or gradual loss of mobility, our team provides thoughtful, personalized care designed to meet you where you are in your health journey.

Our orthopedic providers treat a wide range of conditions, including sports injuries, fractures, arthritis, joint degeneration, and overuse conditions. We take the time to listen, evaluate your symptoms, and build a care plan tailored to your lifestyle and goals. Treatment options may include non-surgical therapies such as medication, targeted injections, or guided physical therapy, as well as advanced surgical solutions when needed.

Schedule a consultation with our orthopedic specialists to explore the treatment options that are right for you.

Advanced Orthopedic Services and Surgical Expertise

One of the key benefits of choosing St. Mary’s Orthopedic Specialists is our comprehensive approach to orthopedic care. We offer a full spectrum of services, including joint care and replacement, injury and trauma treatment, and pain management solutions.

Our team utilizes modern techniques such as minimally invasive and robotic-assisted orthopedic procedures, which can improve precision, reduce recovery time, and support better outcomes. Whether you need joint replacement or care for an acute injury, you can trust our team to provide expert, patient-centered treatment.

Learn more about our advanced orthopedic services and how they can support your recovery and long-term mobility.

Procedures & Treatment

Our Orthopedic Services

Advanced Joint Care & Replacement

Our orthopedic care team provides a full spectrum of joint services, from early-stage treatment to advanced surgical solutions designed to restore mobility and reduce pain. Services include:

Hip and knee joint replacement procedures
Revision surgery for existing joint replacements
Minimally invasive and robotic-assisted orthopedic surgery for greater precision and improved recovery times

If you’re living with arthritis, joint degeneration, or reduced range of motion, our specialists create personalized treatment plans to help you move more comfortably and confidently.

Orthopedic Injury & Trauma Treatment

Injuries can happen suddenly, and prompt orthopedic treatment is key to proper healing. Our team provides expert care for:

Bone fractures and acute injuries
Ligament injuries, sprains, and joint instability
Sports-related orthopedic conditions involving the shoulder, knee, ankle, and more

We focus on restoring function, stability, and strength so you can return to your normal routine as safely and quickly as possible.

Orthopedic Pain Management & Rehabilitation

Managing pain and rebuilding strength are essential parts of long-term musculoskeletal health. We offer a range of non-surgical and surgical options, including:

Targeted therapies for chronic orthopedic pain
Customized care plans for spine, joint, and soft tissue conditions
Integrated rehabilitation services with coordinated physical therapy

Through a combination of advanced orthopedic treatments and guided rehabilitation, we help patients improve mobility, reduce discomfort, and regain independence in their daily lives.

Conditions Treated

Conditions We Treat

At St. Mary’s Orthopedic Specialists, we diagnose and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions affecting the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and spine. Whether your symptoms are caused by injury, overuse, or chronic disease, our team provides personalized care to help restore mobility and reduce pain.

Joint Conditions & Degenerative Disorders

We provide advanced care for joint-related conditions that affect movement and quality of life, including:

Osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis
Joint degeneration and cartilage wear
Chronic hip, knee, shoulder, and ankle pain
Joint stiffness and reduced range of motion
Failed or worn joint replacements requiring revision surgery

Sports Injuries & Overuse Conditions

Our orthopedic specialists treat acute and chronic sports-related injuries for athletes of all ages, including:

Ligament injuries such as ACL, MCL, and rotator cuff tears
Tendonitis and repetitive stress injuries
Meniscus tears and cartilage damage
Shoulder, knee, ankle, and hip injuries
Joint instability and dislocations

Fractures & Acute Orthopedic Injuries

Prompt treatment is critical for proper healing. We care for a wide range of traumatic injuries, including:

Broken bones and fractures
Stress fractures
Dislocations and joint injuries
Acute soft tissue injuries involving muscles, ligaments, and tendons

Spine & Back Conditions

Our team provides specialized care for conditions affecting the spine and surrounding structures, including:

Neck and back pain
Herniated or bulging discs
Degenerative disc disease
Spinal instability and alignment issues
Conditions requiring advanced or minimally invasive spine surgery

Chronic Pain & Musculoskeletal Conditions

We offer comprehensive solutions for long-term orthopedic concerns, helping patients manage pain and improve daily function, including:

Chronic joint pain and inflammation
Soft tissue disorders
Overuse injuries and repetitive strain conditions
Mobility limitations affecting daily activities

Post-Surgical & Rehabilitation Needs

Recovery is an essential part of orthopedic care. We support patients healing from injury or surgery, including:

Joint replacement recovery (hip, knee, and more)
Post-surgical rehabilitation and strengthening
Mobility and balance challenges
Functional recovery after orthopedic procedures

Meet our Team

Practice Locations

St. Mary's Orthopedic Specialists

Athens, Georgia

At St. Mary’s Orthopedic Specialists, we provide comprehensive orthopedic care to help patients throughout Athens, Clarke County, Oconee County, Madison County, Oglethorpe County, Barrow County, and Northeast Georgia stay active, mobile, and pain-free. Our experienced team diagnoses and treats a wide range of bone, joint, muscle, and ligament conditions using advanced techniques and personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.

Visit This Location

Frequently Asked Questions About Orthopedic Care

What is orthopedic care?

Orthopedic care focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions that affect the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This includes everything from fractures and sports injuries to chronic conditions like arthritis and back pain.

What conditions do orthopedic specialists treat?

Orthopedic specialists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:

Joint pain and stiffness
Arthritis and joint degeneration
Fractures and broken bones
Sprains, strains, and ligament injuries
Back, neck, and spine pain
Sports-related injuries
Tendonitis and overuse injuries

What types of orthopedic services are available?

Orthopedic care can include both non-surgical and surgical treatments, such as:

Joint care and joint replacement (hip, knee, and more)
Injury and trauma care
Sports medicine
Pain management therapies
Minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery
Physical therapy and rehabilitation

When should I see an orthopedic specialist?

You should consider seeing an orthopedic specialist if you experience:

Persistent joint or muscle pain
Difficulty moving or reduced range of motion
Pain that interferes with daily activities
Swelling, stiffness, or instability in a joint
An injury that isn’t improving with rest
Difficulty bearing weight on a limb

Early evaluation can help prevent further damage and improve long-term outcomes.

Do all orthopedic conditions require surgery?

No, many orthopedic conditions can be treated without surgery. Treatment may include rest, medications, injections, bracing, or physical therapy. Surgery is typically recommended only when conservative treatments are not effective or when the condition is severe.

What is minimally invasive orthopedic surgery?

Minimally invasive orthopedic surgery uses smaller incisions and advanced techniques to treat joint and musculoskeletal conditions. These procedures often result in less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times compared to traditional surgery.

What is robotic-assisted orthopedic surgery?

Robotic-assisted surgery uses advanced technology to help surgeons perform procedures with greater precision and accuracy. This is commonly used in joint replacement procedures to improve alignment, function, and overall outcomes.

What can I expect during recovery?

Recovery depends on your condition and treatment plan. Some patients improve with a few weeks of physical therapy, while others, especially after surgery, may require a longer rehabilitation period. Your care team will guide you through each step of recovery to help you regain strength and mobility safely.

Is physical therapy part of orthopedic care?

Yes, physical therapy is often an essential part of orthopedic treatment. It helps restore movement, improve strength, reduce pain, and prevent future injuries. Many patients begin therapy shortly after injury or surgery.

How can I protect my joint and bone health?

You can support your musculoskeletal health by:

Staying physically active
Maintaining a healthy weight
Using proper form during exercise and lifting
Stretching regularly
Addressing pain or injuries early

Orthopedics at St. Mary's Health Care System

Certified by the Joint Commission

St. Mary’s Hospital is proud to be certified by the Joint Commission for Spine surgery.

The Joint Commission developed these specialty certification programs in response to the growing number of patients undergoing these procedures. Certification indicates that St. Mary’s adheres to the Joint Commission’s evidence-based patient care standards for safety, pain management, quality-of-life issues, functional mobility, and return to normal daily activities.

Spine Surgery

Spine surgery is an important component of orthopedic surgery. St. Mary’s is the first hospital in the Athens area to earn the Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval for Spine Surgery.

Anterior Hip Replacements

St. Mary’s and our highly experienced orthopedic surgeons offer the anterior approach to hip replacement, an innovative method that can spare tissue and improve recovery time. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about Anterior Hip Replacements at St. Mary’s, please call Beth Ricketson, RN, at (706) 389-3610.