Knee Replacement Surgery Planning: How to Choose the Right Timing and Recovery Window

If you are considering a knee or hip replacement this year, you are not alone. For many active adults and families across Mid-Missouri, joint pain slowly turns everyday life into a negotiation, stairs become a strategy, sleep becomes broken, and the activities you love start to disappear from the calendar.

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Meet Dr. Shawn Sahota

At Columbia Orthopaedic Group, every patient's journey matters. Recently, our own Dr. Shawn Sahota, Vice President, Orthopaedic Surgeon, and Sports Medicine specialist, joined 939 The Eagle's "CEO Roundtable" to share the story of his path in medicine, Columbia Orthopaedic Group's growth, and the core values that drive our team forward.

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New Year, New Deductible, Same Knee Pain? Why Waiting Could Cost You More Than You Think

If you are starting the year with knee pain, it is easy to fall into a familiar trap: "I'll wait until it gets worse," or "I'll see if it goes away," or "I'll deal with it after I meet my deductible."

But clinically, waiting often makes the problem harder to treat, and personally, it can quietly shrink your life. The goal is not to rush into anything. The goal is to get clarity early, while you still have the most options.

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Urgent Care vs ER for Orthopaedic Injuries

When an injury happens, your brain usually goes straight to one question: "Where do we go?"

If the problem is an orthopaedic injury, meaning a new issue involving bones, joints, muscles, tendons, or ligaments, there are often two options people consider: urgent care or the emergency room.

Urgent Care vs ER for Orthopaedic InjuriesThis guide is designed to make that decision simple. No medical jargon. No guessing. Just clear next steps, so you can protect the injury and keep moving forward.

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Winter slips and falls: what to do first for orthopaedic urgent care

The winter brings a lot of "just one more thing," one more trip up the stairs, one more icy sidewalk, one more box to carry. Then a slip happens.

Winter slips and falls: what to do first for orthopaedic urgent careIf you or someone you love takes a fall, orthopaedic urgent care is often the simplest next step for new bone, joint, and muscle injuries. The goal is not to panic. The goal is to protect the injury, avoid making it worse, and get a clear plan so you can heal and get back to life.

Here is the easy, step-by-step playbook.

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Orthopedic surgeon speaker spotlight: Dr. Bus Tarbox

Bus Tarbox, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in arthroscopic sports medicine at Columbia (Mo.) Orthopaedic Group. Throughout his career, he has treated athletes and teams across Missouri. He trained in general surgery before going on to complete an orthopedic residency.

Dr. Tarbox is speaking at Becker's 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, set for June 19-21 at the Swissotel Chicago.

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Expert Care for Active Living in Columbia

Columbia residents are often passionate about staying in shape, which for some includes participating in sports. But a common aspect of sports is the injuries. And when one kind of sporting activity becomes popular, it's only natural to see an increase in player injuries.  

Case in point: Pickleball.  

"The sport is a lot more popular now than it ever was," says Dr. Christopher Farmer, a sports medicine physician with Columbia Orthopaedic Group.

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Thumb CMC Arthritis with Dr. Matt Jones

Thumb pain? Decreased motion in thumb? Swelling in thumb? Persisent swelling in thumb? Check out this FREE webinar presented by Dr. Matt Jones, Hand and Upper Extremity Surgeon at Columbia Orthopaedic Group. Watch the Webinar

Andrew Lovewell: COMO Business Times 2024 20 Under 40

COMO's roster of all-star healthcare execs and providers includes COMO Business Times 2024 20 Under 40 honoree Andrew Lovewell, chief executive officer for the Columbia Orthopaedic Group. The full 20 Under 40 Class of 2024 is profiled in the April issue of COMO Business Times. Read more...

Andrew Lovewell is asked: What do ASC leaders have in mind for 2024?

In a recent interview for Becker's ASC REVIEW, writer Claire Wallace asks Columbia Orthopaedic Group's CEO, Andrew Lovewell, "What 46 ASC leaders have in mind for 2024. Read more...

Columbia Orthopaedic Group Names Shawn Sahota, MD, as Vice President

Columbia Orthopaedic Group, a leader in the orthopaedic industry is thrilled to announce that Shawn Sahota, MD has been named as Vice President of the Group. A Columbia native and Rock Bridge graduate, Dr. Shawn Sahota, has experienced world-class medical training from across the country, and he came to COG in 2019. Read more...

Dr. Robert "Scott" Foster Joins Columbia Orthopaedic Group

On January 1, 2024, Columbia Orthopaedic Group will welcome Robert "Scott" Foster, DPM who is board certified in foot surgery and board certified in podiatric orthopedics. As founder of Columbia Podiatry, Dr. Foster has been serving the Columbia and Mid-Missouri communities for more than 35 years. Read more...

Achilles Tendon Rupture: Understanding the Injury and Road to Recovery

The Achilles tendon, named after the Greek mythological hero Achilles, is the largest and strongest tendon in the human body. It plays a crucial role in our ability to walk, run, and jump. However, this powerful tendon is not immune to injury, and one of the most debilitating conditions it can face is a rupture. In this blog, we will explore what an Achilles tendon rupture is, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and the journey to recovery. Read more...

Understanding Hyperextended Knees: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Knee injuries are common, and one particular condition that often goes unnoticed until it becomes a problem is hyperextended knees. In this blog post, we'll delve into what hyperextended knees are, their causes, symptoms, and explore some potential treatment options. Understanding this condition is crucial for preventing further damage and maintaining healthy knee joints. Read more...

Get Back to Life with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

Over the years, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have gained popularity, thanks to famous athletes like Tiger Woods and Rafael Nadal. These injections offer a promising solution to chronic injuries, speeding up recovery and reducing inflammation. In this article, Dr. Matt Thornburg will answer your questions about PRP injections, covering how they work, their safety, and their effectiveness in treating chronic injuries. Read more...

Unexpected Outcomes: A Journey of Love & Healing

Growing up in rural Missouri, Mike Lorigan's playground as a kid consisted of open fields, with only gravel roads delineating boundaries between properties. It was a close-knit community where everyone knew each other. Read more...

Men's Health Month: What are the 4 Most Common Orthopedic Injuries in Men?

At Columbia Orthopaedic Group, we recognize the importance of men's orthopedic health and aim to provide comprehensive care and support. Understanding these injuries can help men make informed decisions about prevention and seek appropriate treatment if necessary. Read more...

FAQ: Radio Frequency Ablation Therapy and Spinal Cord Stimulators

Our goal at Columbia Orthopaedic Group is to get people living with chronic pain back to their normal lives, with less pain and more mobility. Learn more about Radio Frequency Ablation Therapy and Spinal Cord Stimulators. Read more...

Tips To Avoid Sports Related Injury

Finally, spring has sprung and the cold weather is on its way out. For many people, spring is the time to get up and get outside to actively enjoy the sunshine. While an active lifestyle is encouraged, if you "spring" into activity too fast there could be some serious consequences. Gear up for a successful season by easing your body into the sports season to reduce your risk of injury. Follow these tips for sports injury prevention. Read more...

Living With Chronic Pain - Now Nearly Pain Free

Semi-retired locksmith, Russell Wilson was living in severe pain. Eventually when Russell's neck pain interrupted his sleep, he knew he needed to do something. "I couldn't lay down without his neck hurting." Russell described his pain. "I couldn't move my neck at all." The alternative was sleeping in the living room recliner. "I can hurt all day long, but I have to sleep. If I'm not sleeping, I'm not able to get through the day." Russell said deflated. Russell knew who to call. Read more...

Get to Know Orthopaedic Surgeon Josh Hamann

Get to Know Orthopaedic Surgeon Josh Hamann. Dr. Hamann is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in arthroscopic and minimally invasive surgeries of the knee, shoulder, and hip, articular restoration, and ligament reconstruction.and sports medicine. Read more...

Weighing the Changes in Orthopaedic Surgery

Bus Tarbox, MD, MBA, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Columbia Orthopaedic Group joined the Becker's Hospital Review podcast to discuss his insights on what surgeons are excited about today, using virtual health in sports medicine, and meeting the patient in preferred settings. Read more...

Tips for Finding Shoes that Fit

Shoes, although certainly protective, have been blamed as a principal cause of forefoot problems currently observed in women. These problems: hammertoes, bunions, Tailor's bunions, and corns, are mainly a result of improper design and fitting of shoes. Also, many women try to wear the same shoe size as they get older. Read more...

Arthritis Q & A with Dr. Thompson

We asked Dr. Thompson to share a little bit about the causes and effects of arthritis, along with treatment and preventative options, depending on the level of seriousness of arthritis experienced by his patients. Read more...

Caring Nurse Has Health Restored By A Former Student

Jennifer Doty's passion for helping people led her to a profession in healthcare. Recently Doty found herself in the patient's shoes when looking for an orthopaedic surgeon for herself. Read more...

Columbia Orthopaedic Group Elevates Andrew Lovewell To Chief Executive Officer

Columbia Orthopaedic Group (COG) promotes Andrew Lovewell to Chief Executive Officer, a change that will continue COG's mission of superior patient care, innovation, and delivering award-winning healthcare in Missouri. Read more...

Ask Our Pharmacists: CBD FAQ

With the rise in popularity of CBD comes the buzz around pain relief, better sleep and reduced anxiety. However there are still many questions about this extract and how it works? Read more...

How Did This State-Winning Athlete Put An End To His Knee Pain?

It started with a football game. Colder Evans, who is now a freshman at Central Methodist University (CMU), was in the first game of the season of his senior football season. He went for a tackle and damaged more than the other team's odds of winning. Read more...

From a Torn ACL to Completing an Ironman Race

Back in 2004, Lise was leaving some trash at the City Dump. When she lifted her right leg to get into her truck, she felt significant pain in her right knee. She knew something was wrong. Read more...

Hip Injury Leads to Weight Loss Transformation

Nutrition management clinics are designed to educate and advise people on their weight loss journey. When appropriate, weight loss can have an incredible impact on wellness and quality of life. Read more...

Knee Pain? How a Few Shots and the Ongoing Support of Her Doctor Let Kate Powerlift Into Her 70s!

At 70 years old, most people are not still participating in rigorous activities. But most people are not like Kate Walker, the powerlifter. She holds numerous World Records and American Records in Power Lifting in her age group. Read more...

Dr. Kleiber Saves Highway Patrol Officer From Early Retirement

Patty Peiffer knew what she wanted to do with her life. She wanted to be a member of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. When she was at the Highway Patrol Academy in 1993, she dislocated and fractured her right ankle. She had surgery to repair it and went on to serve six years on the Patrol. Read more...

See How Much Damage a Softball Can Do!

In 2017, Aron Lee was playing in a competitive slow-pitch softball tournament and experienced a terrible knee injury. "When my left leg hit the first base bag running out a ground ball, I suffered a complete knee dislocation. It was extremely painful, and I couldn't comprehend what had just happened. I had the inability to walk or even move my left leg." Read more...

How Did a Deer Nearly End a Baseball Career?

Blake Yelton is a 17-year-old who loves to play baseball. When the lefty broke his wrist in his car accident, he worried about his baseball career. Read more...

Bionic Woman Seeks Endgame: The Marvel of Being Pain-Free

Glenda McCollum calls herself the "Bionic Woman" because she's had doctors at Columbia Orthopaedic Group help her in the past who helped with joint replacement surgery. Read more...

Twice as Nice: Two Neck Surgeries That Drove Away The Pain

Kathy Conley has ridden horses since age 14. In fact, riding horses has been a major part of her life. But it was also part of the problem when her neck pain began. "I had neck pain that got bad enough that I had to have a neck fusion. I had pain that went down into my shoulder and sometimes my fingers would get numb." Read more...

Get to Know Dr. Kurt Krautmann

Dr. Krautmann is Columbia Orthopaedic Group (COG)'s newest foot and ankle specialist. As a second-generation orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Krautmann's decision to join the medical field was easy. Read more...

Knees Are Made for Racing

Don still races motorcycles after his double knee replacement. Read more...

Hips are Made for Hiking

Hiking after hip replacement, Jim tells his story!
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Chronic Back Pain

Understanding your surgical options. Read more...

Leveraging digital engagement to improve patient outcomes

As new digital patient-care platforms are integrated into the traditional healthcare system, there has been a direct correlation between increased patient engagement and better treatment outcomes. Read more...

Why Outpatient Facilities Save You Time And Money

A look Into COG's ability to pivot and innovate within the medical industry. Read more...

The Surgical Center at Columbia Orthopaedic Group Named #1 Ambulatory Surgery Center in Missouri

The Surgical Center at Columbia Orthopaedic Group was named as the best in Missouri based on the following assessed criteria.

• How well facilities responded to COVID-19
• Quality of care
• Performance data
• Peer recommendations from relative in-state competition

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The Surgical Center at Columbia Orthopaedic Group Performs First Simplify Cervical Disc Procedure In Missouri

Central Missouri farmer Bryan Ratliff is getting ready to resume his regular routine just two weeks after becoming the first patient in Missouri to undergo a new surgical procedure that is a successful alternative to spinal fusion. Read more...

COG Surgery Center: Ranked Number 7 Surgical Center in the United States

Central Missouri farmer Bryan Ratliff is getting ready to resume his regular routine just two weeks after becoming the first patient in Missouri to undergo a new surgical procedure that is a successful alternative to spinal fusion. Read more...