MISSOULA BONE & JOINT UPDATES

Coronavirus COVID-19 Update as of 8/4/2021

With the rise of the delta coronavirus variant, MB&J will be following the CDC recommendations of wearing a mask in indoor spaces in substantial or high Covid-19 transmission areas. Missoula County just moved to a high transmission level and the majority of surrounding counties are also at a high or substantial level (see the map below). In the best interest of our patients, staff and community, effective Wednesday 8/4/21, we will re-implement our mask requirement for all patients and staff. We will monitor this on a weekly basis and lift the mask mandate when Missoula County falls below a substantial transmission level.

As of Wednesday August 4, 2021 the following will be required at all appointments:

1. Please wear a mask that covers your nose and your mouth when you enter our building and for your entire appointment.
2. If you are experiencing any Covid-19 symptoms please call to reschedule your appointment, or schedule a telehealth appointment.
3. You will be asked screening questions upon arrival at your appointment.
4. If you prefer to wait in your vehicle after checking in, instead of in our lobby, please let us know and we can text you when your exam room is available.
5. We are requesting proper hand hygiene to reduce the spread.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Coronavirus COVID-19 Update as of 6/7/2021

Since the CDC and Missoula County have eased the mask restrictions and there has not been any new Covid-19 surges in our area, as of Monday 6/7/21, we are now making masks optional for all which includes employees, patients and guests. We will have both surgical and N-95 masks available for any patients, staff or visitors who choose to wear a mask for personal preference. Our providers and clinical staff will wear a mask if requested by a patient. The CDC still recommends that those at risk (immunocompromised recommended by their Primary Care Provider and those unvaccinated) continue to wear a mask.

Coronavirus COVID-19 Update as of 5/13/2021

Patients, staff and providers are still required to wear masks because we are a healthcare facility and we have a responsibility to protect our at-risk, compromised patients. The CDC is still recommending wearing masks in public spaces. If you are not willing to wear a mask please call us ahead of your appointment, you will be asked to wait in your car after check-in. You may be given the option to reschedule your appointment when masks are no longer a requirement for our office.

Due to the recent change in the state mask mandate and also relinquishing the power of the local City/County Department of Health, we are making some changes and will continue to reevaluate based on current Covid numbers and CDC/state recommendations.

We are very appreciative of our patients who have been so understanding with the constant changes as we try to adapt to the varying guidelines and recommendations. Thank you.

Coronavirus COVID-19 Update as of 4/05/2021

Most of our staff have received vaccination for the Coronavirus Covid-19. We continue to follow CDC guidelines and Missoula County guidelines. The following changes have been implemented:

1. Our Health Screeners at the entrances will no longer ask patients the series of Covid-19 related questions. Rather, we will have a sign posted at each entrance and our Screeners will ask if any of these questions apply. If a patient responds "YES" to any of the questions, the Screeners will work with the provider to determine if the patient can be seen.

2. Patients are no longer required to have their temperature taken upon arrival unless the patient indicates they may have a fever, or recently had a fever.

3. Patients are still required to wear appropriate face coverings, that cover the mouth and nose.

4. We are continuing to limit patient guests in the clinic to only one essential guest/visitor and ask that all others wait in their vehicles.

Please reschedule your appointment if you :

• have tested positive for Covid-19, have been exposed to a positive Covid-19 person, or have been advised to quarantine.
• have any Covid-19 symptoms.

If you have any questions or concerns about our covid-19 precautions please call us before your visit. It is so much easier to discuss your concerns ahead of time (406)721-4436.

We thank you for your continued support.

Coronavirus COVID-19 Update as of 2/12/2021

As we have been doing throughout this pandemic, we are adjusting our policies again based on CDC guidelines. Missoula Bone & Joint has revised staff mask policies effective on 2/15/2021. Here is the link to the CDC to improve how your mask protects you: Improve How Your Mask Protects You | CDC

Please reschedule your appointment if you :

• have tested positive for Covid-19, have been exposed to a positive Covid-19 person, or have been advised to quarantine.
• have any Covid-19 symptoms.

We are continuing to limit patient guests in the clinic to only one essential guest/visitor and ask that all others wait in their vehicles. If you have any questions or concerns about our covid-19 precautions please call us before your visit. It is so much easier to discuss your concerns ahead of time (406)721-4436

We thank you for your continued flexibility in adjusting to constant changes as we try to do our part to slow the Covid-19 spread and make our patients feel safe.

Coronavirus COVID-19 Update as of 12/08/2020

Thank you for being flexible and working with us to keep our facility open.
We are limiting patient guests again in the clinic to only one essential guest/visitor and ask that all others wait in their vehicles. An essential guest means the patient needs a caregiver or help understanding, or a parent of a minor child. Patients do have the option of facetiming with a support person during their appointment, while in the exam room.
If you are wearing a bandana, gaiter, vented mask, or balaclava our Health Screener, at our entrances, will be asking you to change into a surgical mask. In studies, these forms of face coverings have been found to offer very little protection and the CDC does not recommend them. The best form of protection is stated to be an N95 mask, a double ply cloth mask or a surgical mask.

If you are unable to wear a facemask due to a medical condition, the following alternative options are available:

1. Wear a face shield with a bottom catcher.
2. Reschedule your appointment to give you sufficient time to be in a position where a mask can be worn. Sometimes medications can alleviate anxiety which may allow patients to wear a mask or an acceptable face shield.
3. Reschedule your appointment for a later time when face coverings are no longer mandated.
4. A telehealth visit can be scheduled in lieu of an in-person visit in some instances. For example,

•  If you have tested positive for Covid-19, have been exposed to a positive Covid-19 person, or have been advised to quarantine.
• If you have any Covid-19 symptoms.

At your next appointment please thank our Health Care Heroes who continue to smile behind masks for 8 hours a day. If there is one thing we can learn from this, it is being gracious with one another.

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Coronavirus COVID-19 Update as of 11/20/2020

As we continue to see Covid cases rise at an alarming rate in Montana, and in Missoula County, we at Missoula Bone & Joint are being hyper vigilant with safety precautions. Please know this is being done to keep our patients, our staff and our providers safe. Thank you for being flexible and working with us to keep our facility open.

We are limiting patient guests again in the clinic to only one essential guest/visitor and ask that all others wait in their vehicles.  An essential guest means the patient needs a caregiver or help understanding, or a parent of a minor child.

Patients do have the option of facetiming with a support person during their appointment, while in the exam room.

If you are wearing a bandana, gaiter, vented mask, or balaclava our Health Screener, at our entrances, will be asking you to change into a surgical mask.  In studies, these forms of face coverings have been found to offer very little protection and the CDC does not recommend them.  The best form of protection is stated to be an N95 mask, a double ply cloth mask or a surgical mask.

Please reschedule your appointment or set up a telehealth appointment:

• If you have tested positive for Covid-19, have been exposed to a positive Covid-19 person, or have been advised to quarantine.
• If you have any Covid-19 symptoms

At your next appointment please thank our Health Care Heroes who continue to smile behind masks for 8 hours a day. If there is one thing we can learn from this, it is being gracious with one another.

Coronavirus COVID-19 Update as of 10/30/2020

With Covid-19 numbers on the rise and the new restrictions in Missoula County, we find we need to once again limit patients at the clinic to only one essential guest/visitor and have all others wait in their vehicle.  Essential meaning the patient needs a caregiver or help understanding, or a parent of a minor child.  The Provider or OA may need to make an exception to this for pre-op visits.  We will get signs posted at both entrances and make sure the reminder messages state this.  Thanks for always being flexible with these continued changes!  We all certainly have change fatigue but have to keep adjusting to the orders and recommendations to try and slow the spread.

Thank you for trusting Missoula Bone & Joint with your orthopedic care.

Coronavirus COVID-19 Update as of 10/08/2020

Missoula Bone & Joint strives to provide quality patient care within the Health department and CDC guidelines for Covid-19 pre-cautions. We want to continue to provide services to our community by keeping our doors open at the Surgery Center, Physical Therapy, Clinic and Urgent Care. In order to do this we must comply with strict policy and procedure to keep our staff and patients safe.

Here are four examples of changes that were made at our Surgery Center when we re-opened in May:

1. Staff and patients complete screening questions and temperature checks daily.
2. Increased time between surgical cases to allow for additional air exchange in the four surgical suites.
3. Regional blocks are performed in most surgical cases after a discussion between the physician the patient.
4. Closely monitor recommendations from CDC, Health department, and local hospitals.

If now is the right time for your surgery, please discuss any concerns you may have with your surgeon.

photo: pre-operative and post-operative care on the first floor - photo taken by Chris Chapman Photography

Coronavirus COVID-19 Update as of 8/11/2020

At Missoula Bone & Joint we are working very hard to keep our patients, staff and providers safe and healthy during this pandemic. We are requesting that everyone that enters our buildings gets their temperature checked and wears a mask. We want to do everything we can to stay open and continue to provide the orthopedic services you have come to trust. Please wear your mask correctly, click here to learn more How to wear a mask safely

Our outpatient surgery center remains OPEN to serve our community's orthopedic surgical needs. Read our blog

Orthopedic Urgent Care is OPEN with a new dedicated entrance. Look for the blue awning just past the main clinic entrance.

Telehealth is available if you prefer to have a virtual visit. When you schedule your appointment please ask for this option.

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Coronavirus COVID-19 Update as of 6/5/2020

Firstly, we want to thank our patients, established and new, for trusting us with their orthopedic care. We genuinely care about the well-being of our patients, our staff and our community and we feel that this pandemic has brought us closer together in spirit. It has allowed for a time of reflection of what is important and how to care for each other in a time of need. We continue to streamline our policy and procedure to fulfill our mission statement.

As we enter phase 11 we want you to know that we are still taking this pandemic very seriously. We continue to take temperatures and interview all visitors to our facility. We have policy and procedures in place to help maintain 6 feet distancing where ever possible. It is mandatory to wear a face covering inside our facilities. Sanitizing stations are readily available and regular cleaning is in effect.

As of June 15, Urgent Care will have a dedicated entrance, just past the main clinic entrance, under the blue awning. This will allow easy access for Urgent Care patients with drive up access, convenient parking and streamlined check in.

We continue to explore ways to make our patients and staff feel comfortable and safe. If you need any assistance during your visit please reach out to a staff member.

Patient Testimonial "I was pleased to see the covid-19 cleaning and monitoring so closely followed." June 5, 2020.  "Thank you for the care and caution that was taken by your staff. I felt that safety was a priority and I appreciate that. " May 30, 2020.

 

Coronavirus COVID-19 Update as of 5/4/2020 - our surgery center opens its schedule

As Montana and Missoula enters phase 1 of re-opening we are feeling both optimistic and cautious. The safety and well-being of our patients, staff, providers and community members remains our highest priority. Missoula Bone & Joint (MBJ) continues to actively monitor the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in our communities and keeps implementing changes as needed. Some things will look a little different around the clinic but you will receive the same quality orthopedic care you have come to trust.

• On Monday April 27 our surgery center opened the surgery center schedule to accommodate our patients that have been patiently waiting, most of them in pain or discomfort, for these more urgent surgical needs.
• Orthopedic Urgent Care remains OPEN with our regular extended hours to serve our communities orthopedic needs.
• Effective 4/8/2020 face coverings were made mandatory for all providers, staff, and patients. Screening on arrival with temperature checks and questionnaire is still in effect.
• Patients are being asked to wait in their vehicle after check in and will receive a text when an exam room becomes open.

In conjunction with other clinics, and led by Alpine Physical Therapy, we have been promoting #KeepItCoveredMissoula as we transition to our "new normal" of wearing a face mask. The data shows that if people wear a face mask in all public spaces that the transmission risk is significantly decreased. Please join us in playing our part in re-opening safely.

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Coronavirus COVID-19 Update as of 4/8/2020 - We Are Open with precautions in place.

The safety and well-being of our patients, staff, providers and community members is our highest priority. Missoula Bone & Joint (MBJ) continues to actively monitor and prepare for the potential spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in our communities and is actively implementing changes as needed.

Effective 4/8/2020 face coverings will be mandatory for all providers, staff, and patients.

In accordance with the CDC’s new recommendations for wearing of face coverings:

We now know from recent studies that a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms (“asymptomatic”) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms. This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity—for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing—even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms. In light of this new evidence, CDC recommends wearing face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies). It is critical to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social distancing remains important to slowing the spread of the virus.

Patients and guests are encouraged to bring their own mask because of the shortage of surgical mask supplies. For patients arriving without masks, we will give you a homemade mask from our sterile wrap. Patients that refuse to wear a mask will have to reschedule their appointment.

We are updating our blog post as information changes, with a comprehensive list of changes implemented.

To align with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with local departments of health recommendations, we ask that patients call MBJ and reschedule any non-urgent appointments if they meet the following:

1. Have symptoms including fever or upper respiratory infection symptoms (i.e. cough).
2. We have added the recent loss of taste and smell to our screening questions as this is one of the symptoms for the coronavirus.
3. Have recently traveled outside the United States or have been in potential contact with a person known to have COVID-19.

However, if you meet the above and have a post-operative appointment or an urgent need please contact our office BEFORE your visit, to determine if we need to reschedule your appointment and how we can best help you. Patients will not be charged for any rescheduled or canceled appointments.

We have limited patient companions to one essential adult companion only (essential meaning the patient needs a caregiver or help understanding), and we will ask all others to wait in their vehicle. Please do not bring children to your appointment, the only exception is if the patient is a child.

Walk-In Urgent Care is OPEN for those unexpected orthopedic conditions. If you do need to call ahead please use the Urgent Care direct phone line (406) 829-5581

Telehealth video conferencing is an option for both the clinic and physical therapy appointments. To schedule a telehealth appointment with Dr. Amrine at the clinic call (406) 532-8783 or physical therapy call (406)542-4702.

For more information about COVID-19, please visit CDC website, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Thank you for choosing MBJ for your care. We are honored to be your trusted healthcare provider.

 

 

 

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Ribbon Cutting Ceremony led by Dr. Glenn Jarrett, MBJ physician group and Missoula Chamber of Commerce

Same quality care. Same location. New services. New facility.

Missoula Bone & Joint is taking outpatient surgery to the next level of care and patient experience. We are most proud of our quality patient care and this won't change, we have an incredible team of surgery staff. What will change with this facility is the patient comfort with 6 private recovery suites, comfortable environment for the patients' family and support team, and an amazing work environment for our amazing staff.

We will be adding total joint replacement surgeries and spine procedures to our services with the ability to extend a patients stay up to 23 hours, this includes an overnight stay if needed. Our surgeons will still have privileges at both hospitals as not every patient is suitable for outpatient surgery.

We feel so supported by our Missoula community and our Missoula business community, with the Missoula Chamber of Commerce Rangers officiating the ribbon cutting ceremony.

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Opening in January 2020 to enhance the overall patient experience

Choose an outpatient surgery center that was designed to provide the most efficient and comfortable patient experience.

• State-of-the-art pre and post operative rooms, private recovery rooms, comfortable family areas.
• Experienced surgical team.
• Dedicated and caring medical staff.
• Advanced pain management protocols.
• Motivated to help you recover in the comfort of your own home as soon as possible.
• Lower out of pocket costs to the patient.

 

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It's finally here - State-of-the-art Outpatient Surgery Center Opening Soon!

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will take place on Monday December 2 at 5.30pm. Tours will be given between 5-6pm.

 

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FREE EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR - Monday September 23rd with Dr. Joe Gholson, Knee & Hip Joint Surgeon.

Do you have arthritic knee pain or hip pain? Are you looking for solutions? Do you want to learn more about your treatment options?

Join Dr. Gholson for this free, informational seminar on:

• Treatment options for arthritic knee and hip pain,
• Partial knee replacement
• Total Knee Replacement
• Anterior Approach Hip Replacement

Where: Missoula Bone & Joint Clinic reception, 2360 Mullan Road, Missoula Montana

Time: 6pm-7pm Presentation followed by Q&A. Bring your questions for Dr. Gholson.

Please rsvp to reserve your seat: Call (406)721-4436 ext. 7118 or email outreach@missoulaboneandjoint.com

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MEDICAL FRAUD WARNING – Nationwide Brace Scam Alert -

Please be advised that various organizations are contacting individuals by phone or mail offering them back braces and/or knee braces and claiming these braces are covered by Medicare, Medicaid or other insurance programs. These individuals are not associated with Missoula Bone & Joint and have never been provided with any patient information. If one of our providers recommend that a brace is medically necessary they will discuss this with you in person during one of your appointments, not on the phone or by mail.

There is also another scam where someone identifying themselves as calling from a medical practice such as Missoula Bone & Joint asks for verification of your personal information, i.e., your address, in an attempt to steal your identity.

Missoula Bone & Joint takes these matters very seriously. By making you aware of this, we hope this will stop patients from falling victim to these scams. If you receive a phone call or a post card in the mail from anyone claiming to be from Missoula Bone & Joint that appears to be suspicious, please call our office at (406) 721-4436. Never give out your Medicare card number, Social Security number, birth date, address, bank account info, or credit card number to an unknown party. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are very aware of these scams and recommend reporting instances of fraud to them at https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud and the to the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker at https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker/us.

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Energy Efficiency is a priority at the new Outpatient Surgery Center under construction on Mullan Road.

Missoula Bone & Joint worked closely with MMW Architects to select and detail several components to minimize energy consumption for the new outpatient surgery center. A good building envelope, energy efficient lighting and efficient mechanical systems is estimated to use 24.3% less energy than a code-minimum building. There will be 160 solar panels on the roof to offset electric consumption from the power grid. The solar system is expected to generate 13.9% of the electrical use for the building based on solar output and building energy consumption estimates.

Here is a more detailed breakdown of what this means.

Building Envelope: 

• A super-insulated building envelope was specified for the project.
• Exterior walls have insulation in the stud cavities and continuous rigid insulation on the exterior.
• White roofing material and continuous insulation at the roof minimize heat transfer from interior/exterior.
• High-performing exterior windows and skylights were selected.
• All of these measures result in a building envelope that exceeds Code minimum requirements by 15%.

Lighting System:

• Energy efficient lighting and controls were selected throughout the project (LED and fluorescent fixtures).

Mechanical Systems:

• Heating is by 96% efficient condensing boilers and is via air distribution from roof top mechanical units. Each mechanical zone has a VAV box with heated and chilled water to adjust air temperature as called for in the zone.
• Ground source water wells are used for cooling. A heat exchanger in the mechanical room uses the cold water from the ground and transfers the cold temperature to glycol, which is pumped to the roof top mechanical units. Cooling is by water because it is more efficient than electric condensing units.

Solar Panels:

• There will be 160 solar panels on the roof to offset electric consumption from the power grid. The solar system is expected to generate 13.9% of the electrical use for the building based on solar output and building energy consumption estimates.
• The system size is 59.2kW, and Solar Plexus has estimated that it will generate 65,063 kW hours of electricity annually. To help put that in perspective, the EPA has a calculator on their website that you can use to equate 65,063 kWh/annually into some metrics that are more relatable. For example, that kW is equivalent to taking 9.8 passenger cars off the road annually or driving 112,492 miles in an average passenger car, or the equivalent to powering 8 average homes per year.

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Welcome New Physicians to our team and our community.

Missoula Bone & Joint welcomes new physicians to our team, Dr. Gholson, Dr. Kruer, Dr. Witte. To learn more about their training and specialties please check out their bio pages. We are so pleased to expand our services and continue to provide quality orthopedic care right here in Western Montana. Dr's Gholson and Witte will start seeing patients August 19th, 2019 and Dr. Kruer will join us in early September 2019.

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Construction Updates:

Update on New Surgery Center as of September 13th, 2019 - we are on target to open in November 2019. It is changing everyday, and we are only seeing the outside. Stay tuned for Grand Opening dates.

Construction of the New Surgery Center update, as of July 30th: It is really taking shape now with the siding and windows making progress.

As of May 2019: the framers are working on the first floor and rooftop framing. The mechanical, plumbing and electrical are going in. They have started fabricating the windows. Roofing is underway and exterior framing is done.

January 7th, 2019: Update on the construction of the New Surgery Center - the structural steel has finally started flying, the water line was installed last week, and the contractor is working on setting up gas services and heat which will be needed for the 2nd floor deck concrete pour.

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Top 10 Greatest Employers in the Region

For the second year in a row Missoula Bone & Joint was named in the top 10 greatest employers in the region. If you are looking for a great place to work, who truely cares about their employees, check out our CAREERS page.

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READ our latest DETERMINATION magazine with orthopedic articles and fun facts.

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Congratulations to Kailey Ryan, DPT, OCS

Kailey obtained the highest designation in physical therapy - Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedics, OSC, from ABPTS. We are so proud of her commitment to obtaining advanced knowledge, skills, and experience in orthopedics to provide the best patient care.

 

 

 

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Thank you Missoula for voting Missoula Bone & Joint Physical Therapy as a finalist in the 2018 Missoula's Choice in both Best Physical Therapist and Best Alternative Health categories.

 

 

 

 

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Congratulations to Jason Miller a physical therapist here at Missoula Bone & Joint for passing a two day credentialing exam to become certified in Postural Restoration®. Jason is the first and only credentialed provider in the state of Montana

 

 

 

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Dr. Roster, from our Foot & Ankle Specialty Clinic, test drives the new knee Rollabout scooter NOW Available at Missoula Bone & Joint. The rollabouts are ideal for patients with foot or ankle conditions that require non-weight bearing for a period of time. Our DME department also has crutches and walkers available.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Missoula Bone & Joint was nominated in Western Montana Business, 10 of the greatest employers in the region.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Dr. Mark Channer was featured in Becker's Orthopedic Review on Monday, 16 October, 2017 as an Orthopedic Surgeon to Know!

 

 

 

 

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Welcome Dr. Michael Wright to the Missoula Bone & Joint team.

Dr. Wright will start seeing patients at Missoula Bone & Joint Clinic on Friday September 15th, 2017. Dr. Wright specializes in arthroscopy of the shoulder, hip and knee, and total joint replacement of the hip and knee. He completed a fellowship in sports medicine and is focused on keeping patients mobile and doing what they love to do. Call today for your appointment (406)721-4436.

Dr. Wright will be seeing patients in clinic and surgery at both Missoula Bone & Joint in Missoula and Providence St. Joseph Medical Clinic in Polson.

 

 

 

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Missoula Bone & Joint brings you up-to-date news about the latest developments in sports medicine, as well as news about our practice. If you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors about your condition or a treatment you’ve heard about, call our office in Missoula, Montana at (406) 721-4436 or request an appointment online.

 

News

Kristina Pattison launches a new service - Running Gait Analysis - May 2018

For more information read our blog

 

Gait Analysis involves walking or running on a treadmill under the watchful eye of Kristina. A video recorder will also be utilized to capture your walking and running style. She will analyze the way you move, closely observing your feet, ankles, knees and hips. Kristina can then show you what is happening to your joints at the different phases in your walking and running motion using slow motion video and freeze frame. Kristina can identify areas of weakness and poor biomechanics and then develop a corrective program to improve your running performance and reduce your risk of injury.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read the Latest Determination Magazine 2017/2018 Volume 8

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Tune in to KGVO Health Talk 101.5 FM on Monday September 11th at 8.30am to hear Dr. Michael Wright chat about Sports Medicine, more specifically hip arthroscopy, rotator cuff tears, ACL injuries, and meniscus tears. Dr. Wright will be taking calls from listeners on air so call in to the studio with any sports medicine questions. Click here to listen to the live recording.

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Tune in to KGVO Health Talk 101.5 FM on Monday June 19th to hear Dr. Rob Amrine chat with Peter Christian and Jon King about the following topics:

1) Youth sports: Single sport vs. multi sport athletes

It is aired live so call in with your questions for Dr. Amrine.