For locals suffering from old sports injuries or worn out joints, Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center is offering state-of-the-art surgeries in the field of orthopedics. Thanks to the addition of orthopedic surgeon Dr. Scott Croft, CVRMC is providing up to date technologies that allow quick recovery times and help patients avoid the hassle of driving to the valley for needed procedures.

Dr. Croft grew up in Scottsdale and attended Brigham Young University in Provo, majoring in microbiology. He went on to graduate with honors from Georgetown University School of Medicine. Croft completed his internship at the Letterman Army Medical Center and completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of California Davis. He brings 30 years of experience to the operating table at CVRMC.

“My goal in coming here is to expand the Orthopedic services that are offered at CVRMC,” said Dr. Croft. “Even for a small town we are bringing up to date technologies here like the big boys.”

Dr. Croft detailed four specific procedures he is offering patients that haven’t been offered in this area before.

The first is a reverse total shoulder. “It’s a way to help people with a painful shoulder or a rotator cuff tear,” said Dr. Croft. This service is a variation of the traditional shoulder replacement and allows people with a larger rotator cuff tear to raise their arm again.

The second is a partial knee replacement or a uni compartmental knee replacement surgery. This procedure replaces just part of the knee so that patients don’t need a total knee replacement. “It feels more like a natural knee and allows for a quicker recovery time,” said Dr. Croft. “After looking at x-rays I can tell if only one compartment of the knee is diseased and if the patient is a fit for this type of surgery.” According to Croft this type of knee preplacement is ideal for slightly younger age groups including patients in their 30s, 40s, and 50s.

The third procedure is a cartilage transplant. “We take a plug or piece of healthy cartilage from a peripheral part of the knee and transplant it to the more important weight-bearing part of the knee that’s been damaged or diseased,” said Dr. Croft. “This is another way to avoid a total knee replacement.” According to Croft, the knee is one of the most difficult parts to treat in orthopedics, but thanks to recent technological advances procedures are now designed to elevate older methods and provide patients with quicker recovery times and short hospital stays.

The fourth procedure detailed by Dr. Croft is the anterior approach total hip replacement. This procedure is done through a small incision in the front of the hip rather than a larger incision in the side or back of hip. This type of hip replacement spares the large gluteal muscles in the back of the hip and instead of cutting through a muscle, the procedure separates muscles in the front of the hip. “This remarkably cuts down pain and speeds up recovery with fewer complications,” said Dr. Croft. “This is a game changer.” With this procedure, there is a shorter hospital stay and minimal rehabilitation time, allowing patients to get back to doing the things they enjoy.

Dr. Croft, whose background is in trauma, specializes in diagnosing and treating ailments affecting the musculoskeletal system. This includes expanding the types of fractures and joint replacements they can now take at CVRMC. “We are offering a patient centered friendly environment here,” said Dr. Croft.

“With the addition of a second Orthopedic Surgeon who brings additional surgical options here, more patients can get their care right here at home at CVRMC.”