Osteoarthritis of Hand near Bluffton, SC

Care Philosophy: Dr. Blocker takes great care to listen to his patients. In addition to general orthopaedic procedures he specializes in the most up to date total joint replacement and arthroscopic surgeries. He has stayed on the leading edge of his field. He utilizes minimally invasive surgical techniques and when indicated employs computer assisted navigation in his surgeries, a tool which has greatly increased the precision of certain orthopedic procedures.

Biography: When I decided to specialize in elbow and shoulder surgery, I wanted to understand much more than just the basics. That's why I received fellowship training in elbow and shoulder surgery, and then became a visiting professor at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. There, I studied the most advanced techniques for the treatment of complex elbow problems. \n I enjoy clinical research and have stayed involved with it throughout my career. My patients benefit from my involvement in cutting-edge research and training on the most advanced technology available. That includes minimally invasive and arthroscopic techniques. These can address complex elbow and shoulder problems with minimal incisions and shorter recovery times. In cases where minimally invasive surgery is not indicated, I also complete complex reconstruction and shoulder replacement procedures. In some cases, I use advanced imaging to build anatomically correct joint replacement prosthetics. I believe every patient deserves a treatment plan that makes the most sense for their lifestyle and meets their treatment goals.

Biography: Dr. Douglas Scott is an orthopedic surgeon and a fellowship-trained subspecialist. His expertise focuses on the shoulder and elbow, including the sports medicine, trauma, minimally-invasive arthroscopy, replacement, and complex reconstruction aspects of these joints. He earned an undergraduate degree from Clemson University and attended medical school at the Medical University of South Carolina, in Charleston. He then completed his orthopedic surgery residency at St. Luke's/Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York City, affiliated with Columbia University. Additional training during his residency included service at the DuPont Institute for pediatric orthopedics, and Memorial Sloan Kettering for orthopedic oncology. Dr. Scott further completed the prestigious orthopedic shoulder and elbow fellowship at Brown University, focusing on the upper extremity including shoulder resurfacing, total shoulder and reverse total shoulder replacement, as well as advanced minimally-invasive techniques of shoulder and elbow arthroscopy. Most of his colleagues and mentors from the fellowship have continued to perform research and help patients at Brown, and one of his fellowship directors is now the Chief of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery at Yale University. Dr. Scott is a board-certified diplomate of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He is also a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and a member of numerous other professional orthopedic and medical societies. He has authored peer-reviewed journal publications and academic book chapters for orthopedic surgery. This includes being the lead author for a shoulder chapter in the 2020 edition of Orthopedic Knowledge Update:Shoulder and Elbow 5, a research-based text designed for orthopedic surgeon education, published by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Dr. Scott has performed hundreds of shoulder and elbow surgeries annually since beginning practice in the Lowcountry in 2012, and has recently been voted "Best Orthopedist" by local residents in our local magazine. Dr. Scott is an avid reader and golfer, and enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons.

Biography: Dr. Howell Jones, MD is an Orthopedic Surgery Specialist who practices in Bluffton, SC. He is 67 years old and has been practicing for 41 years. Dr. Howell Jones, MD is affiliated with Hilton Head Regional Medical Center.

Care Philosophy: At Optim Orthopedics, we know you're not yourself when even just one part of you is hurt. Because in orthopedics, everything is connected: bones, joints, ligaments, and cartilage. We're connected too. Our doctors cover every bone in the body and we work together as a team for our patients. We call our approach - Combined Strength, and we use it to get you back to you.

Biography: Having a hip or knee replaced can be a big decision, and can have a huge impact on your level of physical activity. Knowing how life-changing these procedures can be, I have devoted my career to hip and knee replacement surgery, including minimally invasive robot-assisted methods. I want every patient to realize less pain and more mobility as easily as possible. That's why I also work with other orthopedic surgeons, training them on the latest orthopedic surgery methods and technology. \n I want my patients to know that I am compassionate and completely dedicated to serving them. From my first 14 years in practice in Hickory, North Carolina, to my role here in the Lowcountry now, I have focused on listening to my patients, understanding their needs and presenting them with unique treatment plans to meet their goals.