University of Washington Medical Center-Roosevelt provides complete health care for a variety of bone and joint problems, ranging from complex fractures to bone tumors. The center has highly trained orthopaedic physicians and surgeons from the UW School of Medicine's Department of Orthopaedics, as well as specialists from the Departments of Medicine, and Rehabilitation Medicine and the Division of Rheumatology. Among our doctors' special areas of expertise are bone and soft tissue tumors, lower back pain, joint and shoulder problems, and metabolic bone disease. We receive many referrals for patients who need specialized surgery such as total joint replacement of knees or hips, total shoulder replacement, and musculoskeletal tumor surgery, bone and tissue transplantation, and limb salvage.
Radiographic studies are the primary diagnostic tool.
Treatment is very specialized, depending on the type of tumor found, but may include physical therapy. Advances in reconstructive techniques, including bone grafts from the Northwest Tissue Center, the UW's primary source for allograft transplants, allow many patients to retain or regain comfort and function. Spine Rehabilitation Patients with acute back and neck pain who may not need surgery are seen in this clinic by a rehabilitation physician who specializes in treating acute and chronic back pain. Patients are given a thorough diagnostic work-up, including electrodiagnostics, when needed. Treatment protocols are conservative and emphasize patient education and physical therapy.