Elbow specialists

A proper diagnosis from an orthopedic surgeon is important in order to obtain treatment to get you back to what you love doing. The St. Charles Center for Orthopedics & Neurosurgery provides comprehensive care for elbow injuries using the latest advances in elbow diagnosis, treatment, surgery and rehabilitation. Whether you’re looking to get back to playing tennis or simply carry a gallon of milk without pain, we’ll help you reach your goals.

When to see an elbow specialist

The elbow joint can withstand a lot of stress, but it is a common area for injuries, which can affect people of all ages and lifestyles. The most common cause of elbow pain is overuse, which can occur during sports, hobbies, or jobs. Common sports that affect the elbow include golf and tennis. Degenerative conditions, such as tendonitis, bursitis, or arthritis, as well as fractures, dislocations, or nerve irritations caused by accident, can also cause elbow pain.

Common conditions

• Bursitis of the Elbow

• Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

• Dislocation

• Distal Biceps Tendon Injuries

• Golfer's Elbow

• Osteochondritis Dissecans

• Tennis Elbow

• Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Injury

Shoulder pain

The shoulder is an area comprised of three bones, several muscles, ligaments, and tendons, and is the most mobile joint in the human body. Providing a tremendous range of motion, its proper function is essential for daily activities. More than four million patients seek medical attention annually for shoulder injuries, suggesting shoulder pain as one of the largest orthopedic problems in the U.S. Shoulder pain or limited function can result from inflammation, instability, arthritis, or a fracture. 

The orthopedic specialists at the St. Charles Center are experts in treating shoulder conditions and injuries. Our board certified orthopedic physicians are skilled at providing an accurate diagnosis to help create an individual treatment plan for each patient. Treatment options may include conservative options, such as injections or physical therapy, or advanced surgery to restore function to this essential joint. If your shoulder is holding you back, make an appointment with one of our shoulder specialists at the St. Charles Center for Orthopedics & Neurosurgery so that we can help you get back to your active lifestyle.

Common conditions

• Bursitis

• Dislocation (Shoulder Instability)

• Frozen Shoulder

• Impingement (Rotator Cuff Tendinitis)

• Rotator Cuff Injury

• SLAP Tears

• Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement

• Total Shoulder Replacement

Brain injuries and conditions 

The brain is the command center of your body, so it is critical to protect it and keep it healthy. Our neurosurgeons offer unparalleled expertise and are skilled in diverse surgical and minimally invasive techniques used to treat a broad range of neurological conditions. They use state of the art diagnostic tools to develop and implement care plans that are as individualized as the patients being treated. In addition, they have access to cutting edge research providing the best possible outcome for each patient.

The neurosurgeons at The Center make it a priority to clearly communicate complicated conditions so that patients and their families are well informed to make decisions about their head and spine injuries. When surgical treatment is necessary, we stay with you every step of the way, through any necessary rehabilitation and follow-up, providing ongoing care. For over 50 years, patients throughout Central Oregon have trusted our team to create surgical and non-surgical approaches with nationally renowned results. If you have a neurological condition, make an appointment with one of our neurosurgeons at The Center so that we can help you get back to what you love.

Common conditions

• Cerebrovascular Disease
• Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs)
• Concussion
• Stroke
• Complex Brain Tumors
• Hydrocephalus
• Traumatic Brain Injury

Back or neck pain

Back and neck pain are common complaints by millions of individuals of all ages and lifestyles. Over 80% of people experience at least one episode of back pain at some point in their life. The spine is one of the most important parts of your body. It helps you stand upright, move, and bend. Your spine is made up of small bones, called vertebrae, that stack up on each other with sponge-like jelly-filled disks between the bones, as well as muscles, ligaments, and nerves. There are many causes of back pain; from overuse to disk injury to degenerative disorders, like arthritis and osteoporosis. Back pain can vary from one person to the next, coming on suddenly or with a slow onset. The pain can be constant or intermittent. Regardless of the source of pain, our spine experts are here to help you regain the life that back pain took away from you.

Over 66% of people are affected by neck pain. Your neck, like your back, is made up of vertebrae. These support the head, brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Neck pain most often results from an injury or overuse.

Patients throughout Central Oregon trust our team of neurosurgeons and physiatrists to diagnose neck and back problems, and design treatment plans to meet each individuals goals. We leverage conservative methods such as injections, physical therapy, activity modification, and medication before considering surgical treatments.

Common conditions

• Cervical Radiculopathy

• Compression Fractures

• Herniated Disc

• Sciatica

• Sacroiliac Joint (SI Joint)

• Spinal Stenosis

• Spondylolisthesis

Treatments

• Epidural Steroid Injection

• Facet Joint Injections

• Kyphoplasty

• Laminectomy

• Lumbar Discectomy

• Lumbar Transformal Epidural Steroid Injection

• Radiofrequency Ablation

• Spinal Fusion

Find relief at our Center for Orthopedics & Neurosurgery

Not sure what’s causing your pain? Our "What Hurts" section helps you understand potential conditions affecting your bones, joints, muscles, and nerves. Simply select the area where you’re experiencing discomfort to learn more about common issues and possible treatment options from our expert orthopedic and neurosurgery team.

NOWcare is a service that is offered at our Neff Road clinic location that provides care without an appointment – on the same day whenever possible, or within the same week. This service is for patients with new or sudden injuries such as concussions, on-the-job injuries, sports injuries, sudden or severe musculoskeletal pain, and fractures or sprains.

• Open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Expert care for all ages, including pediatrics and older adults
• Concussion evaluation
• Fracture care and casting
• X-ray
• Patients typically pay a regular office visit copay (if applicable)

If your pain or injury has been persistent or ongoing, please call 541-382-3344 to schedule an appointment with one of our providers.

Grand Rounds - February 14, 2025
"Delirium: Identification and Management"

Speaker: Christina Boncyk, MD. Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, Division of Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine, Critical illness, Brain Dysfunction, and Survivorship (CIBS) Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Objectives

1. Identify which patients are at risk for delirium, including the importance of recognizing delirium in the elderly population.
2. Differentiate between delirium, dementia, and confusion.
3. Evaluate how to prevent or mitigate delirium in the ICU, and how to treat resulting behaviors to prevent violence effectively.
4. Write a treatment plan to manage delirium as a team effectively.

Accreditation: St. Charles Health System is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. St. Charles Health System designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)^TM.

The period to claim credit for this activity expires one year after its original publication. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Claim Credit

Target Audience: Physicians, Nurses, Pharmacists, Allied Health Professionals.

Accessibility/Program Questions: St. Charles Health System encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Continuing Medical Education at [email protected].

Oher CME or Clerkship questions: also contact Continuing Medical Education at [email protected].

Pre-surgery and surgery prep instructions

These instructions are not meant to replace any information given to you by your physician. If you have questions, please contact the clinic at 541-382-3344.

A nurse from the hospital or Cascade Surgicenter will call you the day before your surgery to confirm the time of your surgery. They will also ask you questions regarding current or past medical conditions, allergies, and medications you are taking. Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have and be sure to let the staff know of any special needs.

If you will be away from your phone the day before surgery, please contact St. Charles Bend 541-708-7728 or Cascade Surgicenter 541-322-2395 and give them an alternate number to contact you.

Food and drink

Please do not consume food or drink after midnight the night before your surgery, unless specified by your anesthesiologist. Further instructions will be given to you from the pre-op nurse.

Medications

If you take medication for any condition, ask your doctor and/or the facility’s nurse whether or not to take it the day of your procedure.

Day of surgery

• Regardless of what type of procedure you are having, please arrange to have someone drive you home from surgery.
• Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing.
• Do not wear nail polish, makeup, lotions or perfume.
• Wear your glasses (please bring a case); leave your contacts at home.
• Wear your dentures, partials and hearing aids.

Your surgeon will provide specific instructions for care while recovering at home. In the event of any difficulty, please call your surgeon at 541-382-3344.

Post-operative instructions

Call your surgeon immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms after your surgery:

• Temperature over 101 degrees Fahrenheit
• Chills and/or night sweats
• Increased swelling not relieved with elevation
• Increased redness or streaks from incision
• Increased pain not responding to pain medication
• Drainage from incision site
• Nausea
• Cast or dressing problems
• Tenderness, swelling or pain in your calf

After hours and weekend calls will be directed to the on-call physician, who will get back to you to address your concerns.

Sports Medicine at the St. Charles Center

Since 1958 our orthopedic physicians have been caring for active individuals and athletes of all abilities throughout Central Oregon, and today the St. Charles Center is still the premiere location for sports injuries. Our board certified orthopedic surgeons have the highest level of training and experience, completing advanced fellowship training in Sports Medicine. They care for patients of all ages with diverse backgrounds to restore injuries such as torn ligaments, torn cartilage, joint instability, muscle weakness, sprains and fractures. 

To ensure they remain leaders both in our community and nationally, the physicians at the St. Charles Center for Orthopedics & Neurosurgery participate in a range of orthopedic clinical research projects. From evaluating the effectiveness of new designs for shoulder arthroplasty to state-of-the-art motion analysis in conjunction with the Oregon State University FORCE Lab, our team sets a strong standard of excellence. As former athletes and current fitness enthusiasts, they know what it’s like to train and compete. They use the latest noninvasive techniques and surgical technology combined with a team approach for the best possible care. Find out why athletes of all abilities turn to the St. Charles Center. Our orthopedic doctors are at the top of their game to get you back in the game.

Who we work with

The St. Charles Center is proud to serve as the official sports medicine provider and team physicians for the following:

Caring for kids from head to toe

Children and teenagers need specialized orthopedic and neurosurgical care for their growing bodies and brains. Our pediatric specialists are here to provide a wide range of specialized treatment options for families in Central Oregon, with exceptional care and compassion. If your child is in need of immediate care, our NOWcare walk-in injury clinic is open to provide orthopedic expertise and concussion care services.