Brundidge Rotarian Don Dickert said the arthritis in his left hand was cured when he was stung four times by yellow jackets.

However, Amy Minor, Troy Regional Medical Center Chief Clinical Officer, stayed clear of old wives’ tales and hearsay when she stepped in for Dr. Robert Liljeberg as the program guest at the Brundidge Rotary Club’s Wednesday meeting. Minor had much more credible information to share with the Rotarians.

Liljeberg, TRMC orthopedic surgeon, came to TRMC from Hickory, North Carolina six years ago and his reputation as an outstanding orthopedic surgeon followed him.

At the Rotarians’ weekly meeting several Brundidge Rotarians shared first-hand knowledge of the success of Liljeberg’s work, especially in the area of knee replacement surgery.

Minor said Liljeberg’s practice is based on the reliance that the best practices start with the less aggressive treatment methods.

“Non-surgical managements include oral medications, activity modification, weight control, physical therapy, exercise, brace wear, injections and rubs,” Minor said.

If those treatment methods are not successful, surgery becomes an option for the patient.

“There are several surgery options that include arthroscopic surgery, which provides short-term relief from mechanical problems,” Minor said. “Arthroscopic surgery is unpredictable as to the degree of relief.”

Chondroplasty is performed arthroscopically as pain management and may delay a total joint replacement.

“Partial joint replacement replaces only the portion of the knee that is damaged from arthritis,” Minor said. “But total joint replacement is the replacement of all weight-bearing surfaces of the knee joint.”

Minor showed photographs of both partial knee replacements and total knee replacements and explained how the replacements eliminate the pain caused by bone on bone movement.

She reminded the Rotarians that, as is true with any surgery, there could be complications, including cardiovascular risks, infections and blood clots. There is also the possibility that the body could recognize the replacement as foreign and reject it.

Liljeberg, she said, sits with his patients and makes sure they understand the surgical procedures and the possibility of complications.

Liljeberg’s office, on the TRMC campus, is usually packed as his services continue to be in high demand.

Rotarian Isabell Boyd, program host, said Liljeberg is an outstanding orthopedic surgeon who has made life much more comfortable for those who are suffering from joint and associated pains.

“We greatly appreciate his services and we appreciate Amy who did an outstanding job representing him and informing us,” she said.

Fred Holland, Pike County High School head football coach, was a guest at the Rotarians weekly meeting. He said the outlook for the Bulldogs 2019 season is bright.

“I thank all of those who support our football program and ask for your continued support of our football program and all athletics at Pike County High School this school year,” he said.