We continue our physician blog series with an informal Q&A with Scott Wingerter, M.D., Ph.D., a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who joined our practice in 2013.
Dr. Wingerter, please tell our readers a little about yourself and your academic/professional background.
After earning my medical degree from New York Medical College, I went on to complete my Ph.D. and residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. I also completed a fellowship in joint preservation, resurfacing and replacement at Washington University in St. Louis. Today, I am certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and a proud member of such organizations as the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, International Congress for Joint Reconstruction, Southern Orthopaedic Association, and Mid-America Orthopaedic Association.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in orthopedic surgery?
Growing up in high school, I was exposed to a variety of sports injuries, including ACL tears. As I learned more about sports medicine and orthopedic surgery, I became interested in the opportunity to help patients improve their overall quality of life through orthopedic care.
As an orthopedic surgeon, what are your subspecialized areas of expertise?
I specialize in partial and total joint replacement surgery, including hip replacement and knee replacement surgery. I also perform hip resurfacing, hip arthroscopy and minimally invasive surgery.
You were recently named a Vitals Patients’ Choice Award Winner. What do patients say you do to provide exceptional care?
It’s an honor to receive the Vitals Patients’ Choice award, and I am humbled by every kind word my patients say about me. To hear from the patients themselves, I encourage you to watch the following videos:
- Total Hip Replacement: Bob’s Story
- Total Hip Replacement: Honore’s Story
- Total Hip Replacement: Crystal’s Story
Do you coordinate care with other healthcare professionals—if so, who?
When it comes to treating orthopedic injuries, there are many options. Primary care physicians and interventional physiatrists will refer patients to me when orthopedic surgery is necessary. Similarly, I will refer patients to interventional physiatrists and physical therapists to rule out all forms of conservative care before surgery.
It’s important for patients to follow their recommended post-operative care plans, so I also work with each patient to determine the most convenient place for rehabilitation when necessary after surgery—whether that be at Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute, Saint Luke’s Health System or one of the many other clinics in the area—we have relationships with several metro-area physical therapy providers. My primary concern is helping patients achieve the best possible outcome, whatever that takes.
Tell us about your research background in the area of orthopedic medicine.
I have contributed to a variety of research published in peer-reviewed publications, as well as abstracts and manuscripts that discuss various orthopedic conditions. My research has included topics like hip disease and hip arthroplasty, prevention and management of common fracture complications, and postoperative pain control following total knee arthroplasty. I have presented at symposiums and other speaking events on a range of topics, including the effects of sustained corticosteroids and sustained growth factors on traumatized discs, bone remodeling, hip arthroplasty and postoperative pain control following total knee arthroplasty.
Do you treat workers compensation patients?
While a majority of my practice is focused on treating degenerative conditions of the hip and knee, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, I also treat workers compensation injuries. The most important thing for me is taking care of the patient, no matter what their condition might be. I educate my patients about all of their treatment options from the beginning and help them make informed decisions about the approach that will work best for them.
If you are a patient, referring physician, case manager or caregiver in need of more in-depth information about Dr. Wingerter or the procedures he performs, please contact Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics.
