TCH: Orthopaedics
Transylvania Community Hospital is committed to providing the best quality care for our patients and their families in the community where they live. That’s why we provide our patients with exceptional orthopaedic care, while enhancing the overall care that they receive at TCH.
Orthopaedic Experts Serving you at TCH
At Transylvania Community Hospital, we consider it a privilege to care for our patients and their families. In our community, Dr. Angus W. Graham III and Dr. Mark Lemel of Brevard Orthopaedics provide orthopaedic care to many of our patients. Their philosophy is simple: provide quality, state-of-the-art orthopaedic care in a compassionate and caring environment, while nurturing the mental and physical strength of our patients.
Dr. Graham and Dr. Lemel, have a passion for orthopaedics and their community. Both live in Brevard, participate in local activities, and feel strongly about providing highly skilled care in a small-town setting.
Dr. Lemel and Dr. Graham also strongly believe in building a relationship of trust with each patient. For this reason, your physician will personally meet with you and thoroughly answer all questions at each visit to their office.
Patient education is key to a successful recovery, so Brevard Orthopaedics works closely with their patients to help them prepare for surgery and provide the tools they need to get back on their feet faster.
This orthopaedic service available to the patients of Transylvania Community Hospital is just one more reason why TCH is the right choice, right here.
Most Commonly Asked Questions
1. There is so much paperwork to do! Is there any way to make this easier?
On the Brevard Orthopaedics Web Site, every patient form is provided for download and printing. Print out the forms you need at home and take your time!
2. What are my options if I don’t want to have surgery?
Surgery can be a scary, but sometimes necessary solution to your personal issue. If you are concerned about having surgery, discuss it with your physician. In some cases there are other options to consider; however, your physician will let you know if surgery is the only alternative in your situation. But rest assured knowing that if surgery is the answer for you, the personal attention and continuum of care you will receive will make your recovery as smooth and quick as possible.
3. I am a very active person, and I don’t want to stop doing what I want for any long period of time. How long will it take me to get completely back on my feet following surgery?
When it comes to surgery, every case is different. It might take one person only a few weeks to recover from a surgery that takes another a few months. But, before and after a surgery we’ll make sure you are prepared for it, and have the rehabilitative services you need afterward so you can get back on your feet as soon as possible.
4. What makes an orthopaedist different than any other doctor?
Orthopaedics is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, care and treatment of patients with disorders of the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves and skin. These elements make up the musculoskeletal system. The physicians who specialize in this area are called orthopaedic surgeons or orthopaedists.
Orthopaedists are involved in all aspects of heath care pertaining to the musculoskeletal system. They use medical, physical and rehabilitative methods as well as surgery. Typically, as much as 50 percent of the orthopaedist's practice is devoted to non-surgical or medical management of injuries or disease and 50 percent to surgical management. Surgery may be needed to restore function lost as a result of injury or disease of bones, joint, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves or skin.
The orthopaedist also works closely with other health care professionals and often serves as a consultant to other physicians. Orthopaedists play an important role in the organization and delivery of emergency care. They are members of the teams that manage complex, multi-system trauma.
(American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons)
5. Will I need physical therapy after my surgery?
We believe very strongly in rehabilitation following surgery to help expedite the healing process. Physical Therapy is available right downstairs from the Brevard Orthopaedics office, which makes it very convenient to take part in a rehab program. At times it can also be beneficial to receive training before surgery to prepare the body for its upcoming change. So, when this is the case, your orthopaedic surgeon will arrange a comprehensive physical therapy schedule.
Surgery: What to Expect
We want you to feel comfortable and prepared for any surgical procedure. That’s why we believe so strongly in preparing you for surgery and continuing to care for you afterwards. And because we consider it a privilege to treat all of our patients, your surgery will be scheduled promptly within two to three weeks.
Pre-Surgery
Before any surgery, your orthopaedic surgeon will sit down and talk with you about what to expect and will answer all of your questions thoroughly. Depending on the extent and type of surgery, you may watch a special video that will give you an even better idea of what your particular surgery entails. If it is preferable to your physician, he may schedule you to receive special physical therapy sessions to physically prepare you for surgery.
In the weeks before surgery, you will receive all important instructions about what to bring with you and any remaining documents to fill out. You will have a meeting with the anesthesiologist and your orthopaedic surgeon to finalize all aspects of the surgery and to answer any remaining questions you may have.
The final days before surgery are an excellent time to rest and mentally prepare for the operation. Be sure to get plenty of sleep and eat a healthy diet to give your body an extra boost.
On the day of surgery, you should expect to arrive early at the hospital, leaving sufficient time for surgical preparation. Your time of arrival will be scheduled in your surgical information packet.
Post-Surgery
Recovering from surgery is a critical time. That’s why we will help you plan a rehabilitation program for your recovery. Before your surgery, your physician will discuss the required rehabilitation and will schedule rehabilitation with a physical therapist. With regular visits to your physical therapist and dedication to your post-surgery recovery program, you will be back on your feet in a short time!
Meet the Physicians
Dr. Angus W. Graham III
A native of Miami, Fla., Dr. Graham and his family moved to Brevard in 1993. An undergraduate of Tennessee’s University of the South, Dr. Graham earned his medical degree from the University of South Florida and completed his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Florida. He is board certified and a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Dr. Graham’s special interests include sports injuries, arthroscopic surgery of the knee and shoulder, joint replacement surgery and fracture care. He and his wife are excited to be raising their five children in this beautiful area.
Dr. Mark S. Lemel
Formerly practicing in Jacksonville, Fla., for 11 years, Dr. Lemel and his family moved to Brevard in 2004. He first began his medical training at Case Western Reserve University Medical School and then completed a six-year residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at the University Hospitals of Cleveland; one year of which was spent in a microvascular surgery fellowship. Following his residency, Dr. Lemel spent a year in Philadelphia for a fellowship in hand and upper extremity surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and also spent time in Freiburg, Germany on a traveling fellowship in limb surgery. His special interests include surgery of the hand and foot. Dr. Lemel lives in Brevard with his wife, Page, and three children, Catherine, Hannah and Sam.
Our Success Rate
At Transylvania Community Hospital and Brevard Orthopaedics, we are proud of our success rate for surgery and treatments. In fact, our patients have given us a success and satisfaction rating of 98.5 percent, in comparison to 96 percent regionally. TCH is also consistently within and even below the CDC’s (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) surgical infection rates guidelines every year. With this level of success, you can rest assured that you are receiving the best care, right here at home.