My approach to treating patients

Welcome, I created this web site to familiarize you with my orthopaedic practice, dedicated staff, and the services that we provide at Orthopaedic Associates of Kalamazoo.
 
As an orthopaedic surgeon with more than twentythree years of experience in private practice, I take a highly personal approach to caring for my patients. During my career, I’ve gained a tremendous amount of experience in many areas of general orthopaedics and have extensive experience in treating injuries and arthritis of the knee, hip and shoulder. Although I treat a variety of orthopaedic conditions, I have a special interest in treating injuries and pain in the knee, hip and shoulder. In my surgical practice, I specialize in performing arthroscopy of knee and ashoulder and in performing joint replacement surgery of the knee, hip and shoulder.
 
Whether you’re making the decision to select an orthopaedic surgeon for your care, or would just like to expand your knowledge of the treatment options available to you, I hope this site proves helpful to you in exploring the many options for orthopaedic treatment that are available today.
 
I believe in meeting patients’ individual needs through comprehensive evaluation and treatment designed to help patient’s achieve an active, pain-free lifestyle. Many musculoskeletal conditions can be treated without surgery. However, there are times when surgery provides the best option to helping patients return to active pain-free lifestyles. I combine leading edge surgical techniques with proven traditional methods to provide my patients with the best orthopaedic care possible.
 
I work to develop a partnership with my patients. On my part, this begins with listening. And one of the most important things I need to know is how the physical problem affects my patients’ life. We develop a dialogue, through which my patients understand the diagnostic process, their own unique problem, their treatment choices, and the recovery process. Patients help to guide and direct the diagnostic and treatment options that are selected to treat their unique problem.
 
I believe that knowledgeable patients make the best decisions about their own treatment. That’s why I explain every step of the diagnostic process. I want my patients to understand their condition: How it developed and how various treatment approaches can improve or repair the problem. When we consider treatment alternatives, I present a realistic outlook on the results we can achieve. I’ll also be frank about any risks that might be involved. If a non-surgical option is available, I’ll explain that avenue in depth.
 
Thank you for visiting this web site! If you’d like to learn more about our orthopaedic practice, please click the “Patient Information and Office Forms” button on this web site.
 
Please feel free to contact us at 269-978-0444 with any questions, comments or concerns. We’d love to hear from you.
 
Robert S. Schaefer, M.D. Fellow, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Board Certified, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Orthopaedic

• Adults, Teens, Children
• Non-operative treatment
• Surgical treatment
• Amniotic Stem Cell Therapy

Sports Medicine

• Arthroscopic Surgery
• Rotator Cuff injuries
• Meniscus tears
• Knee ligament sprains
• Ankle sprains
• Pre-participation Physicals
• Brace Fitting

Trauma and Fracture Care

• Casting and Bracing
• Shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand
• Hip, knee, ankle and foot
• Surgical care

Upper Extremity Care

• Arthroscopic Surgery of the shoulder
• Rotator Cuff Repair
• Arthritis care of the shoulder
• Shoulder Joint Replacement
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Trigger Fingers
• Tennis Elbow pain

Lower Extremity Care

• Arthroscopic Surgery of the knee
• Arthritis care of the hip and knee
• Hip Joint Replacement
• Knee Joint Replacement
• Partial Knee Joint Replacement
• Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR)
• Partial Knee Replacement

Work Injuries

• Evaluation and treatment
• Drug Screening
• New Employee Evaluation
• Return to Work Evaluation