Advances in Joint Replacement Technology to be Discussed at March 24 Lee Memorial Well-Informed Seminar

Fort Myers, FL, March 12, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Joint and bone pain is a popular subject in Southwest Florida, which is not surprising considering the amount of physical activities residents and visitors can enjoy. Whether you swing a club or racquet, prefer swimming pools or swamp walks, chances are you or someone you know has felt the pain of joint discomfort. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, one in three Americans suffer from bone and joint pain, but new technologies have been developed to help the distress. Researchers, such as Dr. George Markovich, have developed new surgical methods for joint replacement which can reduce the incision size as well as bone irritation as well as muscle disruption, allowing for a less painful and quicker recovery.

Dr. Markovich, an orthopedic surgeon on the medical staff of Lee Memorial Health System, will discuss new technologies, debunk common myths regarding joint implants and answer questions as a part of the Well Informed Lecture Series on March 24 between 5-6:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Place Coconut Point in Estero.

“If you are suffering from joint pain that impacts your quality of life, whether it is keeping you up at night or limiting your physical abilities, get help,” Dr. Markovich says. “The benefit of relieving symptoms through surgery can make a significant difference in the lives of those with joint and bone pain.”

Markovich advises people to seek help as soon as possible, because early detection and treatment lead to better results. Joint pain should not just be a job for the aspirin bottle; to improve their quality of life, sufferers must seek medical advice. About 773,000 Americans have a hip or knee replaced each year, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease, and with less risk than ever this number is sure to increase.

Markovich will discuss new technologies, common myths about implants and other joint replacement details at Lee Memorial Health System’s upcoming Well Informed Lecture.

Date: Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Time: 5-6:30 p.m.
Location: Hyatt Place Coconut Point, located at Coconut Point mall
23120 Via Villagio, Estero, FL 33928
Reservations: 239-433-8505 or www.HealthyBonitaEstero.org

About Dr. George Markovich
Dr. George Markovich, one of America’s Top Doctors as determined by Castle-Connolly’s physician-led team of researchers, has specialized in joint implant and reconstructive surgery in Fort Myers since 1998, and is certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. After earning his medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine in 1988, he earned a degree in mechanical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He completed his medical internship and residency at the University Of Southern California School Of Medicine as well as total joint replacement fellowship. Concurrently, he spent 14 years in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps Reserves and in active duty, including time spent as an orthopedic specialist for the Navy SEALs and as director of joint implant and reconstructive surgery at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Va. He received Patient Choice awards in 2008 and 2009 and is a member of several prestigious orthopedic societies and organizations. Dr. Markovich has offices in Fort Myers and at the Estero Medical Center at 10201 Arcos Avenue, Suite 206. For information or appointments, call 239-3117.

About Lee Memorial Health System
Open since 1916, Lee Memorial Health System is the fifth largest public health system in the United States and the largest community-owned system in Southwest Florida. With more than 9,300 employees, the system is made up of four acute care hospitals and two specialty hospitals, as well as outpatient centers, walk-in medical centers and primary care physical offices. An award-winning health care system, it provides regional programs, such as our Trauma Center and Children’s Hospital, which serve our community members from Tampa to Miami. Visit www.LeeMemorial.org for more information.

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