Orthopedic surgeon accepting patients

ROME, N.Y. >> Board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Alfred Moretz III is accepting new patients at Rome Medical Practice Orthopedics and SportsMedicine, 107 E. Chestnut St.

A member of Rome Memorial Hospital’s Medical Staff, Moretz joins Dr. R. Mitchell Rubinovich, C.M., at the Chestnut Commons practice, which has been open in Rome since 2005.

Moretz has more than 40 years of experience in private practice orthopedic medicine with a focus on sports medicine, knee and shoulder problems as well as arthroscopic procedures of the knee and shoulder. He has served as the official team doctor for high school and college sports teams including Utica College, where he served for over 13 years.

“The biggest thing with sports medicine is that athletes want an immediate and accurate diagnosis and plan of treatment,” Moretz said. “Whether we are talking about recreational athletes or someone in high school or collegiate athletics, athletes are people who are motivated and have things to do. They all have a desire to get back on their feet as quickly as possible.”

Moretz recognizes the importance of physical therapy as part of the rehabilitation process both before and after surgery. “A lot of injuries do not require surgery,” he explained. “Physiologically, simply resting an injury can set up some negative things. Muscles start wasting away and tissues begin tightening up, both of which can delay the healing process and become complications should surgery be necessary, so beginning physical therapy early is critical.”

According to Moretz the ability for patients to use online tools to research injuries and formulate their own treatment plans has impacted the role of both physicians and patients. “Before WebMD and Google, the physician was the sole source of information, but today many patients come in with information and need guidance on how to implement it,” he said. “In these cases, patient education and communication becomes very important. I communicate with the patient to help them understand the process and work together with them to develop the best possible treatment plan to return them to activity as safely and quickly as possible.”

Knees and shoulders are particularly susceptible to injury of the bone, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and muscle that comprise those joints. “Whether you’re a casual runner or a star athlete, no one wants to sit on the sideline with an injury,” Moretz said. Patients will appreciate his willingness to take the time to listen to their concerns, explain their options and answer their questions.

In addition to repairing common sports injuries like torn rotator cuffs and anterior cruciate ligaments (ACLs), Moretz is experienced in general orthopedic as well as arthroscopic procedures.

Moretz often begins with a conservative approach to see if the patient will get relief from anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone shots or physical therapy before recommending surgery. “It is important to know that surgery is very often the second or even third option for most patients,” he said.

Moretz earned his bachelor’s degree in anthropology at Duke University and graduated from medical school at the Emory University, Atlanta, Ga. He completed his residency in orthopedics at the University of Oklahoma Hospitals, Oklahoma City, Okla. He is board certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery.

To schedule an appointment at Rome Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, call 338-9200. X-ray and physical therapy services are located near the practice in Chestnut Commons.

Dr. Alfred Moretz III