Shoulder Replacement Program First in Maryland to Earn the Joint Commission Certification

BALTIMORE, Md.—(March 16, 2018)—In a first for the state of Maryland, MedStar Union Memorial Hospital’s shoulder and elbow program, part of MedStar Orthopaedic Institute, has earned The Joint Commission’s advanced subspecialty certification in shoulder replacement surgery.

The certification is the latest honor for MedStar Orthopaedic Institute, which is ranked Top 10 in the nation for the number of shoulder replacement procedures. Clinicians at the institute also perform more shoulder replacement procedures than anywhere else in the Baltimore region for those suffering from arthritis, trauma or other conditions.

“MedStar Orthopaedic Institute has long been a leader in shoulder surgery, allowing patients greater mobility and function, and returning them to an active life without pain,” said Stuart B. Bell, MD, vice president of medical affairs for MedStar Union Memorial Hospital. “To be recognized for our quality program by The Joint Commission is truly a proud achievement.”

Anand Murthi, MD, chief of shoulder and elbow surgery at MedStar Union Memorial said the certification affirms patients acquire excellent care at the highest level of technology and physician expertise.

“The TJC certification means that our shoulder service has passed the requirements of high volume, low to nonexistent infection rate and excellent outcomes in shoulder replacement surgery,” Dr. Murthi said. “Our physicians, nurses, and therapists all make up this outstanding team.”

MedStar Health’s fellowship-trained specialists are nationally renowned for performing complex and routine shoulder surgical procedures using the latest equipment and techniques. They specialize in reverse shoulder replacement, a relatively new procedure for patients with severe shoulder damage.

Dr. Murthi is a leader in advancing the use of minimally-invasive stemless shoulder replacements, which preserve bone and have a faster recovery time and Dr. Jason Stein leads in outpatient shoulder replacements in which patients go home the same day.

MedStar Orthopaedic Institute is also certified by The Joint Commission for spine surgery, hip replacement and knee replacement.

About MedStar Union Memorial Hospital

MedStar Union Memorial Hospital is a not-for-profit, 223-bed acute care teaching hospital with a strong emphasis on cardiac care, orthopaedics and sports medicine. With roots stemming back to 1854, MedStar Union Memorial has provided high quality care for 160 years. As one of the region's top specialty hospitals, MedStar Union Memorial is home to: The Curtis National Hand Center, the largest hand center in the world, focused on the treatment of the hand and upper extremities; MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute, a premier cardiovascular program in the mid-Atlantic, aligned with Cleveland Clinic Heart and Vascular Institute, the nation’s #1 heart program; and MedStar Sports Medicine, which includes the oldest hospital based sports medicine program in Maryland (founded in 1979).  In addition, MedStar Union Memorial offers a comprehensive range of inpatient and outpatient services including oncology, diabetes and endocrinology, general surgery, thoracic surgery, vascular surgery and palliative care.

MedStar Union Memorial is accredited by The Joint Commission (TJC). It is the first hospital in Baltimore to receive spine certification by TJC, and the first in the state of Maryland to receive advanced certification for palliative care. MedStar Union Memorial is also TJC-certified in hip and knee replacement, CARF-accredited in inpatient rehabilitation and Curtis Work Rehabilitation Services, and has been designated as a Primary Stroke Center and the Hand Trauma Center for Maryland.

MedStar Union Memorial is a proud member of MedStar Health, a non-profit, regional health care system with 10 hospitals and more than 20 other health-related services in the Maryland and Washington, D.C., area.

For more information, visit MedStarUnionMemorial.org.

About MedStar Orthopaedic Institute

In Central Maryland, MedStar Orthopaedic Institute combines the skill and expertise of more than 80 physicians at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital, MedStar Harbor Hospital, MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, The Curtis National Hand Center, and more than 20 community locations, giving you convenient access to the area's top orthopaedic, spine and sports medicine care. Our physicians treat the Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Wizards, Washington Capitals, Baltimore Blast, Baltimore Brigade, US Lacrosse, and the majority of collegiate, high school and recreational teams in the region. Visit MedStarOrtho.org or call 877-34-ORTHO for an appointment.