Southwest Minnesota Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Inc.
Anthony Nwakama, MD
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
507-929-7696
Clinic
Anthony Nwakama, MD is highly skilled with exceptional training in orthopedic surgery. He received his training at The Mayo Clinic in Rochester and The University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Dr. Nwakama is board certified with the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and he is a fellow of American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons and also a member with the Arthroscopy Association of North America. Dr. Nwakama has completed research and publications in orthopedic sugery. He has been dedicated to the surrounding area for nearly two decades and provides a wide range of specialized orthopedic treatments. Dr, Nwakama has performed over 2,000 successful total joint replacements. Dr. Nwakama is committed to provide compassionate care to all his patients and excels when patients are fully recovered from their injury and/or surgery. Our patients are extremely satisfied with the care they receive at our surgery center. That's why our patients are our largest referral source.
We are a complete orthopedic center that provides patients individualized care from our orthopedic clinic to our high tech surgery center with the help of our specialized physical therapy. Dr. Nwakama and staff are committed to providing excellence in orthopedic care to the communities of southwest Minnesota.
Open MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a study that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed 3D images of the organs and tissues within your body. Our open MRI is the only open MRI in the surrounding southwest Minnesota area. It provides high quality diagnostic three dimensional imaging with patient comfort in mind. People prefer it over any other type of MRI due to having the sides completely open especially for claustrophobic patients. We perform all musculoskeletal exams and neurological exams. Most of the MRI's we perform are about 45 minutes in length. We have the images read by our highly skilled radiologists and Dr. Nwakama. Patients will follow up with Dr. Nwakama to discuss the MRI results within 34-48 hours following the procedure. Our trained technologists are extremely knowledgeable in their field and can help answer any questions or concerns you may have about MRI.
Nerve conduction studies
Nerve conduction studies are non-invasive diagnostic tests to evaluate the function and ability of electrical conduction of the motor and sensory nerves of the body. We can test multiple nerves in the extremities to test for several different types of nerve dysfunction. We place the electrode over the nerve to test its function, no needles involved. The test of each nerve last for less than a minute. We typically can accomplish testing all nerves involved the same day they were ordered by Dr. Nwakama. We have a specialized group of doctors located in the cities that review the tests. Dr. Nwakama reviews the findings and will follow up with the patients to go over the results within 24-hours following the exam. Dr. Nwakama can use his expertise from his training to treat any type of nerve damage that you may endure.
Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative medicine is the new technology in medicine to help after an injury involves a well-orchestrated and complex series of events where proteins in the blood act as messengers to regulate the entire process. Many proteins involved in the healing process are recovered from small fragments in the blood called platelets. Platelets are small, colorless cell fragments present in the blood. They are formed in the bone marrow and are freely passing through the bloodstream in a resting state. However, when an injury occurs, the platelets become activated and start to gather at the injury site to release beneficial proteins called growth factors. This is the beginning of the healing process.
For many years, blood components derived from the patient and then delivered to the site of injury have created growing interest for use in orthopedic procedures. New research and technology has expanded the application of this therapy for use in orthopedic procedures.
What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)?
PRP is a concentration of platelets and growth factors created from a small amount of your own blood. Increased levels of growth factors have the potential to improve signaling and recruitment of cells. This concentrated portion of the blood is often referred to as PRP.
How does the PRP process work?
Dr. Nwakama will collect a small amount of blood. This sample then goes through a rapid spinning process that separates and concentrates the platelets and other beneficial growth factors from blood. The entire PRP production process is done in less than 30 minutes.
Am I a candidate for treatment?
Speak with Dr. Nwakama and ask if this treatment is right for you. Your provider will perform an examination to decide if this therapy will benefit you. If you are taking anti-inflammatory medications or blood thinners, Dr. Nwakama may temporarily discontinue the use of these until your treatment has taken place.
What are the risks associated with this treatment?
Platelet therapy uses your body's own natural properties to treat your injury. Side effects from utilizing platelet treatments are very uncommon.
Will my insurance cover this procedure?
While PRP treatments have been around for many years, many insurance companies still consider this treatment experimental and deny coverage. Dr. Nwakama's office will contact your insurance company to confirm if they will cover this procedure. If your insurance will not cover the treatment, Dr. Nwakama may discuss other options with you.
Patient Services
Orthopedic Clinic
- Regenerative Medicine
- Open MRI
- Nerve Conduction Study
- X-Ray
- Customized Braces
- Customized Orthotics
- Durable Medical Equipment
You can also visit us
at our clinics in Dawson, MN for orthopedic treatment and care.