Somatic Nerve Block near Savannah, GA

Biography: When I decided to specialize in elbow and shoulder surgery, I wanted to understand much more than just the basics. That's why I received fellowship training in elbow and shoulder surgery, and then became a visiting professor at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. There, I studied the most advanced techniques for the treatment of complex elbow problems. \n I enjoy clinical research and have stayed involved with it throughout my career. My patients benefit from my involvement in cutting-edge research and training on the most advanced technology available. That includes minimally invasive and arthroscopic techniques. These can address complex elbow and shoulder problems with minimal incisions and shorter recovery times. In cases where minimally invasive surgery is not indicated, I also complete complex reconstruction and shoulder replacement procedures. In some cases, I use advanced imaging to build anatomically correct joint replacement prosthetics. I believe every patient deserves a treatment plan that makes the most sense for their lifestyle and meets their treatment goals.

Biography: Having a hip or knee replaced can be a big decision, and can have a huge impact on your level of physical activity. Knowing how life-changing these procedures can be, I have devoted my career to hip and knee replacement surgery, including minimally invasive robot-assisted methods. I want every patient to realize less pain and more mobility as easily as possible. That's why I also work with other orthopedic surgeons, training them on the latest orthopedic surgery methods and technology. \n I want my patients to know that I am compassionate and completely dedicated to serving them. From my first 14 years in practice in Hickory, North Carolina, to my role here in the Lowcountry now, I have focused on listening to my patients, understanding their needs and presenting them with unique treatment plans to meet their goals.

Care Philosophy: At Optim Orthopedics, we know you're not yourself when even just one part of you is hurt. Because in orthopedics, everything is connected: bones, joints, ligaments, and cartilage. We're connected too. Our doctors cover every bone in the body and we work together as a team for our patients. We call our approach - Combined Strength, and we use it to get you back to you.

Biography: Dr. Levit completed specialty training in hand and upper extremity surgery at the Curtis National Hand Center, a prestigious program in Baltimore, Maryland, designated by Congress as The National Center for the Treatment of the Hand and Upper Extremity. Dr. Levit is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and has received a Certificate of Added Qualification in hand surgery.Dr. Levit utilizes the most advanced minimally invasive procedures to treat common upper extremity conditions, in addition to many common general orthopaedic problems and conditions. Most of his procedures are performed on an outpatient basis under regional anesthesia, allowing for a more pleasant surgical experience.Dr. Levit also provides specialized medical care for many of the area's collegiate and high school athletes. His goal is for his patients to resume their normal level of activity and participation in sports as quickly and painlessly as possible, while providing a relaxed, caring medical setting.

Biography: Brent A. Ponce, MD, graduated summa cum laude with an undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Cincinnati, and graduated medical school from the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, TN. He completed his surgical internship from Wright State at Wright Patterson AFB. His orthopaedic surgery residency, as well as a shoulder fellowship was completed at Harvard Medical School. He then served in the military as a flight surgeon before becoming an orthopaedic surgeon, where he was stationed at the Air Force Academy. He served as the team physician for the mens basketball program and was deployed overseas for a tour in Kirkuk, Iraq. Dr. Ponce is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Association, American Shoulder and Elbow Society, and Interurban Orthopaedic Society. He is the Chair of Research at the Hughston Foundation and the Chair and Founder of the Collaborative of Orthopaedic Educational Research Group (COERG). Academically, Dr. Ponce has published in over 100 peer-reviewed scientific journals and authored chapters for medical textbooks. He also serves on the editorial boards of several well-known medical journals as referee. Further, Dr. Ponce presents his research at international and national meetings, and has won awards for his investigative studies, publications, and presentations at state, regional, and international levels. During his career, he has held academic appointments at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, to include Vice Chairman of Clinical Affairs and Professor for the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery as well as Director of the Orthopaedic Research Fellowship and Director of Orthopaedic Specialties Institute Skills Lab. Dr. Ponce will continue his research through the Hughston Foundation. He also plans to mentor sports medicine fellows and surgical residents through Hughstons fellowship and residency programs. Dr. Ponce is also the Chairman of Research at the Hughston Foundation, and is leading the Hughston Orthopaedic Research Fellowship for Medical Students. Dr. Ponce specializes in shoulder, knee, sports medicine, total joint replacement, and general orthopaedics. He is especially interested in biomechanics, ligamentous injuries, and the development of surgical instruments, techniques, and implant designs for the shoulder and knee.

Biography: Dr. Douglas Scott is an orthopedic surgeon and a fellowship-trained subspecialist. His expertise focuses on the shoulder and elbow, including the sports medicine, trauma, minimally-invasive arthroscopy, replacement, and complex reconstruction aspects of these joints. He earned an undergraduate degree from Clemson University and attended medical school at the Medical University of South Carolina, in Charleston. He then completed his orthopedic surgery residency at St. Luke's/Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York City, affiliated with Columbia University. Additional training during his residency included service at the DuPont Institute for pediatric orthopedics, and Memorial Sloan Kettering for orthopedic oncology. Dr. Scott further completed the prestigious orthopedic shoulder and elbow fellowship at Brown University, focusing on the upper extremity including shoulder resurfacing, total shoulder and reverse total shoulder replacement, as well as advanced minimally-invasive techniques of shoulder and elbow arthroscopy. Most of his colleagues and mentors from the fellowship have continued to perform research and help patients at Brown, and one of his fellowship directors is now the Chief of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery at Yale University. Dr. Scott is a board-certified diplomate of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He is also a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and a member of numerous other professional orthopedic and medical societies. He has authored peer-reviewed journal publications and academic book chapters for orthopedic surgery. This includes being the lead author for a shoulder chapter in the 2020 edition of Orthopedic Knowledge Update:Shoulder and Elbow 5, a research-based text designed for orthopedic surgeon education, published by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Dr. Scott has performed hundreds of shoulder and elbow surgeries annually since beginning practice in the Lowcountry in 2012, and has recently been voted "Best Orthopedist" by local residents in our local magazine. Dr. Scott is an avid reader and golfer, and enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons.

Biography: I grew up helping my father, who was a veterinarian. After a short time in veterinarian school, I realized my real desire was to take care of the pets' owners. I love working with my hands and building things, so orthopedic surgery was a natural fit. \n In 2013 I performed the first robotic partial total knee and total hip in the state of South Carolina. The advancement of technology has allowed us to perform almost 100% robotic total knee replacements. According to industry data, I am one of the leading robotic-assisted surgeons in the state and the number one robotic partial knee surgeon in Charleston, South Carolina. \n My specialized fellowship training and years of experience in joint preservation, including shoulder and knee arthroscopy, cartilage transfer and ligament reconstruction, allows me to confidently take on complex orthopedic cases. I also have extensive experience in joint reconstruction of the hip, knee and shoulder, including muscle-sparing direct anterior hip replacements, and outpatient joint replacement surgery. \n My broad training also includes ortho-biologics and regenerative medicine. I perform platelet-rich plasma injections as well as stem cell injections to help patients recover from injury or disease without surgery. My ultimate goal is to glorify God by taking excellent care of orthopedic patients.