ADVANCEMENTS IN ORTHOPEDIC MEDICINE 

Dr. Sean Wilkinson, DO

Orthopedic injuries are more common than people realize. A sore shoulder, torn ACL, or a stretched ligament are some of the most frequently reported injuries.

A torn rotator cuff in the shoulder can occur at any time and may be caused by simple wear and tear.

With over 50% of the population over the age of 70 experiencing some degree of shoulder discomfort, it’s easy to understand how important the role of orthopedic medicine really is.

Advancements in Orthopedic Medicine

One of the latest advancements in Orthopedic Medicine is the bioinductive implant by Smith and Nephew called Regeneten.

This patch is unique in many ways. It is ideal for both partial and full-thickness rotator cuff tears, as well as many other injuries that involve torn tendon and ligament damage.

Once the patch is put in place, it will support the growth of new connective tissue. Over a period of a few months, the patch will begin to break down and be absorbed by the body leaving behind new, healthier tissue.

Compared to older techniques, the use of the patch allows for faster healing and fewer failures, especially when it comes to rotator cuff repairs. Instead of large incisions that have been used in the past, the procedure is minimally invasive allowing Dr. Wilkinson to apply the patch by making a few poke hole incisions.

The smaller incisions mean less tissue damage that must heal, less pain, and a quicker, more effective healing process. This is ideal for older patients who may have trouble healing and getting back into the swing of their normal routine.

The use of the bioinductive patch makes it possible for patients to regain their mobility much faster allowing them to return to their day-to-day activities much sooner.

Dr. Sean Wilkinson is an orthopaedic surgery sports medicine specialist who has been working in his field for over ten years, taking his love of sports a step further. As a former baseball, swimming, crew, and rugby athlete, he has seen his share of injuries.

It’s this love of sports and his commitment to helping others that guided him down the path to his current career. Born and raised in South Jersey, he spent his summers at the beaches near Atlantic County, New Jersey. He even worked as a lifeguard for several summers.

Dr. Wilkinson completed his medical training and spent his residency at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He earned his Fellowship in Sports Medicine at Beacon Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.

During his residency, he was able to work with several teams in professional sports, including those based in Philadelphia. He also had the opportunity to work with the Cincinnati Reds when completing his fellowship. In addition to the professional teams, Dr. Wilkinson also worked with high school and college athletes.

As with any sport, he witnessed many of his teammates incur injuries. These experiences gave him insight into the type of care athletes look for in an orthopedic physician and surgeon. It was during these years, that he began to realize the importance of quality patient care. It also showed him how imperative it was to be able to offer the latest advancements technology had to offer.

Dr. Wilkinson is one of several specialists at Premier Health Associates. As a multi-specialty group, Premier Health Associates offers several different types of care. Primary physicians will often refer their patients to this talented group of doctors who always put their patients’ care as their first priority. Dr. Wilkinson’s specialty is orthopaedic surgery with a strong focus on sports medicine.

Each doctor involved in the group has their own unique specialty to offer their patients. One thing that is common throughout every practice at the facility is the commitment to quality patient care.

Dr. Wilkinson, along with his colleagues, is continually looking for new ways to provide their patients with the care they deserve. Improving each patient’s quality of life is high on their list of priorities. They often work together to ensure that each patient’s needs are met.

Working together ensures that the patient receives the care they need when they need it. When it comes to Dr. Wilkinson and his colleagues, patients are the top priority of everyone at Premier Health Associates.