Anne Jones' Journey to Pain-Free Living with Dr. Terrell Joseph at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery
Anne Jones has been a dedicated patient at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON) for many years. When her long-time doctor retired, she found herself under the care of Dr. Terrell Joseph, a transition she now regards as a stroke of good fortune. Dr. Joseph’s personable and knowledgeable demeanor, coupled with his great sense of humor, immediately put Anne at ease.
Despite his warm personality, Dr. Joseph transforms into a highly focused and passionate professional when discussing surgery. Anne could see his genuine love for his work, which reassured her as she faced her first surgery with him.
Anne underwent a thumb surgery known as the 1st Carpometacarpal (CMC) Arthroplasty to treat severe arthritis in her thumb. The 1st CMC joint, located at the base of the thumb, allows for a wide range of motion. However, due to its high mobility, this joint is prone to developing osteoarthritis over time from wear and tear.
Dr. Joseph took the time to educate Anne on the procedure, and prepare her for the surgery, ensuring she felt informed and comfortable. At her two-week follow-up appointment, Anne was thrilled with her progress. “At my two-week follow-up, I was doing so well,” she recalls. Now, five weeks post-surgery, she is diligently doing physical therapy at home.
What Anne appreciates most about Dr. Joseph is his conservative approach. He did not rush to suggest surgery; instead, he tried various treatments, including injections, to manage her pain. “He is not someone to immediately suggest surgery,” Anne explains. “He was giving me injections in my thumb, but the intervals were getting shorter, so we decided to move forward with surgery to eliminate the pain.” Thanks to this thoughtful approach, Anne no longer experiences arthritis pain. While she reported some tenderness around the surgical site, she is making excellent progress. Anne is currently wearing a removable cast, which she will continue to use for the next six weeks as part of her recovery process.
Anne's experience at VSON, particularly with Dr. Joseph, has been exceptional. She recalls her time at Dillon Surgery Center, where the staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating, making her surgical experience straightforward and stress-free. Living in Silverthorne, Anne finds the VSON’s Frisco practice efficiency and the staff's friendliness to be invaluable. “The practice in general is very well run. I never have to wait long, and everyone is very friendly,” Anne says. “I always get answers the same day.”
Anne’s journey with Dr. Terrell Joseph at VSON has been nothing short of excellent. From his engaging personality and expertise to the seamless surgical experience and compassionate care, Anne feels fortunate to have Dr. Joseph and the entire VSON team on her side, helping her live a pain-free and active life.
There are no guarantees of outcome. All surgeries involve the risk of major complications. Before you decide on surgery, discuss treatment options with your doctor. Understanding the risks of each treatment can help you make the best decision for your individual situation. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits. Only your doctor can determine the appropriate treatment for your situation. The clinical information and opinions, including any inaccuracies expressed in this material by patients or doctor are not necessarily those of Terrell Joseph, MD and should not be considered as substitute for medical advice provided by your doctor.