Orthopedic Care
Orthopedic pain and injuries can make everyday life harder. You may have knee pain when you climb stairs, a shoulder that won't let you sleep or back pain that limits how you move. At Wood County Hospital, our orthopedic specialists provide comprehensive orthopedic care and orthopedic surgery for patients of all ages, with treatment plans tailored to your condition, goals and activity level.
From sports medicine and joint replacement to spine surgery and trauma care, you'll have access to experienced surgeons, advanced techniques and a care team focused on helping you move with more confidence now and long-term.
Explore Joint Replacement Seminars
About Our Orthopedic Services
Orthopedic services focus on diagnosing and treating conditions that affect your bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and spine. Not every orthopedic problem requires surgery. Many patients improve with guided non-surgical treatment first (like physical therapy, injections, bracing or activity modifications). When surgery is the right next step, our surgeons use modern approaches that support precision, mobility and recovery.
Common conditions we treat include:
- Joint pain and arthritis (knee, hip, shoulder, ankle)
- Sports injuries (including ACL tears and other ligament/tendon injuries)
- Back and neck conditions (including scoliosis and nerve-related pain)
- Hand, wrist and upper extremity conditions
- Foot and ankle issues (including bunions)
- Fractures, trauma and injury-related damage
Orthopedic services at Wood County Hospital include:
Why Choose Wood County Hospital for Orthopedic Care?
Choosing where to receive orthopedic care matters—especially if you’re considering orthopedic surgery. Patients choose our program for a combination of experience, specialized training and advanced technology, backed by a team that prioritizes safety and strong outcomes.
What sets our orthopedic program apart:
- Decades of expertise delivering orthopedic care and surgical treatment
- Fellow-trained surgeons with specialized experience (including spine surgery and joint replacement)
- State-of-the-art technology and advanced techniques to support precision
- A personalized approach to help you return to the activities that matter most to you
▶️ Innovative Care - Dr. Drew Nowakowski Explores Ultrasound Treatments
Advanced Orthopedic & Spine Solutions
Wood County Hospital offers advanced orthopedic and spine solutions designed to support precision, safety and long-term outcomes. Explore each area below to learn more about specific procedures and treatment options.
What to Expect
Knowing what happens next can ease a lot of the stress that comes with orthopedic pain or the possibility of surgery.
Before Your Visit
- Schedule an appointment and share your symptoms, history and goals
- Bring a list of medications, prior imaging (if you have it) and questions
- You may be referred for imaging (X-ray/MRI) or labs depending on your visit type
During Your Appointment
- Your provider will evaluate your symptoms, range of motion and function
- You’ll review imaging (if needed) and discuss diagnosis and treatment options
- If surgery is recommended, you’ll talk through benefits, risks, timelines and next steps
Aftercare & Follow-Up
- Many conditions improve with non-surgical care first (therapy, injections, bracing, rehab)
- If surgery is part of your plan, your team will provide recovery instructions and follow-up scheduling
- You may work with physical or occupational therapy to rebuild strength, mobility and confidence
Meet Our Orthopedic Care Team
Our orthopedic & sports medicine team includes surgeons and specialists who work together to guide your care from diagnosis through recovery. Care may include orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, therapy, imaging and ongoing follow-up.
Your Orthopedic Care Team includes:
- Thomas Andreshak, MD — Spine Surgery, Orthopedics
- Andrew Z Blankenship, DO — Spine Surgery, Orthopedics
- Osama Elattar, MD — Ankle & Shoulder Replacement, Orthopedics, Sports Medicine
- Merrill L. Gladden Jr., MD — Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery
- Carlos E Gomez, MD — Joint Replacement, Orthopedics, Sports Medicine
- Drew Nowakowski, DO — Primary Care/Sports Medicine
- Patrick Siparsky, MD — Knee and Shoulder, Joint Preservation & Cartilage Injuries, Sports Medicine
- Kyle McKray Smith, DPM, FACFAS — Foot and Ankle Surgery
- Abbie Joy, MPAS, PA-C — Sports Medicine, Orthopedics
- Daniel Trumball, PA-C — General Orthopedic Physician Assistant
Meet the Full Orthopedic Care Team
Related Services
Depending on your needs, your orthopedic plan may include support from other Wood County Hospital services such as:
Schedule an Appointment
If you’re ready to talk with an orthopedic specialist — or you want a second opinion — our team is here to help.
Wood County Advanced Orthopaedics
Our orthopedic team specializes in sports medicine, joint replacement and spine surgery. If you require comprehensive surgery or trauma care, Wood County Advanced Orthopaedics can provide the full-scale support you need.
960 W. Wooster, Suite 116
Bowling Green, OH 43402
Falcon Sports Medicine & Orthopedics
If you're a student or faculty member at BGSU or a resident in the surrounding community coping with a work, overuse or sports injury, you can come to the Falcon Health Center for minor orthopedic treatment.
838 E. Wooster
Bowling Green, OH 43402
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions do orthopedic specialists treat?
Orthopedic specialists treat conditions affecting the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and spine such as arthritis, sports injuries, fractures, back and neck issues and hand/foot problems.
When should I see an orthopedic doctor or surgeon?
If pain, stiffness, weakness or an injury is limiting your movement, sleep, work or daily activities—or if symptoms aren’t improving with rest and basic care—it’s a good time to schedule a visit.
What is the difference between orthopedic surgery and non-surgical treatments?
Non-surgical care may include physical therapy, injections, bracing, medications and activity changes. Orthopedic surgery is considered when those options aren’t enough or when imaging and symptoms show surgery is the best path to restore function and reduce pain.
How long does recovery take after orthopedic surgery?
Recovery varies based on the procedure, your overall health, and how closely rehab instructions are followed. Your surgeon will explain typical milestones (walking, driving, returning to work/activities) and what support you’ll have during recovery.
What is sports medicine, and who is it for?
Sports medicine focuses on preventing and treating injuries from physical activity. It's for anyone active — not just competitive athletes. If pain or injury is keeping you from the activities you enjoy, a sports medicine specialist can help.
How soon should I see a sports medicine doctor after an injury?
Schedule an appointment promptly if you have sudden swelling, instability, a "pop" at the time of injury or pain that doesn't improve after a few days of rest. Early evaluation helps prevent minor injuries from becoming chronic.