As a retired Administrative Assistant to the President and Chairman of Bankers Trust Company/Deutsche Bank in New York for 47 years, I’m quite familiar with receiving many complaint letters. It was always a refreshing change when someone took the time to sit down and write a complimentary note. This letter is my humble attempt at sending a note of praise to you, your assistants and the health care professionals of University Orthopedic Associates.
Two years ago, I was diagnosed with an injured bursa and suffered with constant hip pain. Cortisone injections, multiple visits to a Chiropractor, and an acupuncturist couldn’t make a dent. I finally cried “uncle” and am convinced that it was through Divine intervention, that I was able to make an appointment with you. At our initial meeting, I didn’t even have to delve into details of my pain-you described it to me perfectly. Your professionalism, courtesy, knowledge and thorough explanation of what exactly was causing my on-going problems and how you were going to fix it-no question about that-was inspiring. Your confidence and enthusiasm was contagious. Your patience was remarkable even after my husband peppered you with hundreds of questions on what types of “tools” you were going to use and wanted to hear all about the gory details of the procedure. Thankfully, you have a great sense of humor and an overabundance of patience. On February 11, 2019, I underwent total hip replacement. Outpatient Rehabilitation Network Meridian At Home Care provided excellent home skilled nursing and physical therapy throughout my recovery period. After two days with a walker and a few days on a cane, I was able to walk into my post-op appointment on Feb. 26 can free and almost pain-free! While I have several weeks of out-patient PT to navigate, I have no doubt that I will make a full recovery “without restrictions.”
I am very grateful that I had the good fortune to have you as my surgeon along with your team of knowledgeable healthcare professionals. Fortunate also to have excellent care at Jersey Shore. It just goes to prove one does not need to travel into New York to receive “top drawer,” gold standard health care. It’s right here in our own backyard. Many thanks to you and your staff for generously helping those of us in need.
One sunny November 2017 morning, my husband was painting the outside of our home on an extension ladder. To make a long story short, the ladder collapsed and he fell one way and the ladder went the other way and hit me as I was standing on our front porch. In a split second, I was on the ground and quickly realized that I was in big trouble. We were transported to Jersey Shore Medical Center, and the next day, Dr. William Baione was called in to repair my extensive injuries, which consisted of two broken femurs and a broken right hip. Since I had previous hip surgeries, I knew I was in for a long recovery. After Dr. Baione explained my injuries and told me of his plan for the surgeries I required, my angst and trepidation was eased. His bedside manner, calm demeanor and obvious compassion were remarkable. After ten days at Jersey Shore and eight weeks at a rehab facility, I was able to return home, walking with assistance. Every appointment with Dr. Baione was positive and informative. He carefully explained my plan of care, and every milestone of my recovery was recognized and celebrated. I was able to return to work less than three months later. Although I am still recovering, I am back to a “new normal”. I am the Director of Curriculum and Instruction at a small specialized health sciences high school in New Brunswick. The mission of our school is to assist students from underrepresented communities aspire to careers in healthcare. During one of our conversations, Dr. Baione volunteered to come to speak to our students about his career as an orthopedic surgeon and his life story of perseverance, hard work, and success. He was able to relate to our students in a personal way, as he was raised by a single mother in an inner city neighborhood. Our students and staff were completely blown away by his brilliance, honesty, humility and awesomeness!! They say that “every cloud has a silver lining”. The accident was the cloud but meeting this incredible surgeon and human being was the silver lining. I am eternally grateful to Dr. Baione and his staff for the wonderful care I received at University Orthopaedic Associates.
“Following the surgery, I told Dr. Baione I wanted to get my strength back. He told me I was in great shape and that I could get in even better shape.” Two weeks after the procedure, she started physical therapy. Recovery pain was minimal, and by eight weeks, she was back to her full-time activities. Read Anne’s Story.
My outpatient therapy for knee replacement lasted two months with UOA.
It was sometimes demanding and exhausting but I made steady progress in a friendly patient atmosphere. Thank you Dino.
I wanted to take the time to write this testimonial because I felt it was the very least I could do to thank Dr. Kayiaros and his PA, Lauren Stull, for all they did for me! I will be forever grateful to them for giving me my mobility back. In early October 2017, I had the anterior approach left hip replacement surgery.
Five years earlier, I had the posterior approach on my right hip by a different doctor (now retired) and what a difference in my pain level, my recovery and my immediate mobility because of the anterior approach and Dr. K’s skill.
I would suggest the anterior approach to anyone for whom it’s viable! I was discharged from the hospital the next day after the surgery and was a little tentative but I was able to walk to my bedroom, that night, to the second floor! In home P.T. started the following day and lasted two weeks until outpatient PT. Even still, I was able to get around in my home very well and the pain was very tolerable. I do have a high tolerance for pain but this was SO much less pain than with the posterior approach.
From the moment, my wife and I went to UOA, we really loved it. You will notice a huge difference like we did. The entire process of paperwork, scheduling of appointments, pre-surgery paperwork, the surgery, etc., is managed SO well. It’s really unlike any other doctor’s office I’ve been to. Of course, having surgery and preparing for it, can be very stressful. UOA took that stress away.
In addition, we had a few questions prior to the surgery and ALWAYS received a prompt call back from Dr. K’s efficient PAA (who’s name escapes me right now but she was wonderful too). This office is a well-oiled machine!!
It is now three months past my surgery and I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome. I am so glad that I found such a wonderful surgeon to relief all the pain I was suffering with. I’m back to being out and about and able to enjoy life and walking without pain any more.
Lauren was also very compassionate and kind. She gives you all the time needed to ask/answer questions and you don’t feel rushed in any way while in their offices.
I am so pleased with my outcome and it’s my pleasure to recommend and suggest that you contact Dr. Kayiaros’ office if needed!!
Had a hip replacement done in June of 2016. Â Dr. Kayiaros was my surgeon and he was great. Â I never had a bit of pain after the surgery because of his use of the Anterior approach to the operation. Â Have spoken with friends and acquaintances who had the surgery done in the older posterior way who had pain throughout the recovery.
At the time, it didn’t seem like such a bad fall. I was able to quickly get back to my feet. The pain in my elbow was really bad and the swollen nature if the dislocation was such that I didn’t even notice the pain in my hip. Over the next week or so, as treatment on the elbow had begun, I begin to notice more and more pain in my right hip and had developed a significant limp.
The initial diagnosis of the hip was a minor fracture of the acetabulum. Physical therapy was the prescribed treatment. After months of PT, it was not getting any better. In fact, the pain was increasing and motion was becoming more restricted. Injections of the hip did not produce any better results. Eventually, the diagnosis came back that the injury to the hip produced a significant onset on existing Osteoarthritis. Before the injury, I never knew the arthritis was present. A total hip replacement was the only answer.
The doctor I was seeing was very good. However, he only did posterior surgery. From what I was able to learn, the anterior approach was the much better way to go. “Everyone” was recommending I travel to Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in NYC. Not being a fan of dealing with travel into the city, not to mention the cost of a trip, I searched for a doctor in my area (Somerset, NJ).
My search led me to Dr. Stephen Kayiaros at University Orthopaedic Associates, right in my town. The fact he had trained at HSS led me to call for an appointment immediately. At my first appointment he confirmed the diagnosis and determined I was a good candidate for outpatient surgery. I must say that I was completely impressed by his knowledge and how he carried himself (despite his very youthful appearance, he knows his stuff!).
The day of the surgery came. I was in surgery at 7:30am and back in my own home by noon. The incision was minimal. The recovery went extremely well. Very quickly I was back to my pre-injury self. My range of motion with the right hip is great. To be able to do the “little things” like putting on my shoes and socks without pain or effort is wonderful.
It’s only been six months but I am very pleased with the results. Dr. Kayiaros and all the staff have been great! From the receptionist when you first walk in the door, to his Physician’s Assistant, to the nurses, to the x-ray technicians, to the insurance specialist, to his assistant who scheduled my surgery, all the way to the final desk… everyone was pleasant and great to deal with, I am very pleased with them all and highly recommend them.
Dr. Kayiaros is an amazing surgeon! He is kind, listens, and addresses all your concerns. My hip replacement went as smoothly as Dr. Kayiaros explained, even better. Several years ago I had my other hip replaced by a different surgeon using the Posterior approach. It was truly barbaric in comparison to the Anterior approach that Dr. Kayiaros performed. With the posterior approach my recovery was 12-16 weeks, a lot of Physical Therapy, tons of restrictions, a lot of pain, loss of muscle in my thigh, and a huge scar.
With Dr. Kayiaros and Anterior Approach I was back to work full time in 4 weeks, there was really no Physical Therapy and the pain was minimal. There was no restrictions. There is No muscle loss, and the scar is very small.
I thank Dr. Kayiaros and University Orthopedics with all my heart and recommend them highly!
June 21st this year, I had TKR Surgery – left Knee (Dr. Harwood) Did Pre/Lim Home Therapy after short Hospital stay. Mid July started Outpatient Physical Therapy at Somerset UOA with Lynn Ust as primary.
By the first half of September my progress was extraordinarily successful..! was very comfortable, resumed driving and performed many of my daily activities in a normal fashion. This September 20th , Back again to RWJ ( Dr. Harwood) for a TKR on my Right Knee. Plan is to return to UOA Somerset for Physical Therapy. Here also I expect excellent results.
My History with UOA goes back 40 + years , seven Ortho procedures/surgeries. (I tend to be a bit active) They have the very best caring, competent, skilled, office, medical and physical therapy staff in their profession.
I had a total knee joint replacement performed by Dr. Harwood, followed by physical therapy with Mohammed and Lynn. I can’t say enough about the wonderful care I received from start to finish from all of the people at UOA. Mohammed and Lynn were my physical therapists and they were very encouraging, professional, and knowledgeable. My surgery was 12 weeks ago and I feel like a new person with a new life ahead of me. I highly recommend the UOA physical therapists for those who are recovering from total knee joint replacement.