Central Maine Healthcare

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Awards and Accreditations: Orthopedic Care

At the Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine (OICM) and Central Maine Healthcare Orthopedics (CMHO), we believe the people of central and western Maine deserve to receive top-quality orthopedic care without having to travel long distances. You will receive the highest level of care — the level you would expect in large metropolitan hospitals — close to home.

We’re proud to have earned numerous accreditations and distinctions from national and regional organizations. These groups recognize that the care professionals on our orthopedic team provide excellent, supportive care to all our patients.

Blue Distinction® Center for Knee and Hip Surgery

In honor of our clinical expertise and quality of care, we have been designated a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement Surgery by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine. Blue Distinction Centers are recognized for demonstrating expertise and reliability in quality special care on a consistent basis, resulting in better overall outcomes for patients.

The designation is based on rigorous, evidence-based selection criteria established in collaboration with expert provider and medical organization recommendations. To be designated as a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement, our program was evaluated on a range of specific criteria, including quality of care, experience and training of surgeons, clinical outcomes, patient support services and multidisciplinary work.

Blue Distinction Centers and Blue Distinction Centers+ for knee and hip replacement have demonstrated expertise in total knee and total hip replacement surgeries. These centers have lower complication rates and fewer hospital readmissions.

Access the provider directory of Blue Distinction Centers or Blue Distinction Centers+ designated providers for knee and hip replacement. Review the program selection criteria.

Blue Distinction® Center for Spine Surgery (BDC)

Central Maine Healthcare Orthopedics has been designated a Blue Distinction Center for Spine Surgery (BDC) by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine. Blue Distinction Centers are recognized for demonstrating expertise and reliability in quality special care on a consistent basis, resulting in better overall outcomes for patients.

Blue Distinction Centers and Blue Distinction Centers+ for spine surgery provide comprehensive spine surgery services, including laminectomy/discectomy, fusion and decompression procedures for cervical and lumbar spine. These centers have lower readmission rates and fewer reoperations.

Access the provider directory of Blue Distinction Centers or Blue Distinction Centers+ designated providers for spine surgery. Review the program selection criteria.

Cigna Center of Excellence Joint Replacement (Hip Replacement, Knee Replacement)

For each surgical procedure and medical condition Cigna evaluates, hospitals can receive a score of up to three stars (*) for patient outcomes and up to three stars for cost-efficiency measures. Hospitals that attain at least five stars total – three stars for patient outcomes plus two stars for cost efficiency OR three stars for cost efficiency plus two stars for patient outcomes – receive the Cigna Healthcare COE designation for that procedure or condition.

Aetna – Institutes of Quality (IOQ) Network Total Joint Replacement

The facilities in Aetna’s Institutes of Quality (IOQ) Orthopedic Care Network have met their quality requirements. They do many procedures and have shown clear clinical results. These standards provide value and quality to our members.

View more Central Maine Healthcare Awards and Accreditations

Spine Care

Where We Practice:

Central Maine Healthcare Orthopedics
690 Minot Avenue, Auburn
Phone: 207-783-1328
Office Hours: Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.

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Central Maine Healthcare Spine Care is a leader in minimally invasive spine surgery and image-guided surgical techniques. We are the regional referral center for surgical and non-surgical spinal disorder treatments, including the latest in advanced therapies for treating acute and chronic neck and back pain.

Most individuals with spine conditions do not need surgery to get better. When a thorough exam and diagnosis has been made, we work with you to create a customized care plan, first using non-surgical solutions such as spine-specialized physical therapy, injections and medications. When non-operative treatments of back pain or neck pain don’t offer adequate relief, your provider may recommend spine surgery.

Spine Conditions We Treat

Herniated disc
Spinal stenosis
Spondylolisthesis		Scoliosis
Spinal tumors and fractures
Degenerative disc disease		Nerve pain
Radiculopathy
Sciatica (pinched nerve – radiating arm and leg pain)

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Our surgeons are fellowship trained in modern, minimally invasive spine surgery and cutting-edge image-guided technologies to perform your surgery with greater precision, fewer complications, and faster recovery. Minimally invasive procedures allow many patients to have their surgery in the morning and be home later the same day to recover in their own homes. This is because, in minimally invasive spine surgery, a smaller incision is made, sometimes only a half inch in length. The surgeon inserts special surgical instruments through these tiny incisions to access the damaged area in the spine. Entry and repair to the damaged disc or vertebrae are achieved without harming nearby muscles and tissue.

While this type of surgery requires highly specialized training and experience to master the use of the tools, it affords tremendous benefits to the patient. The incision is smaller, the hospital stay is shorter, and recovery is quicker and less painful.

A Non-Surgical Approach

The CMH Spine Care team includes board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors, also known as physiatrists. Physiatrists specialize in treating joint, tendon, ligament, and muscle injuries.

Many of our patients who have a spine injury but are not ready or a candidate for surgery, typically consult with a physiatrist to discuss the full range of treatment options available to them. Our physiatrists utilize advanced diagnostic tests such as electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies to more accurately understand the cause of your problems.

If indicated, we may prescribe an injection to relieve your pain symptoms and help you bridge into therapy and perhaps back to a full recovery. A spinal injection can also reveal important diagnostic information about your problem and how best to treat it. Spine injections are performed in our on-site Ambulatory Surgery Center, in a room with a C-arm imaging system which enables the provider to position the pain-relieving medication to a specific location.  These procedures generally take about 30 minutes.

State-of-the-Art Spine Care Center

CMH Spine Care is a state-of-the-art spine center equipped and organized to deliver a level of back, neck, and spine care unmatched in the central Maine area.  Individuals receiving treatment here at CMH Spine Care benefit from a comprehensive suite of first-class resources – all under one roof and just minutes from home.

  • Evaluation by board-certified non-surgical and surgical providers
  • Spine-trained clinical staff
  • Spine diagnostics (EMG/Nerve Conduction Studies)
  • Xray and rapid access to advanced imaging
  • Spine-specialized physical therapy
  • Ambulatory Surgery Center for same-day surgical care

Meet Our Spine Care Team

Keith Lyons, MD, Orthopedics
Michael Regan, MD, Orthopedics
Matthew McLaughlin, MD, Orthopedics
Cynthia Richards, MD, Orthopedics
Angela Michalka, PA-C Orthopedics
Kayleigh Deschaine, Spine Care Coordinator

Orthopedic Conditions We Treat

Whether you’re dealing with a recent injury or chronic condition, you don’t have to live with pain.

The Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine (OICM) offers nationally recognized care for all types of problems affecting the joints, bones, muscles and tendons. Our multi-skilled team – including board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons, specially trained nurses, physical therapists and more – work closely together and with you to create a custom treatment plan.

Here, you’ll find a full continuum of care, from advanced diagnostic imaging to rehabilitation and other nonsurgical options. If surgery is your best solution, we offer some of the most minimally invasive techniques available, including the latest in total and partial joint replacement for less pain and faster recovery.

So whether you want to run a marathon or just enjoy a pain-free routine, know that world-class care is right here in the heart of Maine.

Joint Replacement

If you’re suffering with stiff and painful joints, even small tasks can feel like monumental challenges. And while medication or physical therapy may help ease your pain, sometimes surgery may be your best solution for long-term relief.

At Central Maine Healthcare, our board-certified, fellowship trained surgeons specialize in joint replacement of the hips, knees and shoulders – all common, highly successful treatments for people living with severe pain caused by arthritis, injury or other joint-related conditions.

Joint replacement procedures involve removing damaged bone and cartilage and implanting a state-of-the-art mechanical joint, which can restore your freedom and quality of life. Our team of experts will guide you through every step of your journey, from prehab to recovery – ensuring you recover quickly.

Relief Starts with Central Maine Healthcare’s Joint Replacement Specialists

Our joint replacement program has brought life-changing relief to hundreds of men and women throughout our Lewiston, Bridgton and Rumford communities. We’re here to do the same for you through:

Full Range of Options

Your surgeon will work closely with you to find the right procedure, depending on the severity of your condition and your unique needs and preferences. In addition to total joint replacement, we also partial joint replacement and joint repair and reconstruction, along with nonsurgical treatments like injections.

Better Precision, Less Incision

Orthopedic surgeons at Central Maine Healthcare are trained in some of the most sophisticated techniques and technology available in joint replacement. We offer the latest, most minimally invasive options like anterior hip replacement, a muscle-sparing alternative to traditional hip replacement. For you, this may mean often significantly less pain and blood loss, fewer complications, a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery.

Total Support for the Journey

We know joint replacement surgery can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve thoughtfully designed our Core Connect Care™ program, which keeps you with the same surgeon, providers and nurses through every appointment. Every step of your journey is highly coordinated, starting with pre-surgery educational class so you know just what to expect before, during and after your procedure. We’ll then guide you seamlessly through surgery, physical therapy and life with your new joint.

Along the way, you’ll also have the support of your own multi-skilled team, including a personal nurse navigator to coordinate all your care, answer questions and provide extra support whenever you need it.

Faster Rehab and Recovery

With our specially designed program, plus the latest implant technology and surgical techniques, our patients spend less time in the hospital and in postoperative rehabilitation. Working one-on-one with a physical therapist, you may be up and walking the same day as surgery and back home in as little as 24 hours.

Orthopedic Excellence, Close to Home

The Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine offers locations near where you live and work – so you never had to travel far to find the world-class care you need:

  • Central Maine Medical Center – Lewiston, Maine
  • Bridgton Hospital – Bridgton, Maine
  • Rumford Hospital – Rumford, Maine

Why Choose Us: Orthopedics

Bone, joint or muscle pain can really hurt – especially when they keep you from what you love. We’ve helped thousands of people throughout central and western Maine find life-changing relief, and can do the same for you through:

Award-Winning Care

OICM has earned several elite distinctions, including the Gold Seal of Approval® from the Joint Commission for total hip, knee and shoulder replacement, as well as hip fracture care. That means you don’t need to travel to Portland or Boston for orthopedic excellence – you’ll find the highest, national standards of safety and care right here in your hometown.

Innovative Approach to Your Care

A key component to our success is the multidisciplinary care approach we’ve developed. We call it Core Connect Care℠, and it is the only program of its kind in Maine. On your initial visit, you’ll be paired with your own dedicated team, which may include your surgeon, specially trained nurses, physical therapists and other specialists, depending on your unique needs. These friendly, familiar faces will be with you at every step, creating a close connection and circle of care. Our aim is to make your experience as productive and stress-free as possible.

Outstanding Patient Results

Find extra peace of mind knowing that we consistently score higher than the national average of orthopedic facilities and hospitals. Our patients go home sooner, recover faster and report a higher level of comfort and satisfaction than most patients in other hospitals. We also have a 0% complication rate for many orthopedic procedures. Learn more about our exceptional patient outcomes.

Dedicated Joint Replacement Program

If joint replacement is right for you, rest assured you’re in highly skilled hands. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons are skilled in some the latest, most minimally invasive techniques available, like anterior hip replacement, to help you get moving again sooner.

Every step of your journey is highly coordinated, starting with pre-operative testing and an educational class so you know just what to expect before, during and after your procedure. From there, we’ll guide you seamlessly through surgery, physical therapy and life with your new joint.

Comprehensive Fracture Care

Our recognition by The Joint Commission® as one of the nation’s top-tier orthopedic programs means we’ve also achieved excellence in bone fracture care. After an accident or fall, we can quickly and effective repair even the most complex fractures, right on-site. Working closely with our rehabilitation team, we’re committed to helping restore full function and mobility, and get you back to enjoying life.

Orthopedic Excellence, Close to Home

Best of all, it’s all offered at locations near where you live and work – so you never have to travel far to find the world-class care you need:

  • Central Maine Medical Center – Lewiston, Maine
  • Bridgton Hospital – Bridgton, Maine
  • Rumford Hospital – Rumford, Maine

Sports Medicine


Our specialists – including orthopedic providers and surgeons, physical therapists, athletic trainers and more – work closely together and with you to create a personal plan based on your needs and goals. So, whether you’re a weekend warrior or full-time pro, we’ll help you get back in action.

Helping You Reclaim Your Game

Caring for an injured athlete is more than just applying a brace. Our sports medicine providers use hands-on, proven techniques that target the cause of your pain to restore strength, function and flexibility.

Just some of our specialties include:

  • Acute sports injuries: from common sprains, strains and dislocations to more serious conditions like anterior cruciate ligament and rotator cuff tears, and complex fractures
  • Overuse sports injuries: treatment for tennis elbow, stress fractures, shin splints and tendonitis
  • Injury prevention: education and training to improve body mechanics and balance and reduce the risk of getting hurt

Our program also provides team provider coverage for Bates College, and we proudly serve as consultants for high school athletics throughout central and western Maine.

Minimally Invasive Techniques to Help Speed Healing

Whenever possible, we opt for non-invasive treatment, including therapy services regimens. But when surgery is your best solution, we offer the latest options designed with athletes in mind. That includes arthroscopic reconstructive surgery of the shoulder, elbow, knee, foot and ankle, which usually offer less pain and faster recovery versus traditional open surgery.

Shoulder Replacement

We know how hard it can be living with a severely painful shoulder. Even simple tasks like lifting groceries or getting dressed can be difficult, let alone doing the activities you love.

At Central Maine Healthcare, we may have just the solution for you. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons specialize in shoulder replacement surgery, a common procedure in which injured or diseased joints are replaced with state-of-the-art artificial parts. We offer both traditional shoulder replacement as well as reverse shoulder, including innovative solutions which completely customize surgery to your unique anatomy.

Your surgeon can help determine if shoulder replacement is right for you. If so, you can count on the highest standards of care close to home, with a program that has earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval®, among other national distinctions.

You can also see every step of the process by watching our shoulder replacement videos.

Getting Your Shoulder, and Life, Back in Motion

Depending on your needs, your surgeon at Central Maine may first recommend nonsurgical options like medication or physical therapy. But, if you’re dealing with bone-on-bone arthritis or a traumatic injury, and other treatments haven’t brought relief, you may be a good candidate for total shoulder replacement.

The procedure involves replacing arthritic joint surfaces with a highly polished metal ball attached to a stem and a plastic socket. Our surgeons specialize in the latest, least invasive techniques, which can help restore virtually the exact anatomy of your shoulder. That means a more natural feeling, mobile and longer-lasting solution.

For completely torn rotator cuffs and severe, related arthritis, we also offer reverse shoulder replacement. In this procedure, the socket and metal ball are switched, meaning their natural position is reversed. The metal ball is fixed to the socket and the plastic cup is fixed to the upper arm bone (humerus). This allows you to use the deltoid muscle, instead of rotator cuff, to move and lift your arm. Reverse shoulder is typically recommended for patients with:

  • A completely torn rotator cuff that cannot be repaired with treatments like arthroscopy
  • Cuff tear arthropathy, a complex type of shoulder arthritis
  • A previous shoulder replacement that was unsuccessful
  • Severe shoulder pain and difficulty lifting your arm away from your side or over your head
  • A complex fracture of the shoulder joint

Support for Every Step

The thought of shoulder replacement may seem overwhelming, but we try as hard as possible to make it a seamless, easy process for you.

It starts with our pre-operative class, where you’ll learn what to expect through the entire process. From there, we’ll guide you seamlessly through surgery and rehabilitation, which often begins immediately after surgery in one of our dedicated orthopedic units. A physical therapist will work one-on-one with you to strengthen the shoulder joint and enhance range of motion, so you can get back faster to what you need and love to do.

Orthopedic Excellence, Close to Home

The Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine offers locations near where you live and work – so you never had to travel far to find the world-class care you need:

  • Central Maine Medical Center – Lewiston, Maine
  • Bridgton Hospital – Bridgton, Maine
  • Rumford Hospital – Rumford, Maine

Orthopedic Surgery

We know the thought of surgery can make anyone feel anxious. But with the experts at the Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine (OICM), you’ll find everything you need for success.

All our orthopedic surgeons are board-certified, performing a full range of procedures to treat knee, hip, shoulder, hand, wrist, elbow, foot and ankle pain.

Whenever possible, we use some of the most minimally invasive options available for joint replacement, spine surgery and more – each offering less pain, more mobility and a faster recovery.

From pre-operative education through personalized rehabilitation, we’ll here to support you at every step. And we’re part of your community, with orthopedic care centers conveniently located near where you live and work. So, you can stay focused on healing. 

Orthopedic Excellence, Close to Home

The Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine offers locations near where you live and work – so you never had to travel far to find the world-class care you need:

  • Central Maine Medical Center – Lewiston, Maine
  • Bridgton Hospital – Bridgton, Maine
  • Rumford Hospital – Rumford, Maine

Non-Surgical Options

Dealing with painful bones or joints can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to interfere with your life. And it doesn’t have to mean surgery.

At the Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine (OICM), we offer a full range of non-invasive options that can help effectively manage or even cure your pain. These treatments are usually quick, easy, virtually painless and involve little to no downtime.

One of our board-certified orthopedic specialists will work with you to find the best treatment for your specific condition. If needed, we also perform a full range of orthopedic procedures, including our joint replacement, using the most minimally invasive techniques available for less pain and faster recovery.

Therapy Services

At OICM, one of our licensed physical therapists can design a regimen that reduces your pain while also strengthening the key muscles that affect your joint. Your therapist can work with you short or long-term to make sure you’re doing specific exercises that increase your mobility and decrease your pain. Common therapy methods include bodyweight and aquatic exercises.

Your physical therapist may also apply ice and heat to your painful areas. Or, they make work alongside your treatment team to suggest ultrasound therapy or other procedures that can increase blood flow to the skin, helping to reduce pain.

Injections

Injections of substances like may be used to lubricate the joint, which reduces pain and improves mobility. These injections are administered in-office, making it one of the quickest and most convenient options.

Medication

Medication, including oral pain relievers and topical creams with the numbing agent lidocaine or bupivacaine, may help control your joint pain. Your provider will work with you to ensure you find the right prescriptions for your individual case to limit side effects and avoid drug interactions if you are taking other medications.

Cortisone Shots

Your provider might also recommend a steroid injection to reduce the inflammation (or swelling) of your joint.

The steroids are injected at the site of inflammation, and usually work to relieve pain within a few days and last several weeks.

 Orthopedic Excellence, Close to Home

Best of all, it’s all offered at locations near where you live and work – so you never have to travel far to find the world-class care you need:

  • Central Maine Medical Center – Lewiston, Maine
  • Bridgton Hospital – Bridgton, Maine
  • Rumford Hospital – Rumford, Maine

Education and Support: Orthopedic Care

Joint, bone and muscle pain can really hurt – especially when they keep you from what you need and love to do.

At the Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine, we can help you get back on track. Start with these helpful resources below.

Need in-person support? Come see one of our board-certified orthopedic experts. We begin by listening, to understand exactly what you’re dealing with and how it’s impacting you. Then we’ll work together to create a personalized treatment plan focused on relieving pain, restoring function and helping you return to your active life.

Classes and Events

At OICM, our orthopedic care doesn’t end in the office. We offer free, ongoing events to help our central and western Maine communities enjoy active and pain-free lifestyles. Whether you’re preparing for joint replacement surgery, seeking pain management strategies or need fitness and nutritional guidance, our experts have the answers. Explore upcoming classes and events near you.

Pre-Surgery Education

Have an upcoming joint replacement surgery? Scheduled patients should be sure to join the Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine (OICM) for a highly informative class and prep for your procedure with confidence.

During this highly informative session, you will:

  • Learn more about joints and how they work
  • View a presentation on joint replacement surgery
  • Go over details about preparing for surgery
  • Review what to know about discharge
  • Be given an overview of home care and rehabilitation
  • Get pain management strategies

You’ll also have the chance to ask any and all questions and connect with other patients on a similar journey.

Classes are held at:
Central Maine Healthcare Orthopedics Office
690 Minot Avenue
Auburn, Maine 04210

  • Education sessions are held every other Monday with the exception of holidays.
  • Knee Education: 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
  • Hip Education: 10:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
  • Spine Education: 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
  • Shoulder Education: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. 

Central Maine Healthcare Orthopedics
690 Minot Avenue
Auburn, Maine

To save your spot at an upcoming class, call (207) 783-1328. We look forward to seeing you!

Prehab

At the Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine (OICM), we’re committed to making your recovery from joint replacement as smooth and swift as possible. That process actually starts before your procedure, with pre-rehabilitation, or prehab.

This special program is designed to strengthen and prepare the muscles ahead of surgery, so that you go into surgery with optimal health and have the best outcome possible. Below, we’ve answered the most frequent questions revolving around this innovative practice.

What is Prehab?

Prehab is an exercise therapy program started at least six weeks or longer before surgery. It is conducted with a dedicated physical therapist, who guides you through bodyweight and flexibility movements to strengthen and stabilize your body. It’s a new concept — but has already proven to lead to a faster recovery.

How Can Prehab Get You Back on Your Feet Faster?

The rewards of prehab show in as little as 24 hours after surgery. Because of the increased level of fitness achieved before surgery, patients can often walk quicker, have shorter hospital stays and may be discharged and sent to outpatient rehab, rather than to a rehab facility for inpatient therapy.

Where Can I Attend Prehab Classes?

We have three locations convenient to you:

Central Maine Medical Center – Lewiston, Maine
Bridgton Hospital – Bridgton, Maine
Rumford Hospital – Rumford, Maine