DISC photo shared with ASC NewsDISC Sports & Spine Center has partnered with Dr. James B. Chen, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee joint replacement.
Chen is nationally recognized for his work in advanced technology and robotic techniques, giving DISC confidence in the total joint replacement program he is introducing at its Newport Beach, California, facility.
DISC Sports & Spine Center provides comprehensive care in spine, orthopedics, pain management and sports medicine. With surgery centers in Newport Beach, Marina del Rey, Valencia and Walnut Creek, with extensive clinics throughout Southern California as well, DISC has established a new standard for high-quality, minimally invasive care in the outpatient setting.
Chen’s joint replacement program involves cutting-edge technology and personalized care tailored to each patient’s anatomy, diagnosis and mobility goals. This advanced, data-driven system, now available at DISC, is integrated into the entire patient journey, reassuring each patient that they can expect optimal results.
“Achieving optimal results for each individual requires a unique plan. I have used Zimmer Biomet technology for the past four years, including robotics, smart knee implants, virtual care assistants and others,” Chen told ASC News. “What I enjoy most is the flexibility to customize the experience and approach surrounding total joint replacement surgery for each patient.”
Again, a major part of the strategy is how surgeries are customized on a patient-by-patient basis, Chen explained.
“Combining these tools with the customization of Zimmer Biomet’s implant selection allows me to better individualize the approach around and during surgery,” he said. “Each patient is different. Therefore, the more individualized the experience and approach we can provide, the better.”
Each patient’s case is templated, and advanced imaging is obtained if required, Chen said. A functional approach based on each patient’s needs is then performed using the robotic system matched with a customizable implant system.
“Afterward, there are offerings such as a smart implant that can help us monitor [patients] postoperatively to allow for more remote care and predictive assessments,” he explained.
A unique aspect of Chen’s program is using the mymobility Care Management Platform. This surgical companion app provides patients with education and therapy reminders on their smartphones. It also allows surgeons to monitor patient activity levels during preparation and recovery, empowering patients to take an active role in their care and enhancing their understanding of their condition and recovery process.
“DISC is a center with an excellent track record performing spine surgery. Bringing total joint replacement surgery to a center such as this is complementary for many reasons, including a focus on large outpatient procedures with the integration of the latest technologies,” Chen added.
Dr. Robert S. Bray, DISC’s founding director, commented echoed those sentiments.
“When we opened our DISC Surgery Center location in Newport Beach in 2011, we had the infrastructure, technology and team in place to deliver best-in-class spine and sports medicine care, and [we] have prided ourselves in doing so ever since,” Bray said. “A next-level total joint replacement program like this is a fitting addition that will be a tremendous resource for the region.”
Part of a DISC’s planned growth
When Chen joined the team at DISC Surgery Center, he was helping to lead the introduction of a new service line as part of DISC’s musculoskeletal care, James H. Becker, CEO of TriasMD, DISC’s parent company, told ASC News
“Dr. Chen has also been instrumental in helping to write the total joint protocols in patient education,” Becker continued. “As we have done in outpatient spine care, DISC wants to be a leader in this specialized area of musculoskeletal care, so we must have the right doctors in place to drive clinical innovation. We are creating a premier total joint program through Dr. Chen and others.”
DISC expects to perform over 1,000 total joint procedures in 2024, in addition to its ongoing spine, orthopedics and pain management programs.
Becker said that the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) has begun providing total joint care at each of its five locations. He explained that expanding this part of musculoskeletal care is a natural path, and the ASC is applying its experience and learning from minimally invasive spine to this new service line.
“Our outpatient infrastructure and facilities are already optimized to do these procedures safely, so adding total joints was a planned next step,” he said. “TriasMD has established a network of orthopedic physicians now performing these cases and will be introducing these services into our existing ASCs as well.”
DISC and TriasMD have expanded significantly in 2024, according to Becker.
They have experienced growth at all existing facilities, recently announced the acquisition of Thousand Oaks Surgery Center, and plan further expansion outside of California.
