Community Lecture Series Offered by LVMC Orthopedic Surgeon

A special three-part lecture series features sessions in September, October and November by Lompoc Valley Medical Center’s double board certified orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Richard Rooney.

The Lompoc Hospital District Foundation-sponsored free lectures will take place Sept. 17, Oct. 15 and Nov. 19 at the Dick DeWees Community and Senior Center in Lompoc, 1120 W. Ocean Ave. All lectures will begin at 6 p.m. No reservations are required.

A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point with an undergraduate degree in Nuclear Engineering, Dr. Rooney attended medical school at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. He completed his orthopedic surgery training in the U.S. Army and completed a Spine Surgery Fellowship at the University of California at San Diego’s Center for Spinal Disorders.

Dr. Rooney’s professional focus is on orthopedic surgery and regenerative medicine/stem cell therapy. He is considered a leader in the development of ERAS, or Enhanced Recovery After Surgery principles as they apply to spine surgery.

Dr. Rooney’s September lecture will focus on “Arthritis, Injections and Joint Replacements.” Dr. Rooney will discuss joint pain and offer information on treatment options.

He’ll discuss:

• Causes and Types of Arthritis
• Treatments such as medication, physical therapy, lifestyle changes
• Corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injections
• Joint replacement surgery for hips, knees and beyond
• Advances in minimally invasive surgery and injections

Dr. Rooney’s Oct. 15 lecture will focus on “Back and Neck Pain – Exploring Treatment Options.” In that lecture, which also begins at 6 p.m., Dr. Rooney will discuss:

• Common causes: disc degeneration, herniation, stenosis, muscle strain
• Non-Surgical care: physical therapy, injections
• When to consider spine surgery and what it involves
• Lifestyle changes for long-term spine health

November’s featured lecture is spotlighting “Shoulder Problems – From Therapy to Surgery.” Attendees will hear more about:

• Common issues – rotator cuff tears, impingement, frozen shoulder, arthritis
• Diagnosing shoulder pain – exams and imaging
• Physical therapy – what to expect and how it will help
• Cortisone shots – benefits and limitations
• Surgery – when it is needed and options available