Called BodyTalk, the seminars are presented by the physicians of Danville Orthopedic Clinic. They are open to the public.

Jonathan Krome, M.D. will speak on arthroscopic surgery at the November 29 seminar to be held in the main dining room of the Medical Center. Light refreshments will be provided. Call 799-WELL for reservations.

Arthroscopic surgery is a procedure that allows surgeons to visualize, diagnose and treat joint problems. Arthroscopy is a way for surgeons to see inside the joint with a small camera. Common arthroscopic surgeries include: knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, ankle and hip.

The surgery is valued because it allows surgeons to see inside the joint through incisions as tiny as a quarter of an inch, rather than the large incisions that open surgery procedures require. "The benefits of arthroscopic surgery are a less painful and faster recovery and not having a long stay in the hospital," said Dr. Krome.

Arthroscopic surgery may be used to relieve mechanical joint problems, such as buckling, stiffness, or locking, and can preclude or delay the need for more aggressive surgery such as a total joint replacement, according to Dr. Krome.

Arthroscopic surgery is considered the most important orthopedic development in the 20th century. Most patients who have arthroscopic surgery are discharged from the hospital the same day. The surgery rarely takes more than an hour.

Dr. Krome has performed more than 300 arthroscopic surgical procedures in his two years in Danville. He received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Maryland. His residency in orthopedic surgery was at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. He received a Fellowship in Sports Medicine from Hughson Sports Medicine Foundation in Georgia. He is Board Certified in orthopedic surgery.

"We have been delighted with the community participation in the two previous BodyTalk seminars," said Cathy Shelton, Physician Services Manager at Danville Regional, who is coordinating BodyTalk. "Working with the physicians at the Orthopedic Clinic, the Medical Center provides surgical services that enable patients to receive complete treatment without having to go out of town."

Founded in l948, Danville Orthopedic Clinic provides a complete range of orthopedic services, including surgery. The Clinic has four physicians who provide care for orthopedic patients at the Medical Center.