Dr. Kenneth Jarolem, MD is an Orthopedic Surgeon practicing at Orthopedic Center of South Florida - Plantation in Plantation, FL. He is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive orthopedic care for older adults (65+) and active seniors, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). General Orthopedic Surgeons possess specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions common in seniors, such as arthritis, fractures, and spinal issues, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to provide comprehensive and personalized care. Dr. Jarolem's commitment to this population is deeply rooted in his extensive training.
Dr. Kenneth Jarolem, MD is an orthopedic surgeon in Plantation, FL. He is affiliated with medical facilities HCA Florida Westside Hospital and HCA Florida University Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. He earned his medical degree from University of California and completed an internship at University of California. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Orthopedic Surgeries at University of Kansas Medical Center, and University of California, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of older adults (65+) and active seniors. To further specialize, he pursued fellowship training at University of Kansas School of Medicine, deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. He is Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. His care philosophy centers on treating each patient with dignity and respect, while providing both nonoperative and surgical management of spinal conditions. Dr. Jarolem provides consultations primarily in English. New patients should call (305) 330-3510 to schedule an appointment.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Kenneth Jarolem is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Kenneth Jarolem is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive orthopedic care. He expertly diagnoses and treats a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including arthritis, fractures, and spinal issues, always working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to create a personalized treatment plan that prioritizes comfort, independence, and overall well-being.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Kenneth Jarolem can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Cigna
Humana
Preferred Care Partners
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Kenneth Jarolem provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Osteoarthritis of Spine: With spinal osteoarthritis, the protective cushioning in your spine deteriorates, causing discomfort and potentially affecting your ability to move freely; however, managing this condition with pain relief and exercises often helps maintain your independence.
- Gait Abnormality: A gait abnormality is a change in the way you walk, which can be caused by various conditions affecting joints, muscles, or nerves, and may be helped with physical therapy or other treatments to improve mobility and safety.
- Spondylolisthesis: With spondylolisthesis, a vertebra slips forward, causing back pain and potentially affecting mobility. Fortunately, many treatments, from pain management to surgery, are available to help restore comfort and independence.
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): Experiencing pain in the front of your knee? PFPS, or patellofemoral pain syndrome, may be the cause, and it often responds well to simple treatments like stretching and strengthening exercises to help you stay active and independent.
- Ankylosing Vertebral Hyperostosis: AVH is a type of arthritis affecting the spine, leading to the development of extra bone growth that can limit movement; however, many individuals with AVH live comfortably with mild or no symptoms.
- Tibia and Fibula Fractures: Falls and other accidents can lead to tibia and fibula fractures, but effective medical care, encompassing pain management and fracture repair, helps restore function and improve quality of life.
- Arthritis of the Elbow: Stiffness and pain in your elbow due to arthritis can significantly impact your daily life, making activities challenging; however, with proper diagnosis and management, which may involve physical therapy, medication, or even joint replacement, you can expect to improve your comfort levels and maintain a higher quality of life.
- Spondylitis: Spondylitis, an inflammatory condition affecting the spine, can limit your movement and cause significant pain, but treatment options such as exercise, medication, and specialized therapies can help you maintain your independence and enhance your quality of life.
- Broken Neck: A broken neck, or cervical spine fracture, is a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention to stabilize the spine and prevent further damage, often involving surgery and rehabilitation to restore function and independence.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: As we age, the discs in our spine can lose their cushioning ability, leading to degenerative disc disease which can cause back pain and limitations in movement; however, many treatments can help manage symptoms and maintain your mobility.
- Low Back Pain: Low back pain doesn't have to control your life; various treatments, ranging from simple stretches to more advanced therapies, can help alleviate pain and improve your ability to move freely and participate in the things you love.
- Spine Deformities: Spine deformities can develop gradually and may cause posture changes and back pain; fortunately, various nonsurgical and surgical interventions help alleviate pain and improve spinal function.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Kenneth Jarolem offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Spinal Discectomy: This surgery helps manage debilitating back and leg pain caused by a compressed nerve due to a herniated disc in the spine, enhancing a senior's quality of life.
- Facet Blocks: Before considering more invasive spine surgery, facet blocks can offer temporary pain relief and help seniors understand their spinal condition better.
- Spine Fracture Treatment: Spine fracture treatment helps repair broken bones in the spine, restoring stability and reducing pain for seniors.
- Biopsy: A biopsy helps doctors differentiate between various conditions affecting bones and joints by analyzing a tissue sample, leading to better-targeted interventions.
- Laminoplasty: To improve quality of life for seniors with spinal stenosis, laminoplasty may be included in a personalized care plan to address symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness.
- Adhesiolysis: Adhesiolysis is a surgical procedure that helps release scar tissue and adhesions that can restrict movement and cause pain after orthopedic surgery or injury, improving your range of motion and quality of life.
- Spinal Nerve Block: A spinal nerve block is a procedure that numbs specific nerves in your spine, helping manage pain from conditions like arthritis or a herniated disc, allowing for improved mobility and a better quality of life.
- Dural Repair or Other Spinal Cord Repair: This procedure aims to manage spinal cord injury or leakage of cerebrospinal fluid, improving overall health and reducing pain for seniors undergoing spinal surgery.
- Herniated Disc Surgery: If conservative treatments haven't helped manage your herniated disc, surgery may be a next step to improve mobility and reduce pain.
- Anterior Interbody Lumbar Fusion (ALIF): For seniors experiencing debilitating back pain from a compressed nerve, ALIF surgery might be a solution to help improve mobility and reduce pain by fusing vertebrae together.
- Spinal Fusion: As a treatment option for severe spinal conditions, spinal fusion helps manage chronic pain and prevent further damage to the spine, enhancing a senior's quality of life.
- Myofascial Trigger Point Injection: As part of a comprehensive pain management plan, myofascial trigger point injections can provide targeted relief from muscle pain, helping seniors participate more fully in their daily activities.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Orthopedic Surgeries in Florida.
Dr. Kenneth Jarolem is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- With spinal osteoarthritis better managed, a senior couple rediscovered the joy of weekend getaways, effortlessly enjoying scenic hikes and exploring new towns.
- With the guidance of a specialist, a senior citizen regained confidence in their ability to navigate their home safely, and enjoyed walking their beloved dog again without pain.
- After undergoing specialized care for spondylolisthesis, a senior was able to resume her beloved weekly bridge club meetings, feeling more comfortable and confident in her mobility.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
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- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (Orthopedic Surgery)
- Chief Resident, Hospital for Joint Diseases, July 1994
- Alpha Omega Alpha, June 1990
- Phi Beta Kappa, Dec 1985
Here are answers to some common questions about Orthopedic care with Dr. Kenneth Jarolem:
- What is an Orthopedic Surgeon?
- Dr. Jarolem and his team are orthopedic surgeons, meaning they are medical doctors specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of the musculoskeletal systembones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. We offer both surgical and non-surgical options to relieve pain and restore function for seniors.
- Does seeing an orthopedic surgeon automatically mean I need surgery?
- Absolutely not. Dr. Jarolem's practice focuses on finding the best treatment plan for each individual, often starting with conservative options like physical therapy, injections, or bracing. Surgery is only considered when it's the most effective way to restore quality of life.
- What is a cortisone injection?
- A cortisone injection is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication injected directly into a painful area, such as a knee or shoulder joint. It works by reducing swelling and inflammation, often providing temporary pain relief for conditions like arthritis or tendonitis. It's a safe and effective tool to manage flare-ups.
- How is a broken hip (hip fracture) treated in seniors?
- A broken hip in an older adult is a serious injury, almost always requiring surgery to stabilize the bone. The type of surgery depends on the specific fracture pattern. The primary goal is to relieve pain and get the patient moving again as safely and quickly as possible, often with physical therapy.
- My back and leg pain is getting worse. What could it be?
- Back and leg pain in seniors can sometimes be due to conditions like a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, where nerves in the lower back are being pinched. Dr. Jarolem can perform a thorough evaluation to determine the exact cause and will typically start with non-surgical treatments like physical therapy or epidural steroid injections to relieve the pressure and pain.
- What can be done for my painful knee or hip arthritis?
- We understand the pain you're experiencing. Treatment for arthritis is a stepwise approach, often starting with conservative measures like medication, physical therapy, and injections. If pain persists and limits your daily activities, Dr. Jarolem may discuss joint replacement surgery as a highly effective option.
- What is the recovery like after a knee or hip replacement?
- Recovery after knee or hip replacement is a process, typically involving a hospital stay and extensive physical therapy. Modern techniques often allow patients to walk on the same day as surgery. The goal is to regain strength and motion, with most patients experiencing significant pain relief and returning to many daily activities within a few months.
- What is a rotator cuff tear?
- A rotator cuff tear is a problem with the group of four tendons that stabilize your shoulder joint. Tears can occur from an injury or gradual wear and tear, causing pain and weakness. Many tears are treated successfully with physical therapy and injections, but for larger tears, Dr. Jarolem can perform arthroscopic surgery to repair the tendon.
Orthopedic Center of South Florida - Plantation
600 S Pine Island Rd Ste 300
Plantation FL 33324
Phone: (305) 330-3510
Dr. Kenneth Jarolem, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1841399466
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Orthopedic Surgeries like Dr. Kenneth Jarolem are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.