Dr. Nicholas Scarcella, MD, Orthopedic Surgery

Dr. Nicholas Scarcella, MD

Orthopedic Surgery in Port St. Joe, FL

(28 reviews)

Dr. Nicholas Scarcella, MD is an Orthopedic Surgeon dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Melbourne, FL. He is a registered member of The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing... Read More Below

Accepting New Patients Board Certified 5+ Years Experience
Professional Details

Dr. Nicholas Scarcella, MD is an Orthopedic Surgeon dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Melbourne, FL. He is a registered member of The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and is committed to collaborating with patients and their families to navigate the complexities of senior health. 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. He serves older adults (65+) and active seniors, and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (321) 723-7716 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Nicholas Scarcella, MD is an orthopedic surgeon in Melbourne, FL with over 5 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from University Of Hawaii At Manoa John A. Burns School Of Medicine in 2015 and is Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. With a deep understanding of the unique needs of seniors, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is affiliated with Viera Hospital and Cape Canaveral Hospital, and is accepting new patients. Dr. Scarcella is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Nicholas Scarcella provides consultations primarily in English.

A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Nicholas Scarcella is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.

Dr. Nicholas Scarcella is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive orthopedic care. He understands the unique needs of aging adults, working collaboratively with primary care physicians and other specialists to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis and fractures. His approach prioritizes personalized care, ensuring each patient's individual goals and preferences are central to their treatment plan.

By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Nicholas Scarcella can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.

Also Accepts These Carriers

  • APCN Choice POS II
  • Aetna
  • Aetna HMO
  • Banner APCN Plus Health Network Choice POS II
  • Banner Managed Plus Open Access
  • Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • BlueCard PPO
  • BlueCare HMO
  • BlueOptions
  • CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
  • Choice
  • Choice Plus POS
  • Choice Plus POS II
  • Cigna
  • Cigna PPO
  • Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
  • First Health
  • First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
  • Florida Blue
  • HealthyBlue Advantage
  • LocalPlus
  • Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
  • Navigate HMO
  • Navigate Plus POS
  • Nexus Open Access
  • Open Access Plus
  • Open Choice PPO
  • Options PPO
  • Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
  • Seamless HMO
  • UnitedHealthCare

Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Nicholas Scarcella 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:

  • Spinal Osteophyte: A spinal osteophyte is a bony growth that can develop on the spine, sometimes causing pain or pressure on nerves, which can be managed with medication, physical therapy, or in some cases, surgery to improve mobility and reduce discomfort.
  • Knee Fracture: If you've broken a bone in your knee, know that you're not alone, and with the help of skilled doctors and therapists, you can return to enjoying your daily activities, regaining comfort and freedom.
  • Rotator Cuff Tendinosis: Rotator cuff tendinosis is a gradual degeneration of the tendons in your shoulder, leading to discomfort and limited mobility; treatment focuses on relieving pain and regaining strength to help you stay active and independent.
  • Sprains and Strains (incl. Muscle Tear): Don't let a sprain or strain sideline you! Early intervention with rest, ice, compression, and elevation, combined with targeted exercises, can help seniors recover quickly and safely, preventing future problems.
  • Spinal Stenosis: With spinal stenosis, the natural cushioning and spacing within your spine reduces, potentially compressing nerves and causing symptoms like back pain and leg weakness; however, various treatments can ease symptoms and help you stay active.
  • Myelopathy: Myelopathy, a spinal cord problem, can lead to difficulty walking or using your hands; however, treatments such as surgery or medication can often help restore function and improve your independence.
  • Ankylosing Spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease impacting the spine and causing pain and stiffness; working with your doctor to develop a treatment plan can help manage symptoms and enable you to remain active.
  • Hip Tendinitis: Experiencing hip pain? It could be hip tendinitis, an inflammation of the tendons supporting your hip, limiting your movement. Treatment focuses on reducing pain and inflammation, allowing you to stay active and independent.
  • Thoracic Spine Myelopathy: If you're experiencing symptoms like clumsiness or weakness in your legs or hands, it might be due to thoracic spine myelopathy, a condition where your spinal cord is compressed in the middle of your back; appropriate treatment, often surgery, can help restore your strength and reduce pain.
  • Cervical Radiculopathy: Neck pain radiating down your arm? It might be cervical radiculopathy, a condition where a compressed nerve in your neck needs treatment to alleviate pain and improve mobility.
  • Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis causing joint pain and stiffness, often affecting weight-bearing joints like hips and knees. With proper treatment, such as exercise, medication, or even joint replacement surgery, you can manage your pain and keep moving.
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: If you have difficulty with fine motor skills due to hand and wrist pain and numbness, you may have carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition often addressed with conservative approaches such as medication, splinting, or, if necessary, surgery to allow you to resume your normal activities.

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. Nicholas Scarcella offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:

  • Neurostimulator Implantation: Neurostimulator implantation is a procedure that can help manage chronic pain by delivering electrical impulses to targeted nerves, improving comfort and mobility for seniors.
  • Percutaneous Kyphoplasty: This procedure uses a small incision to inject bone cement into a compressed vertebra, restoring its height and reducing spinal pain for seniors with vertebral compression fractures.
  • Facet Blocks: Before considering more invasive spine surgery, facet blocks can offer temporary pain relief and help seniors understand their spinal condition better.
  • Joint Drainage: Joint drainage is a procedure that removes excess fluid from a swollen or inflamed joint, easing pain and discomfort for seniors with arthritis or other joint conditions.
  • Spinal Reconstructive Surgery for Deformities: This surgical procedure helps seniors manage severe spinal deformities, leading to better posture, reduced pain, and improved mobility, thus enhancing their overall well-being.
  • Viscosupplementation With Hyaluronate: Viscosupplementation with hyaluronate is a non-surgical treatment that lubricates and cushions arthritic joints, easing pain and improving mobility for seniors.
  • Dural Repair or Other Spinal Cord Repair: For seniors with spinal conditions, dural repair helps prevent further nerve damage, enhancing the effectiveness of other treatments and improving quality of life.
  • Somatic Nerve Block: For seniors recovering from fractures or orthopedic surgery, a somatic nerve block can help control postoperative pain, reducing the need for high doses of oral pain medication.
  • Periacetabular Osteotomy: This surgery helps manage hip pain and improve mobility in younger, active seniors with hip dysplasia by correcting the bone structure around the hip joint.
  • Knee Replacement: Knee replacement surgery helps manage the symptoms of severe knee arthritis, enabling seniors to participate more fully in the activities they enjoy.
  • Peripheral Nerve Block: A peripheral nerve block is a procedure that numbs a specific area of your body, reducing pain and allowing for easier movement and rehabilitation after surgery or injury.
  • Knee and Leg Fracture and Dislocation Treatment: Addressing knee and leg fractures and dislocations is a vital step in creating a personalized care plan that promotes healing, reduces complications, and improves quality of life.

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. Nicholas Scarcella 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 a tailored treatment plan, a senior couple experienced significant pain relief from spinal osteophytes, allowing them to resume their beloved daily walks and enjoy their retirement more comfortably.
  • After a knee fracture, a senior felt a renewed sense of freedom, able to once again walk comfortably around their home and garden, a joy they had missed greatly. The family was relieved to see their loved one regain mobility and independence.
  • With guided exercises and targeted therapies, a senior was able to resume her beloved hobby of painting, free from the nagging shoulder pain caused by rotator cuff tendinosis. The family rejoiced at her renewed independence and enthusiasm for life.

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
    View on Map
Education History
  • HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
Board Certifications
  • American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (Orthopedic Surgery)

Here are answers to some common questions about Orthopedic care with Dr. Nicholas Scarcella:

What is an Orthopedic Surgeon?
Dr. Scarcella and our team are orthopedic surgeons, meaning we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of the entire musculoskeletal system—bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. We use both surgical and non-surgical methods to relieve pain and restore function for seniors.
Does seeing an orthopedic surgeon automatically mean I need surgery?
Absolutely not. Dr. Scarcella's practice emphasizes 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 the recovery like after a knee or hip replacement?
Recovery after knee or hip replacement is a process involving a hospital stay and extensive physical therapy. Modern techniques often allow patients to walk the same day as surgery. The goal is to regain strength and motion, and most patients experience significant pain relief and return to many daily activities within a few months.
What is joint replacement surgery?
Joint replacement surgery, performed by Dr. Scarcella, is a procedure to replace a damaged or arthritic joint with an artificial implant. The goal is to relieve severe bone-on-bone pain, dramatically improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore independence for activities like walking and climbing stairs. It's a very successful procedure for seniors.
What is a rotator cuff tear?
A rotator cuff tear is a problem with the group of four tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. Tears can occur from injury or gradual wear and tear, causing pain and weakness. Many tears can be treated without surgery, using physical therapy and injections; however, Dr. Scarcella can perform arthroscopic surgery to repair larger tears.
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 daily activities, Dr. Scarcella may discuss joint replacement surgery as a highly effective option.
What is a cortisone injection?
A cortisone injection is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication injected directly into a painful joint, like a knee or shoulder. 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.
What is arthroscopic surgery?
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique where Dr. Scarcella uses a tiny camera and small instruments inserted through small incisions to see and repair problems inside a joint. It often results in less pain, less tissue damage, and a faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

2222 S Harbor City Blvd Ste 610
Melbourne FL 32901
Phone: (321) 723-7716

Dr. Nicholas Scarcella, 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): 1588985287

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. Nicholas Scarcella 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.

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