Dr. Stephen Raterman, MD is an Orthopedic Surgeon dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his Zephyrhills, FL clinic. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices 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. Raterman, who serves Older adults (65+) and active seniors, is committed to creating a supportive and understanding environment for all his patients.
With over 35 years of dedicated experience in Orthopedic care, Dr. Raterman brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine in 1985 and completed his Orthopedic Surgery residency at the Medical Center of Georgia. He is Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and has extensive experience in minimally invasive joint replacement surgery, including partial knee replacements and hip resurfacing, as well as arthroscopic surgery of the hip, knee, and shoulder. Dr. Raterman's clinic welcomes new patients. Please call (813) 979-0440 to schedule an appointment. He provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Stephen Raterman is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Stephen Raterman is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, offering comprehensive orthopedic care with a focus on personalized treatment plans. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians and specialists to address a wide range of musculoskeletal concerns, from arthritis and fractures to spinal issues, ensuring a holistic approach that prioritizes the individual needs and goals of each patient.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Stephen Raterman can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Amerigroup (Wellpoint)
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Golden Rule
Humana
MVP Health Care
Mail Handlers Benefit Plan (MHBP)
Medica
Medical Mutual of Ohio
Medico
Meritain Health
Universal American
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- Health Net
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Tricare
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
- Workers Compensation
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Stephen Raterman 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:
- Ottos Pelvis: If Otto is experiencing pain or limitations in the hip or lower back region due to pelvic issues, various treatment options, including medication, physical therapy, and possibly surgery, can help improve mobility and alleviate discomfort.
- Thoracic Spine Fracture: A fractured bone in the upper spine (thoracic spine) can be addressed with various treatments, from medication and supportive care to surgery, all geared toward reducing pain and improving your overall function.
- Bursitis of Hip: Bursitis in your hip means the small cushions around your hip joint are irritated, leading to pain and reduced mobility; however, with proper treatment, you can often regain comfort and maintain your independence.
- Knee Disorders: Experiencing knee pain or stiffness? Many conditions affect the knee joint, impacting your ability to walk, climb stairs, or even stand comfortably; however, various treatments, from medication to joint replacement, can alleviate symptoms and restore mobility.
- Patellar Fracture: A fractured kneecap can limit your ability to walk and perform daily tasks, but treatments like surgery or immobilization can help you heal and maintain your independence.
- Femur Fracture: A femur fracture is a broken thigh bone, a common injury among seniors that's often treated with surgery to help you regain mobility and independence.
- Ankle Fracture: An ankle fracture is a break in one or more of the bones in your ankle, and prompt medical attention can help ensure proper healing and return to mobility.
- Tibia or Fibula Stress Fracture: Experiencing pain in your lower leg? It could be a stress fracture of the tibia or fibula. Treatment typically involves reducing activity, using supportive footwear, and gentle exercises to aid healing and get you back on your feet.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis of Shoulder: Shoulder pain and limited movement due to rheumatoid arthritis can significantly impact daily life, but treatment focusing on pain relief and preserving function can help seniors maintain independence.
- Sacrum Disorders: Sacrum disorders involve problems with the triangular bone at the base of your spine, often causing lower back pain and discomfort that can be managed with physical therapy, medication, or minimally invasive procedures to improve mobility and daily activities.
- Avascular Necrosis of Femoral Head: This condition, affecting the hip's ball-shaped head, occurs when blood supply is interrupted, leading to bone death; treatment options, ranging from pain management to hip replacement, aim to alleviate pain and restore function, helping you maintain independence.
- Shoulder Tendinitis and Tenosynovitis: Don't let shoulder pain keep you from enjoying your hobbies or daily activities. Shoulder tendinitis and tenosynovitis are treatable conditions. With proper diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan, you can significantly reduce pain and improve your shoulder 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. Stephen Raterman offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Rotator Cuff Surgery: Rotator cuff surgery helps repair torn tendons in your shoulder, relieving pain and improving movement for greater independence.
- Excision of Femur or Knee: To address bone tumors, or severe bone damage after trauma, excision of the femur or knee might be performed to remove the affected area, preventing further damage and promoting healing.
- Total Shoulder Replacement: As part of a comprehensive care plan for managing severe shoulder arthritis, a total shoulder replacement can help seniors participate more fully in their favorite activities and social engagements.
- Synovial Biopsy: A synovial biopsy is a small tissue sample taken from a joint to help doctors understand the cause of pain, swelling, or stiffness.
- Knee Arthroscopy: As part of a comprehensive approach to senior knee health, arthroscopy helps identify the root cause of pain, paving the way for appropriate treatment, such as cartilage repair or fluid removal.
- Shoulder Dislocation Treatment: Shoulder dislocation treatment plays a critical role in managing pain and restoring functionality to the shoulder joint for elderly patients, enabling them to return to daily activities.
- Steroid Injection: Steroid injections can offer a less invasive way to manage severe pain and inflammation, providing relief and improving your quality of life before considering more extensive procedures.
- Hip Dislocation: A hip dislocation occurs when the head of the thigh bone pops out of the hip socket, a painful condition requiring prompt medical attention to restore proper joint alignment and prevent long-term damage.
- Revision of Shoulder or Elbow Replacement: Revision shoulder or elbow replacement surgery helps address complications or wear and tear in a previous joint replacement, restoring function and reducing pain for seniors.
- Shoulder Fracture and Dislocation Treatment: This treatment plan addresses broken or dislocated shoulders, offering diagnosis, pain management, and a pathway back to better shoulder movement.
- Partial Hip Replacement: For seniors experiencing hip pain and limited mobility due to arthritis, a partial hip replacement offers a less invasive surgical option compared to a total hip replacement, targeting specific areas of joint damage.
- Peripheral Nerve Block: For managing arthritis pain, a peripheral nerve block provides targeted pain relief, decreasing the need for high doses of oral pain medication.
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. Stephen Raterman 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:
- Otto's hip and lower back pain significantly lessened after a personalized treatment plan, enabling him to resume his favorite hobby of playing golf with his grandchildren again.
- With a customized treatment plan, a senior was able to resume their beloved hobby of gardening, once again feeling secure and mobile in their home.
- With expert guidance, a senior was able to resume their favorite hobby of dancing, finding joy and renewed mobility after bursitis in their hip was effectively managed. The family felt immense relief knowing their loved one could enjoy their activities again.
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
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (Orthopedic Surgery)
Here are answers to some common questions about Orthopedic care with Dr. Stephen Raterman:
- What is an Orthopedic Surgeon?
- Dr. Raterman and our team are orthopedic surgeons, meaning we specialize in the entire musculoskeletal systembones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. We provide comprehensive care, from diagnosis to treatment, including surgical and non-surgical options, to help relieve pain and restore function for seniors.
- Does seeing an orthopedic surgeon automatically mean I need surgery?
- Absolutely not. Dr. Raterman's practice focuses on finding the best treatment plan for each individual, often recommending conservative options like physical therapy, injections, or bracing first. 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, like 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.
- What is joint replacement surgery?
- Joint replacement surgery, performed by Dr. Raterman, is a procedure to replace a damaged, arthritic joint with an artificial implant. The goal is to relieve the bone-on-bone pain caused by severe arthritis. This very successful procedure dramatically improves mobility, reduces pain, and restores independence for activities like walking and climbing stairs.
- What is a rotator cuff tear?
- A rotator cuff tear is a condition where one or more of the four tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint are damaged. This can occur due to an injury or from the natural wear and tear of aging, leading to pain and weakness. Many tears can be effectively managed without surgery through physical therapy and injections; however, for larger tears, Dr. Raterman can perform arthroscopic surgery to repair the tendon.
- What can be done for the numbness and tingling in my hand?
- Numbness and tingling in the hand are classic symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, a pinched nerve at the wrist. Initial treatment often involves a wrist brace or steroid injection. If symptoms persist, Dr. Raterman can perform a quick, outpatient surgery to release the pressure on the nerve and provide lasting relief.
- What can be done for my painful knee or hip arthritis?
- We understand your knee or hip pain. Treatment for arthritis is a gradual process, often starting with anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and cortisone injections. If pain persists and impacts your daily life, Dr. Raterman may discuss joint replacement surgery as a viable option to reduce pain and improve mobility.
- My ankle feels weak and painful. What are my options?
- Chronic ankle pain and instability in seniors can be due to arthritis or old ligament injuries. Treatment often begins with supportive bracing, physical therapy, and injections. For severe cases, Dr. Raterman can discuss surgical options like ankle fusion or, in some cases, total ankle replacement to provide stability and pain relief.
38135 Market Square Dr
Zephyrhills FL 33542
Phone: (813) 979-0440
Dr. Stephen Raterman, 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): 1073628731
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. Stephen Raterman 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.