Dr. Thomas Bernasek, MD is an Orthopedic Surgeon dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Temple Terrace, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in senior health, Dr. Bernasek understands the unique needs of this population. 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. Call (813) 978-9797 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Thomas Bernasek, MD is a reconstructive orthopedic surgeon in Temple Terrace, FL with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. His extensive experience includes Hip & Pelvic Surgery. He graduated from Creighton University School of Medicine in 1981 and has completed an internship at The University Of New Mexico, and fellowship training at Mayo Clinic and Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine. With over 40 years of dedicated experience in Orthopedic care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Bernasek is Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He provides nonsurgical and surgical expert care to ensure each patient receives individualized treatment, specializing in adult reconstruction and arthritis surgery, and injuries or conditions in the hip and knee. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as St. Joseph's Hospital and Sarasota Memorial Hospital and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Bernasek offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Thomas Bernasek is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Bernasek is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive orthopedic care with a focus on personalized treatment plans. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians and other 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. Thomas Bernasek can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Coventry Health Care of Florida
Humana
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)
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Thomas Bernasek 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:
- Patellar Fracture: Patellar fractures, while potentially serious, can be successfully treated to reduce pain and restore mobility, enabling you to resume your favorite activities and enjoy a better quality of life.
- Adhesive Capsulitis Shoulder: If you're struggling with a stiff and painful shoulder that limits your activities, you may have adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder). Fortunately, various treatment options exist to alleviate pain and restore the use of your arm.
- Complications of Joint Prosthesis: It's important to be aware that joint replacements, while highly effective, can sometimes have complications; these are typically managed through additional treatment or therapies designed to restore comfort and function.
- Avascular Necrosis: Avascular necrosis happens when a bone doesn't get enough blood, leading to bone death and potential joint pain, but treatments like surgery can help restore mobility and reduce discomfort.
- Hip Disorders: Many older adults experience hip pain, impacting their ability to walk, climb stairs, or even sleep comfortably. However, effective treatment plans are available, ranging from conservative therapies to hip replacement surgery, allowing seniors to regain independence and enjoy an improved quality of life.
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear: An ACL tear is a damage to a knee ligament that can affect balance and function, especially concerning everyday tasks; treatment focuses on managing pain, improving knee stability and function, and preventing further injury so older adults can maintain their active lifestyle.
- Hip Arthritis: Managing hip arthritis involves various treatments, from physical therapy and medication to potentially hip replacement surgery, all aimed at reducing pain and improving mobility.
- Shoulder Tendinitis and Tenosynovitis: Experiencing shoulder pain and stiffness? Shoulder tendinitis and tenosynovitis may be causing inflammation in your shoulder tendons, but thankfully, treatments like stretching, anti-inflammatory drugs, and targeted exercises can help you regain comfort and mobility.
- Meniscus Tear: Experiencing knee pain and locking or catching sensations might indicate a torn meniscus, a cartilage tear that affects your knee joint's smooth movement; fortunately, non-surgical treatments like physical therapy often alleviate symptoms and restore function, allowing you to maintain an active lifestyle.
- Tibial Fracture: Breaking your shinbone (tibia) can be painful, but with appropriate medical care including surgery if needed, you can regain your ability to walk and maintain your independence.
- Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis: Seronegative rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition affecting the joints, similar to rheumatoid arthritis but without the usual blood test indicators; managing symptoms effectively can improve your quality of life and reduce reliance on assistance.
- Bursitis of Hip: If you have hip bursitis, the small cushioning sacs around your hip joint are inflamed, causing pain and making simple movements difficult; with the right care, you can manage the pain and get back to the activities you enjoy.
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. Thomas Bernasek offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Knee Replacement: As part of a comprehensive care plan for osteoarthritis, knee replacement surgery can significantly reduce pain, improve range of motion, and help seniors regain independence.
- Computer-Assisted Total Hip Replacement: Computer-assisted surgery helps orthopedic surgeons plan and execute total hip replacement with greater accuracy, resulting in a more successful surgery and improved quality of life for seniors.
- Total Hip Replacement: This surgical procedure replaces a damaged hip joint with a prosthetic, helping seniors overcome limitations imposed by arthritis and other hip conditions.
- Partial Knee Replacement: This procedure is an effective treatment option for seniors experiencing knee pain stemming from arthritis, offering a less invasive alternative to total knee replacement while preserving the maximum amount of native knee joint.
- Neuroplasty: Neuroplasty helps manage nerve-related pain that may be affecting your mobility and daily activities, leading to a more independent lifestyle.
- Hip Resurfacing: Hip resurfacing is a surgical procedure that replaces the damaged surfaces of the hip joint, helping seniors manage severe hip arthritis pain and improve mobility.
- Knee Arthroscopy: Arthroscopy provides a detailed view of the inside of the knee, helping senior patients understand their condition better and make more informed decisions about their care, ultimately improving their quality of life.
- Partial Hip Replacement: A partial hip replacement, also known as hemiarthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that replaces only the damaged portion of the hip joint, preserving healthy bone and potentially leading to faster recovery for seniors with hip arthritis.
- Arthrocentesis: This minimally invasive procedure involves removing fluid from a joint to reduce pressure and pain, aiding in the management of various joint conditions in older adults.
- Excision of Tibia or Fibula: This procedure helps manage bone tumors, fractures, or infections in the lower leg by precisely removing the affected area, promoting healing and preserving as much healthy bone as possible.
- Fluoroscopic-Guided Hip Injection: To better understand your hip pain, your doctor may recommend a fluoroscopic-guided hip injection, a procedure that uses X-rays to guide medication delivery and pinpoint the source of discomfort.
- Knee Surgery: Knee surgery can address various knee problems, helping diagnose the underlying cause of pain and providing a tailored treatment plan to improve overall well-being.
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. Thomas Bernasek 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:
- Following a patellar fracture, a senior was able to resume their beloved daily walks in the park, a cherished activity that brought them immense joy and a renewed sense of independence.
- With targeted treatment, a senior was able to resume painting again, a cherished hobby that had been sidelined by a painful shoulder. The family rejoiced at the return of their loved one's vibrant spirit and the renewed sense of independence.
- Following a comprehensive treatment plan, a senior couple regained their ability to enjoy evening strolls in their neighborhood park, a cherished activity that had been sidelined due to complications of their joint replacements.
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)
- Chief of Staff, Tampa General Hospital, September
Here are answers to some common questions about Orthopedic care with Dr. Thomas Bernasek:
- What is an Orthopedic Surgeon?
- Dr. Bernasek and our team are orthopedic surgeons, meaning we specialize in the care of the entire musculoskeletal systembones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. We diagnose and treat conditions, offering 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. A large part of Dr. Bernasek's job is to find the best treatment plan for you, often recommending conservative options like physical therapy, injections, or bracing first. Surgery is only considered when it's the most effective way to restore your quality of life.
- What is the recovery like after a knee or hip replacement?
- Recovery from knee or hip replacement surgery is a process, beginning with a hospital stay and followed by 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 daily activities within a few months.
- 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 goal is to relieve pain and get you moving safely and quickly, often with physical therapy.
- What is joint replacement surgery?
- Joint replacement surgery, performed by Dr. Bernasek, is a procedure to replace a damaged, arthritic joint with an artificial implant. The goal is to relieve the pain caused by bone-on-bone friction from arthritis. This very successful procedure can significantly improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore independence for activities like walking and climbing stairs.
- What is arthroscopic surgery?
- Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique where Dr. Bernasek 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.
- 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. It works by reducing swelling and inflammation, often providing significant, though temporary, pain relief for conditions like arthritis or tendonitis. It's a safe and effective tool to manage flare-ups.
- 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. Bernasek can perform a thorough evaluation to diagnose the exact cause and will typically start with non-surgical treatments like physical therapy or epidural steroid injections to relieve the pressure and pain.
13020 N Telecom Pkwy
Temple Terrace FL 33637
Phone: (813) 978-9797
Dr. Thomas Bernasek, 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): 1881699726
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. Thomas Bernasek 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.