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As a kid, Dr. Christopher Mattern had a knack for fixing his dads television set and other items around the house. Now an orthopedic surgeon for Westmed Medical Group, he fixes bones instead.
Ive always liked anatomy and how the different parts of the body fit together. Plus I like to operate on and fix things, said the New Canaan resident.
Dr. Mattern has worked at Westmed for the past three years, seeing patients at the White Plains and Rye offices. When necessary, he performs operations at nearby facilities like White Plains Hospital or Greenwich Hospital.
Dr. Mattern says a lot of people that come to see him suffer from everyday symptoms like hip and joint pain. For the elderly patients who seek treatment on arthritis or cartilage tears, for example, he advises them to keep their bodies active through strengthening exercises. In some instances, operations such as arthroscopy or joint replacement are required.
On the other end of the spectrum, Dr. Mattern also sees a lot of athletes with injured tendons or torn ligaments. Depending on the extent of the damage, he will often prescribe physical therapy or anti-inflammatory medications such as Motrin. In some cases, those tendons or ligaments require repair.
Before coming to Westmed, Dr. Mattern completed his orthopedic residency at the Hospital for Special Surgery. He said his move to Westchester has allowed him to develop relationships with his patients and treat a variety of orthopedic injuries.
Being up here, I have seen a little bit of everything. Youre able to really talk to the patients and get to know their families too, he added.
To keep a healthy lifestyle, Dr. Mattern recommends regular low-impact aerobic exercise 20 to 30 minutes a day, three times a week. He also advises that individuals keep a balanced body weight.
Weight plays a big role in what we see in orthopedic practice, he said.
Dr. Mattern received his medical degree at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and his MBA from Columbia Business School.
Westmed Medical Group's Rye offices are located at 1 Theall Road, Rye, Tel. (914) 848-8888.
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