Jersey Shore University Medical Center Partners With World-Renowned Reconstructive Surgeons to Unveil Center for Paralysis

Center Uniquely Combines Advanced Surgical Treatments, Rehabilitation. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) February 18, 2011 - Neptune, NJ - Jersey Shore University Medical Center, together with world-renowned reconstructive surgeons from The Plastic Surgery Center, today announced the launch of a unique Center for the Treatment of Paralysis and Reconstructive Nerve Surgery ("The Center"). Representing one of the first known comprehensive Centers of its kind in the nation, The Center will uniquely combine advanced surgical treatments for paralysis and nerve damage, with rehabilitation, continuum care and research.

"We are bringing together all of the high-level care the patients require, which can expedite a patient's treatment process and maximize results in the treatments to improve quality of life for people with paralysis," said Steven G. Littleson, FACHE, president of Jersey Shore University Medical Center. "We are thrilled to have some of the world's most respected surgeons in nerve transplantation and advanced reconstruction, dedicated to providing the most advanced treatment possible."

World-renowned reconstructive surgeon Andrew Elkwood, M.D., commented, "We are very excited to be part of this groundbreaking effort to care for the complex needs of patients suffering from paralysis, and are committed to restoring their hope by enhancing function for those who have suffered a stroke and other forms of paralysis and nerve damage. More often than not, people are told that nothing can be done for their condition, and they must learn to live with immobility and pain. However, we are utilizing nerve-related surgeries and other procedures that enable paralysis patients to live full, active lives."

The Center's world-renowned medical team is comprised of a group of surgeons who are leaders in the field of paralysis treatment using advanced nerve reconstruction techniques. The surgeons perform a number of unique operations to help patients suffering from life-altering medical conditions who are often unaware that a treatment is available.

Some of these conditions include:
• Paralysis resulting from accidents and strokes
• Neuropathy pain and risk of amputation
• Paralyzed diaphragm/ventilator-based breathing from spinal cord injuries
• Life-altering pressure sores
• Facial reanimation

Jersey Shore University Medical Center is a leading medical center in New Jersey with a Level II Trauma Center, a highly respected cardiovascular center, and a regional Stroke Rescue Center. Its new Center for the Treatment of Paralysis and Reconstructive Nerve Surgery (http://www.jerseyshoreuniversitymedicalcenter.com/JSUMC/services/centerfornervesurgery/index.cfm) is dedicated to improving the understanding of paralysis, pioneering new life-altering approaches for treatment and educating future generations of medical professionals and clinicians.

The Center's medical team includes: Andrew Elkwood, M.D., one of the foremost practitioners of brachial plexus treatment and nerve transplantation, and recognized leader for reversing paralysis caused by accidents and strokes; Michael Rose, M.D., one of a very few plastic surgeons trained to perform state-of-the-art neuropathy treatment; Matthew Kaufman, M.D., a pioneer of nerve grafting to the phrenic nerve for treatment of diaphragm paralysis following trauma and spinal cord injury; Tushar Patel, M.D., highly skilled in endoscoptic carpal tunnel surgery for treating upper extremity nerve compression; and Russell Ashinoff, M.D., who has a specialized interest in reducing lower extremity ulcers in patients with neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease.

A symposium to launch the Center will take place on November 18 at the Reception Center at PNC Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey from 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. If you are a physician, nurse, occupational therapist, physical therapist or case manager and are interested in attending the symposium, please contact Angella Shand at 732.776.4129 or ashand ( @ ) meridianhealth dot com dot

For more information about the Center, or the symposium, please visit www.compellinghope.com.

About The Center for the Treatment of Paralysis and Nerve Reconstruction
Located at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, New Jersey, The Center for the Treatment of Paralysis and Nerve Reconstruction is one of the first comprehensive centers of its kind, uniquely combining advanced surgical treatments for paralysis and nerve damage, with rehabilitation, continuum care and research. Specialists are dedicated to improving the understanding of paralysis, pioneering new life-altering approaches for treatment and educating future generations of medical professionals and clinicians. Comprised of some of the world's most respected surgeons in nerve transplantation and advanced reconstruction, The Center for the Treatment of Paralysis and Nerve Reconstruction is committed to providing the most advanced treatment possible. The medical team performs a number of unique operations to help patients suffering from life-altering conditions who are often unaware that a treatment is available. Some of these conditions include: paralysis resulting from accidents and strokes; neuropathy pain and risk of amputation; paralyzed diaphragm/ventilator-based breathing from spinal cord injuries; life-altering pressure sores, and facial reanimation. To help patients with nerve damage regain function, the physicians also perform brachial plexus reconstruction, bells palsy treatment, radial and ulnar nerve surgery, foot drop treatment, and a whole range of other nerve reconstruction procedures.

About Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Jersey Shore University Medical Center, a member of the Meridian Health family, is a not-for-profit teaching hospital and home to K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital - the first children's hospital in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Jersey Shore is the regional provider of cardiac surgery, a program which has been ranked among the best in the Northeast, and is home to the only trauma center and stroke rescue center in the region. Jersey Shore University Medical Center specializes in cardiovascular care, orthopedics and rehabilitation, cancer care, neuroscience, and women's specialty services.

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