Dr. Steven Drayer

11/15/2023

In 1982 I began my career as a physician. I undertook specialty training to be an orthopedic surgeon. Now 41 and a half years later, I will be closing the doors of my practice and on my career.

These decades have been filled with amazing advances in surgery and with the opportunity to develop all the skills that I have used to treat you as my patients. This career path has allowed me to meet some of the most wonderful health care workers, who have cared deeply for the well being of our patients and to assist me in their treatment back to health and well being.

But more than anything, it has graced me with meeting all of you. Thousands and thousands of people who were in pain or injured, unable to walk or reach, victims of accidents or activities gone wrong. It was with you that I was fulfilled in my task and reminded daily of why I became a physician and surgeon. Thank you for coming to me, trusting me and allowing me to treat you.

I will continue to operate and see new patients until the 15th of December, 2023. Thereafter, I will follow those that have had surgery or need follow up care until December 31st, 2023. As of that date, the doors of my practice will close permanently. This will be a sad day in my life…and a little bit scary. I’ve never really thought much of doing anything else other than taking care of my patients. Nonetheless, I want to make sure that all of you continue to have access to good orthopedic care.

For long term follow up of my joint replacement patients, I’d like to refer you specifically to Dr. Dan Mesko of the Michigan Orthopedic Center (MOC). He was fellowship trained at the Cleveland Clinic and has been certified in robotic assisted total joint surgery. His office telephone number is 517-267-0200. For the rest of my patients that I’ve care for over the last four decades, the Michigan Orthopedic Center has a wide range of specialists to assist you with your care. These include shoulder, sports medicine, hand, foot and ankle, podiatry and spine problems. They have additional joint replacement surgeons, should Dr. Dan Mesko not be available. They can all be reached through the same general work number of 517-267-0200. An additional group that is available to see you is the MSU Sportsmedicine group. They can be reached at 517-884-6100. I believe these two groups are the best in Lansing.

Your records have been uploaded into my EMR system for those active patients that I have treated these past two years. This includes office notes and operation records. This system is password protected, with only myself, Amy and MOC having access to them. Should you need your records for another group, or you are moving, you can contact us through the office number and leave a message. They will be emailed to you if you give us a current email.

It has been an honor and a pleasure to take care of you.
I will miss you.

Sincerely, Dr. Steven Drayer

09/23/2021

Hello everyone,

I am not retired.

I wanted to get this information out both to my loyal returning patients and to those new patients that are looking for an experienced orthopedic surgeon in knee, hip and shoulder problems.
Three years ago, the hospital that I was associated with, began hiring their own orthopedic surgeons as employees. As a result of this, I lost the majority of my practice referrals from that health care system. Thankfully, many of my patients have remained loyal and continue their treatment under my care. Disturbingly, that hospital system has been telling patients (when they ask for me) that I have retired and am no longer practicing. I have many accounts of patients calling my office requesting my care after being told by both ER docs and primary care physicians that I am no longer practicing, thus that they have to see their surgeons.
Just to clarify-I continue to practice in the Lansing area! I am in the same professional building that I moved into back in 1994. I see, and I am on call every day-and night, for patient care. Locally, I practice out of McLaren Hospital, also taking emergency call there. In my specialty, I practice robotic assisted joint replacement surgery out of Huron Valley Sinai Hospital, in Commerce Township, Mich. I am certainly NOT RETIRED.
I am available daily for non emergent, every day aches and pains. Also, for emergency care of the acutely injured patient.It hurts that people that I’ve previously cared for, are being sent to other surgeons. I and my staff provide individualized and caring treatment for our patients. Please continue to call my office for your joint pains and bone injuries. I am here to help my patients as I have for last 30 years in the Lansing area. Again, I am not retired.
Thank you

11/02/2020

Experiencing a Snap, Crackle, Pop?
A Rooster Comb Injection can help with that!

And that brings up the next question...
What is a Rooster Comb Injection?

Much like a well-oiled machine, your joints function smoothly when they are sufficiently lubricated. Thankfully, our bodies produce a slippery vegetable oil - like substance that keeps our joints lubricated, nourished and properly functioning. This is called synovial fluid.

However, for patients with arthritis in their knees, the synovial fluid that is essential for smooth joint movement decreases and changes quality as their cartilage deteriorates. This erosion of cartilage also breaks down the active ingredient in the synovial fluid: hyaluronic acid, which naturally occurs in healthy joints to lubricate and absorb shock.

If you suffer from osteoarthritis, a rooster comb injection is used to restore the hyaluronic acid levels in your knees to that of fully functioning joints. The goal is to reduce the creaking and grinding in your joints, restore function and lower inflammation. This is most commonly done with a three shot technique (don’t worry—one shot a week for three weeks). Relief from pain and stiffness is often gained for 4-6 months.

Unfortunately, these injections do not stop the arthritis or repair the wear damage to your knee. They’re designed to help you through periods of work when you can’t be absent, upcoming vacations and important personnel activities. Dr. Drayer would explain to you how they fit into your treatment regimen. They also give you the opportunity to think about and plan for other treatment recommendations that Dr. Drayer may make to you.

These are approved by insurance companies and don’t require money out of your pocket. If these injections sound interesting to you, call our office for a consultation.

10/26/2020

It's always good to see familiar faces around here!
Although, you as the patient, might have something else to say about that :) As far as we go, we're happy to see patients return to the office. It means you trust us and that we have taken good care of you in the past.

Here, pictured, we have a special patient where Dr. Drayer was able to take care of him for multiple surgeries. He originally fell and broke his femur into multiple pieces between his total hip and his total knee. Unfortunately, his fracture never healed and required a repeat surgery to realign it and get it to heal. After some additional minor surgeries, the fracture finally healed! This shows that unforeseen circumstances can occur beyond our control. Because of this patient's understanding and the skill of Dr. Drayer, his problem was finally solved. After all was said and done, both Doctor and patient walked away with smiles.

Here at Dr. Drayer's office we see the value in your return and we are happy to go above and beyond for your health and well being! We love to see you come back to our practice.

09/15/2020

Let's Talk Cortisone Injections

Dr. Drayer would like to address some of the commonly asked questions revolving around Cortisone Injections.

Let’s Start with; Will they cure the problem?

The answer is, no they do not. It is a temporary pain relieving measure and the main function is to reduce inflammation which results in less pain.

How long does it last?

It varies. It all depends on what’s wrong in the joint and how bad the joint is (ie. Arthritis) It can last anywhere from a couple weeks to many months.

Should I limit the number of injections I get?

Yes. You should limit the number of injections you get based on the fact that they increase your risk of infection when/if you have to have surgery. Limit 1-3 injections per problem area. If that doesn’t work, Dr. Drayer will suggest another treatment.

What kind of injections are there and what areas are
they good for?

There are 2 types of injections; Cortisone Injections and Rooster Comb Injections. Rooster Comb Injections are approved for the knee joint only, while Cortisone Injections can be placed in any painful joint.

Last but not least, Will it affect my Diabetes, Blood pressure, or other medical issues?

No, the injections won’t affect diabetes or any other diseases. The injection stays within the joint.

If you have long term joint pain you may be a candidate for an injection. Feel free to call the office for a consultation!

08/24/2020

Another great review for Dr. Drayer!

07/30/2020

Do you have chronic pain or arthritis in your knee?

Your provider may recommend a knee replacement to get you back to living a pain-free, active life.

There are two types of knee replacement surgery: A total knee replacement and a partial knee replacement. Depending on how your arthritis has spread within your knee, you can be a candidate for one or the other- at any age in your life. Your knee has 3 compartments- inner, outer, and under the kneecap.

A total knee is only needed when all three compartments are bad. Partial knee replacements can be done if only 1 or 2 compartments are worn out. A partial knee replacement saves your natural ligaments and any of your healthy cartilage. Why remove these (as is needed to do a total knee) if you don't have to.

TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT VS. PARTIAL KNEE REPLACEMENT

Partial knee replacements preserve your ligaments, healthy joint cartilage and cartilage pad(s) that haven't been damaged by the arthritis (we can figure this out by examining you, looking at
x-rays and getting MRI's). Partial knee replacements are safer, have fewer risks at surgery and with recovery, are less painful and have a shorter recovery. Their final results show better mobility and function in everyday living and sport or exercise activities. They are often done outpatient as well. Total knees are better for inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid, psoriatic, lupus) or knees that have widespread damage and wear. Also, for joints with severe wear and associated deformity (crooked or collapsed joints from long term arthritis)

HOW LONG DOES A KNEE REPLACEMENT LAST?

With robotic joint replacement (which is my speciality), both total knees and partial knees have similar survivorship. Both have a 10% FAILURE OVER 20-25 YEARS!! Think of what machine you have in your house (washer, dryer, t.v.) or own (car, boat, etc...) that last this long with that little failure from wearing out. And now with press fit or uncemented knees, the number that fail in twenty years is getting less. The old, traditional total knee is cemented and often fails from breakdown of the cement. Recognizing this, I began placing uncemented knees over fifteen years ago.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR A PARTIAL KNEE REPLACEMENT?

Knee replacements can be performed as early as your 30's and become more common as you reach your fifties and beyond. Because of the stresses in our lives, I am seeing knee replacements being needed much earlier than twenty years ago. At the younger ages, these are most commonly partial knee replacements. This means a quicker return to work and sporting activities. The beauty of these replacements (and also that of the robot) is that you don't burn any bridges. Should you get 20 years of good use from your partial knee (and it wears out, or your arthritis spreads with age), it can be easily be changed to a total knee. And if you're in your 70's or 80's, that doesn't mean you can't have a partial knee replacement. There is a growing trend to do partial knee replacements in our older population, so that they can heal more quickly- with less pain. Thus, they can get back to their normal life more easily.

Why do a big operation if it can be solved with less surgery?

If you would like to get more information about this, please make an appointment with me through my office at 517-371-3407

Or you can also go to the Stryker website at www.stryker.patients.c

07/14/2020

07/06/2020

A 55 year old male came to us with pain in his left knee. After diagnosis, Dr. Drayer found he had severe Arthritis with alignment deformity (You can see this in the before image (left).

He was feeling pain with standing, walking, bending, going up or downstairs, and doing just about anything in his daily routine. The patient's pain was labeled at a 7/10. The severity of his problem prevented him from getting access to most joint replacement surgeons. Being that, he was referred to Dr. Drayer.

Dr. Drayer, planned his surgery with a 3 Dimensional CT scan, allowing him to map out his alignment and final result, one week prior to surgery. As it turned out, the patient required a special type of knee replacement.

Dr. Drayer went on to perform a Robotically Assisted Full Knee Replacement. This procedure, removed the arthritis and straightened his knee. (You can see the results in the after image (right)

At 2 weeks, his pain was at such a low level that it was being managed with Motrin and Tylenol alone. The patient was done with Physical Therapy by 6 weeks and at 3 months post surgery he was completely pain free! (He even ran down the hallway of the office to show the therapist how well he was doing) Needless to say, He was very happy. This is just one example of the amazing results you can get with Robotic Surgery.

06/30/2020

The staff here at the office is happy to have you all back and operating in full swing! (no pun intended) :)

To make the process go as smooth as possible;
PLEASE make sure to present your insurance card and any paperwork necessary for your appointment.

If you are a new patient, we encourage you to use our website to complete your paperwork. The link below will take you right to it! Stay well and we thank you!

http://www.drayerortho.net/for-patients/forms/