Blackstone Touts PIC-NOIA Connection

Bruce Blackstone, MD, of Longview Orthopedic Associates (LOA) was among 500 surgeons who attended the fall meeting of the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) in Palm Desert, California, in mid-November.

Blackstone attended sessions on knee, hip, wrist, and elbow arthroscopy, but focused primarily on topics related to shoulder arthroscopy, including rotator cuff injuries and repair and the evaluation and treatment of shoulder instability problems.

“It was a fantastic venue for learning about recent developments involving the bio-mechanics and biology of repairs,” Blackstone said. “This information will translate directly into improved surgical techniques and better results for patients in our area.”

Blackstone also attended a presentation on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee and shoulder by Dr. Russ Fritz of National Orthopedic Imaging Associates (NOIA), a nationally-known radiology group located in Marin County, California.

“All of our patients at LOA who are scanned at Pacific Imaging Center have their MRIs interpreted by the radiologists at NOIA,” Blackstone said. “It’s a huge bonus for patients and surgeons because these radiologists are specialists who have been trained in musculoskeletal MRI. The session reminded me that good imaging and good interpretations translate into good results for patients.”

A Longview native, Blackstone attended R. A. Long High School, Stanford University, the University of Washington, and the University of Utah, before returning to his hometown in 1983 to found Longview Orthopedic Associates. The practice now includes six board-certified orthopedic surgeons.

Articles and a video narrated by Dr. Blackstone can be accessed at the links below:

  • National Orthopedic Imaging Associates
  •  American College of Radiology
  • American Board of Magnetic Resonance Safety
  • The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
  • SMRT Logo