A 2020 TOP DOC Dr. Paul Lucas, Director of The Vascular Center at Mercy, leads a clinical team providing diagnosis and treatment for circulatory problems, including aneurysm, stroke, swelling of the leg and blockages.
Mercy’s team of breast surgeons and breast cancer specialists in Baltimore help women determine the best breast cancer treatment options available to them.
Mercy Medical Center is home to The Institute for Digestive Health and Liver Disease, offering dedicated specialists and advanced treatment options.
Mercy offers emergency care on the Downtown Baltimore campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (410-332-9477) with access to a trained emergency medicine team, diagnostic services and consultations with specialists.
In case of an Emergency, Dial 911 and follow the instructions of the EMS (Emergency Medical Services) team.
Mercy Medical Center's downtown campus includes our Main Hospital - The Mary Catherine Bunting Center, McAuley Plaza and The Weinberg Center.
General visiting hours at Mercy are 11:00 am to 8:30 pm. Hours vary by floor, please check with the nursing staff or call 410-332-9555.
At The Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist and Hand Center at Mercy, orthopedic surgeons specialize in joint preservation and reconstruction. Patients from across the Baltimore region seek Mercy's orthopedic expertise for our team's advanced skills in treating avascular necrosis of the shoulder and hand.
Avascular necrosis is a condition in which a portion of bone dies due to loss of blood supply. When blood flow to the bone is disrupted, the bone begins to fracture and eventually can collapse. Blood flow to bones can be disrupted due to trauma, joint dislocation or pressure in the bone due to medical conditions such as sickle cell anemia, lupus or Gaucher’s disease.
Certain medications, such as steroids, and excessive drinking can cause fat to build in the blood preventing the blood from reaching the bones. Avascular necrosis most commonly affects the hip, but also can affect the knee, shoulder, hand and foot.
Avascular necrosis initially may not cause any symptoms. As avascular necrosis develops, joints may begin to hurt with activity and eventually even while inactive. Symptoms of avascular necrosis can include:
Orthopedic surgeons diagnose avascular necrosis by first performing a physical exam. The painful joint is examined by the orthopedic surgeon while it is moved to test for range of motion. Imaging tests such as X-rays, bone scans and MRIs may be conducted to look for changes in bone structure.
Initial treatment for avascular necrosis includes:
For more severe cases of avascular necrosis, surgery is the best treatment option. Surgical treatments for avascular necrosis can include:
A 2020 TOP DOC Dr. John-Paul Rue is a Board Certified orthopedic sports medicine surgeon specializing in the prevention and treatment of injuries related to sports and exercise, including complex knee and shoulder reconstructions.