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Dr. Philip J. Branson, MD, Orthopedist
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Dr. Philip J. Branson, MD

Orthopedist

4/5(40)
311 Courthouse Rd Princeton WV, 24740
Rating

4/5

About

Dr. Philip Branson is an orthopaedic surgeon practicing in Princeton, WV. Dr. Branson specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries, diseases and disorders of the bodys musculoskeletal system. As an orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Branson tends to bones, ligaments, muscles, joints, nerves and tendons. Orthopaedic surgeons can specialize in certain areas like the hand, spine, hip, foot and ankle, shoulder and elbow or the knee.

Education and Training

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine medical degree 0

Board Certification

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS)

Orthopaedic SurgeryAmerican Board of Orthopaedic SurgeryABOS

Provider Details

MaleEnglish
Dr. Philip J. Branson, MD
Dr. Philip J. Branson, MD's Expert Contributions
  • How long does knee arthritis surgery take?

    Total Knee replacement is the most common procedure for knee arthritis. Robotic surgery procedures take 30 to 45 minutes, but plan to be in surgery and recovery for several hours. READ MORE

  • Knee pain?

    Hi, that needs medical attention. Infection can cause that. Gout and some types of arthritis can too. But a hot painful red knee should be checked in person by a doctor. READ MORE

  • What should I do to fix tennis elbow?

    DIY options include ibuprofen, tennis elbow splint, ice, and heat. READ MORE

  • When should I be concerned about swollen ankles?

    If both ankles are swollen, probably need to see a doctor. Medications, kidney problems, and heart problems can cause ankle swelling. Best to see your doctor. READ MORE

  • Knee acl/mcl and a hernia?

    Hi, While hernia may be a problem, it sounds like you need your hip checked! That can cause groin and knee pain. READ MORE

  • Knee buckling?

    Hi, At your age, buckling can be a symptom of meniscus tear, patellofemoral problems, or ligament tear. Ligament tears are usually have a history of a significant knee injury with swelling and a recovery time of 3-12 weeks. Meniscus problems at your age usually follow injury as well. With meniscus tears, the knee may become stiff or swollen following giving way, and there may be point tenderness at the edge of the top of the tibia on either side. Giving way due to patellofemoral problems is more common in females, and typically happens going down stairs or inclines. Less common causes include osteochondritis dessicans, where a portion of the bone dies, loose bodies and muscle weakness. Evaluation starts with xrays and exam. Patellofemoral problems often respond to physical therapy and exercise. Meniscus and ligament tears may require surgery. MRI is useful if the symptoms have been present for >3 months or physical exam findings suggest meniscus or ligament problem. Goal at your age is to get back to full activity. Long term patients that stay active with good muscle tone and normal body weight do best over time. READ MORE

  • How long does it take to recover from ACL tear without surgery?

    Hi, If your ACL is is the only structure injured, you can begin rehab immediately. The function will gradually return as the swelling subsides. Younger patients recover more quickly. 30 and above, typically 6-12 weeks. Early treatment targets return of motion correction of muscle inhibition. Once muscle inhibition subsides, focus shifts to strengthening to maximize knee function. In a PT supervised program, activity is progressed based on function of the knee. Exercise intensity and complexity is increased based on objective testing. Patients engaging in start / stop and pivoting activities will need to modify or restrict activities that cause the knee to "slip" or give way. An ACL functional brace can be used to improve stability of the knee. ACL reconstruction can return significant stability, but will not restore full function to the knee. The rule of 1/3's for ACL reconstructed knees says that 1/3 of athletes can return to unrestricted sport. 1/3 will participate, but modify activity. 1/3 of patients may have persisting symptoms severe enough to either curtail or discontinue participation. Good luck with your knee! READ MORE

  • Post ACL & meniscus surgery pain?

    Hi, There are several possibilities for pain over the tibial tunnel. In some cases, there may be prominence caused by healing bone, the end of the graft, or the device used to secure the graft. There are also tendons in the area, which can be sensitive. Nerves in the area can also cause pain in the area. Your surgeon will be best suited to evaluate you and let you know what's causing the pain and how to treat it. READ MORE

  • How do you tell if lower back pain is muscle or disc?

    Low back pain may have several causes. Classic disc problems present as leg symptoms like pain radiating down the leg, numbness in the leg foot or toes, and may be associated with muscle weakness. Disc disease can also cause low back pain and muscle spasm in the lower back. Strictly muscular strain presents with tenderness in the muscles on either side of the spine. Prostate problems, kidney stones and certain infections may present with similar symptoms. Note the location of pain or numbness and what activities increase symptoms. Accurately describing your symptoms will help your doctor determine the best course of action. Back or leg pain associated with loss of control of bladder, or numbness in the "saddle" area (where your bottom contacts a saddle) is an emergency, and requires immediate attention. Hope that helps. READ MORE

  • What causes hand tingling and numbness?

    The most common cause for finger numbness is carpal tunnel. That's unusual at age 17. Other causes include disk problems in the neck, inflammatory conditions and endocrine problems like hypothyroidism or diabetes. The exact location of the tingling and activities that make symptoms worse are clues for your doctor. A detailed neurological exam will often give the answer. In some cases, blood tests, nerve conduction tests or imaging studies are performed to understand the cause. READ MORE

  • When should I see a doctor for rib injury?

    It sounds like you have rib pain. The decision to see a doctor should is a judgement call. Many rib fractures heal on their own. At the other end of the spectrum, rib fractures may be associated with lung injuries, bleeding into the chest or loss of the ability to breathe. More serious injuries are frequently associated with higher energy injuries like motorcycle or car accidents, and may involve fractures of several ribs. READ MORE

  • How long after bunion surgery can you exercise?

    That depends on the type of surgery. For simple removal of a bump, it can be as soon as the wound is fully healed. Other procedures involve cutting bone (osteotomy), and therefore recovery is similar to healing a fracture. Weight bearing may be restricted, and exercise may be restricted for 2 to 3 months or more. Best to ask your doctor. Be specific about what exercise you are planning. Jot your questions down so you do the best to get a great result. READ MORE

  • How long before you can drive after rotator cuff surgery?

    Hi, Your surgeon should address safe return to driving with you based on your specific circumstances. In my practice, return to driving is based on the individual ability to safely operate the car rather than a specific number of days. Patients may return to drive when they are no longer taking narcotic pain medication and have sufficient strength and coordination of the non-surgical arm to operate their specific vehicle safely. In addition, the operative arm must be sufficiently mobile to assist in the event of an emergency. It's better to err on the side of caution for safety and liability reasons. READ MORE

  • Do I need to worry?

    Hi, 174/113 should be addressed by your doctor. Both numbers are high. Appropriate treatment will be based on your individual situation. Please contact your doctor. READ MORE

Faculty Titles & Positions

  • Associate Clinical Professor of Orthopaedics Bowman Gray School of Medicine -
  • Course Director and Instructor Advanced Computer Courses -

Awards

  • Patients’ Choice Award 2018  
  • Compassionate Doctor Recognition 2018  

Treatments

  • Torn Meniscus
  • Peripheral Neuropathy
  • Arthritis
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rotator Cuff Syndrome
  • Pain
  • Rotator Cuff Tear

Professional Memberships

  • Arthroscopy Association of North America  
  • Knee Surgery & Orthopaedic Sports Medicine  
  • International Society of Arthroscopy  
  • Mercer County Medical Society  

Dr. Philip J. Branson, MD's Practice location

311 Courthouse Rd -
Princeton, WV 24740
Get Direction
New patients: 304-487-2297, 304-425-9563
Fax: 304-425-6993

Dr. Philip J. Branson, MD's reviews

(40)
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Patient Experience with Dr. Branson


4.0

Based on 40 reviews

Dr. Philip J. Branson, MD has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars based on the reviews from 40 patients. FindaTopDoc has aggregated the experiences from real patients to help give you more insights and information on how to choose the best Orthopedist in your area. These reviews do not reflect a providers level of clinical care, but are a compilation of quality indicators such as bedside manner, wait time, staff friendliness, ease of appointment, and knowledge of conditions and treatments.

Media Releases

Get to know Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Philip J. Branson, who serves patients in Princeton, West Virginia.

An excellent orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Branson is affiliated with the Orthopaedic Center of the Virginias in Princeton, West Virginia. 

“I am privileged to work with highly trained staff and cutting-edge technology in a community that considers me a doctor rather than a “provider.” It is an honor to work at the first total joint center in West Virginia to receive national recognition as a Center of Excellence. It is gratifying to receive pictures of patients riding horses or Harleys with kind words of appreciation for getting back to the things they like to do. The wonderful and personal feedback is a daily reminder that I work in a small community that appreciates my work” as stated by the doctor. 

In addition to seeing patients at the Orthopaedic Center of the Virginias, Dr. Branson is the President of Luma Corporation and Desktopmedical, and is a Physician Reviewer for the West Virginia Medical Institute. Furthermore, he can be found on staff at Princeton Community Hospital (past Chief of Surgery), Salem VA Medical Center, and Beckley VA Medical Center.

As for his academic appointment, he serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Orthopaedics at the Bowman Gray School of Medicine.

Graduating with his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University, Dr. Branson went on to complete his medical education and residency in orthopaedic surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

A Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, he is board-certified in orthopaedic surgery by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS). The ABOS is an organization with the goal of establishing educational and professional standards for orthopaedic residents and surgeons as well as evaluating the qualifications and competence of orthopaedic surgeons. 

Among his professional activities, Dr. Branson is a Course Director and Instructor of the Advanced Computer Courses, the H. Sweeney Arthroscopic Motor Skills Course, and the J. Tasto Arthroscopic Shoulder, Knee and Elbow Course.

A Delegate and Chairman of the West Virginia State Medical Association Legislative Committee, he is also on the WV Governor’s Task Force on Medical Care, WV Task Force on Workers’ Compensation, WV Task Force on Medical Malpractice (Chairman), and WV Board of Medicine (Orthopaedic Physician Consultant).

In good standing with a number of professional organizations, he is an active member of the Arthroscopy Association of North America, the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery & Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, and the Mercer County Medical Society.

Orthopaedic surgery is the branch of surgery concerned with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. Orthopaedic surgeons use both surgical and non-surgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors, and congenital disorders.

With almost 40 years of experience in the field, Dr. Branson has been the recipient of the Patients’ Choice Award (2018) and Compassionate Doctor Recognition (2018).

On a more personal note, he has been married to his wife Cynthia for over 34 years. Their children attended public schools and have gone on to careers in medicine and dentistry. He and his wife now enjoy their piece of the country with their dogs, garden, and guinea hens.

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  • How Long Does a Knee Replacement Last?

    A knee replacement surgery provides relief for approximately 90 percent of people who are suffering from pain due to knee problems. Most knee replacement procedures are done for the treatment of osteoarthritis. With proper care, your knee implant can last for as long as 20 years. The technology...

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