Ouch, I Have a Charley Horse!
By Chris Leahy, PA-C Orthopedic and Reconstructive Surgery Chances are, you’ve had a sudden muscle cramp, often referred to as a...
"I treat leg and arm pain caused by pressure on the nerves within the spine caused by spinal stenosis, disc herniations, and other problems."
When he was playing sports as a child, Dr. Thomas Kesman learned that an orthopedist could be a big help in overcoming an injury and getting back on the playing field. Those visits to the doctor when he was young helped inspire him to pursue a career as an orthopedic and reconstructive surgeon.
Now as a surgeon at Reliant Medical Group, Dr. Kesman specializes in treating a variety of spinal problems. “I treat leg and arm pain caused by pressure on nerves within the spine, spinal stenosis, compression fractures and other problems,” he explains. “I like the complexity of spine work. The intricacy of the spine really takes an extra level of concentration when you are operating – I find it a very challenging, interesting, and rewarding field.”
One of the things that Dr. Kesman enjoys most about orthopedics is that he is able to use new technologies that can really benefit patients. “Spine surgeons are fortunate to have an expanding choice of different technologies to help patients. Our instrumentation is better than ever before, allowing patients to get up and move more quickly, often without any type of brace. Intraoperative spine navigation helps us place that instrumentation as safely as possible by providing real time guidance in the operating room. Cervical disc replacement is also evolving to be a useful alternative to cervical fusion for herniated discs, in a very select group of patients. All of these technologies help move science and patient care forward. “
According to Dr. Kesman, back and spine problems can be challenging to diagnose, so a thorough history, physical examination and imaging must be done before any operative intervention is recommended. The vast majority of patients start out with conservative treatments before any surgery is considered.
Dr. Kesman is a strong believer in treating patients as if they were his own family members. “I think the sense of trust between the doctor and the patient is very, very important. That’s why I strive to have a good rapport with my patients, since I believe it ultimately helps them enjoy better care when everyone works together.”
In his free time Dr. Kesman is an avid boater, including water-skiing and tubing. He and his wife Rebecca (who is an internist at Reliant) also enjoy downhill skiing, dining out, traveling, and spending as much time as possible with their young son.
Star ratings are based on patient responses to 5 questions about the care they have received from their provider. Responses are measured on a scale of 1-5 and the average score is displayed in an easy to view, 5-star format. Learn more about how we measure our patient experience.
Comments marked with an asterisk * serve as a flag to indicate when a patient has left feedback that specifically references a provider's name.
This patient rated the doctor 3 out of 5 stars.
I was told to bring all of my medical records pertaining to my back and we didn't go through all/any of it. Only looked at imaging from 1yr and 8 months ago. I wish another CT or MRI was ordered. Then I was referred back to Celestin to see if I qualify for a spinal cord stimulator.
This patient rated the doctor 3.6 out of 5 stars.
I wish more time could have been given as relates to my MRI, particularly an orange flag in my report that was dismissed as a common occurrence or often an over use by the people who who read the MRI's. I wish I knew more about why there was nothing to be concerned about in my case. My options for care and treatment were not detailed as much, but Dr Kesman did not consider me to be a candidate for surgury at the present time, which in one sense is a relief. It was determined to pursue less invasive measures to resolve my pain, numbness, and instability of my left leg. I have been experiencing deep pain in the hip joint area, left rear glute, deep tension and pain in left frontal leg crease, deep pain in left front thigh, also left knee again in the front center, numbness in the left front shin down to the left ankle and also pain and deep pulling discomfort in left front ankle. I do not have a firm grasp of why, or what might help alleviate it and move me towards improvement. I'm home bound, on a walker and taking two prescription meds. Sleep is not always easy, nor is standing. I was referred to neurology but saw a PA, I think it might have been better to see a higher level doctor in that department
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Great
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Dr Kesman explained my X-ray results clearly and made several suggestions for treatment.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
He was a very good doctor and made me feel extremely comfortable.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
"Very good" does not express the talent and care and empathy of this young surgeon. He is extraordinary!
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Dr. Kesman is amazing. He's knowledgeable, experienced and an excellent communicator. I never felt rushed.
This patient rated the doctor 3.4 out of 5 stars.
First visit, not enough information on the part of the doctor to discuss, needs more test information.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Everyone including Dr. Kesnan were very easy to talk to, very relatable
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Great energy and knowledge
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
The out come of the MRI will have a determination of any proposed treatment from past medical history.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Excellent dialogue. Excellent explanationsThrough
Orthopedic Surgery
Cervical Spine Surgery
Disc Herniations
Lumbar Spine Surgery
Spinal Stenosis
Spine Surgery
American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Medical Education: Dartmouth Medical School
Internship & Residency: Mayo Clinic
Fellowship: OrthoCarolina Spine Center (Spine Surgery)
English
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