Practice Location

3334 CAPITAL MEDICAL BLVD
TALLAHASSEE, FL 32308-4470

Phone: (850) 877-8174

What does ROBERT THORNBERRY research?

Dr. Thornberry studies how different health conditions like sarcopenic obesity and osteoarthritis affect patients’ overall health and recovery, particularly among those preparing for weight loss or joint replacement surgeries. He explores important links between body composition, strength, and dietary habits, as well as examining surgical techniques that impact recovery. His work emphasizes understanding and addressing both obesity and nutritional deficiencies to help improve treatment outcomes for patients.

Key findings

  • In a study on weight loss treatment, 51% of 144 patients had sarcopenic obesity, significantly linked to higher instances of high cholesterol and asthma.
  • Among 55 patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis, 62% had a BMI over 30, and those with more body fat experienced higher pain levels.
  • A survey of 720 surgeons found that while all prescribed blood clot prevention for patients undergoing hip and knee replacements, approaches varied widely, indicating no single best method.
  • Research showed that adjusting the angle and design of hip replacement components improves stability and reduces dislocation risks.
  • Open surgery helped certain patients with patellofemoral joint malalignment, showing it can be beneficial when non-surgical treatments aren’t effective.

Frequently asked questions

Does Dr. Thornberry study obesity?
Yes, he studies sarcopenic obesity, which is when people have low muscle mass along with high fat, particularly in the context of weight loss treatments.
What treatments has Dr. Thornberry researched?
He has researched dietary intake and exercise for osteoarthritis patients preparing for surgery, as well as surgical techniques for hip replacement and patellofemoral joint problems.
Is Dr. Thornberry's work relevant to hip or knee surgery patients?
Yes, he conducts significant research on preventing blood clots and improving surgical outcomes for patients undergoing hip and knee replacements.
How does body composition affect surgery recovery?
Dr. Thornberry has found that patients with better body composition, including sufficient dietary protein and vitamins, recover more effectively after joint replacement surgeries.
What is sarcopenic obesity and why is it important?
Sarcopenic obesity is a condition with low muscle mass and high fat, and it’s important because it can lead to serious health risks like high cholesterol and asthma in patients seeking weight loss.

Publications in plain English

Sarcopenic obesity and health outcomes in patients seeking weight loss treatment.

2018

Clinical nutrition ESPEN

Xiao J, Cain A, Purcell SA, Ormsbee MJ, Contreras RJ +5 more

Plain English
This study looked at how common sarcopenic obesity (a condition where people have both low muscle mass and high fat) is among patients trying to lose weight and what health issues it might lead to. Out of 144 patients at a weight loss center, 51% were found to have this condition. It was significantly linked to a higher likelihood of having high cholesterol and asthma, showing that sarcopenic obesity can lead to serious health problems that aren't immediately obvious. Who this helps: This helps patients seeking weight loss treatment by highlighting the importance of addressing muscle mass and fat balance for better health outcomes.

PubMed

Body Composition, Strength, and Dietary Intake of Patients with Hip or Knee Osteoarthritis.

2016

Canadian journal of dietetic practice and research : a publication of Dietitians of Canada = Revue canadienne de la pratique et de la recherche en dietetique : une publication des Dietetistes du Canada

Purcell S, Thornberry R, Elliott SA, Panton L, Ormsbee MJ +3 more

Plain English
This study looked at the body composition, strength, and eating habits of 55 patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis who were preparing for joint replacement surgery. It found that many patients were obese, with 62% having a body mass index (BMI) over 30, and those with more body fat reported higher pain levels. Additionally, many patients weren’t getting enough protein and vitamins, which could affect their recovery after surgery. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with osteoarthritis who are preparing for surgery by highlighting the need for better nutrition and exercise before and after their operations.

PubMed

Venous thromboembolic disease management patterns in total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty patients: a survey of the AAHKS membership.

2001

The Journal of arthroplasty

Mesko JW, Brand RA, Iorio R, Gradisar I, Heekin R +2 more

Plain English
The study looked at how doctors prevent blood clots in patients having hip and knee replacement surgeries. Out of 720 surveyed surgeons, all of them prescribed blood clot prevention measures for their patients. While most used medications like warfarin, the exact methods and duration varied widely, indicating that while prevention is universally accepted, there isn't a single best approach. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing hip and knee surgeries by ensuring they receive necessary preventive care.

PubMed

Virtual reality computer animation of the effect of component position and design on stability after total hip arthroplasty.

2001

The Orthopedic clinics of North America

Barrack RL, Lavernia C, Ries M, Thornberry R, Tozakoglou E

Plain English
This study used virtual reality to look at how the position and design of hip replacement parts affect the risk of the hip joint dislocating. The researchers found that changing the angle and type of components can significantly impact stability and movement range. This matters because understanding these factors can help improve the safety and effectiveness of hip replacement surgeries. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing hip replacement surgeries.

PubMed

The role of open surgery for patellofemoral joint malalignment.

1986

Orthopaedic review

Andrews JR, Thornberry R

Plain English
This study looked at how open surgery can help people with problems related to the patellofemoral joint, specifically those who experience dislocations or instability of the kneecap. The researchers found that while most patients do well with non-surgical treatments, surgery can be beneficial for certain cases. This is important because knowing when to use surgery can lead to better outcomes for patients with knee issues. Who this helps: Patients with patellofemoral joint problems.

PubMed

Frequent Co-Authors

Michael J Ormsbee Jeong-Su Kim Carla M Prado Jingjie Xiao Angelina Cain Sarah A Purcell Robert J Contreras Dawn Springs M Cristina Gonzalez Sarah Purcell

Physician data sourced from the NPPES NPI Registry . Publication data from PubMed . Plain-English summaries generated by AI. Not medical advice.