Southern Tennessee Bone and Joint, led by esteemed Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Paul Thomas, is making waves in middle Tennessee by helping community members regain their mobility and live active, healthy lives. With over 40 years of orthopedic experience and deep roots as a Lawrenceburg native, Dr. Thomas has been a cornerstone of quality care since joining Southern Tennessee Orthopedics—now Southern Tennessee Bone and Joint—in 2023.

This dynamic team, including Melanie Durham, PA, Julie Markus, NP-C, and Diana Connelly, FNP-C, is dedicated to eliminating the need for residents to travel outside the county for expert orthopedic care. Their mission is clear: to ensure that every patient can move freely and thrive. By combining cutting-edge treatments with compassionate care, Southern Tennessee Bone and Joint is transforming lives right here at home.

A Story of Resilience: Chris Jackson’s Journey

One inspiring example is the story of Chris Jackson, a local resident whose life was upended by a serious car accident earlier this year. The crash left him with a fractured femur, requiring a metal rod from his hip to his knee. “If you’ve noticed me walking differently, that’s why,” Chris shared in a heartfelt update. Over 16 months, he endured three surgeries, 20 weeks of physical therapy, and countless challenges, including a non-union where his bone failed to heal properly.

Despite setbacks, Chris found hope and healing under the care of Dr. Thomas and his team. After his third surgery, where the team replaced the original rod with a larger one to stimulate bone growth, Chris received the news he had been waiting for: his femur was nearly healed. “My gait’s still got a hitch—but we’re close,” he said with gratitude. “Huge thanks to Dr. Thomas, Melanie Durham, and the entire team. It was a complex break, but they never gave up on me.”

Chris’s journey highlights the resilience of both patient and provider. “If you’re dealing with bone or joint issues, go see them,” he urged. “We’re lucky to have that kind of care right here in our community.”

A Commitment to Community Health

Southern Tennessee Bone and Joint’s impact extends far beyond individual stories like Chris’s. By offering top-notch orthopedic care locally, the team ensures that residents can access the treatments they need without the burden of long-distance travel. From surgical interventions to personalized rehabilitation plans, Dr. Thomas and his colleagues are committed to helping every patient achieve their best possible outcome.

The team’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. Patients across the community are expressing gratitude for the expertise, compassion, and perseverance shown by Dr. Thomas, Melanie Durham, Julie Markus, and Diana Connelly. Their work is not just about fixing bones—it’s about restoring hope, independence, and the joy of movement.

For anyone struggling with bone or joint issues, Southern Tennessee Bone and Joint stands ready to help. As Chris Jackson’s story proves, with the right care, even the toughest challenges can lead to a brighter, more mobile future.