James D. Hoffman, MD: Orthopedic Surgeon at South Florida Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

In workers’ compensation, trusted care depends on timely decisions, accurate documentation, and the right clinical judgment. In the Stuart and Port St. Lucie region, Dr. James D. Hoffman has long been recognized for delivering exactly that. A Partner at South Florida Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, Dr. Hoffman brings more than two decades of experience in general orthopedics with advanced expertise in hip replacement surgery, including the anterior approach technique.

Dr. Hoffman is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He earned his medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine and completed both his surgical and orthopedic surgical residencies at the University of Miami and Jackson Memorial Hospital. Since joining South Florida Orthopaedics in 2001, he has remained dedicated to helping injured patients return to activity through medically appropriate, function-based care.

He is one of the few orthopedic surgeons in the region who regularly performs anterior approach hip replacements. After identifying the limitations of posterior and lateral approaches, Dr. Hoffman adopted the anterior method early and has since performed hundreds of successful procedures using this tissue-sparing technique. His broader orthopedic practice includes fracture care, joint evaluation, and the treatment of both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

Bloom Magazine: Dr. Hoffman, how do you approach orthopedic injuries when referred for a work-related case?

Dr. Hoffman: My approach is to treat the injury as efficiently and appropriately as possible while always keeping the job demands in mind. Whether the injury involves the hip, shoulder, or lower extremity, we tailor treatment to support a safe and confident return to work. The care plan may be surgical or conservative, depending on what is best for the patient, but our goal is always the same: restore function and move the case forward.

Bloom Magazine: Communication is critical in workers’ compensation. How does your team support that?

Dr. Hoffman: We prioritize fast, accurate updates. Our Workers’ Compensation team is experienced, organized, and responsive. DWC-25 forms are completed after each visit, restrictions are clearly stated, and our staff stays available to answer questions from case managers or adjusters. We work hard to eliminate delays and keep everyone on the same page throughout the course of care.

Bloom Magazine: What role does the anterior approach play in your surgical practice?

Dr. Hoffman: The anterior approach to hip replacement has been a key part of my practice for many years. It is less invasive, spares the surrounding muscle tissue, and leads to a faster and more stable recovery for the right candidates. When an injured worker is dealing with advanced hip pathology, this approach allows them to return to mobility and work with greater confidence.

Bloom Magazine: How do you support return-to-work readiness?

Dr. Hoffman: We base return-to-work decisions on healing progress, strength, and the specific physical demands of the employee’s role. When restrictions are needed, we document them clearly. If full duty is appropriate, we communicate that with confidence. Our goal is always to provide realistic timelines supported by clear, functional assessments.

WORK COMP CONTACT INFORMATION

To refer an injured worker or coordinate care:

Phone: 772 403 2298

Email: WorkComp@SouthFlaOrtho.com

Website: www.SouthFlaOrtho.com

Dr. Hoffman remains one of a very few orthopedic surgeons in the area who perform anterior approach hip replacement. He has been practicing general orthopedics since joining South Florida Orthopaedics in 2001 and became a Partner in 2003. He has served on the Medical Executive Committee for Martin Health Systems and as Attending Team Physician for Martin County District High Schools.