Dr. Matthew Byington

09/06/2025

Neck or Back Pain? We’ve got you covered! Mike Kowalke PA-C is an expert caring and seasoned provider specializing in neck, back and hip pain. Schedule a visit with Prairie Orthopaedic & Plastic Surgery, PC !!

Introducing Michael K. Kowalke, PA-C!

Mike is a nationally certified Physician Assistant (PA) who joined Prairie Orthopaedic & Plastic Surgery in 2025. Born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, he earned his PA degree in 2014. Mike specializes in spinal and hip conditions as well as general orthopaedics.

Mike first earned a Doctorate of Chiropractic (DC) from Southern California University and practiced as a sports-based chiropractor. Before that, he was in Las Vegas working as a pathologist assistant in the pathology field.

You’ll typically find Mike lighting up the grill, hitting the gym, teeing off on the golf course, or watching the Huskers.

We are so happy to have Mike here!

09/01/2025

Happy Labor Day! We hope you and your family enjoy your time off!

08/29/2025

10 types of exercise to try with arthritis of the knee.

Exercises for knee arthritis, such as leg lifts, can strengthen the muscles around the knee joint and help a person stay active. Swimming and elliptical training are also suitable options.

08/25/2025

9 Causes of Thigh Pain and How It's Treated.

Thigh pain can be a symptom of a muscle strain, fracture, or nerve injury. Acute trauma or joint injuries can cause pain, swelling, bruising, and discomfort with walking or doing stairs. Thigh pain can also occur due to chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease causing....

08/22/2025

How tennis takes a toll: The leg and foot injuries players need to watch out for.

Tennis demands explosive movement like lunges, pivots, sprints and sudden stops. Every serve starts with a push from the toes. Every rally shifts weight between the heel and forefoot. Unlike sports with linear movement, like sprinting, tennis places constant multi-directional stress on the feet a...

08/20/2025

We have a great team!

In April 2007, Dr. Patrick Hurlbut founded Prairie Orthopaedic & Plastic Surgery, focusing on upper extremity conditions—a passion sparked during his first week of medical school. This passion continues for Dr. Hurlbut.

Since then, the practice has grown into a dedicated team of specialists. These include plastic surgeon Dr. Gustavo Machado, and another Orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Matthew Byington. Dr. Byington is a sports medicine/ knee and shoulder joint replacement expert. The practice also includes three podiatric surgeons Dr. Krejci-Reed, Dr. Tanner Dodson, and Dr. Katherine Ternent. That's not all! The multispecialty clinic also includes 10 Physical Therapists and one Occupational Therapist.

At Prairie, we provide personalized care, whether surgical or non-surgical, with a commitment to the latest techniques and compassionate treatment. Your health and recovery are our top priorities.

08/20/2025

You don’t have to travel far for expert orthopaedic care. Visit our Omaha office at 11704 W Center Rd., where Dr. Byington and Dr. Ternent are ready to provide the care you need. Book your appointment now by calling (402) 489-4700!

08/18/2025

Tests for AC Joint Separation.

The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is the superior (upper) portion of the shoulder joint, comprised of the distal (furthest from the center of the body) portion of the collar bone (clavicle) and the acromion process of your shoulder blade (scapula). Problems here can lead to loss of shoulder motion, p...

08/11/2025

Medial Meniscus Root Tears: Management With Single-Tunnel Repair and Meniscus Centralization.

Meniscus root tears (MRTs) are radial tears located near the anterior or posterior meniscotibial attachment, which are often underdiagnosed and associated with accelerated knee osteoarthritis (OA). Medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRTs), frequently observed in middle-aged women, lead to al...

08/04/2025

Are Topical Anti-Inflammatory Creams Worth the Rub?

Chronic pain and inflammation can really take a toll on your physical and mental health. Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) can help reduce pain and inflammation. But they also carry certain risks for cardiovascular and kidney issues, stroke, ble...

07/28/2025

Steps for Treating a Deep Cut Finger.

Treating a deep cut on your finger may require medical help if there is damage to the skin, tendons, ligaments, or bone. Other minor injuries, like shallow paper cuts, can quickly be treated at home with basic first aid.

07/21/2025

SLAP Tear of the Shoulder.

A SLAP tear is an injury to the labrum, the cartilage rim that surrounds the socket of the shoulder joint. SLAP stands for "superior labrum anterior and posterior," meaning that the tear occurs at the front of the upper arm where the bicep tendon connects to the shoulder.