Is a total hip replacement safe for patients with osteoporosis?

May 28th — admin

I’ve had osteoporosis for the past 10 years. I’m doing my exercises and taking my medications. I also need a hip replacement. Is it safe to try for it? I’ve heard brittle bones can break during that operation.

Many people with osteoporosis have had total hip replacements. Often the hip breaks and it can’t be repaired because of the osteoporosis. Doctors have special ways of handling such cases.

They use cement to hold the implant in place. They can choose implants that don’t need the inside of the femur (thigh bone) to be drilled out. They are more likely to use an open method of surgery instead of the newer mini-incisions.

Ask your doctor for his or her opinion. A decision can be made based on your X-rays and bone mineral density studies. Your overall health is a factor and whether you smoke. Tobacco-use delays wound healing and increases your risk of a fracture. If everything checks out, you could be a good candidate for a hip replacement.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com.The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

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Can all rotator cuff tears be repaired surgically?

May 27th — admin

Can all rotator cuff tears be repaired surgically?

Yes and no. Some doctors repair all types of rotator cuff tears that can be repaired. This depends on their location and if there’s enough tissue to cover the head of the humerus (upper arm bone). The decision is more complicated if more than one tendon is torn.

New surgical techniques using arthroscopy have changed things. The arthroscope is a long needle-like tool with a tiny TV camera on the end. It’s inserted into a joint and gives the doctor a view inside. The arthroscope has made it possible to repair tears that couldn’t be fixed in the past.

If a tear is left unrepaired for years, there may be too much damage to fix it later. This can happen when someone injures the shoulder, but recovers without seeing a doctor. If the joint needs replacing years later, the doctor may find the tear during the operation.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com.The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

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Bucket handle tear explained

May 26th — admin

I hurt my knee in a biking accident. The doctor said I tore the meniscus and called it a bucket handle tear. What does that mean?

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage in the knee joint. It helps the joint move smoothly and acts as a shock absorber. It can also help transfer the load through the joint.

The knee joint has two menisci (plural), the medial (inner portion) and lateral (outer portion). When the outer edge of the cartilage is torn, it looks like a crescent-shaped moon or bucket handle.

At one time it was thought the meniscus didn’t have any real function. A tear would result in surgery to remove the whole thing. Later scientists found this treatment led to joint damage and early arthritis. Now most surgeons prefer to repair the tear or just take out the torn section.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com.The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

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Total hip replacement invasive no matter how it’s done

May 25th — admin

My orthopedic surgeon has explained to me that my hip replacement will be done with the new minimally invasive method. I don’t get it. How is this any less “invasive” than a regular hip replacement? They’re still going to cut me open, saw the bone in half, and take the old hip out. I understand there’s a lot of cutting, drilling, and reaming of the bone. What’s not invasive about that?

You ask a very good question. Perhaps only a surgeon can really appreciate the difference between the two operations. A total hip replacement is invasive no matter how it’s done. A better way to look at it is to say it “minimizes the invasiveness”. From a patient’s point of view, it certainly does sound invasive.

The first difference and reason why it’s called “minimally invasive” (MI) is the length of the scar. MI means the incision is about two inches long. A full incision can be up to eight or 10 inches long.

During the operation fewer muscles are cut. New tools allow the surgeon to gently move structures out of the way to get to the hip. Anything that is cut is carefully repaired and put back in place.

More and more surgeons are getting trained in this new technique. We can expect it to improve even more over the next few years.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com.The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

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How to keep your pitching arm from repeatedly dislocating

May 24th — admin

I am a 17-year old All Star baseball pitcher. I’ve had trouble with my pitching arm dislocating because of an injury. I’ve been doing exercises for the shoulder and upper arms. What else can I do to keep this arm stable?

A recent study from the Orthopedic Biomechanics Laboratory at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, offers some new information. The role of the deltoid muscle as a shoulder stabilizer was reported.

The deltoid is a muscle that makes up most of the bulk of your outer, upper arm. It’s divided into three parts: anterior, middle, and posterior. The deltoid lifts the arm up. It also holds the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) against the glenoid (shoulder socket).

The researchers found that all three parts of the deltoid work equally to hold the shoulder and keep it from dislocating forwards. You’re probably already strengthening the rotator cuff and biceps muscle. It may be adviseable to now strengthening exercises for the deltoid muscle.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com.The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

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The best way to rehab a knee after ACL reconstruction surgery

May 21st — admin

What’s the best way to rehab my knee after an ACL reconstruction?

Most doctors will send you to a physical therapist who can guide you through this process. Exercises at the beginning of rehab are different from what your knee can handle later. The goal is to get as much motion back as possible without damaging the knee any further.

The healing graft is under increased strain when the knee is in the fully extended position. Closed kinetic chain exercises with the foot on the floor or other surface strain the ACL less when the hip is bent. An example of this activity would be the mini-squats often prescribed in the early phase of rehab.

High demand exercises such as the lunge can be done when the squat is deemed safe to do after ACL repair. Then comes the step-up, step-down, and sit to stand exercises. These can all done on one leg. Each one puts about the same amount of strain on the healing graft.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com.The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

Posted in Knees. Tags: , , . No Comments »

Is your weight going to affect your hip replacement?

May 20th — admin

I’m slightly overweight and worried about the effect of that on my new hip replacement. How much overweight is “too much”?

First of all, the new hip joint is likely to reduce your pain and improve your function. It’s up to you to now increase your activity level.

If you can keep your intake of calories the same while increasing your activity, then you might be able to lose some weight. At the very least, you should work toward not gaining any more weight.

Studies do show that obese patients put increased loads on their joints. Grossly obese people may reduce their activity enough to balance out load on the joint.

A recent study was done looking at body mass index (BMI) and hip motion and function after hip replacement. Hip function was less as body weight increased but overall the change was minimal.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com.The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

Posted in Hips. Tags: , . No Comments »

Can a physical therapist in the U.S. do acupuncture on my shoulder?

May 19th — admin

When I had a bike accident in Sweden the physical therapist there did acupuncture on my shoulder. I’ve never seen a PT do that in the states. Is it legal?

Acupuncture schools exist around the world. You don’t have to be a medical doctor to study acupuncture. There is an International Acupunture Association of Physical Therapists. Physical therapists in other countries like China, Canada, and Sweden can do acupuncture.

In Sweden PTs gained the right to do acupuncture in 1984 when the practice was approved by the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare. Special training is required and only registered medical professionals can learn acupuncture.

In the United States physical therapists are regulated by the practice act of the state in which the therapist is conducting business. If the practice act doesn’t mention acupuncture, then they can do it by exclusion. Most, if not all, states do not permit a physical therapist to do acupuncture at this time.

PTs in the United States can stimulate acupuncture points with electrical stimulation, ultrasound, or direct pressure. This technique is called acupressure.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com.The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

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Is a return to sports six months after ACL reconstruction possible?

May 18th — admin

I’m scheduled to have an ACL reconstruction in two weeks. The doctor thinks I can get back to playing sports within six months. Will I have my full function by then?

There are many parts to recovery after ACL reconstruction. Rehab can move forward quickly if there aren’t any complications and the joint is mechanically stable. Your doctor and your physical therapist will help you know when the time is right to start each phase of your rehab program.

Studies show the joint’s sense of position, called proprioception, comes back slowly over the first nine to 12 months. Most rehab programs focus on balance and proprioception during this time. Strength training and flexibility are also important.

Agility training to restore functional stability comes in later phases of rehab. You probably won’t be 100 percent at six months but if all goes well, you’ll be safe to resume sports. Follow your doctor’s advice carefully for the best long-term results.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com.The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

Posted in Knees. Tags: , , , . No Comments »

Why does hip dislocate after total hip replacement surgery?

May 17th — admin

I’m very worried because I dislocated my hip two months after a total hip replacement. What are my chances this will happen again?

Recurrent dislocation depends on several things. First, was the doctor, surgeon, or emergency staff able to put the hip back in place without another operation? If yes, that’s in your favor. The hip is more likely to remain stable if it was reduced without surgery.

Second, how long has it been since the dislocation? If you are still within the early postoperative period, your risk is higher than if you are several years past the total hip replacement.

Third, are you having any symptoms to suggest the joint is unstable? Does your leg give out from underneath you? Is there any pain? Any clicking or popping of the joint? If the answer is ‘no’ to all these questions, then your risk of another dislocation is less.

Make sure you talk with your surgeon about these concerns. The knowledge an exam and an X-ray can give goes a long way in reducing your fears.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com.The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

Posted in Hips. Tags: , , . No Comments »
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