What is the “rule of thirds” as it relates to ACL injuries?

November 30th — admin

I read an article on ACL injuries in a sports magazine that mentioned the “rule of thirds.” What is this referring to?

The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the most commonly injured parts of the knee. Doctors have been studying this injury for many years now. They’ve seen that one-third of the patients with an ACL tear heal well and return to full activities. One-third of the injured patients will heal, but they’ll give up many activities. One-third will do poorly and need surgery to repair the tear. For the patient and physician, the trick is to tell which patients will heal and who will need surgery. Researchers still don’t know why or how the top third heal and the middle third compensate while the last third require surgery.

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 »

Can hip resurfacing get this horsewoman back in the saddle?

November 29th — admin

I am an active horsewoman with a busy horse farm. Because of my severe hip arthritis, I can’t ride anymore. Would the new hip resurfacing surgery I saw advertised in the paper put me back in the saddle again?

It’s very possible. Younger adults with active lifestyles who are too young for a total hip replacement are turning to this new option. Instead of cutting off the head of the femur (thighbone), the surgeon puts a cap over the damaged bone.

If and when you need a total hip replacement years from now, the bone will be undisturbed. At that time, the surgeon can remove the damaged bone and replace it with a complete implant. And you won’t lose leg length from having a second hip surgery.

Hip resurfacing isn’t an option for everyone. An orthopedic surgeon will need to assess your situation. If you are a good candidate for this procedure, you may be able to start riding again two to three months after the operation.

Rehab begins right away. A physical therapist will work with you to restore motion, function, balance, and coordination. Be sure and let your surgeon and your therapist know your goal to return to riding. Your treatment can be tailored with that in mind.

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 »

Boomeritis – a real diagnosis?

November 26th — admin

I just came back from my doctor’s office. After examining my shoulder, she said that I have boomeritis. I’ve heard of bursitis, but what’s boomeritis?

There’s been a dramatic increase in the number of exercise- and sports-related injuries in adults aged 50 to 60. Since most of these adults were born during the post World War II baby boom era, these problems are being referred to as boomeritis.

Tacking the ending or suffix: itis on a word indicates inflammation. So a bursitis would refer to inflammation of the bursa in a joint. Boomeritis is just a nickname for who (you, the baby boomer) and what (inflammation from overuse) but doesn’t identify the true underlying problem. You could have a bursitis, shoulder impingement problem, or tendinitis.

If you are unclear about your problem and what to do about it, don’t hesitate to call your physician back and discuss your situation further.

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 Shoulders. Tags: , , , , . No Comments »

Heterotopic ossification risk increases after first episode

November 25th — admin

I am a 77-year old woman in good health. I had my left knee joint replaced last year. I ended up with a stiff knee that had to be manipulated by the surgeon while I was under anesthesia. Then, I developed something called heterotopic ossification (HO). I’m thinking about having my right knee joint replaced. What are the chances I’ll get HO again?

With heterotopic ossification (HO) bone cells form inside soft tissues, such as muscles. This occurs shortly after some other operation. It’s also more likely after a knee joint manipulation. Patients who’ve had HO are at greater risk of having it again after other surgeries. The doctor can give you treatment before the next operation to prevent HO. This includes radiation and drugs to slow down bone growth. Even with preventive treatment, HO can occur a second time.

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 »

Does snapping hip require medical attention?

November 24th — admin

I have had a snapping hip for quite a while now. It doesn’t bother me so I’ve never gotten it checked. Should I?

Many people have heard a snap or a pop come from their hips from time to time. This can happen when they’re doing something that puts a lot of stress on the hips or if they’ve been injured. While snapping hips can be harmless, they can be caused by injury as well.

Snapping can occur when your hip bends and the band of tissue that runs along your hip to your shin passes over your thigh bone. That band might catch, causing the snapping sound. If this happens often enough, there can be swelling and this can cause pain. You could also get the snapping from a tear in the tissue in your hip, or by the tension of a tendon as it’s stretched across the thigh bone.

Many people will hear the snap and think it odd, but won’t go to a doctor because they aren’t feeling any pain or discomfort. If your hip is bothering you, it’s best you see your doctor so you can be checked to be sure it’s not something serious.

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 »

Age may be a factor in loss of motion following rotator cuff surgery

November 23rd — admin

Mother is 77-years young (as she likes to say) and very active. She tore her rotator cuff playing tennis and had surgery to repair it. Unfortunately, it’s been six months and she still has not regained her motion. Her shoulder pain seems worse than before the operation. Is this typical in someone her age?

It may be difficult to answer your question directly without knowing more about the shoulder injury and type of surgery done. In general, older adults have degenerative changes in the joint and soft tissues around the joint. Rotator cuff tears (RCTs) are common.

There can be tears in the joint cartilage or just frayed edges that need smoothing down. Sometimes repairing the torn rotator cuff is all that’s needed. If the torn cartilage isn’t bothering the patient, then it’s not always in their best interest to repair it. The result can be the loss of motion and worsening of symptoms you described.

In other cases, the rehab program after surgery is the key factor. The patient must follow the surgeon’s and the physical therapist’s directions carefully. Too much movement too soon can cause the repair to fail. With the right program, loss of shoulder motion can be avoided.

It might be best to make a follow-up appointment with the surgeon and go with your mother. Her age may be a factor; sometimes older adults just need more time to progress through the rehab program. She may need an extra step in the rehab process.

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 Shoulders. Tags: , , , . No Comments »

Total knee replacement leaves patient limping and squeaking!

November 22nd — admin

After a total knee replacement (TKR) for a bad knee, I started walking with a limp and a “squeak.” Every time I bend my knee it creaks and squeaks. What could be causing this?

Patients who report squeaking, creaking, and other noise after a TKR may have a problem with the kneecap. The physician can diagnose this. An exam and X-ray will be needed. Failure of the kneecap isn’t an uncommon problem. The backing can wear away and the pegs that hold it in place can break. Sometimes the plastic lining pulls away. A second operation to repair or revise this problem may be advised.

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 »

Almost one-third of football players experience stinger-burner syndrome

November 18th — admin

What is the stinger-burner syndrome?

The stinger-burner syndrome is a burning pain and loss of sensation in the neck and shoulder. It’s usually short-lasting and occurs after the neck has been bent to one side. Stretching of the nerves between the head and shoulder cause these symptoms.

Stinger-burner syndrome is very common in football and wrestling where this type of sudden stretch can occur. After the initial sensation of burning pain, the player may report the arm and hand feeling heavy or dead.

Most players recover in a matter of minutes. They may not even report it to their coaches. It’s estimated that half up to two-thirds of all football players experience this syndrome at least once in their career. In a small number of players, the problem can persist and even be permanent.

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 Shoulders. Tags: . No Comments »

What is tissue engineering?

November 17th — admin

What is tissue engineering?

Tissue engineering is a new area of science. It includes growing living human tissue for transplantation and other uses. Tissue engineering combines biology and engineering. It looks for ways to restore, maintain, or improve tissue function. One example of this is the use of cartilage cells to replace damaged or destroyed cartilage. Normal, healthy cartilage cells called chondrocytes are removed from the knee. These are grown and multiplied in a lab and then reinjected into the knee. The new cells are injected into the area of damaged cartilage. This allows the patient to regrow a smooth joint surface. The new, smooth weight-bearing surface is less likely to become arthritic. Many different types of tissue can be grown this way. This includes skin, bone, ligaments, and tendons. In the future, labs may be able to make donor tissue and organs for anyone who needs them. Living tissue and electronics may be combined to form new joints. These are only a few of the many possible uses for tissue engineering.

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 »

Skylight sign shows how to avoid fracture during hip replacement

November 16th — admin

What is a skylight sign? When the surgeon showed me Dad’s hip X-rays, she said a skylight sign tipped her off to avoid a hip fracture during Dad’s hip replacement operation.

Thinning of the bone allows light coming from the other side to stream through the thin section. This light stream through the bone is called the skylight sign. It can only be seen from the side. The surgeon must use a lateral (from the side) approach to see the skylight sign.

From this angle, the bone is exposed as the muscles are cut away. Using other methods won’t allow the surgeon to check for the skylight sign. Patients with a positive skylight sign are at increased risk for fracture. Fracture can be prevented by changing the surgical technique or size of the implant.

Sometimes reinforcing the bone with wire cables can help prevent fracture during the operation. The cables are placed around the bone. If a fracture occurs during the surgery, the cables can be left in place to help stabilize the bone during recovery and rehab.

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 »
« Older posts «
»