I see many patients with joint mobility and flexibility losses resulting from changes in the tendons and ligaments that comprise complex joints. Adding inflammation and arthritic disease to the mix can make movements that used to be simple and comfortable suddenly painful and rather difficult. What are the effects of aging on our tendons, and how … Continued
In a field known for its advances in restoring mobility and reducing pain for patients at every stage of life, it’s sometimes surprising how much negative press is generated around the high cost of orthopedic surgery. What’s often ignored in such media campaigns is the significant positive economic impact of adopting a preventative approach toward … Continued
Syncope, a fairly common fainting condition that can result in dangerous falls and injuries especially in the elderly, can be an underlying factor in a number of orthopedic incidents. As an orthopedic surgeon, I regularly see people (especially older patients) with significant injuries caused by vertigo, falls, or fainting. Broken hips, injured wrists or ankles, … Continued
With the constantly evolving technology surrounding stem cell treatments, my patients are often confused about the potential power of cell-based approaches. Let’s get in there and get our hands dirty to figure out what exactly cell-based treatments can offer for the average orthopedic patient. Cells for Tissue Repair The greatest potential for the cell-based … Continued
The Center for Disease Control reports that more than one-third of Americans are considered obese, and that the estimated medical costs related to obesity range in the hundreds of billions of dollars. Joint health happens to be one of the areas that can be most directly impacted by obesity. Orthopedics and Obesity Obesity … Continued
ACL injuries are common, particularly among athletes, and the question of re-injury is always a potential concern after an initial repair. Recently, a study on ACL re-injury was presented at the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine’s (AOSSM) Annual Meeting. This research suggests three particular risk factors as contributors to future ACL tears. 1. Age While it’s … Continued
Since orthopedic treatments are intended specifically to help reduce the joint pain that keeps many men and women from pursuing the healthier, more active lifestyle they’d prefer, it’s not uncommon for patients to wonder how their daily routine could impact their results. Here’s a closer look at the connection between activity level and joint health. … Continued
Many patients who visit an orthopedic doctor’s office due to knee, hip or shoulder pain have been told something like, “When the pain gets bad enough, come in and we’ll do surgery,” implying that surgery is almost an automatic response to certain injuries or chronic joint problems. With surgery sometimes being scheduled before nonsurgical treatments … Continued
Thanks to the women’s rights movement and legislation such as Title IX, women have equal access to sports on every level including collegiate and professional athletics. However, female athletes should be aware of the potential risks they’re predisposed to when participating in the world of contact sports. Why Flexibility Can Be a Bad Thing It’s … Continued
You’ve probably heard about the whirlwind of controversy that has surrounded the NFL in the past year regarding concussions and game-related brain trauma. Lawsuits have been filed and, rumor has it, there’s a Hollywood film in the works on this very subject. As an orthopedic surgeon, I have been involved in sports medicine for many … Continued
