OSS

You may have seen us on KING 5 HealthLink last Thursday night! Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle and hand specialist Wayne Weil, M.D. were featured along with patient Terry Bocian in a segment on ulnar nerve compression, or “cell phone elbow”.

Cubital tunnel syndrome, the second most common peripheral nerve syndrome behind carpal tunnel syndrome, is a condition brought on by increased pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow. Compression of this nerve typically causes numbness and discomfort in the ring and small fingers.

Bocian came to OSS back in the spring of 2010, suffering from cubital tunnel syndrome and as well as carpal tunnel syndrome in both arms – which was limiting his function and comfort in his work as a carpenter as well as in the activities of daily living. Wanting to avoid surgery, he lightened up on his work-load, but the pain ultimately didn’t go away.

“Then I heard that carpal tunnel can become a permanent, irreversible issue if left untreated for too long, and I didn’t want that to be me,” said Terry. “I decided to put my fears aside and see an orthopedic surgeon.”

In Bocian’s case, surgery was the best treatment option. Dr. Weil is one of only a few surgeons now performing a less invasive procedure called endoscopic cubital tunnel release surgery.

“What we’ve found is that because of the smaller incision and less trauma to the tissues is that patients just have less pain after surgery and get back to work faster and have quicker return to function,” said Weil.

Bocian experienced a smooth recovery, and he was able to return to light-work duties with two weeks.

“If I had known how painless it would have been, I would have done it a long time ago and spared myself many years of discomfort,” he said.

Thank you to Terry Bocian for sharing his positive experience with us for this feature! For more information or to discuss your concerns, please call our offices at (206) 633-8100.

We’re excited to see Jane Brody’s New York Times article this month on anterior approach hip replacement surgery. Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle is one of only two centers in the Pacific Northwest offering this technique, with over 4 years experience performing this minimally invasive hip replacement surgery. We’re able to offer this innovative approach to nearly all of our patients who have arthritis of the hip severe enough to warrant surgery. Patients benefit from the reduced risk of complications and dramatically increased rate of recovery following the procedure. To learn more, visit: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/09/health/09brod.html

In late January, hip arthroscopy, a procedure that Dr. Phil Downer of Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle performs, was featured in a King 5 article.  Dr. Downer’s website, Seattlehipsurgery.com, which features useful information about hip disorders and treatments, was also featured as a source.

What is hip arthroscopy?

Hip arthroscopy is a common treatment for hip impingement and labral tears (often the result of impingement conditions).

In hip arthroscopy, the surgeon uses small instruments and a small incision to perform various interventions, which might include removing pieces of scar tissue, repairing cartilage or removing bone. Recovery can vary, but typically if bone work is performed, the recovery is 2-3 months. One should remain active during this time, mainly taking part in low impact activities such as swimming and biking.

We see a lot of patients at Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle with hip impingement and labral tears who benefit from arthroscopy.