A hand fracture happens when one or more of the small bones of the hand are broken. The hand is composed of several small bones that come together to make up the hand’s supporting framework. Most fractures of the hand occur as a direct result of trauma to the hand. If the hand strikes an object, is struck by an object, or an object falls onto the hand, a fracture can occur. Hand fractures can occur in the long bones of the hand, known as the metacarpals, or they can occur in the small bones of the fingers, known as the phalanges. … read more

How you stretch, why you stretch, and when you stretch are the keys to making stretching work for you. Stretching before physical activity improves flexibility, enhances athletic performance, and decreases the risk of activity-based injuries.

The more flexible you are when you exercise the more protected you are against injury by helping your joints move through their full range of motion. If a tendon is not stretched out, you could increase your risk of tendinopathy or tendinitis. When you adequately stretch out your muscles, tendons, and ligaments, you decrease the risk of microtrauma to your body’s structures and avoid overload and injury. … read more

What is knee arthroscopy?

During the last two decades, the diagnosis and treatment of knee joint problems have improved thanks to a minimally invasive procedure called knee arthroscopy. This surgical technique allows orthopedic specialists to see inside the knee and to carry out diagnostic and treatment measures through tiny incisions. This approach to surgery reduces pain, minimizes scarring, and helps speed up the recovery period when compared to traditional “open” knee surgery.

How does arthroscopy of the knee work?

Arthroscopy involves the orthopedic surgeon to using a device known as an arthroscope. This instrument is a tiny, pen-shaped device that has a small video camera attached to the end. The arthroscope is inserted into the knee through small incisions and the camera relays images to a computer screen. Our orthopedic specialists can use these images to diagnose knee problems. Once that is done, the doctor can carry out the appropriate procedure in the same surgical setting.

What does knee arthroscopic surgery treat?

Orthopedic specialists can use arthroscopic surgery to perform a variety of procedures. These include the repair or reconstruction of torn ligaments, the removal of small loose bits of bone. The hard tissue that provides structural support to the body. It is primarily composed of hydroxyapatite cryst… or cartilagecartilageThe hard, thin layer of white glossy tissue that covers the end of bone at a joint. This tissue allows motion, and repair or resection of torn meniscus tissue. Many of these conditions arise due to a knee injury or degeneration.

What are the benefits of arthroscopic surgery of the knee?

There are many benefits of knee arthroscopy when compared to traditional “open” surgery. With this procedure, you likely to experience less pain after the surgery and you have a lower risk of developing certain complications like infections or scarring. In addition, the hospital stay is shorter as most knee arthroscopic surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis in a freestanding surgery center. The greatest benefit is usually a quicker overall recovery.

What are the risks of knee arthroscopy?

All medical and surgical procedures have some risk. With knee arthroscopy, the risks are minimal and our orthopedic specialist will discuss these with you prior to your surgery. These risks depend on your current state of health, the type of surgery performed, and the extent of your injury or knee problem.

What should I expect before surgery?

Prior to an arthroscopic procedure, depending on your overall health you might have to see a primary care health professional for a general physical examination. In addition, you will need to tell the doctor about any medications you are taking and he may advise you to stop some of these before the procedure.

What should I expect after surgery?

You will need to start exercising the knee immediately after your procedure to restore range of motion and strength to the joint. While many patients get back to normal activities without much difficulty, plan to discuss this issue with your orthopedic specialist, as he may have a specific rehabilitation program for you to follow.

Immediately after your knee arthroscopy you will experience some swelling and discomfort of the knee. This will usually only last for a few days, however. Your doctor will prescribe specific medications that work to alleviate these symptoms and help you get back on your feet.

Also, you should expect to feel a little stiff when performing exercises early after surgery. Any activity that leads to significant discomfort should be stopped immediately and your orthopedic specialist should be notified. Our orthopedic surgeons request that you elevate your leg frequently and use ice to reduce swelling.

I see many wrist fractures, these are among the most common along with symptoms and treatment.

Distal Radius Fracture

The most commonly broken wrist bone with a fall on an outstretched hand is a break of the distal radius. The radius is the larger of the two forearm bones and the end toward the wrist is called the distal end. When the area of the radius near the wrist breaks it is considered to be a fracture of the distal radius. Distal radius fractures are very common.

Symptoms of a distal radius fracture are immediate pain, bruising, swelling, and tenderness. Often times the wrist hangs in an odd or bent way, otherwise known as a deformity.

What are the risk factors for a distal radius fracture?
Osteoporosis is a risk factor for all types of fractures, especially a distal radius fracture. A broken wrist can happen in healthy bones as well. The majority of these types of fractures occur in people older than 60 years of age who fall from a standing position. The other subset of people who injure their wrist are young patients with a high impact fall, causing a break in an otherwise normal wrist.

How is a distal radius fracture treated without surgery?
Treatment for a distal radius fracture involves the nature of the fracture, the age and activity level of the person injured, and the orthopedic specialist’s personal preferences. The doctor can cast the broken bone if it is in good position and is stable. Sometimes the orthopedic specialist must straighten the bone (reduce it) before a cast is applied. This is what doctor’s call a closed reduction. The cast is usually worn for about 6 weeks and at that time the doctor could order physical therapy to help with rehabilitation.

What is involved in surgical treatment?
There are times when distal radius fractures result in the bone being so much out of place that it cannot be corrected without surgery. The orthopedic surgeon will make an incision to directly access the broken bones to improve alignment. The bone can be held in correct position with the use of a plate and screws, metal pins, an external fixator or any combination of techniques.

Scaphoid Fracture of the Wrist

The scaphoid bone is one of the small bones in the wrist, and it is the wrist bone that is most likely to break. It is located on the thumb side of the wrist in the area where the wrist bends. It can be easily located when the thumb is held in a “hitch-hiking” position. The scaphoid bone is at the base of the hollow made by the thumb tendons.

Symptoms it is fractured include pain, swelling, and tenderness at the base of the thumb. The pain will worsen when the person grips something or tries to move the thumb or wrist. A scaphoid fracture is usually caused by a fall onto an outstretched hand and is not always as painful as one might think.

What are the risk factors for a scaphoid fracture?
Anyone can fracture their scaphoid bone but it is more common in athletes who participate in activities where falls are common. Men aged 20 to 30 are most likely to experience this type of injury.

How is a scaphoid fracture treated without surgery?
If the bone is in proper position and has good blood supply, the orthopedic specialist may treat it by casting. The cast is usually worn for 12 weeks. Many opt for surgical stabilization to minimize the length of immobility.

What is involved in surgical treatment?
Due to the precarious nature of the blood supply to the scaphoid, the orthopedic specialist may recommend surgery to optimize healing and prevent long term wrist arthritis. During the procedure metal implants (such as screws and wires) are used to hold the scaphoid in place until the bone is completely healed. The surgeon makes an incision over the front or the back of the wrist to align the bone, insert the metal implants, and repair the damage.

In special situations where the bone is not healing well on its own, a bone graft may be needed to aid in healing. A bone graft is new bone that is place around the broken bone to help stimulate bone healing. This allows the bone pieces to heal together into a solid bone.