Orthopaedics - Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX

Orthopaedics - Dallas/Ft. Worth

ARTHRITIS

Arthritis is a classification of many conditions that affect the joints. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is characterized by deterioration of protective cartilage covering the joints -- the wear and tear that most people associate with the normal aging process -- and the development of bone formations that can affect joint function.

Problems associated with arthritis can range from mild pain and stiffness, to deformities of the joints and internal organs. The symptoms of arthritis may include pain, swelling, and a decrease in joint motion. Sometimes the joint may "lock" or "click" when it moves.

A diagnosis of arthritis may be confirmed by physical examination and various imaging techniques. Blood tests may be included to determine whether the condition is rheumatoid arthritis, a condition in which the immune system attacks the body's tissues, particularly the joints. Other tests may also be needed. Analysis of fluid from the joint may be required in some cases, and arthroscopy may be used to permit visualization and evaluation of the extent of damage to cartilage, tendons, and ligaments, as well as to confirm a diagnosis.

Although aging is most often associated with osteoarthritis, the risk of developing the condition may be increased by excess stress on the joint, such as from repeated injury or deformity. Osteoarthritis most often affects middle-aged and older people. A young person who develops osteoarthritis may have an inherited form of the disease or may have experienced continuous irritation from an unrepaired injury. The symptoms of arthritis include pain, swelling, and a decrease in joint motion. Morning stiffness that lessens after moving around is very common. Over time, the problem may become disabling, causing such extreme pain and stiffness that affects the ability to perform routine daily activities.

There is no cure for arthritis, but over the past 10 years, dramatic new strides in pain management techniques have been introduced, as well as advancements to treat lack of mobility and fatigue, the most disabling symptoms.

Many arthritic conditions, for example, localized arthritis at the base of the thumb, can be very effectively treated allowing significant relief of pain and greater mobility of function. People that have significant osteoarthritic problems should always be evaluated by a physician in order to determine whether specific appropriate treatments are available. During the early and middle stages of the disease, a treatment program of medicines, cortisone shots, ice treatments, exercise, and physical therapy can be very helpful in reducing symptoms and improving mobility.

When other therapies have not helped to increase function of the joint or relieve pain, surgery may be considered. Knee or hip replacement is a very positive solution to alleviate the pain and disability of advanced osteoarthritis. The rough, worn surfaces of the joint are re-lined with smooth surfaced metal and plastic components.  Other common surgeries include tendon repair, removal of excessive synovial tissue, and bone fusion.

TENDONITIS

Tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendons that connect the muscles to the joints. Most often this condition results from overuse, but it also can be the result of an injury. The condition can be extremely painful, depending on the severity of the injury.

Tendonitis in the knee is very common in sports requiring jumping, this type of injury is sometimes referred to as "jumper’s knee." Symptoms often include tenderness where the patellar tendon and the tibia connect. There may also be pain during weight bearing movements, such as running or rapid walking.

An orthopedic specialist may be able to feel a tendon that has been ripped, and an x-ray will demonstrate abnormalities in the position of the joint affected by the injury. An MRI may be used to confirm a partial or total tear of the tendon.

Treatment of tendonitis may include first aid measures, such as rest, elevation, ice therapy, aspirin or ibuprofen. However, a torn tendon may require surgical repair, followed by stabilization with a cast for several months. An incomplete tear may be treated without surgery, although stabilization with a cast may be required until the tendon is healed.  

SHOULDER DISLOCATION

The shoulder is the most frequently dislocated joint in the body. It's unique design allows a full range of motion, but unfortunately this design also makes it vulnerable to dislocation. 

Most often, the shoulder is dislocated because of a strong force that either pulls the shoulder outward or an extreme rotation of the shoulder causes the ball of the humerus to actually pop out of the shoulder socket. A fracture of the humerus and tearing of the ligament and tendons that support the shoulder joint may also occur when the shoulder dislocates, and in some instances nerve damage may also result.

The injury is extremely painful, and the arm will look out of position. Swelling, numbness, weakness, and bruising are likely to develop, and muscles spasms may increase the pain.

Treatment of the injury typically includes manipulating the ball of the joint back into the socket -- a procedure called reduction -- and immobilization with a sling or shoulder immobilizer. Ice may be applied as directed by your physician to help reduce the swelling and anti-inflammatory medication may also be prescribed. If the injury is quite severe, surgery may be necessary to repair the damage. Rehabilitation is usually used to help regain mobility of the shoulder and to build muscle to prevent the shoulder from dislocating again.

Sometimes after treatment and recovery, a dislocated shoulder may remain more susceptible to re-injury. Ligaments may have been stretched or torn, and the shoulder may tend to dislocate again. A shoulder that dislocates severely or often, injuring surrounding tissues or nerves, usually requires surgical repair to tighten stretched ligaments or reattach torn ones.

Sometimes the doctor performs surgery through a tiny incision into which a small scope (arthroscope) is inserted to observe the inside of the joint. After this procedure, called arthroscopic surgery, the shoulder is generally immobilized for about 6 weeks and a full recovery takes several months. Arthroscopic techniques involving the shoulder are relatively new and many surgeons prefer to repair a recurrent dislocating shoulder by the time tested open surgery under direct vision. There are usually fewer repeat dislocations and improved movement following open surgery, but it may take a little longer to regain motion.

Orthopedics is a specialty field of medicine that began with a single focus – to treat children who were born with deformities of the spine and limbs. Today, the specialty is multi-faceted and comprehensive, providing care for people of all ages and a wide variety of musculoskeletal problems. From bone fractures to joint replacement surgery, from sports injuries to arthritis, orthopedics has evolved over the past 30 years into one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing fields of medicine, offering hope to millions of people of all ages who suffer from a problem with the muscles, bones, joints and other structures of the musculoskeletal system.

The musculoskeletal system – the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and other supporting structures -- support our bodies and enable us to move and function. As a result, many of these structures, especially our joints, experience daily stresses and strains. Injuries are common among people who lead active lifestyles. And aging takes its toll, as well, with the wear and tear of daily life eventually causing joints to lose their natural ease of movement and muscles to lose their strength. Orthopedics is a specialty that focuses on all of these problems, with sub-specialization in such areas of expertise as arthritis treatments, joint replacement surgery, work-related injuries, and sports medicine.

In fact, current statistics imply that orthopedics is a medical specialty that touches almost everyone’s life in some way. Below are some of the most common problems.  

• Diseases affecting the musculoskeletal system affect more than 15.3 million older people. Arthritis is the leading chronic condition among Americans age 65 and older.
• Injuries to the musculoskeletal system affect approximately 28.6 million Americans each year.
• Degenerative disorders, such as osteoarthritis,  result in a fracture in 1 out of every 2 women and 1 out of every 8 men older than age 50 at some time in their lives. And over 300,000 joint replacement operations are currently performed in the United States each year.
• Back or spine problems affecting approximately 18.4 million people and are the most common musculoskeletal problem.

Although orthopedics is primarily a surgical specialty, orthopedic physicians are also active in helping to prevent injuries through patient teaching, treatment of chronic conditions, sports training, and rehabilitation from injury.

Hip fractures can be particularly debilitating to the elderly. Many elderly people develop numerous health complications as they try to recover from a hip fracture. Most often, hip fractures in the elderly are caused by a fall and result in fractures that are near the hip joint.This type of fracture is called either a femoral neck fracture or an intertrochanteric hip fracture.

Unfortunately, both of these fractures require surgical treatment in order to preserve independence and freedom of movement, with the least chance of potential problems. Rehabilitation will play an important role in your recovery.

BONE FRACTURES

A bone fracture, or break, occurs when the force applied against the bone is stronger than the bone. Joints are especially vulnerable to fractures because the bones that make up the joint are held together by soft tissues -- muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

Ankle and wrist fractures are common injuries that most often result from a traumatic injury. When an injury occurs that you suspect might be a fracture, it is important to seek appropriate medical care as soon as possible. The injury may simply require casting and possibly a short period of rehabilitation, or if the injury is more serious, it may require surgery and a more extended rehabilitation period.

Fractures of the hip are particularly common in older people who experience a fall. Most of these fractures are near the hip joint and are called either femoral neck fractures or intertrochanteric hip fractures. Both of these fractures require surgical treatment in order to preserve independence and freedom of movement, with the least chance of  potential problems. A hip fracture can be an especially severe injury, particularly in an elderly person. 

Additionally, spinal fractures often occur in the elderly as the result of a fall. Another type of fracture, a compression fracture is the structural collapse of a vertebrae, often due to loss of bony mass caused by osteoporosis. If the fracture is minor,  it may cause little discomfort. However, a more extensive fracture may cause painful backaches. Over time, an accumulation of spinal compression fractures can allow the spine to bend forward, causing what is commonly referred to as “dowager's” or “widow's hump.” If a compression fracture is suspected, you should consult your doctor immediately.

A fracture can occur in any joint. Most often, if a fracture has occurred, there may be a great deal of pain, swelling and discoloration of the skin. Mobility of the affected area is also usually limited. The severity of a bone fracture can vary significantly. Some people are not certain there is a broken bone until the injured area is evaluated by a physician. In other cases, the break is obvious and you probably will not be able to move the affected joint. It is important to seek medical attention anytime you think you have broken a bone. If there is any bleeding, deformity or protrusion of the bone through the skin, emergency medical attention should be obtained immediately.

This educational content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, home improvement or health advice. Content on this page is provided by Ask The Experts and not the featured advertiser.

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