Trash Talk

Raynaud’s Phenomenon Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

February 6, 2012

Raynaud’s phenomenon is a rare condition in which your body does not send enough blood to the fingers, toes and occasionally the tip of nose and ears, causing them to feel cold and numb and turn white or blue. Raynaud’s patients often experience episodes of vasospasm, a narrowing of the blood vessels. Vasospasm reduces the flow of blood to the fingers and toes. Diminished blood supply to the digits causes the tissue to turn white. A prolonged lack of oxygen then causes the digits to turn blue. Once the blood vessels reopen, the fingers and toes often turn red and throb or swell.

There are two types of Raynaud’s phenomena – Primary Raynaud’s, also known as Raynaud’s disease, and Secondary Raynaud’s, known as Raynaud’s syndrome. Research has found substantial evidence that shows both types of Raynaud’s are genetic. The Mayo Clinic describes the difference in the types of Raynaud’s syndromes as:
• Primary Raynaud’s does not have an underlying medical problem that could provoke vasospasm. This is the most common form of Raynaud’s, and is easily treated. The primary causes are changes in temperature and stress.
• Secondary Raynaud’s is caused by an underlying health problem. Although it is less common than Primary Raynaud’s, it tends to be more serious and appear at later ages (40+). Causes of Secondary Raynaud’s include diseases and conditions that damage the arteries or nerves that control the arteries in the hands and feet; injuries to the hands and feet; or exposure to certain chemicals and medicines that narrow the arteries or affect blood pressure.

Because an attack of Primary Raynaud’s can end quickly, a doctor will typically make a diagnosis based upon the patient’s description of their symptoms. WebMD recommends taking color photographs of your hands during an attack that you can show your doctor. A physical examination, discussion of your medical history and blood tests can help diagnose Secondary Raynaud’s.

Various treatment options are available, depending upon the type of Raynaud’s the patient has. General care can be taken to help prevent an attack of Primary Raynaud’s:
• Environmental triggers should be avoided, e.g., cold, vibration, etc.
• Emotional stress is another recognized trigger.
• Extremities should be kept warm,
• Smoking should be avoided.
• Consumption of caffeine and other stimulants and vasoconstrictors must be prevented.
• Raynaud’s may be aggravated by hormones and hormone regulators, such as hormonal contraception. Contraception which is low in estrogen is preferable, and the progesterone only pill is often prescribed for women with Raynaud’s.
Treatments for Secondary Raynaud’s are available to relieve symptoms, but most important, the underlying disease or condition should be the focus of treatment.

The Raynaud’s Association states that approximately 5-10 percent of all Americans suffer from Raynaud’s, but only one out of five sufferers seek treatment. Both men and women suffer from Raynaud’s, but women are nine times more likely to be affected.

The doctors at Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan have treated patients with both types of Raynaud’s. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact OAM at 616-459-7101 to schedule an appointment.

 

Sources: National Institutes of Health,  The Mayo Clinic, The Raynaud’s Association

Topic: Hand & Upper Extremity, Seasonal Insights | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Sports Related Wrist Injuries

January 24, 2012

Many of you basketball fans may have heard of Kobe Bryant’s wrist injury back in December. He sustained an injury to the lunotriquetral ligament. This is an injury that the physicians of our Hand and Upper Extremity Center are called upon to treat in a number of athletes.

When the athlete comes in for early treatment, many of these injuries can be successfully treated with a program of sports specific bracing and exercises. This can allow some athletes to participate in their sport quickly. Chronic injuries may need surgery to return to sports.

A different ligament-the scapholunate ligament- behaves differently when injured, and frequently requires surgery in an acute injury situation. An exam and X-ray can detect a number of these injuries but an MRI or wrist arthroscopy may also be necessary.
Learn more about wrist injuries and available treatments.

Topic: Hand & Upper Extremity, Sports Medicine | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

OAM Launches “You Want an OAM Doc” TV Campaign

January 16, 2012

At Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan, we have more than 30 highly skilled oprthopaedic subspecialists and eight specialized centers of excellence. We believe that no one provides better bone care in the region, and we are making that known with our new marketing campaign.

Starting today, we have launched a public campaign around the theme “You Want an OAM Doc.” The campaign messaging uses idiomatic expressions – like “We’ve Got Your Back” and “We Know Hand Surgery Like the Back of Our Hands” to highlight the range of subspecialty practices OAM houses.

You can view our campaign spots below, and be sure to watch for them on various TV channels airing in West Michigan. They share our firm belief that if you have a bone, joint or spinal issue – you don’t want just any orthopaedic doctor, you want an OAM doc!

To learn more about OAM and our specialized centers of excellence call us at 616-459-7101.

Topic: Joint Pain, Orthopedic care | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Protecting Your Back and Shoulders While Snow Shoveling

January 11, 2012

The onset of winter brings a new form of exercise for many people – snow shoveling! Snow shoveling has to be done by most of us at some time, whether predictably or unexpectedly (such as freeing a stuck vehicle). Snow removing can take a physical toll on your body, particularly your back, shoulders and spine. A spokesperson for the Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) stated that lower back strain and herniated disks are the most common back injuries sustained while snow shoveling.

Additionally, a study published by Brad Coffiner in Cornell University’s ergonomic department indicated “…when handling heavy snow with a shovel, the L5/S1 disc has been identified as the weakest link in the body segment chain. The most severe injuries and pain are likely to occur in the back region.” Recognizing the lower back is especially susceptible to strain or injury, it would be prudent to review steps to prevent injury. Health.com and MyOptumHealth.com both offer tips you can follow that will help prevent injuries and make show shoveling a bit safer.

  • Warm muscles work better. Warm up inside and incorporate stretches to help prepare your muscles for the upcoming work.
  • Dress appropriately. Wear warm clothing and insulated snow boots or shoes with good traction.
  • Choose a proper shovel. Consider two types of snow shovels: one lifts loads of snow, while the other – with a wide, curved blade – is used as a “plow.” Make sure both types of shovels have curved handles with plastic, lightweight blades. The curved handle helps you keep your back straight when lifting the snow-filled blade off the ground – or when you push snow aside with the plowing shovel. Make sure the handle of your snow shovel reaches your chest.
  • Do not try to shovel all the snow at once. Shovel small amounts at a time, preferably fresh snow. Fresh snow is lighter weight; so clear it as soon as it has fallen if possible.
  • Practice the proper technique. It is advised to push the snow with the shovel as opposed to lifting it.
    • Space your hands apart for leverage. This makes it easier to lift a blade filled with snow.
    • Space your feet shoulder-width apart.
    • Bend at the knees – not the waist. If you do bend at the waist, bring your hands closer to the end of the shovel or get a shovel with a longer handle.
    • Tighten your abdominal muscles every time you lift a load of snow.
    • Keep your head down and in line with a straight back.
    • Keep each shovelful close to the body. Avoid extending your arms.
    • Minimize the distance you carry the snow. Walk each shovelful just a few feet, as close to the ground as you can, then dump it by flipping the handle with your wrists. Avoid throwing loads of snow over your shoulder.
    • Clear deep snow layer by layer.
    • Pace yourself, and stay hydrated.

 

Unfortunately, we see many injuries from snow shoveling each winter. It is necessary that you pace yourself and practice common sense. If you are unable to physically handle the work, you can hire a snow removal company, or even a neighbor to assist you. For those of us who are able-bodied, it is important to remember those who may need assistance. A few minutes to help clear someone’s path and driveway can make a world of difference for them, as well as make you a good neighbor!

For details on how Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan can help you recover from a snow shoveling injury, call us at 616-459-7101.

Sources:  American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons,  Cornell University, Health.com,  MyOptumHealth.com

Topic: Joint Pain, Orthopedic care, Seasonal Insights | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Patient Success Story: Deuce, Match Point and Ace

December 19, 2011

OAM patient back on the court after a Zimmer total hip replacement

 

Taking a break from a hobby doesn’t sound that hard. But what about taking a break from a sport you’ve loved to compete in for the past 40 years? This was the choice long-time tennis player, Jan B. had to make at a time in her life she never saw coming.

“I just kept telling myself that I was too young for this type of pain,” said Jan. Only 50 years old and on a highly competitive travel tennis league, Jan refused to give in to the pain. “I pretty much denied it was happening for a solid year,” she recalled, laughing. “I even had a surgeon tell me I needed a hip replacement, and yet I still found a way to deny it.”

Jan spent the next year trying everything from acupuncture to general sports massage, with nothing to show for it but more pain. She didn’t understand why the incessant pain in her hip wouldn’t leave, but more importantly, why it was getting worse. A family friend finally spoke up and suggested she visit Dr. Gregory Golladay from Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan. “I was fearful at first, then excited, followed by the dread of post-surgical pain,” Jan admitted. “Dr. Golladay calmed my fears and finally I just told myself that I could do it!”

Soon after her visit with Dr. Golladay, Jan went in for a Zimmer total hip replacement. “The surgery was over before I even knew what happened. I had to rate my pain right after surgery and it was only a four out of 10,” she said. “And to be honest, it was a *zero out of 10 after that!”

Only three short months later, Jan was back on the tennis court and slowly but surely getting back in the groove. “I couldn’t wait for the three-month post-op restrictions to be lifted!”

The smooth recovery has continued to be a blessing that Jan remains thankful for. “I was relieved that it was done and amazed that the pain was gone,” said Jan. “I have no more hip pain and I am beginning the road back to playing tennis! Thank you for giving back such an important part of my life!”

For details on how Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan can help you live pain-free, call us today at 616-459-7101.

 

*The above results are based on an OAM client’s experience. Results may vary.

Topic: Joint Pain, Occupational Therapy, Orthopedic care, Sports Medicine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan to Participate in Extremity Trauma Clinical Research Consortium

December 16, 2011

Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan is one of 12 clinical centers selected to participate in a newly established Extremity Trauma Clinical Research Consortium, funded by the Department of Defense and coordinated by the Research Center at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The Consortium was founded to improve treatment and outcomes for military personnel who have sustained severe orthopaedic trauma on the battlefield.

As a member of the Consortium, Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan will work alongside major military treatment and research centers in conducting clinical research that will help establish treatment guidelines, improve functional and quality of life outcomes, and usher in the use of new and emerging technologies for treating severe lower limb trauma.

According to Dr. Debra Sietsema, clinical research coordinator, Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan was specifically chosen for its unique experience in treating trauma involving lower extremities. “We treat hundreds of injuries to lower extremities a year, most due to automobile accidents, and we look forward to putting that experience to use to benefit injured people across the nation.”

This consortium brings a national team of orthopedic trauma surgery specialists together in a single purpose: to provide the scientific evidence needed to improve the clinical outcomes and quality of life for service members and civilians who sustain major limb trauma. “Without a large, multi-center effort such as this, many of these issues would never be resolved,” says Dr. Clifford Jones, director of orthopaedic research who is among five specialty trained trauma surgeons at Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan participating in the program. Jones also provided surgical care for US soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan as a volunteer surgeon at the Army’s Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, part of The Distinguished Visiting Professor Program through the Orthpaedic Trauma Association.

“The work is important and timely. Until now, we have not had sufficient funding or coordination of multiple specialists to appropriately assess and study these complex traumatic injuries,” said Jones. “The results and findings of the Orthopaedic Consortium will be ground breaking and will improve treatment for all those who are faced with these common, but potentially devastating injuries—both military and civilian.”

“The need for such a consortium is evident,” says Ellen MacKenzie, PhD, Director of the Coordinating Center of the consortium. “Eighty-two percent of all service members injured in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom sustain significant lower limb trauma. Many sustain injuries to multiple limbs. The consortium’s research will help us better understand what works and what doesn’t in treating these injuries and will ensure that our service members are provided with the best care possible.” The Consortium is funded by the Orthopaedic Extremity Trauma Research Program (OETRP) of the Department of Defense for $18.4 million over five years.

Dr. Clifford Jones, MD, FACS, Orthopaedic Traumatologist, is the Director of Orthopaedic Research at Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan.
The twelve core clinical centers currently participating in the Consortium include: Boston University Medical Center, The Florida Orthopaedic Institute, Carolinas Medical Center, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, OrthoIndy and the Indiana Orthopaedic Hospital, Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan, The Orthopaedic Trauma Institute at the University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco General Hospital, The University of Maryland Medical Center’s R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, The University of Washington Harborview Medical Center, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

For more information or comment on this story contact:

Deb Sietsema PhD, RN Clinical Research Coordinator Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Associate Professor, MSU 230 Michigan St NE, Suite 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Office: (616) 459-7101 ext 417 Fax: (616) 776-2711

Topic: Trauma | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

OAM Listed as a Top Osteoporosis Center by US News and World Report

November 30, 2011

Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan has been listed as a Top Osteoporosis Center by US News and World Report for their involvement in the Own the Bone® program, which they became involved with in 2008. Developed by the American Orthopaedic Association, the Own the Bone® program was developed as a quality improvement program to address the osteoporosis treatment gap and to prevent secondary fragility fractures.

The Own the Bone® program provides a simple, easy-to-use tool to enable hospitals, medical centers, and practices to:

  • Identify, evaluate, and treat fragility fracture patients over the age of 50 who are at risk of osteoporosis.
  • Coordinate patient care among different specialties and physicians for each patient.

 

Own the Bone® is aimed at better identifying, evaluating and treating patients who suffer from an osteoporosis or low bone density-related fragility fracture (a broken bone that results from a fall from standing height or less). The program brings focus to the severe health implications of fragility fractures and the multi-faceted approach hospitals and orthopaedists can take to assure patients receive consistent, complete, and comprehensive care.

The program consists of a national registry that allows OAM to qualitatively evaluate how our patients compare to others in the US, showing how OAM patients are positively affected by the Own the Bone® program.

“OAM has done even more now that they touch all patients who come to the office with consistent care,” said Clifford Jones, MD, OAM Bone Heath Clinic. “It’s an honor to be listed as one of the top programs in the US concerning bone health, especially when you compare that to which nationally known programs are listed in the registry.”

For additional information about Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan and our involvement in the Own the Bone® program, please contact our Bone Health Clinic at (616) 459-7101.

 

Sources: American Orthopaedic Association – Own the Bone®, Clifford Jones, MD

Topic: Orthopedic care, Osteoporosis | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

ACL Injuries More Common In Female Athletes

November 21, 2011

One of the biggest nightmares of an athlete is injuring their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). An ACL injury can sideline them for the remainder of the season, and possibly interfere with their preparedness for the following season. An ACL injury is most commonly a tear in one of the ligaments if the knee that connects the upper leg bone (femur) to the lower leg bone (tibia). The ACL is what keeps the knee stable, and there is a possibility that an injury may develop into chronic ACL deficiency. This can lead to osteoarthritis, sliding of the bone and looseness of the knee.

An ACL injury can occur when the knee joint is hyperextended, twisted and bent backwards or from side to side or twisted. This can happen when you suddenly change direction or experience a blow directly to the knee. Many factors contributing to the injury include ground hardness, grass type and cleat type.

Over the past few years, doctors have seen a significant number of female athletes with ACL injuries. Research shows that women are twice as likely to experience an ACL tear than men. Researches have developed several theories as to why women experience more injuries. The top theories include:

  • Anatomic Differences
    There are many anatomic differences between men and women, including pelvis width, Q-angle, size of the ACL and size of the intercondylar notch (where the ACL crosses the knee joint).
  • Hormonal Differences
    It is known that the ACL has hormone receptors for estrogen and progesterone, and it has been thought that hormone concentration could play a role in ACL injuries. (There has been come conflicting data with this research, and research continues to be conducted to support this theory.)
  • Biomechanic Differences
    Stability of the knee is dependent on different factors. The two most important are the static and the dynamic stabilizers of the knee. The static stabilizers are the major ligaments of the knee, including the ACL. The dynamic stabilizers of the knee are the muscles and tendons that surround the joint. Women have been found to have differences in biomechanic movements of the knee seen when pivoting, jumping, and landing – activities that often lead to an ACL injury.

 

The symptoms of an ACL injury usually appear suddenly, because most commonly the injury occurs during activity (such as playing sports). The injury may include hearing or feeling a popping sound in the knee, pain, swelling and feeling the knee buckle or give out.

Your doctor can confirm the injury by looking for signs of instability of the knee or conducting an MRI. Once your doctor has diagnosed the severity of the injury (the ACL can tear partially or completely), it is necessary to follow the treatment prescribed, or the injury can be come a long-lasting problem. Treatment can include exercise and training rehab or surgery. The healing process can take anywhere from seven to nine months.  The goals of treatment are:

  • Make the knee stable if it is unsteady.
  • Make the knee strong enough to do all the activities you use to do.
  • Reduce your chance of damaging the knee more.

 

To avoid experiencing an injury to the ACL, there are several techniques athletes can use. Training drills that require balance, power and agility helps improve the neuromuscular conditioning and muscular reactions, which has shown a decrease in the risk of an ACL injury. Dr. T.O. Souryal, a member of Professional Team Physicians indicated in an interview with ESPN that flexibility, strength and endurance are crucial to protecting the knee, along with using common sense. While trying a sport you have never played before, it is important not to push yourself too hard and risk an injury. In regards to flexibility, athletes should stretch before a sporting activity, at halftime or time-outs and after the activity. Strength and endurance are important because strength gives you the power you need to run and jump during activities, and endurance gives you the ability to participate for the full activity.

The doctors at Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan have worked with patients experiencing varying severities of ACL injuries. They can determine the extent of your injury and the best course of treatment. For an appointment, please call 616-459-7101.

 

Sources: WebMD, Sportsmedicine.about.com, ESPN, Orthopadeics.about.com, Online Orthopaedics

 

Topic: Orthopedic care, Sports Medicine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

The Importance of Home Safety in Fall Prevention

November 2, 2011

With the holidays around the corner, many families will welcome elderly loved ones into their home. But did you know your home could be dangerous for seniors? In fact, a home is the most common place people take a fatal fall. Falls can result in sprains, cuts, bruises, broken bones, tailbone or spinal injuries, fractures of the hip, vertebrae and pelvis as well as traumatic brain injuries. In some cases, these injuries can be serious and may require hospitalization or lead to long-term injury.

Falls in the home account for an average of 5.1 million injuries and almost 6,000 deaths each year, according to The Home Safety Council. These falls are preventable by following safety guidelines and recommendations in and around your home. The Home Safety Council provides the following home safety tips to keep people of all ages safe in their home.

•    Have handrails on both sides of stairs and steps.
•    Make sure there is adequate lighting at the top and bottom of the stairs.
•    Keep stairs clear of tripping hazards.
•    Tape rugs to the floor to prevent tripping over them.
•    Have nightlights in the bedroom, hall and bathroom so you can see if you need to get up at night.
•    Have a mat or non-slip strips in the bathtub and shower.
•    Use non-skid bottom bath mats on the bathroom floor.
•    Add grab bars in the tub or shower, especially for senior citizens.
•    Clean up all spills as they happen. Do not leave them where someone else could slip on them.
•    In homes that have children, use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs.
•    Have well lit porches and walkways.
•    Keep sidewalks and paths clear.
•    Fix broken or chipped steps and walkways as soon as possible.
•    Always use a sturdy ladder when climbing; do not climb on chairs.
•    When using a ladder make certain it is firmly on the ground. Never climb to the top rung of a ladder.

With winter quickly approaching, it is necessary to assure that your driveway, stairs and yard are maintained to prevent outside falls.  Most people love snow in the wintertime; it is beautiful to look at and can provide fun outdoor activities like skiing, sledding and building snowmen. But for some individuals, especially senior citizens, snow can be scary and hazardous. The following tips can help assure the safety of your home and yourself if followed correctly.

•    Wear shoes that have traction. The better the traction of the shoe, the more they will grip the ground. If you go somewhere that you need to wear dress shoes, be sure to take them with you and change once you are safely inside.
•    Check the railings on your sidewalk or steps to assure they are sturdy. If you were to slip, you can catch yourself on the railing. It is important to keep the railing itself clean too, to make sure you can grip it if needed.
•    Keep salt and shovel inside your house. That will prevent you from having to walk outside in the snow to get it.
•    Carry a cell phone with you while you are outside; if you were to fall, you could call for help. It also provides security if you are driving in winter weather conditions and have an accident.
•    Don’t be afraid to ask for help while in public. If you do not feel that you can safely make it to your vehicle, speak to an employee and they will provide assistance. If you are in public and see someone having difficulty walking on the ice and snow, offer assistance if you are able.
•    While in public, take notice of floors and stairs that may be wet and slippery due to snow melting off shoes. Walk carefully.
•    Go slow to keep your balance. Be sure to allow for extra time so you do not have to rush.
•    Strengthen your legs. If you slip, your leg muscles can help catch you. If you do fall, they can help you get up easier.
•    Be aware of falling snow and ice from your roof or gutters. Try to keep the area above your doors and garage free of ice and snow by safely removing what you can, or having it removed by professionals.
•    Before the snow arrives, be sure to remove wet leaves from your sidewalk and walkways. Wet leaves can become slippery and pose a hazard.

Falls can happen to people of all ages. By following the above recommendations, you can help keep your family and houseguests safe. If you have experienced a fall, the doctors at Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan can provide the help you need to get back on your feet. To schedule an appointment, please call us at 616-459-7101.

 

Sources: Home Safety Council, Winter Fall Prevention Tips for Seniors, WebMD

Topic: Orthopedic care, Seasonal Insights | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (0)