Blog Archive

Dermatomes are specific regions of the skin that are innervated by a single spinal nerve. The cervical dermatomes refer to those areas of the skin that are supplied by the sensory nerves arising from the cervical (neck) region of the spinal cord. Each cervical nerve is associated with a particular...

GRATITUDEFor Family, Friends…and Food!Thanksgiving can be a time when we all choose to share in the giving and receiving of food that we may not beaccustomed to eating every day.Here are a few hints to ensure this time of year is indeed filled with intentions of GRATITUDE as well as...

So you’re not having pain…Want to stay that way?   For years, people have associated going to physical therapy because of pain, injury or surgery.  What if you went to see a physical therapist BEFORE you have problems with joints, mobility, balance?      We go to our primary care physicians...

About Dr. Chadwick Murphy, MD Chadwick Murphy, MD, is a double board-certified interventional spine specialist at Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine in Metairie, Louisiana. Specializing in pain medicine, physical medicine, and rehabilitation, Dr. Murphy understands the importance of treating pain quickly and comprehensively.  Dr. Murphy joined the Orthopedic Center for...

A TREE, A CAR AND AN EMPTY GLASS JAR Every July, all around the country, hospitals and upper-level residents brace themselves. The new “long white coats” graze the wards, clinics and ORs. Eyes wide open and procedure logs begging for cases, the service to others as a new doctor begins....

There is a script to each of our lives. When we are younger, we are expected to have dreams, obstacles to those dreams and the fortitude to overcome what we do not know and what we cannot perform…yet. So we train. We pour all that we are into our goals....

Nutritional Mindfulness Q&A What is nutritional mindfulness? Nutritional mindfulness helps you stay aware of how to optimize your nutrition, which can serve as a foundational basis for keeping your body healthy and well. Nutritional mindfulness can promote effective, successful results, whether you need to optimize your nutrition to prepare your...

What are rotator cuff injuries? Rotator cuff injuries are tears or strains affecting the rotator cuff, a group of tendons in your shoulder. Rotator cuff injuries are especially common in people who use a lot of overhead motions with their arms, like painters, electricians, and carpenters.  If you have a...

Hand Fractures Q&A What are hand fractures? A hand fracture occurs when you break one (or several) of the 27 bones in your fingers, thumbs, or wrists. Anyone can experience a hand fracture, but they’re most common in active individuals and people who use hand tools for work.  If you...

  Calcific tendonitis of the shoulder is a common cause of aching pain that is made worse by shoulder activity. The pain often occurs at night and may persist for several months despite the lack of any specific injury or trauma. Clinical findings associated with calcific tendonitis include significant pain,...

Cough Q&A What is coughing? Coughing is an action that clears your throat or your airways. You might cough on purpose if you feel dust, mucus, or other irritants in your throat or airway, or it might happen involuntarily as your body’s response to such substances. When you cough, your...

Sports Medicine Q&A What is sports medicine rehabilitation? Sports medicine rehabilitation refers to a group of activities, including physical therapy, strength training, and stretching exercises designed to ease pain, encourage circulation, and promote mobility following a sports-related injury.  At Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine, the team regularly works with athletes...

While there are a number of causes for fingers getting stuck and not moving appropriately, one of the most common causes we see as orthopedic hand surgeons is a condition known as trigger finger (i.e. inflammation of the flexor tendons). What is trigger finger? Trigger finger is caused by inflammation...

While there are a number of causes of thumb pain, one of the most common causes we see as orthopedic hand surgeons is thumb basal joint arthritis. What is thumb basal joint arthritis? Thumb basal joint arthritis is when the cartilage becomes worn in the joint at the base of...

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common nerve entrapment disorder of the body, occurring in up to ten percent of the general population. People who suffer from this condition often report intermittent numbness or tingling in the portion of the hand which is innervated by the median nerve. The median...

  Arthroscopic approaches to rotator cuff surgery have been evolving for the past decade to the point where a complete arthroscopic rotator cuff repair can be performed on a wide range of patients. Advances in the type of equipment and varying techniques allow orthopedic surgeons to visualize more and, in...

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare medical emergency that can occur during general anesthetics (Hopkins et al 2021). The reaction has genetic basis that can help physicians associate risk factors. MH is an autosomal dominant disorder most commonly associated with a mutation in the RYR1 metabolism gene. Volatile anesthetics such...

The rotator cuff is a series of four tendons that forms a hood which attaches to the humeral head of the shoulder joint. Together they act in concert to help keep the humeral head (ball) stabilized in the glenoid (socket) and rotate the shoulder to position the arm for various...

    Shoulder bursitis is a painful condition where the bursa (normal lining) of the shoulder becomes inflamed. The symptoms of bursitis include aching in shoulder are that may radiate towards the neck and down to the elbow. Lying on the shoulder at night may be especially difficult. Movement upward...

The most common cause of knee swelling and pain is a meniscal tear. Fortunately, not all meniscal tears are created equally, and some are fairly well tolerated by individuals. At best, they can cause some painless clicking and a little soreness, but the severe ones can result in severe pain,...

One of the most common causes of knee popping, swelling, and pain is a meniscal tear. Many of us have either experienced or know someone who has undergone treatment for a meniscal tear. So, what’s the big deal? And what exactly is a meniscus? Menisci are two semi lunar fibrocartilaginous...

Your ankle is a very important part of your body. It helps to carry your whole weight and support your balance. So, when your ankle is in distress, moving about might become a problem. Ankle pain can be very difficult to deal with. Therefore, in this article, you'll learn about...

Nicholas Pappas III, MD is a board-certified orthopedic hand surgeon who specializes in various hand and upper extremity conditions. He is the newest member of the OCSM Healthcare team and founder of NOLA Hand Surgery (nolahandsurgery.com).  New patients are welcome at Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine at our convenient Metairie location....

The extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon is involved in many pathologies seen in golf, hockey, tennis, and baseball athletes. Injury to the tendon may be acute, chronic, or anatomical based. The tendon sits in the ulnar groove and may encounter subluxation, dislocation or rupture with or without ulnar sided wrist...

Hand Surgery Q & A Why would I need hand surgery? You may need hand surgery to treat a disease that impairs the use of your hand, causes pain, or decreases flexibility and mobility in your wrist and fingers. One of the most common reasons you may need hand surgery...

While there are a number of causes for hand numbness including nerve damage from diabetes or a pinched nerve in the neck, one of the most common causes we see as orthopedic hand surgeons is carpal tunnel syndrome. What is carpal tunnel syndrome? Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression...

During surgery, a dynamic team of specialists skilled in nursing, anesthesia and surgical technical skills work together with your surgeon to ensure the best outcome for you. But how are YOU BEST PREPARING for this journey even before heading into the OR? After all, your body will be sedated and...

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain around the outside of the elbow. It happens when the tendon that attaches the forearm muscles to the elbow becomes inflamed or damaged. The condition is common in people who play sports like tennis, but it can...

Some jobs and activities require making certain arm movements that can easily provoke an injury. The rotator cuff tear is one of the most common, which mainly affects people who frequently use overhead motions with their arms. These types of injuries are more likely to happen as you age. However,...

As the father of a newborn again, I’m reminded how important sleep is for almost all of our bodily functions. We all know that a good night of sleep can make you feel ready to take on the world. In the average person sleep has a profound mental and physical...

Let's be honest, EVERY day should be men's health awareness day, women's health awareness day and children's health awareness day. Speaking of wellness, it is very easy to get consumed with products or protocols aimed at purchasing new equipment, new memberships or new supplements. The reality is that we already...

What Is Knee Replacement? Knee replacement, also known as arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that involves taking out worn-out bone surfaces and replacing them with artificial substitutes. This surgery aims to relieve extreme pain and restore functionality to a damaged knee. When Do You Need Knee Replacement? A knee replacement...

     Being a shiatsu therapist has taught me much about people and the art of the healing. Tension is something that I constantly face in my practice and in life. So how do I work through it? For clients, I use my fingers, thumbs, elbows, knees, and feet as...

  The American Psychological Association recently reported that current stress levels are the highest recorded in the last 15 years. April is NATIONAL STRESS AWARENESS MONTH. It is ironic that this time of year we would call attention to something that seems so “heavy”. This time of year, we welcome...

More than 50% of Americans have some form of heel pain, which can be highly discomforting and problematic.  The most common cause for heel pain tends to be plantar fasciitis.  The plantar fascia is a thick ligament that connects the heel to the front of the foot.  The plantar fascia...

The body is a complete, balanced system composed of many ligaments, tendons, and muscles. These are connected in different ways to facilitate movement and various body actions. When there is an injury to any of these parts, it causes pain and discomfort that might become too difficult to bear. In...

Telltale Signs You Might Have Rotator Cuff Tear | OCSM Orthopedics in Metairie, Louisiana   Some jobs and activities require making certain arm movements that can easily provoke an injury. The rotator cuff tear is one of the most common, which mainly affects people who frequently use overhead motions with...

Have you ever had a knot or a sore spot on your body that felt like a hot poker when pressed? This is most likely a trigger point or acupressure point. Shiatsu, a Japanese form of bodywork/massage, specifically targets these points to release tension, promote circulation, increase range of motion,...

What is lung cancer? Lung cancer develops when the cells in your lungs grow uncontrollably. While it isn’t the most common form of cancer, it causes more deaths than any other type of cancer in the United States. It commonly develops after years of smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke, but...

Elbow pain related to lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow is a common condition affecting millions of Americans. Although tennis elbow occurs in athletes playing racket sports and other sports, it is also very common among active individuals not involved in sports. Tennis elbow typically presents as pain localized to the lateral...

What are the most common types of fractures? A bone can break in a multitude of ways. The two main fracture categories are open (compound) and closed. A closed fracture involves only a break in the bone, while the skin remains intact. Open fractures involve an open wound that reveals...

CUCUMBER FACTS OF THE DAY:   1.  Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.   2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, put...

As a physical therapist we often get asked “what is the best exercise for (insert painful or weak body part here)?” Unfortunately my answer is almost always the same, “it depends.” In physical therapy we prescribe exercises for countless reasons and to address a number of deficits and activities. Each...

Physical Therapy Q&A What is physical therapy? Physical therapy is a blanket term used to describe a group of healing techniques that ease pain, relieve swelling, and promote general mobility.  The team of in house physical therapists at Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine offer a range of physical therapy techniques...

The peroneal tendons are a group of tendinous fibers that provide dynamic stability and assist with the eversion and flexion of the foot. There are three: the peroneal brevis, the peroneal longus, and the peroneal tertius. The first two pass through the retro malleolar groove of the fibula, behind the...

Asthma is a common disease affecting your lungs and breathing. It’s one of the most common chronic conditions in children, but you can have it as an adult too. If you have asthma, your airways swell, become narrow, and produce lots of mucus that makes it difficult to breathe properly. ...

Metacarpal fractures, result from trauma to the bones located in the palms  (Metacarpal bones). These bones are made up of a head, neck, body, and base. The most commonly affected bone is the fifth metatarsal, known as street fighter's boxer fracture, which is connected to the fifth digit (small finger)....

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that mainly affects the cartilage of the joints and is one of the leading causes of disability in the United States. Cartilage works like a "shock absorber" on the joints and allows bones to glide over one another. Joints also have a small amount of...

"Here we go again".... There is so much change (and good) happening all around us. Yet it seems as if we are still stepping cautiously into 2022 with another coronovirus spike and variants all about. We CAN focus on just this one day at a time and feel better in...

The metacarpophalangeal joint is colloquially known as knuckles. It is composed distally by the proximal phalange (the finger bones), and proximally by the metacarpal (the bones of the hand). This joint can become arthritic due to wear and tear, trauma, infection, autoimmune processes, and crystal depositions. Knowing the causes of...

What is mindfulness? The word mindfulness refers to a group of practices designed to promote inner peace, focus, and presence in the current moment. Between work, familial responsibilities, and day-to-day tasks like errands and appointments, it’s easy to look forward or backward. For example, you might make a mistake at...

Injuries to the pectoralis major muscle are rare. This kind of injury most commonly occurs in physically active males between 20-40 years old. It has an association with weightlifting (particularly bench press). However, there are reports of the injury during various other activities, such as martial arts, gymnastics, and football. The...

     Frozen shoulder (or adhesive capsulitis) is a condition that is characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint.  With frozen shoulder, the shoulder capsule becomes inflamed with the potential for scarring to develop.  While the symptoms of frozen shoulder generally begin gradually, they can certainly worsen with the passage...

Acromio-clavicular (AC) joint separation or shoulder separation results from a traumatic injury to the ligaments that keep the shoulder blade (scapula) and collarbone (clavicle) together. This is usually the result of injury during contact sports by receiving a direct blow to the shoulder or during a fall that resulted in...

The triceps muscle is a three part muscle that runs along the back of the arm to attach at the back of the elbow on the olecranon process.  Its main reponsibility is to allow forceful extension of the forearm to push objects away or help lift the body out of...

It is likely that we have all stumbled, tripped over something, or lost our balance at some point. Many times this may lead to a fall.  Falls are one of the leading causes of fatal and nonfatal injuries in the world, and it is estimated that one third of community...

Polypharmacy, by definition, is the use of 5 or more medications daily by an individual chronically. These can be either prescription OR over the counter medications. In many countries, polypharmacy rates are on the rise.  The prevalence here in the Unites States is estimated to be between 40-45%!! The older...

As the cool air settles in for the fall season, we seem to appreciate the beauty of nature slowing down a bit. Fall brings a fresh and unique opportunity to practice something that we all do nearly 20,000 times a day- BREATHING. Our lives are inherently tied into just that-breathing....

   Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, which frustrates the patients and practitioners alike because of its disabling nature and resistance to treatment. The plantar fascia is an extremely tough sheet of tissue that extends out from the base of the calcaneous (heel bone) to attach onto...

   Calcific tendonitis of the shoulder is a common cause of aching pain that is made worse by shoulder activity. The pain often occurs at night and may persist for several months despite the lack of any specific injury or tyrauma. Clinical findings associated with calcific tendonitis include significant pain,...

Whether you're trying to run as fast as Usian Bolt, playing in a weekend softball league, or just beginning a physical therapy session, a warm up of some kind is a necessary part of proper preparation. Warming up for physical activity can improve physical performance, decrease muscle soreness, and decrease...

What is medial epicondylitis? Medial epicondylitis, also known as Golfer’s elbow, is mostly an overload injury to the inner forearm tendons that leads to an inflammatory condition called a tendinopathy. The most sensitive region is located along the elbow near the origin of the wrist flexors on the medial epicondyle...

Bone Stress Injuries      Bone stress injuries (BSIs) refer to overuse injuries in which bones fail to withstand repetitive mechanical loads seen in weight-bearing activities such as running. This results in bone fatigue, localized bone pain and tenderness at the site of stress. BSIs are commonly seen in runners,...

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, IASTM, is a type of soft tissue manipulation (STM) that uses rigid devices to deliver directed and targeted forces to specific tissue to provide a mobilizing effect to scar tissue and myofascial adhesions.  The rigid devices can be made  of different materials to manage and...

What is De Quervain's tenosynovitis? De Quervain's tenosynovitis, also known as De Quervain's tendonitis, is a painful condition of the tendons located at the radial side of the wrist and at the base of the thumb. The pain, which is what primarily prompts the patient to go see a physican,...

Introduction    You have decided it is time to consider surgery to find relief to your problems. Before going under the knife your surgeon may want to ensure if you are healthy enough to go through with the procedure. Most operations often require some form of general anesthesia and your...

1) Smoke detectors  In the event of a fire, early detection and warning is critical. Because smoke and toxic gases spread faster than heat, most victims die from smoke inhalation rather than burns. Majorities of fatal fires occur when the occupants are asleep and unaware of the fire until it...

What is a calf strain and how can it happen? A strain refers to an injured muscle or tendon that has partially or completely torn. A calf injury is most often caused during sports where you need to push off with your foot quickly for a sudden burst of speed....

Structure of the Hip    The femoroacetabular joint, the hip joint, is a ball and socket joint that joins the femur to the pelvis. The ball corresponds to the head of the femur and the socket corresponds to the acetabulum. This ball and socket articulation allows for a high degree...

The shoulder joint: The anatomic configuration of the shoulder joint known as the glenohumeral joint is often compared to a golf ball on a tee. It is the most mobile joint in the body allowing the arm to move in many directions which is why it is the most frequently...

Let's start in the beginning, when you are first looking to purchase some running shoes or walking shoes. Most of the time, runners purchase a shoe a half size larger than your street shoes. This should give you about a quarter inch (or a thumbnail's space) of additional room from...

The Ankle Joint    The ankle joint is made up of three bones, the tibia, the fibula, and the talus. These bony elements are supported by multiple ligaments that can be divided into three groups: the lateral ligament complex, the deltoid medial ligament, and syndesmotic ligaments which hold together the...

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most commonly injured ligament of the knee. Isolated ACL injuries account for nearly half of all knee injuries. An estimated one out of every 3000 individuals will suffer an ACL injury in any given year, and the major cause of injury is sports...

What is knee replacement surgery?Knee replacement surgery also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that replaces the weight-bearing surfaces of the knee joint which can become easily damaged due to pathologies such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or post-traumatic arthritis. The therapeutic goal of the procedure is to relieve...

"May", "Could", "Suspect", "Potentially". With so much uncertainty in the world, it is not surprising that we often become lost in headlines featuring these common words. And quite frankly, they make us feel... helpless. Last weekend we all "lost" an hour of sleep and of morning light. But here is...

Shoulder acromioclavicular (AC) joint osteoarthritis What is the AC joint?    The acromioclavicular joint, the AC joint, is located at the top of the shoulder where the collarbone and shoulder blade meet. The AC joint is one of many small plane joints our bodies have and which permit sliding/gliding movement...

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip is a debilitating condition that usually affects people in their thirties and forties. The incidence of avascular necrosis of the hippp has been estimated to be between 10,000 and 20,000 cases per year in the United States, with an average age of presentation of...

The hamstring is composed by three muscles located on the back of the thigh called: Semistendinosus, Biceps femoris ad Semibranosus. They attach from the back of the pelvis at the ischial tuberosity to just below the knee joint on the medial and lateral sides. Their function is to facilitate the...

Bucket Handle meniscus tear What is Bucket Handle meniscus tear? The meniscus is a cartilage present in the knee joint. The knee is composed of two menisci, one located in the inner side of the knee (medial meniscus) and one located in the outer side of the knee (lateral meniscus)....

OSA or Obstructive Sleep Apnea is diagnosed by a sleep study (polysomnogram). The study is done at a sleep center in which a test sleep overnight will be done. Alternatively, at home sleep apnea text may also be used to diagnose OSA. During the sleep study, your breathing, heart rate...

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common problem that affects the person's breathing during sleep. Apnea means not breathing. The block in airflow (obstruction) is usually caused by the collapse of the soft tissues in the back of the throat (upper airway) and tongue during sleep. Frequent apneas can cause...

At a time where more people are working from home than ever before, you may notice your body being forced into uncomfortable positions staring at a computer for hours at a time. Many people are unaware of how important their desk setup can be. By spending 8 hours a day...

The Achilles tendon is the thickest and strongest tendon in the body. This long band of tissue attaches the muscles of the calf to the heel bone and is responsible for allowing the foot to flex. The Achilles tendon enables the athlete to push off of the foot when walking...

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (Trochanteric Bursitis):   What is Trochanteric Bursitis? Trochanteric Bursa is a large slippery fluid-filled sac that separates the greater trochanter from the hip, muscles and tendons of the thigh and buttock. The greater trochanter is a bump located at the lateral upper part of the thigh....

Pes anserine is where the tendons of three muscles of the thigh insert in the anterior inner or medial side of the tibia below the knee joint. They are located superficial to the medial collateral ligament (MCL). These muscles are called from the medial/inner aspect of the leg to the...

Doctor, do I have Frozen Shoulder? What is Frozen Shoulder? Adhesive Capsulitis also known as "Frozen Shoulder", presents as a gradual loss of movement in the shoulder (Glenohumeral) joint. The Glenohumeral joint is commonly seen in an x-ray as a golfball on a tee consisting of the humeral head (ball)...

Morton's neuroma is a benign tumor in which presents as an inflammation in the tissue that surrounds the nerve that passes through your toes. It is mostly seen in the space between the third and fourth toe or metatarsal, but can occur between any toe. Patients can have tingling, numbing,...

What is Pseudogout "false gout"?    Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition (CPPD) also known as Pseudogout, is a joint problem caused by crystals of calcium salt called Pyrophosphate that are deposited in the joint space. A patient can be asymptomatic for many weeks or can experience flare-ups that present with a severe...

As we all know, cell phones and electronic tables are a staple of modern life. We use them for shopping, online banking, food delivery, keeping up with the news, and numerous other things. While cell phones and tablets have certainly made many things easier to accomplish and perhaps let us...

Trigger finger or "stenosing tenosynovitis" is a condition that may cause pain, popping, locking and stiffness to the affected finger, mostly in the morning. The most common fingers to be affected are the index finger and the thumb. The finger usually gets stuck in a bent position because there is...

The traditional treatment for a traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation has been a three to six week period of immobilization followed by several months of rehabilitation involving range-of-motion and strengthening exercises. As mentioned in last month's article, patients younger than thirty years of age at the time of their first dislocation...

   The shoulder is a complicated ball and socket joint that is recognized as the most unstable joint in the body. Unlike a hinged joint, such as the elbow, there aren't many bony constraints to keep the shoulder in check. The advantages of having such little constraint is that the...

The biceps muscle is one of the two major muscles in the arm responsible for elbow flexion. It runs from the shoulder region down the arm to attach to the radius forearm bone. In addition to enabling us to do curls, it supplies the majority of strength needed to rotate...

Lateral Epicondylitis is a diagnosis that has several different names. These names include Lateral elbow tendinopathy, Lateral epicondylagia, Lateral epicondylitis and, of course, tennis elbow. It affects both men and women between 35-54 years of age. Between 1-3% of the population are affected by this every year. If you do...

A 2018 survey from the CDC indicates that roughly 70% of people in Louisiana are either obese or overweight according to their BMI which accounts for an individual's height and weight.  The worst part is that roughly 30% of people also reported performing no leisure time physical activity.  A very...

Cupping Therapy is a highly effective therapeutic technique utilized by many physical therapists in a variety of treatment situations.   With cupping therapy, the therapist relies on negative pressure and distraction to separate fascial layers and pull the tissue instead of pushing.  Cupping therapy can be done while stationary or...

The Functional Movement Screen is a test used for UNINJURED people who are starting a training program or working with an athletic trainer, fitness trainer or coach.  The three main clearing tests for this screen are: shoulder clearing, extension clearing (bending backwards) and flexion clearing (bending forwards) tests.  This test...

  As we age, the idea of lifting heavy things can seem very daunting, intimidating, or even dangerous at times. There are certain thought processes or stigmas in which people assume that older adults should not exercise vigorously or perform heavy exercises. In youth, this may not have bothered us...

The Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine & Physical Therapy is multidisciplinary clinic delivering high quality patient services with compassionate and personalized care. Dr. Luis M. Espinoza and Dr. William Sherman are Board Certified and Fellowship trained Orthopedic surgeons.  Dr. Chadwick Murphy is a Board Certified, Fellowship trained Pain Medicine/Interventional Spine...

The kinesiotape technique has a number of advantages over athletic taping and McConnell/Mulligan taping. For example, while athletic taping generally provides muscle and joint supoort, it limits the range of motion and has a limited wear time. Further, athletic taping is typically not used for rehab purposes. Similarily, McConnell/Mulligan taping...

In the shoulder, the superior labral complex consists of the biceps tendon and the meniscus-like tissue called the labrum.  Together these components help stabilize the shoulder joint during overhead activities.  In the mid-1980's, the labral complex was identified as a possible source of shoulder pain and dysfunction in throwing athletes....

By: William F. Sherman M.D., Victor J. Wu M.D. In the past decade, the popularity of robot arm-assistance in total joint arthroplasty (TJA) has outpaced the reporting of long-term data.  This study aimed to understand the motivations for use and perceptions of the technology amongst total joint surgeons. Methods: An...

Dry Needling, also called myofascial point dry needling is based on Western medicine and was developed in the 1980's.  Needles are inserted into tendons, ligaments and muscles where there are "trigger points" or tender bands of muscle.  When needles are inserted into trigger points, these bands are released and result...

Fish oil is one of the most popular nutritional supplements people take, and one of my personal favorites for its natural anti-inflammatory benefits. Inflammation, as we now know, is a root cause of so many health conditions, acute and chronic, which are skyrocketing today. What does inflammation do? Inflammation makes...

FAAOS stands for "Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons".  This designation is proudly displayed by surgeons who have completed all the stringent requirments to qualify for membership. Active Fellow Member Requirements include: - Certification by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) - In an practice of orthopaedic...

In the space of a day we can all become overwhelmed or anxious about where we are, where we need to be, or events happening around us that we cannot control. Most people label this as stress. We forget that we may not be able to control others or events,...

Calcific tendonitis of the shoulder is a common cause of aching pain that is made worse with shoulder activity.  The pain often occurs at night and may persist for several months despite the lack of any specific injury or trauma.  Clinical findings associated with calcific tendonitis include significant pain, reduced...

A common source of pain in the knee is the knee cap, otherwise known as the patella.  The patella is the moveable round bone on the front of the knee that acts as a fulcrum to allow the large thigh muscles to power the knee joint.  The under surface of...

Achilles tendinopathy: A common source of foot pain Disorders of the Achilles tendon represent a common cause of foot pain and dysfunction. Anatomically, the Achilles tendon inserts on the calcaneus or heel bone. The Achilles tendon forms the insertion of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. The gastrocnemius, which originates above...

“Tim Tebow” dilemma: To play or not to play Before LSU played Florida in Baton Rouge on October 10, 2009 the news media focused on the issue of who will play quarterback for Florida in a game which could have a major impact on the college national championship. Before the game...

Shoulder is most common joint dislocation Joint dislocations as a result of trauma are fairly common injuries. Dislocations can occur in virtually any joint in the body, but the shoulder represents the most common joint dislocation. The shoulder is made up of the glenohumeral, acromioclavicular, scapulothoracic and sternoclavicular joints. The...

Knee osteoarthritis, a common cause of knee pain Knee osteoarthritis (OA) or degenerative arthritis is a very common musculoskeletal condition. Primary OA, more common than secondary OA, is a result of biologic changes in cartilage followed by cartilage breakdown due to mechanical forces. Primary OA is a gradual wear-andtear condition...

Knee pain? You are not alone. Over 20 million Americans suffer from degeneration joint disease or osteoarthritis (OA). The knee joint cartilage undergoes wear and degenerative tears associated with advancing age. Additional risk factors for OA include being overweight, prior joint injury, having family members with arthritis, weak muscles and...

High ankle sprain: An uncommon orthopedic injury Ankle sprains are among the most common injuries treated by orthopedic surgeons. High ankle sprains represent approximately one percent of ankle sprains. High ankle sprains involve injury to the ankle syndesmosis, which is a group of ligaments that stabilize the tibia and fibula...

Knee injuries represent a very common orthopedic complaint and tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are frequent among the active, athletic population. The ACL functions to limit forward movement of the tibia (shin bone) on the femur (thigh bone). Patients with tears of the ACL typically report a noncontact type...

Shoulder acromioclavicular joint injuries common in athletes The acromioclavicular (AC) joint located on top of the shoulder is commonly injured in athletes and active individuals. The superficial position of the AC joint just beneath the skin makes the joint susceptible to direct trauma. The most common mechanism of injury involves...

Knee articular hyaline cartilage injuries – Chondromalacia The knee has two different types of cartilage, the articular hyaline cartilage and fibrocartilage meniscus. The articular hyaline cartilage covers the ends of the bones in the knee joint. In a young normal knee the articular hyaline cartilage is a smooth, glistening, slippery...

Plantar fasciitis: A common cause of foot pain Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a very common cause of foot pain; in fact it is the most common cause of heel pain on the plantar surface or sole of the foot. Almost two million people seek treatment for PF each year in...

Knee meniscus cartilage tear The knee meniscus has several important functions in the knee including shock absorption, load transmission and joint stability. Small tears in the meniscus are often asymptomatic (no symptoms). Larger tears often become painful and produce mechanical symptoms of catching or locking in the knee joint and...

Rotator cuff problems a common cause of shoulder pain Disorders of the rotator cuff represent a very common cause of shoulder pain. The rotator cuff is comprised of four tendons that cover the humeral head or “ball” of the shoulder joint. The rotator cuff is important in guiding the shoulder...

Anterior knee pain: A common orthopedic complaint Anterior knee pain, or pain localized to the front of the knee, is a common knee complaint. Anterior knee pain presents a challenge in diagnosis and treatment for the orthopedic physician. Anterior knee pain can be caused by several pathologic conditions including tendonitis, cartilage...

Overuse injuries are common in athletes of all ages. The major cause of overuse injuries is incorrect training (too much too soon or improper technique). The pediatric athlete is unique in that their bones are still growing. Bone growth itself results in stress on the surrounding tendons and ligaments. We...

Instability common after ankle sprains Ankle sprains are among the most common orthopedic injuries and account for up to 40 percent of all sports injuries. Ankle sprains most commonly involve the lateral or outside ankle ligaments and result from inversion injuries. Treatment of acute ankle sprains includes rest, elevation, ice...

Ankle sprains very common orthopedic injuries Ankle sprains are among the most common injuries treated in an orthopedic practice. Sprains represent injuries to ligaments which, along with other structures, provide stability to joints. Ankle sprains can occur in patients of all ages but are common among young and middle-aged active...

Meniscus tears: A common cause of knee pain Meniscus tears of the knee are a very common knee condition seen in patients of all ages. The meniscus is a fibrocartilage crescent shaped structure within the knee that functions as a shock absorber as well as provides stability to the knee....

Biceps tendon tear: A common elbow injury Tear or rupture of the biceps tendon at the elbow is a fairly common injury. The biceps muscle lies superficially in the anterior aspect or front of the arm. It originates in the shoulder area and inserts on the radius just below the...

Recognizing the Importance of Spine Care Your spine is crucial to your overall health and wellness. It literally impacts and controls your entire body. Your spine is made of a complex system vertebral bones, discs, ligaments, joints, and muscles. It provides vital support, allows you to walk upright, and carries...

Elbow pain related to lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow is a common condition affecting millions of Americans. Although tennis elbow occurs in athletes playing racket sports and other sports, it is also very common among active individuals not involved in sports. Tennis elbow typically presents as pain localized to the lateral...