Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive, advanced surgical procedure in which an arthroscope is inserted into a joint through a small incision to diagnose and repair torn joint tissue, most commonly in the knee, shoulder, and hip.

The word “arthroscopy” comes from the Greek words *arthro* (meaning “joint”) and *skopein* (meaning “to examine”). At E&B Orthopaedics, our physicians frequently perform arthroscopic surgeries for conditions such as torn ligaments, damaged cartilage, inflamed synovial tissue, and other joint-related injuries. This advanced technique enables our surgeons to carefully inspect the inside of the joint, address the problem, and make necessary repairs without the need for more invasive open surgery.

During arthroscopy, two small incisions (often referred to as “portals”) are made near the affected joint. One portal is used to insert the arthroscope, a small, thin tube equipped with a camera, light, and lenses, which transmits live video images of the inside of the joint to a monitor, The arthroscope allows the surgeon to visualize the joint’s structures, such as cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and bone surfaces. The second portal allows the surgeon to insert specialized surgical instruments to repair the joint as needed. These tools can be used to remove damaged tissue, trim or repair torn cartilage or ligaments, and address other joint issues.

Unlike traditional joint surgery, which requires a large incision and extensive opening of the joint, arthroscopy only requires a few small cuts, resulting in significantly less trauma to the tissues surrounding the joint. This minimally invasive approach offers patients several important benefits, including faster recovery, less postoperative pain, and minimal scarring.

Arthroscopic surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning most patients can go home the same day. It is done under either local, regional, or general anesthesia, depending on the specific joint being treated and the complexity of the procedure.

After surgery, patients are provided with a tailored rehabilitation plan to aid in recovery. This plan often includes physical therapy to restore range of motion, strengthen the joint, and improve overall function. Recovery times vary depending on the type of surgery and the patient’s overall health, but most people return to light activities within a few weeks and can resume more strenuous physical activities within a few months.

Total joint replacement is when the surface of a permanently deformed joint is surgically replaced with man-made materials that restore quality of life by allowing the joint to move freely without the pain of conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or severe trauma.

During the procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and bone from the joint and replaces them with prosthetic components made from metal, plastic, or ceramic. These components mimic the movement of a natural joint, allowing patients to regain mobility and reduce pain. The goal of total joint replacement is to enhance the quality of life by relieving pain, improving joint function, and restoring a patient’s ability to perform daily activities.

Candidates for total joint replacement often experience significant joint pain, stiffness, and limited mobility that do not respond to conservative treatments such as medication, physical therapy, or injections. The surgery is typically recommended when other treatments have been exhausted and the patient’s pain or dysfunction significantly impacts their quality of life.

Post-surgical rehabilitation and physical therapy are essential for recovery, helping patients regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the joint. Most patients can expect significant improvement in joint function and a substantial reduction in pain, allowing them to return to a more active lifestyle.

With advancements in surgical techniques and prosthetic materials, joint replacements today are more durable and effective, often lasting 15 to 20 years or more.

Fractures & Trauma

A bone fracture occurs when a bone is cracked or broken, most commonly as a result of a traumatic high-force impact or stress, but can also occur from less intense stress over time or certain weakening medical conditions.

Fractures come in many different forms, depending on the nature and severity of the break. These include:

Simple Fractures – The bone breaks cleanly but does not pierce the skin. These are also known as closed fractures.
Compound Fractures – The bone breaks and penetrates the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
Comminuted Fractures – The bone is shattered into three or more pieces, often due to high-impact trauma.
Greenstick Fractures – A partial fracture where the bone bends and cracks, most commonly seen in children due to the flexibility of their bones.
Stress Fractures – Tiny, hairline cracks in the bone that develop over time from repetitive stress, often seen in athletes.
Pathologic Fractures – Fractures that occur in bones weakened by underlying medical conditions such as osteoporosis, cancer, or infection.

Treatment for fractures depends on the type, location, and severity of the break. Minor fractures may be treated with immobilization using casts, splints, or braces, allowing the bone to heal over time. More complex or severe fractures may require surgical intervention, such as the use of metal rods, plates, or screws to stabilize the bone and ensure proper healing.

Sports Injuries

Sports injuries occur when playing sports or while exercising due to accidents, over- or under-training, improper use of protective devices, insufficient warm-up or recovery, and poor nutrition. These injuries can affect athletes of all levels, from beginners to professionals, and can range from mild sprains and strains to more severe conditions that may require surgical intervention.

Common types of sports injuries include:

Sprains and Strains – Sprains involve overstretching or tearing of ligaments, while strains affect muscles or tendons. These injuries often result from sudden movements, improper technique, or overexertion.
Fractures – High-impact activities can lead to broken bones, with common fracture sites including the arms, legs, and collarbone.
Dislocations – A dislocation occurs when a joint is forced out of its normal position, most frequently seen in contact sports like football or basketball.
Tendonitis – Repetitive motion or overuse can lead to inflammation of the tendons, commonly affecting areas such as the shoulders, elbows, knees, and ankles.
Torn Ligaments or Tendons – These include injuries like ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tears in the knee or Achilles tendon ruptures, which often occur during high-intensity or high-impact activities.
Shin Splints – This condition involves pain along the shinbone, often caused by running on hard surfaces or improper footwear.

Treatment for sports injuries depends on the type and severity of the injury. Initial management often includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling. In more serious cases, treatment may involve physical therapy, immobilization with a brace or cast, or surgical repair to restore the function of the injured area.

At the core of sports injury treatment is the goal to not only heal the injury but to restore full functionality, allowing athletes to safely return to their sport or activity. Our physicians at E&B work closely with athletes to create personalized recovery plans, which may include physical therapy, rehabilitation exercises, and modifications to training routines, ensuring a safe and effective return to an active lifestyle.

Regenerative Medicine

When a body part becomes injured, worn, or diseased, the body naturally activates stem cells and growth factors to protect and repair the damage. Scientists have developed various forms of regenerative medicine that enhance and accelerate the body’s natural self-healing mechanisms to help patients recover without more invasive interventions like surgery.

At E&B Ortho, we specialize in cutting-edge regenerative medicine techniques, offering Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) therapy, which are both minimally invasive and harness the body’s own natural resources to promote healing.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP therapy involves collecting a sample of the patient’s blood, which is then processed to concentrate the platelets. Platelets are blood components primarily responsible for clotting and initiating the healing process by releasing growth factors that stimulate tissue repair. Once concentrated, the platelet-rich plasma is injected directly into the affected area, such as a joint, tendon, or ligament injury. PRP therapy has been shown to help reduce pain, inflammation, and promote faster healing, making it a popular treatment for conditions like tendonitis, ligament injuries, arthritis, and muscle strains.

Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC)
BMAC therapy is another powerful regenerative medicine approach, but it relies on the extraction of stem cells from the patient’s own bone marrow. Bone marrow is a rich source of stem cells, which have the unique ability to develop into different types of tissues, such as cartilage, bone, or muscle, depending on where they are needed. During the procedure, a sample of bone marrow is typically taken from the hip bone, processed to isolate the stem cells, and then injected into the site of injury or degeneration. BMAC is often used for more severe orthopedic issues, such as cartilage damage, joint degeneration, or chronic tendon injuries.

Both PRP and BMAC are designed to enhance the body’s natural healing response without the need for surgery. These treatments can be particularly beneficial for patients suffering from chronic pain, osteoarthritis, tendon and ligament injuries, and even certain degenerative joint conditions. Because they use the patient’s own blood or bone marrow, the risk of adverse reactions is minimized, and the treatments are generally well-tolerated.

Benefits of Regenerative Medicine include:

Natural Healing – By amplifying the body’s innate repair processes, regenerative medicine helps to restore damaged tissues using the body’s own cells and growth factors.
Reduced Pain and Inflammation – Both PRP and BMAC have been shown to reduce pain and inflammation, offering relief for conditions that may otherwise require surgery or long-term medications.
Minimally Invasive – These therapies are non-surgical, typically performed in an outpatient setting with little downtime, making them an attractive option for patients seeking quicker recovery.
Personalized Treatment – Each therapy is derived from the patient’s own cells, meaning treatments are tailored to the individual’s unique healing potential.

Bracing /DME

Our in-house Durable Medical Equipment department provides a full range of custom braces, orthotics, and ambulatory aids as a conservative approach to treatment or in conjunction with surgery to promote healing, reduce pain, and improve mobility.

Braces and orthotics are often prescribed to support and stabilize injured or weakened joints, bones, and soft tissues. By offering these solutions in-house, our physicians can provide immediate access to high-quality, custom-fit devices, eliminating the need for outside referrals and allowing for quicker, more convenient treatment.

One of the key benefits of our in-house DME department is the ability to offer professional brace fitting services. Our DME team works closely with physicians to design and create braces and orthotics that are tailored to the unique needs and anatomy of each patient. Custom-fit devices provide optimal support, reduce the risk of irritation, and ensure a more effective treatment outcome compared to standard, off-the-shelf products.

Custom-fitted braces are used to restrict movement, protect an injured area, and promote healing. They are frequently prescribed for conditions such as ligament tears, joint instability, and chronic pain associated with arthritis. By providing stability and reducing strain on the affected area, braces can prevent further injury and promote faster recovery.

Custom orthotics are used to correct biomechanical issues, improve posture, and relieve pain, particularly in the feet, knees, hips, and lower back. Orthotics help redistribute weight more evenly, reducing pressure on specific areas and correcting misalignments that could lead to chronic pain or injury. They are often recommended for conditions such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and diabetic foot problems.

In addition to bracing and orthotics, our DME department offers a variety of ambulatory aids to assist with mobility and recovery such as crutches, walkers, and knee scooters. These devices are essential for patients who need additional support while healing from an injury or surgery.

Our DME department also stocks therapy aids and over-the-counter products to complement our patients’ treatment and recovery processes such as foam rollers, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) units, and Biofreeze.

At E&B Ortho, we understand that navigating insurance benefits and pre-certification for medical equipment can be overwhelming. To make the process easier for our patients, our DME department takes care of checking insurance benefits and securing any necessary pre-certifications as a courtesy. This added service streamlines the process, allowing patients to focus on their recovery without having to worry about the administrative details.

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