Ultrasound
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Here at Fullerton Orthopaedic Surgery Medical Group we pride ourselves on bring our patients the best medical care possible. In keeping with that tradition we now can provide more immediate diagnostic testing using our new Ultra Sound Equipment.
Ultrasound is a modality that has been used for decades in the field of obstetrics. ultrasound is a technique that does not require radiation or putting one in a “tube”. It can be done for many body parts such as the shoulder, elbow, hand and wrist, hip, knee and foot. For the shoulder the use can at times eliminate the need for an expensive MRI, providing very much the same information. The modality works off of sound bouncing off structures in the shoulder joint. It can evaluate for rotator cuff tears, biceps problems,inflammation in the joint as well as areas of fluid accumulation. The device can also be used for guiding injections. The shoulder evaluation is done with the patient seated, with the arm at the side. Evaluation of the rotator cuff can be done while the patient moves the shoulder back and forth. This has the advantage over the MRI, in that it can see the tissue move. This can then improve the accuracy of the test. Partial tears are more likely to be identified with the ultrasound more so than the MRI, It also allows better evaluation in those individuals who have undergone previous surgery. All of these advantages without have to leave the physicians office. When using the ultrasound with an injection, it can help guide the needle into the correct area, thus avoiding giving the injection into the tissues that may not benefit from the injection. This again is a way providing more accurate and expeditious treatment.
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Ultra Sound testing is a painless, safe and an affordable procedure that can save our patients time and reduced out of pocket expenses.
We are able to have real-time visualization of multiple problems with the shoulders, elbows, knees and wrists.
With the Ultra Sound unit we can see torn rotator cuff injuries, ruptured Achilles tendons, ACL & PCL ligament tears in the knee and in many cases avoid the costly expense of other procedures, treatment. The patient and physician will have immediate results, no delay in treatment.
The Ultra Sound unit also allows better placement of injections into the joint area by allowing the physician to see exactly where he is placing the needle. This allows him to know precisely where the medication is being injected to be the most benefit to the patient
X-Stop Interspinous Process Decompression
The X-STOP® IPD® Implant is a titanium metal implant designed to fit between the spinous processes of the vertebrae in your lower back. It is designed to remain safely and permanently in place without attaching to the bone or ligaments in your back.
As we naturally age, the nerves that run through the spinal column can become pinched due to a thickening of the bones and ligaments that surround the spinal nerves. When this happens it can cause severe pain and numbness in the back and legs. This condition is referred to as spinal stenosis.
Relief is often felt when the affected person bends forward or sits down. This leaning or bending action opens the canal that surrounds the nerves, temporarily relieving the pressure and lessening the pain. “In the past our surgical options were limited and much more invasive,” says spinal surgeon Dr. Alexander, of Fullerton Orthopaedic Surgical Group. “If a patient was a candidate we would perform a laminotomy to remove bone around the affected area and possibly fuse together the vertebrae.”
Until recently no one ever thought of putting a spacer between the vertebrae to open up the canal around the spinal nerves to relieve the pressure. It’s called the X-Stop procedure. “The simplicity is genius,” says Dr. Alexander. “Now we have a safer and much less invasive procedure that normally only lasts between 20 to 45 minutes.” In the X-Stop procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision in the skin and inserts a spacer between vertebrae that opens up the canal in the spinal column and relieves the pressure on the nerves.” The results are immediate.
For more information about the X-Stop Interspinous Process Decompression procedure, please visit the www.kyphon.com website.
To learn more about the surgeon performing these procedures, visitDr. Alexander’s page.
The Aequalis-Reversed Shoulder Replacement
The Aequalis-Reversed design is based on the principle of kinetic balancing of the shoulder.
It is indicated for those patients when a traditional total shoulder replacement is not indicated.
It is indicated for those patients who have severe glenohumeral arthritis with a massive irreparable rotator cuff tear. Also for patients who need a revision of a total or hemi arthroplasty (total shoulder replacement) associated with a massive rotator cuff tear.
Post op rehab will last approximate 3-4 months with an ongoing home physical therapy program until sufficient range of motion and strength is regained.
Pts will have their shoulder and arm in a brace or sling for approximately 6 weeks and during that time will have a passive physical therapy program started.
At approximately 6 weeks post op pt will discontinue the use of immobilization and begin an active physical therapy program.
Total post op recovery will take approximately six months.
For more information aout the Aequalis-Reversed Shoulder Replacememt, please visit the www.tornier-us.com website.
To learn more about the surgeon performing these procedures, visitDr. Williams’ page.
Artificial Disc
Have You Suffered A Long Time From Back Pain? Help Has Arrived.
The CHARITÉ™ Artificial Disc, the first artificial disc replacement in the United States for the treatment of low back pain caused by a damaged spinal disc, is now available to patients in Fullerton. Patient benefits include reduction in low back pain and restored function while maintaining motion.
For more information about the Charité Artificial Disc, please visitCharitéDisc.com.
Kyphoplasty
Every 45 seconds Osteoporosis Causes a Spine Fracture.
While most people associate osteoporosis with hip fracture, the most common fracture caused by osteoporosis actually occurs in the spine. These fractures can be very painful and can have serious long-term consequences. There are treatment options available for spine fractures.
Significant pain relief
Return to normal activities
Fracture reduction and stabilization
Restoration of vertebral height
Reduction of spinal deformity
For more information about osteoporosis and spine fractures, please visit the National Osteoporosis Foundation website.
To learn more about the surgeon performing these procedures, visitDr. Alexander’s page.