Arthoscopy is a term you may have heard but don’t fully understand. The Ohio orthopaedic surgeons at OAZ explain this diagnostic procedure:

Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure orthopaedic surgeons use to visualize, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint. In an arthroscopic examination, an orthopaedic surgeon makes a small incision in the patient’s skin and then inserts pencil-sized instruments that contain a small lens and lighting system to magnify and illuminate the structures inside the joint.

By attaching the arthroscope to a miniature television camera, the surgeon is able to see the interior of the joint through this very small incision rather than a large incision needed for surgery. The television camera attached to the arthroscope displays the image of the joint on a television screen, allowing the surgeon to look, for example, throughout the knee. This lets the surgeon see the cartilage, ligaments, and under the kneecap. The surgeon can determine the amount or type of injury and then repair or correct the problem, if it is necessary.

Arthroscopy is an extremely valuable tool for all orthopaedic patients and is generally easier on the patient than “open” surgery. Most patients have their arthroscopic surgery as outpatients and are home several hours after the surgery.

If you have questions about arthroscopy, contact the Ohio orthopaedic surgeons at OAZ.

Congratulations to Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville’s own Dr. William Allen, a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon, for finishing the Boston Marathon on April 19, 2010. Dr. Allen clocked in at 3:24:47, good for 373rd in his age group! Read more at the Zanesville Times-Recorder.

The Ohio orthopaedic surgeons at OAZ can offer help for elderly patients suffering from knee arthritis and impaired balance.

A study presented at the 2010 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons shows total knee replacement can successfully relieve pain and improve function in patients with advanced knee arthritis.

The study measured accurately static and dynamic balance with a new computerized system called the Balance Master. The study found:

• Significant improvement in dynamic balance one year after surgery
• Significant progress in balance-determined motor tests
• Strong statistical correlation between the balance and the Oxford Knee Score functional questionnaire and the quality of life questionnaire SF-36

One year after surgery, the correlation between patients’ improved balance and their ability to walk and perform daily activities was stronger than the correlation between their reduced pain and their ability to walk and do daily activities.

Elderly individuals considering knee replacement should talk to their Ohio orthopaedic surgeons at OAZ about the rehabilitation process and ways to improve balance following surgery.

The Ohio orthopaedic surgeons at OAZ have potential good news to share about knee replacements.

It’s generally recommended that total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients avoid activities that cause high stress loads on the implant and may increase the risk of early failure. Such activities include high-impact aerobics, football, soccer, baseball, basketball, jogging and power lifting, among others.

However, according to a new study presented at the 2010 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, TKA patients may be able to participate in high-impact sports without increasing risk of early implant failure.

It’s best to talk with the Ohio orthopaedic surgeons at OAZ about your personal knee replacement recovery.

The Ohio orthopaedic physicians at OAZ treat may patients for foot pain. With over 26 bones, 33 joints, and 5 ligaments, it’s easy to understand how susceptible feet are to injury.

Here are four common causes:

• Plantar Fasciitis: This is one of the most common causes of foot pain. It results from irritation of a thick band of tissue, called the plantar fascia, which runs across the bottom of your foot connecting your heel bone to your toes. Discomfort is more common in the morning after wakening.

• Metatarsalgia: This is a painful foot condition in the area just before the toes, or the ball-of-the-foot, or metatarsals. With prolonged jumping or running activities, an increased stress load is placed on this region. Over time the metatarsal bones become swollen and pain results.

• Turf Toe: A sprain at the base of the great toe can occur when the big toe bends back beyond its normal range of motion. This causes a tear in the ligaments that support it. Pain with turf toe is experienced during walking and running activities.

• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the main nerve that goes to the foot is compressed by bone or tissue. Symptoms are typically felt on the inside of the foot region and are burning, tingling, and shooting in nature.

Physical therapy is often one of the main ways to treat the symptoms of foot pain. Contact the Ohio orthopaedic physicians at OAZ for an appointment if you experience any of these symptoms.

Dr. Steven Kimberly of Orthopaedic Associates in Zanesville recently shared with WHIZ-TV the benefits of partial knee replacement over total knee replacement.

Read the story and see great photos at www.whiznews.com/content/news/local/2010/03/04/partial-knee-replacement.

To learn more about partial knee replacement from Dr. Kimberly, Genesis is holding a presentation Monday, March 8, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Genesis-Bethesda Meeting Rooms 1,2 and 3. It is free to the public and there will a representative from Orthopaedic Associates on hand if residents would like to make an appointment to see Dr. Kimberly. To register, call (740) 455-4949.

The cutting-edge technology used by the orthopaedic surgeons at Ohio’s OAZ was featured by the Zanesville Times-Recorder in January!

Be sure to check out Dr. Karl Saunders and his staff discuss the modern diagnostic equipment including digital X-ray.

Becky Tilton, registered radiologic technologist at Orthopaedic Associates is quoted: “We are very fortunate that we have this updated technology. Patients feel that it is a faster procedure and doesn’t take as long. I love it because you can see much more on the digital radiology versus film.”

The team of orthopaedic surgeons at Ohio’s OAZ office agree this technology improves the patient experience.

OAZ’s Ohio orthopaedic surgeons agree knee replacement surgery is the most common joint replacement procedure. However, knowing the right time for surgery can be difficult. Luckily there are options.

Knee replacement surgery is a procedure that is performed when the knee joint has reached a point when painful symptoms can no longer be controlled with non-operative treatments. In a knee replacement procedure, your surgeon removes the damaged joint surface and replaces it with a metal and plastic implant.

Partial knee replacement is a surgery that may be considered for appropriate patients for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint. Traditionally, patients have undergone total knee replacement for severe arthritis of the knee joint. In a total knee replacement, all cartilage is removed from the knee joint, and a metal and plastic implant is substituted. The partial knee replacement entails a smaller incision and faster recovery than traditional total joint replacement surgery.

To discuss your options, call OAZ’s Ohio orthopaedic surgeons today.

Don’t become a victim of back injury while shoveling snow this winter. Ohio orthopaedic experts at OAZ provide the following tips to prevent back strain.

First, choose the right shovel for you.
• Ergonomically correct: Many retailers stock ergonomically designed snow shovels with a curved handle. These shovels help keep your back straighter, reducing spinal stress.
• Small, plastic blade: To reduce weight, choose a small, plastic blade, which puts less strain on the spine.

Next, watch your technique.
• Warm up: Warm muscles work better. So take some time to stretch to prepare your body for activity.
• Get the right grip: When gripping the shovel handle, don’t put your hands close to one another. Create some distance between the hands. This will give you more leverage and make it easier to lift snow.
• Watch your posture and stance: Think about good posture and maintaining the natural curve of your spine. Stand with your feet about shoulder width apart to maintain balance. Try to keep the shovel close to your body. Bend at the knees—not the waist or back. Tighten your stomach muscles as you lift the snow. Lift with your legs—not your back. Do not twist your body. Dump the snow in front of you. If you need to move the snow to the side, move your feet—do not twist!
• Pace yourself: Take frequent breaks to stretch your back and extremities.

The Ohio orthopaedic experts at OAZ wish you a safe and enjoyable winter season!

Stretching is the act of lengthening muscles in order to increase muscle flexibility and joint range of motion. OAZ specializes in Ohio physical therapy and reminds patients that stretching activities are an important part of any exercise or rehabilitation program.

The Mayo Clinic recently released a list of the top five benefits of stretching and OAZ agrees that these benefits are important for people of all ages to consider. Keep in mind that warming up the body prior to activity decreases the risk of injury as well as muscle soreness.

The top five benefits of stretching are:

1. Increased flexibility and joint range of motion:

Flexible muscles can improve your daily performance. Tasks such as lifting packages, bending to tie your shoes or hurrying to catch a bus become easier and less tiring. Flexibility tends to diminish as you get older, but you can regain and maintain it.

1. Improved circulation:

Stretching increases blood flow to your muscles. Blood flowing to your muscles brings nourishment and gets rid of waste byproducts in the muscle tissue. Improved circulation can help shorten your recovery time if you’ve had any muscle injuries.

1. Better posture:

Frequent stretching can help keep your muscles from getting tight, allowing you to maintain proper posture. Good posture can minimize discomfort and keep aches and pains at a minimum.

1. Stress relief:

Stretching relaxes tight, tense muscles that often accompany stress.

1. Enhanced coordination:

Maintaining the full range-of-motion through your joints keeps you in better balance. Coordination and balance will help keep you mobile and less prone to injury from falls, especially as you get older.

The Ohio physical therapy experts at OAZ remind patients that stretching is one of the most important parts of the rehabilitation process.