Augustin Orthopedics

Products And Services

• General

  ARTHROSCOPY Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to diagnose and sometimes treat joint injuries and disease through small incisions in the skin. It is often performed to confirm a diagnosis made after a physical examination and other imaging tests such as MRI, CT or X-rays. During an arthroscopic procedure, a thin fiberoptic light, magnifying lens and tiny television camera are inserted into the problem area, allowing the doctor to examine the joint in great detail. For some patients it is then possible to treat the problem using this approach or with a combination of arthroscopic and “open” surgery. Sports injuries are often repairable with arthroscopy. Tendon tears in the knee are frequently repaired in this way. Other potentially treatable injuries include torn cartilage or ligaments, inflamed joint lining, carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff tears, and loose bone or cartilage. ARTHRITIS TREATMENT Nearly one in three adults suffers from the swollen, stiff and painful joints of arthritis. Arthritis is the most common chronic ailment among the elderly, although it can affect people of any age, including children. There are over 100 different types of arthritic diseases. The most common is osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage protecting the bone ends wears away. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition in which the body’s own immune system attacks the joint lining. Treatment typically involves a combination of anti-inflammatory medication and devices to relieve stress on the joint (canes, crutches or splints). Regular exercise, weight loss for overweight patients, and cortisone injections may also be helpful. In severe cases, orthopedic surgery such as joint replacement may be the only way to improve or restore function and relieve pain. PLATELET-RICH PLASMA INJECTIONS Platelet-rich plasma is a treatment method that uses components of the body’s own blood to stimulate a healing response in damaged tissue areas. During the normal healing process, the body utilizes platelets and white blood cells to stimulate the growth of new tissue and repair injuries and other damaging conditions. By adding to the platelet count, the healing process can become faster and more powerful, offering patients a quick and speedy recovery as new tissue develops. During the platelet-rich plasma injection process, blood is first drawn from the arm and the platelets and white blood cells are separated and concentrated. This substance is collected into a sterile syringe and is injected into the skin of the targeted area, along with an activator substance. SPORTS INJURIES TREATMENT Sports injuries refer to a range of orthopedic conditions that commonly affect athletes. The repetitive motions utilized by many sports activities put participants at a higher risk of injuring the associated joints and bones. At Augustin Orthopedics, we specialize in treating a wide range of sports injuries, including: Ankle sprain refers to the stretching or tearing of one or more ligaments, the tough fibrous bands responsible for keeping the ankle bones in place. They can occur as a sport injury, or as a result of an accident. Twisting, rolling and turning the feet are the movements known for causing ankle sprains. Symptoms of ankle sprains may include pain, swelling, stiffness and bruising. The occurrence of ankle sprains can be minimized with the help of adequate footwear and exercising caution on uneven surfaces. Shin splints are a condition that is typically associated with exercise. It is characterized by pain along or just behind the shins. Pain occurs about two-thirds of the way down the leg below the knee, spans several inches, and tends to worsen with activity. This discomfort results from inflammation of the thin layer of tissue covering the tibia, as well as from the bone itself and two of the muscles that attach to it. Shin splints are common in people that begin training after a period of inactivity. Proper footwear while exercising can minimize the occurrence of shin splints.

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• Knee Services

  Knee Arthroscopy Services Available For Newark, NJ Located In Bloomfield And Bayonne Knee Arthroscopy Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive outpatient surgical procedure that allows the doctor to view the knee joint without making a large incision. Knee Arthritis Treatment Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease which attacks the joints. Inflammatory means that the patient presents with redness, warmth, swelling, and functional limitation in the joints leading to joint damage. Viscosupplementation/ Gel Injections Osteoarthritis develops slowly causing increased pain over time. Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are many treatment options to help people manage pain and stay active. Meniscal Tears The meniscus is a shock-absorbing structure in the knee, one on the inside (medial), and one on the outside (lateral). Meniscus Transplant If your meniscus is severely damaged or has been removed, it is likely that the articular cartilage protecting your knee will begin to wear. As this cartilage wears away, it becomes frayed and rough. Moving the bones along this exposed surface is painful. Joint Sparing Procedures/ Cartilage Restoration Damage to joint cartilage, or damage to both the cartilage and the underlying bone, does not repair itself spontaneously and results in joint pain and poor function. This type of damage is common after trauma and if left untreated can lead to osteoarthritis. Patella (Knee Cap) Fracture This injury happens when there is a break in the patella. The patella is a large, movable bone at the front of the knee. Femoral Fracture A femoral fracture is a break in the thigh bone, which is called the femur. The femur bone is also known as the thigh bone. It runs from the hip to the knee and is the longest and strongest bone in the body.

  Link: Knee Services

• Shoulder

  Rotator Cuff The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles in the shoulder and upper arm. The muscles help to move the arm at the shoulder and also help to stabilize the joint. The muscles are connected to the shoulder bone by tendons, which are strong, flexible cords. Shoulder problems affect people of all ages, with symptoms caused by trauma or through repetitive overuse activity. Dr. Augustin is dedicated to providing a comprehensive approach to the management and treatment of all shoulder conditions from instability to rotator cuff disease. TREATMENT Sometimes conservative treatments are all you need to recover from a rotator cuff injury. Dr. Augustin may suggest the following: • Rest • Physical Therapy • Anti-Inflammatory Medicine • Cortisone Injection If you do not see an improvement with the conservative treatments Dr. Augustin may suggest rotator cuff repair surgery. While there are many different types of surgeries for rotator cuff injuries, the doctor will discuss with you which procedure will offer the optimal outcome. shoulder-smShoulder Instability A shoulder is deemed unstable when it frequently dislocates or slips partially out of the joint, known as subluxation. This condition commonly occurs after an injury or from a naturally loose joint capsule that does not hold the ball of the joint in its socket. Patients with instability may experience pain when lifting the arm and a constant feeling that the shoulder is slipping out of place. Patients with shoulder instability are often treated with physical therapy and rehabilitation to strengthen the shoulder and help it stay in place. Surgery may be required if conservative methods are unsuccessful. The type of surgical procedure performed depends on the cause of the instability, but may involve tightening the shoulder capsule or repairing damaged or torn ligaments. Total Shoulder Replacement For more info: orthoinfo.aaos.org This tremendously successful procedure is for treating the severe pain and stiffness that is often a result of arthritis or degenerative joint disease of the shoulder joint. In shoulder replacement surgery, the damaged parts of the shoulder are removed and replaced. Upon physical examination and x-rays of the shoulder Dr. Augustin will evaluate you carefully before making any decisions. He will then discuss with you which type of replacement would best meet your specific needs. The ultimate goal of shoulder replacement surgery for our patients is pain relief. Also, we understand how important is for you to return to your normal activities. Dr. Augustin will recommend physical therapy to help achieve the best results from your surgery. Many of our patients are able to return to the sports they love such as swimming, golf and tennis within six months after surgery. Slap Tear For more info: orthoinfo.aaos.org A SLAP tear is an injury to the superior labrum of the shoulder, which is the ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of the shoulder joint stabilizing the shoulder. What causes a SLAP tear? A slap tear is usually the result an injury. Possible causes of a SLAP tear are: • Fall on your outstretched arm, such as falling over the handlebars on a bike. • Fall on your shoulder. • Repetitive overhead activities, such as throwing a baseball • Brace yourself with your outstretched arm in a car accident. • Lift heavy objects repeatedly or too suddenly. • Repetitive overhead activities, such as throwing a baseball TREATMENT • In many cases, the initial treatment for a SLAP injury is nonsurgical such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy. • Surgical Treatment If you are not experiencing pain relief from nonsurgical methods Dr. Augustin may suggest surgical treatment. Arthroscopy is the most common surgical technique used by Dr. Augustin for repairing a SLAP tear. The doctor will insert a small camera, called an arthroscope, into your shoulder joint. The camera displays pictures on a screen which are used to guide miniature surgical instruments. Because the arthroscope and surgical instruments are thin, very small incisions are made. When you follow up at the office, Dr. Augustin will discuss with you when you can return to sports activity. Throwing athletes can return to early interval throwing approximately 12 weeks after surgery. Labral Tear The shoulder is a ball on the upper arm that rests in a shallow socket joint called a the glenoid. A shoulder labral tear is an injury to the cartilage in the shoulder joint. Shoulder labral tears occur from an injury or through long-term wear and tear. Common causes include the following: Dislocated shoulder Falling onto shoulder Repetitive movements of shoulder Lifting heavy objects Breaking a fall with arms Direct blow to shoulder

  Link: Shoulder

• Sports Medicine

  ACL An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a tear in the ACL ligament. The ACL is located in the middle of the knee joint and connects the lower leg bone to the thigh bone and prevents the leg bone from sliding too far forward at the knee, which would cause instability. When the ACL tears, you may hear a popping sound. When you stand, the knee will probably feel very unstable, and it will be difficult to walk on the affected leg. There is usually moderate pain and swelling of the knee joint, although in the first several hours, this may be minor. It will, however, worsen over the first two days, and then begin to subside. Treatment for an ACL tear depends on the extent of your injury and your specific goals and needs. Some people can continue their normal lives with an ACL injury but may later suffer from other knee injuries. For an athlete, if surgery is needed to repair the ACL it can be done arthroscopically. This, along with physical therapy, will achieve the best results for returning to sports as quickly as possible. general Rotator Cuff The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that stabilize the shoulder and allow it to move while keeping the head of your upper arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder. The rotator cuff is a commonly injured area. The most common injuries are strains, tendinitis, and bursitis. These types of injuries occur most often in people who repeatedly perform overhead motions in their jobs or sports. Examples include painters, carpenters, and people who play baseball or tennis. If you are experiencing any of the below symptoms you may have a rotator cuff tear: Pain at rest and at night, particularly if lying on the affected shoulder Pain when lifting and lowering your arm or with specific movements Weakness when lifting or rotating your arm Crackling sensation when moving your shoulder in certain positions Upon evaluation and based on the severity of the shoulder injury/tear, Dr. Augustin will begin a conservative, non-surgical treatment plan. Non-Surgical Treatments that may provide relief: Anti-inflammatory medication, steroid injections, and physical therapy. The goals of treatment are to relieve pain and restore strength to the involved shoulder. More serious rotator cuff tears require surgery. Dr. Augustin will perform a procedure called shoulder arthroscopy, which is usually an outpatient procedure. A small camera is inserted into the shoulder with a small incision to see and repair the rotator cuff tear. Following the arthroscopy, the arm will likely be in a sling for two to three weeks and Dr. Augustin will have you do physical therapy to help strengthen the shoulder. Shoulder Dislocations/Instability A shoulder dislocation occurs when the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) pops out of the shallow shoulder socket of the scapula (called the glenoid). This can happen when a strong force pulls the shoulder upward or outward, or from an extreme external rotation of the humerus. The doctor will place the ball of the upper arm bone (humerus) back into the joint socket. This process is called closed reduction. Severe pain stops almost immediately once the shoulder joint is back in place. The doctor may immobilize the shoulder in a sling or other device for several weeks following treatment. Plenty of rest is needed. The sore area can be iced 3 to 4 times a day. After the pain and swelling go down, the doctor will prescribe rehabilitation exercises for you. These help restore the shoulders range of motion and strengthen the muscles. Rehabilitation may also help prevent dislocating the shoulder again in the future. Rehabilitation will begin with gentle muscle toning exercises. Later, weight training can be added. If shoulder dislocation becomes a chronic condition, a brace can sometimes help. However, if therapy and bracing fail, surgery may be needed to repair or tighten the torn or stretched ligaments that help hold the joint in place, particularly in young athletes. Meniscal Tears A meniscal tear is a tear in the meniscus, a shock-absorbing structure in the knee. There are two menisci in each knee, one on the inside, and one on the outside. Most injuries to the meniscus are caused by trauma, usually compression and twisting of the knee. Movements that can cause trauma to the knee include pivoting, cutting, and decelerating. Most meniscal tears do not heal without intervention. If conservative treatment does not allow the patient to resume normal activities, or sports, surgical treatment is considered. Surgical treatment of symptomatic meniscal tears is recommended because untreated tears may increase in size resulting in arthritis. Dr. Augustin uses an arthroscopic procedure, which is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure, resulting in faster rehabilitation and a better ou

  Link: Sports Medicine

• Hip

  Bursitis For more info: orthoinfo.aaos.org Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa. A bursa is a thin, slippery piece of tissue that protects tendons. Tendons are the tissues that connect muscles to bones. The bursa reduces friction between the tendon and bone. It allows the tendon to glide easily over the bone. There are many bursae in the body protecting underlying tendons. Bursitis most often occurs in the following joints: Shoulder Elbow Knee Hip Bursitis is often treated by: Avoiding aggravating activities Rest the injured area Icing the area the day of the injury Anti-inflammatory medicines If you are still experiencing pain after a week Dr. Augustin will do an evaluation. At this time the doctor can discuss with you other options to treat your bursitis. One option could be prescription drugs to reduce the inflammation. Also, Corticosteroids, also known simply as “steroids,” are often used because they work quickly to decrease the inflammation and pain. Steroids can be injected directly at the site of injury. Injections are often, but not always, effective and can be repeated. The doctor will discuss these treatment plans with you to see which works best for you. hip Hip Replacement For more info: orthoinfo.aaos.org If your hip has been damaged by arthritis, a fracture, or other conditions, common activities such as walking or getting in and out of a chair may be painful and difficult. Your hip may be stiff, and you may even have trouble resting. Treatment for joint pain may include activity modification, weight loss, physical therapy with strength training, anti-inflammatory medications, or cortisone injections. However, for more severe osteoarthritis or joint deterioration, joint replacement surgery may also be considered. Hip replacement surgery involves replacing part or all of the joint with artificial parts. In a partial hip replacement, the doctor replaces the broken upper part of the thighbone. In a total hip replacement, both the hip socket and the top of the thigh bone are replaced. After total hip replacement surgery, Dr. Augustin will want you to start physical therapy immediately. On the first day after surgery it is common to begin some minor physical therapy. Physical therapy is extremely important in the overall outcome of any joint replacement surgery. The goals of physical therapy are to strengthen muscles around the hip joint enhancing the recovery, ultimately returning you to your normal activities. For our patient’s convenience, Dr. Augustin performs hip replacement surgery at several local hospitals. Fractures For more info: orthoinfo.aaos.org A hip fracture is a break in the thigh bone just below the hip joint. The hip joint consists of a ball at the top of the thigh bone (femur) and a rounded socket (acetabulum) in the pelvis. Factors that may contribute to a hip fracture include: Falls (the most frequent cause of hip fractures) Osteoporosis —a bone-thinning condition that weakens all bones including the hip Motor vehicle accidents and other types of major trauma Stress fractures in athletes (rare) Bone conditions such as osteomalacia (rare) Bone tumors (rare) Labral Tear A hip labral tear is an injury to the cartilage inside the hip joint. The hip joint is made of a ball and socket. The ball is the end of the thigh bone (femur). This ball fits into the bowl-shaped socket in the pelvic bone (acetabulum). Cartilage lines the socket to keep movement smooth and the joint cushioned. When the cartilage tears it is called a hip labral tear Hip labral tears can result from wear and tear or from an acute injury. Causes may include: Wear and tear of hip joint from different activities (eg, golf, softball) Traumatic injury to hip Twisting injuries Motor vehicle accident Degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis Many labral tears may fail to show noticeable symptoms and specific treatment is not needed. However, for patients with persistent pain from labral tears, there are many treatment options. There is often sign of improvement in hip range of motion and strength in the muscles around the hip joint shown in patients who do physical therapy. Pain medications such as anti-inflammatories can be used to decrease inflammation around the labrum and provide pain relief. For those with continued pain from a labral tear, surgery is often indicated. Dr. Augustin has much success with arthroscopic surgery to either clean or remove the injured labrum, or repair it to the socket. .

  Link: Hip

• Wrist / Hand

  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve disorder of the hand caused when the median nerve gets squeezed inside a narrow passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. This nerve provides feeling to the thumb, index and middle fingers, and half the ring finger. Carpal tunnel syndrome should be treated as early as possible after you begin to experience symptoms. The longer you take to seek treatment the more irreparable damage is done. Upon examination, Dr. Augustin, depending on the severity of the carpal tunnel, will begin with a conservative treatment. This often begins with taking frequent breaks to rest your hands, avoiding activities that worsen symptoms, splinting, applying cold packs to reduce any swelling, an anti-inflammatory or possibly a corticosteroid injection. More severe cases of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or those that persist for more than six months, may require surgery to relieve tingling and numbness. The goal of carpal tunnel surgery is to relieve pressure on your median nerve by cutting the ligament pressing on the nerve. This procedure can be done arthroscopically with less post-operative pain and a quicker recovery. Dr. Augustin will discuss the options with you regarding your specific needs. wrist-sm Wrist Fractures A wrist fracture is a break in one or more of the bones in the wrist. The wrist is made up of the two bones in the forearm (radius and ulna) and eight carpal bones. If the broken bone is in a good position, a plaster cast may be applied until the bone heals. In the event the position of the bone is so much out of place that it cannot be corrected or kept corrected in a cast, surgery may be required. Surgery typically involves making an incision to directly access the broken bones to improve alignment. Depending on the fracture, there are a number of options for holding the bone in the correct position while it heals: Cast Metal pins Plate and screws External fixator (a stabilizing frame outside the body that holds the bones in the proper position so they can heal) Trigger Finger Trigger finger is a painful condition that causes the fingers or thumb to catch or lock when bent. In the thumb its called trigger thumb. One of the first symptoms of trigger finger is soreness at the base of the finger or thumb. The most common symptom is a painful clicking or snapping when bending or straightening the finger. This catching sensation tends to get worse after resting the finger or thumb and loosens up with movement. If Dr. Augustin has diagnosed you with trigger finger he will start a conservative, non-surgical treatment involving over the counter pain medicine, an anti-inflammatory. Dr. Augustin may choose to inject a corticosteroid — a powerful anti-inflammatory medication. If these nonsurgical options have failed the doctor will discuss surgery. The goal of surgery is to widen the opening of the tunnel so that the tendon can slide through it more easily. This is usually done on an outpatient basis, meaning you will not need to stay overnight at the hospital.

  Link: Wrist / Hand

• Ankle

  Achilles Tendon Rupture The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. A rupture, or tear, can occur when the tendon is overstretched. This injury is very painful. You may hear a popping or snapping noise when the tendon is torn. Achilles tendon rupture can be caused by: Too much stress placed on the tendon, common during running, especially on hills, stairs, and hard surfaces; lunging, jumping, twisting (eg, basketball, football, rugby) Weakened tendon that has not fully healed from previous injury, use of medication, or disease Overworking an inflamed tendon Having an accident where the tendon is cut or mangled (less common) An Achilles tendon rupture is repaired by making an incision through the sheath that surrounds the tendon. Dr. Augustin will remove parts of your damaged tendon, or repair the rip in the tendon. Ankle Sprains An ankle sprain is a partial or complete tear of the ligaments that support the ankle. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that cross joints and connect bones to each other. Ankle sprains may be caused by: Falling Sudden twisting of the ankle, such as: Stepping on an uneven surface or in a hole. Taking an awkward step when running, jumping, or stepping up or down Having your ankle “roll over” when playing sports or exercising (called inversion of the foot) Based on the level of an ankle sprain, Dr. Augustin may advise rest with limited weight bearing, icing the ankle to keep the swelling down, compression to help control the swelling and keeping the foot elevated. If the Sprain is more severe the doctor may immobilize or splint your sprained ankle. Ankle Fractures An ankle fracture is a break in the ankle joint. The joint is made up of three bones: Tibia (shin bone) — the main bone of the lower leg that runs along the inside of the leg. Fibula — the smaller bone of the lower leg that runs along the outside of the leg. Talus — the bone that provides the connection between the leg and the foot and is less often fractured than the others. The ankle joint is supported by three groups of ligaments. An injury that causes a fracture may also damage one or more of these ligaments. An ankle fracture can occur when the joint is forced beyond its normal range of motion or when there is a direct blow to the bone itself. Any form of ankle trauma may cause injury, including: Falls Twists Blows Collisions Depending on the type and severity of your ankle fracture, Dr. Augustin will discuss your options. Some fractures can be treated non-surgically with casting or other forms of stabilization, while other fractures will require surgical treatment to stabilize the fracture fragments. Most ankle fractures take about 6-8 weeks to heal, although pain will subside after 2-3 weeks. A splint, cast, or walking boot is necessary until the doctor recommends it be discontinued, usually at approximately 6-8 weeks. Patients treated operatively can usually return to bearing weight on the joint at 6-8 weeks. Return to sports is usually at 10-12 weeks, once the ankle has been rehabilitated.

  Link: Ankle

• Elbow

  Golfers Elbow The pain of golfer’s elbow occurs primarily where the tendons of the forearm muscles attach to the bony bump on the inside of the elbow (medial epicondyle). By contrast, the pain of tennis elbow usually occurs at the bony bump on the outside of the elbow (lateral epicondyle). Ligament Repair Such As Tommy John Surgery elbow-sm Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Treatment For more info: orthoinfo.aaos.orgIn patients with cubital tunnel syndrome, the ulnar nerve is pinched in one of several locations in the back of the elbow. Common symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome include: Pain, tingling and numbness in the small and ring fingers. These are often called pins and needles symptoms. Weakness of the muscles in the hand. Symptoms may be felt when you have your elbow bend for a long time. These weakened muscles, called the intrinsic muscles of the hand, help with finger movements. Patients with more severe symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome may experience a tendency to drop objects or have difficulty with fine movements of the fingers.

  Link: Elbow

• Fractures

  A fracture is a break, usually in a bone. If the broken bone punctures the skin, it is called an open or compound fracture. Fractures commonly happen because of car accidents, falls, or sports injuries. Other causes are low bone density and osteoporosis, which cause weakening of the bones. Overuse can cause stress fractures, which are very small cracks in the bone. Symptoms of a fracture are; – Intense pain – Deformity – the limb looks out of place – Swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the injury – Numbness and tingling – Problems moving a limb The severity of a fracture usually depends on the force that caused the break. If the bone’s breaking point has been exceeded only slightly, then the bone may crack rather than break all the way through. If the force is extreme, such as in an automobile accident, the bone may shatter. A bone fracture is most commonly treated by the use of a cast and/or splint. A cast or splint will immobilize the bone in order to promote bone alignment and prevent use of the bone. In some cases when the bone is small (toes or fingers) no cast is needed and the fracture is immobilized by wrapping. Medication may also be prescribed to ease the pain of the fracture. Surgery is sometimes required to treat a fracture. The type of treatment required depends on the severity of the break, whether it is “open” or “closed,” and the specific bone involved.

  Link: Fractures

• Joint Replacement

  Joint Replacement Surgery Services Near Newark, NJ Located In Bloomfield And Bayonne, NJ Total Hip If your hip has been damaged by arthritis, a fracture, or other conditions, common activities such as walking or getting in and out of a chair may be painful and difficult. Your hip may be stiff, and it may be hard to put on your shoes and socks. You may even feel uncomfortable while resting. If medications, changes in your everyday activities, and the use of walking supports do not adequately help your symptoms, you may consider hip replacement surgery. Hip replacement surgery is a safe and effective procedure that can relieve your pain, increase motion, and help you get back to enjoying normal, everyday activities. Total hip replacement is a very successful surgery for relief of pain and considerable improvement in function in patients suffering with osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis of the hip. Dr. Augustin has had much success in providing relief in those patients who have had total hip replacements. Patients experience a much better quality of life after surgery with an increase in energy, better sleep, and an increase in social and recreational activities. Total Knee If you are experiencing the following symptoms you may need to discuss the possibility of a Total Knee Replacement. You have pain that persists or recurs over time Your knee aches during and after exercise The pain prevents you from sleeping You are not able to bend your knee Your knees are stiff or swollen Walking or climbing stairs is difficult It is difficult getting in and out of chairs and bathtubs You experience morning stiffness You are no longer as mobile as in the past Medication is not providing enough relief Your knee stiffens up from sitting periods of time Dr. Augustin will explore all of the conservative treatments with you. If nonsurgical treatments like medications and using walking supports are no longer helpful, he may then suggest you consider total knee replacement surgery. Joint replacement surgery is a safe and effective procedure to relieve pain, correct leg deformity, and help you resume normal activities. A total knee replacement is an inpatient surgical procedure in which an knee joint is replaced with a prosthetic knee joint. Knee replacement surgery may be recommended for patients with arthritis or severe degeneration to the bone and cartilage in the knee. A knee replacement will relieve patients of arthritic pain, and will preserve the patient’s range of motion. Partial Knee Replacement During knee replacement surgery, damaged bone and cartilage is resurfaced with metal and plastic components. In unicompartmental knee replacement (also called “partial” knee replacement) only a portion of the knee is resurfaced. This procedure is an alternative to total knee replacement for patients whose disease is limited to just one area of the knee. Because a partial knee replacement is done through a smaller incision, patients usually spend less time in the hospital and return to normal activities sooner than total knee replacement patients. joint-replacement Shoulder Replacement Although shoulder joint replacement is less common than knee or hip replacement, it is just as successful in relieving joint pain. If nonsurgical treatments like medications and activity changes are no longer helpful for relieving pain, you may want to consider shoulder joint replacement surgery. Joint replacement surgery is a safe and effective procedure to relieve pain and help you resume everyday activities. When the normally smooth surfaces of the shoulder joint are severely damaged by arthritis or injury, shoulder replacement surgery is the most effective method for restoring comfort and function to the joint. In shoulder replacement surgery, the doctor replaces the ends of the damaged upper arm bone and usually the shoulder bone or cap them with artificial surfaces lined with plastic or metal and plastic. Shoulder joint components may be held in place with cement. Or they may be made with material that allows new bone to grow into the joint component over time to hold it in place without cement.

  Link: Joint Replacement

• Platelet Rich Plasma

  What Is PRP? • Platelet rich plasma, or PRP, is blood plasma with concentrated platelets. The concentrated platelets in PRP contain bioactive proteins including growth factors to help initiate and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration. • PRP injections have been used to treat may different orthopedic issues How Does PRP Therapy Work • To prepare PRP, a small amount of blood is taken from the patient. • The blood is then placed in a centrifuge where the blood is spun down and the platelets are separated from the red blood cells and are concentrated • The platelet concentration is then used for the injection • This is all done in the office, typically taking 30 minutes What Is The Recovery From PRP Like? • There are no restrictions after the injection • Most people experience soreness after the procedure, some patients will describe it as pain, which can last up to 2-3 days. How Quickly Does PRP Work • Pain relief typically starts to occur within 3-4 weeks after the injection • Symptoms continue to improve 3-6 months following the injection • Typically 1-3 treatments may be necessary • If successful, PRP generally results in long-lasting relief because the degenerative tissue has started to regenerate or regrow itself Who Is A Good Candidate For PRP • PRP therapy is used to treat a variety of conditions such as: • Arthritic joints • Rotator cuff injuries • Chronic plantar fasciitis • Tennis and golfer’s elbow • Knee ligament and meniscal injuries • Ankle sprains/tendonitis • Bursitis What Are The Side Effects Of PRP? • Anytime a needle is placed anywhere in the body, there is a risk of infection, bleeding or nerve damage. However these risks are very rare.

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• Physical Therapy

  What Is Physical Therapy? Physical therapy is a treatment method for improving movement and functionality that have been compromised by age, disease or injury. Patients recover through the use of restorative exercises that focus on muscle strength, flexibility, soft tissue mobility, balance, postural training, coordination, modalities and overall pain relief. Physical therapy is also designed to prevent reinjury and maximize patient quality of life. What Kinds Of Conditions Can Physical Therapy Treat? Physical therapy is used to treat a wide range of injuries and conditions. Patients with orthopedic injury, generalized pain, post-surgical procedures, arthritic conditions, and neurological diseases may benefit from physical therapy. What Happens During The First Physical Therapy Session? On your first physical therapy session, the therapist will perform a thorough physical evaluation including an examination, discuss the patient’s pathology, develop a treatment program and plan specific to the patient’s needs and goals. A customized physical therapy plan typically includes a combination of exercises, manual therapy treatments and minimally invasive techniques. What Happens During A Typical Physical Therapy Follow-Up Session? A typical physical therapy follow-up session can differ depending on the needs of each patient. In general, each session will include manual therapy techniques, therapeutic exercises, therapeutic activities, neuromuscular re-education, postural training, functional mobility training and modalities. Manual Therapy Joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), Flexibility/stretching Therapeutic Exercises Exercises to increase strength, stability, mobility and flexibility that generally progress in both difficulty and intensity during the course of treatment. Therapeutic Activities Activities that involve the use of functional, dynamic tasks for everyday living to improve range of motion and strength within those parameters (e.g. the ability to sit to stand from a chair via squatting). Neuromuscular Re-Education Exercises and techniques to improve functional movement, balance, coordination, kinesthetic sense, posture, and proprioception. Postural training Exercises and techniques to improve the alignment of a patients body to an equilibrium/balance of joint position from the head to the feet. Modalities Treatment techniques used to reduce pain such as moist heat, cryotherapy, electrical stimulation and therapeutic ultrasound. Exercises usually progress in difficulty and intensity during the course of treatment. Each session typically ends with icing or therapeutic massage to help the patient cool down. The patient’s progress may be discussed after each session to determine whether changes to treatment are required. How Long Does A Physical Therapy Program Take To Complete? The length of a physical therapy program varies depending on the type and severity of the condition being treated, as well as the amount of progress made throughout treatment. Shorter courses of treatment (such as generalized pain) last between 4 to 12 weeks. Longer courses of treatment (post surgical cases) last between 4-6 months. How Often Are Physical Therapy Sessions Needed? The frequency of sessions depends on the patient’s condition, but two to three sessions per week is considered average. What Should Be Worn During Physical Therapy? Patients are encouraged to wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement. For patients with ankle or knee injuries, wearing shorts is recommended. Is Physical Therapy Covered By Insurance? In most cases, physical therapy is covered by insurance, although a copayment may be required for each session. Please call our office to have your benefits verified. Should Additional Exercises Be Performed At Home To Help Speed Recovery? Your physical therapist will create a specific Home Exercise Program including exercises that can safely be performed at home to speed the recovery rate; the therapist provides specific instructions on which, and how often, home exercises can and should be performed. It is always encouraged to ask your therapists any, and all, questions regarding your therapy treatment.

  Link: Physical Therapy