Recent Posts
Students Learn Sports Medicine/EMT Procedures
Physical Therapy at OrthoArizona
Medical Tourism Plus Vacation
My medical tourism patients are realizing that they can often turn their medical travel into a mini vacation. Sometimes that just means bringing friends and family to enjoy the weather, pool, and time away. Many homes are available for rent and can accommodate family groups. Sometimes it means actually getting out of the home or hotel and exploring metropolitan Phoenix. Day trips or even short overnight stays to points of interest are on option for many. The 2 most popular local activities that patients and families seem interested in are sporting events and shopping SPORTS ACTIVITIES My personal favorite sporting …
Rotator Cuff Repair Makes Cents
Shoulder pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek treatment from their doctor. Estimates put the number at approximately 4.5 million annually. Of these patients with shoulder pain 250,000 undergo surgery for repair of a rotator cuff tear. Recent research indicates that rotator cuff repairs for these patients save American society nearly $3.5 billion dollars annually. Why does cost matter? We all know that health care expenses have grown at rates well above overall inflation rates. This puts a significant burden upon society as individuals, companies, and government entities struggle to pay for rising costs. The reasons for …
Treating Osteoporosis Pain
Osteoporosis pain might almost seem like an oxymoron because for many patients, bone loss occurs without symptoms. But once osteoporosis becomes severe, it can lead to fractures and a condition called kyphosis. Kyphosis is spinal compression, sometimes described as the “dowager’s hump.” Both fractures and kyphosis can be very painful. This pain is usually more severe than the typical “aches and pains” many people feel as they get older. Spinal compression fractures are the most common causes of osteoporosis pain, and there are several symptoms that can indicate a compression fracture. They include sudden, severe back pain that gets worse …
How to Avoid Foot and Back Injury While Cleaning the House
Did you know that Americans spend an average of 17 hours each week on housework alone? Housework seems like a never-ending battle, putting great pressure on your hands, feet, knees, and back. Repetitive housework, consisting of twisting, straining, and overexertion, can cause severe damage or injury to the joints and muscles in the feet and back. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory condition of the plantar ligament in the foot. This ligament attacks the heel bone to the toes and consists of a thick, fibrous band of tissue. The plantar fascia is responsible for creating a necessary arch in the foot. …
Should I Be Worried That My Joints Crack and Pop?
We’ve all cracked our knuckles or heard a popping sound from come from our knees or shoulders from time to time. What does that mean? Are we headed for a life of pain and disability? Orthopedic medicine specialists—the doctors that deal with the musculoskeletal system—get this question a lot. The short answer is that popping sound is nothing to worry about. But if you have pain along with it, you should see a doctor. The noise you’re hearing is sometimes called crepitus. It can have different causes: Compression of nitrogen bubbles in the spaces of the joints. This is what causes …
Injured Workers and Worker’s Compensation – Video
Injured on the job? Curious about worker’s compensation? Health2Fit interviewed Dr. Steven Kassman about worker’s compensation and some ways to make it easier to understand. This five-minute video offers a look at treatment options available to workers that are injured on the job. Watch the video to understand the treatment and rehabilitation process and the options available to you. Dr. Kassman emphasizes that the most important goal in any plan is making sure that every injured worker receives the best possible treatment. After the initial consultation and a thorough and proper diagnosis, a treatment plan is carefully created. A letter …
Minimal Incision Posterolateral Hip Arthroplasty
What You’ll See in this Video This video of a minimal incision posterolateral hip arthroplasty highlights the basic elements of the hip arthroplasty procedure. This is done in a way that a lay person or non-physician can easily follow. Patients commonly ask questions about the procedure and this video will answer many of them. Common questions about hip arthroplasty like, “how do you attach it to the bone, how is it fit just to me, where is the incision, and will I have stitches?” are answered. Surgical Approach Our preferred approach to hip arthroplasty remains the minimal incision posterolateral approach. …
NHL Stamkos Highlights Common Orthopedic Injury
Minimally Invasive Surgical Technique Speeds Healing Process NHL fans in Phoenix and throughout the hockey world are probably amazed by reports that superstar Steven Stamkos is skating with his Tampa Bay Lightening teammates just two months after he suffered a broken tibia. Breaks, also known as fractures, of the tibia (shin bone) are common orthopedic injuries. Sometimes they happen from a direct blow like Stamkos’ injury . In his case he crashed into the goal post. Other times they occur from twisting. This pattern would be common in sports like skiing. If you are a skier see our earlier blog …
Medical Tourism: Confidence while away from home
The thought of surgery is stressful for patients. The idea of traveling far from home can add to that already significant stress. Where will I stay? How do I know about my doctor or the hospital where the surgery will take place? Can I contact my doctor if I have questions? Reducing the stress when considering medical tourism With medical tourism, patients are traveling away from home for medical care. Even the prospect of surgery is stressful. Add the consideration or need to leave your home and that stress increases even further. The list of questions and concerns is long. …
Arthroscopic SLAP and Labrum Repair
Arthroscopic SLAP and Labrum Repair is a part of my patient education video series. These videos are not made to teach surgeons but to teach the average person. This video, like all the others, is a real procedure performed by me. It highlights, like all the videos, a procedure that is a focus of my practice. In this case that operation is arthroscopic repair of a SLAP and posterior labrum tear. Video Highlights This video of an arthroscopic SLAP and Labrum Repair highlights the basic elements of this common shoulder procedure. This is done in a way that a lay …