Joint and back pain can be extremely debilitating. What starts out as a bothersome twinge can evolve into the kind of pain that makes even the simplest activities close to impossible. No one should have to live with pain like that. The Orthopedic and Spine Institute at UHMC can help you resolve this pain and get you back to living a lifestyle you expect and enjoy.

Your Options
Significant joint or back pain that affects your daily life needs to be treated. The question is “how?” The first step is to set up a consultation with a physician who specializes in orthopedics. Typically, a physician will consider using oral medication, topical agents, injections, physical therapy or home care methods before discussing surgery with you. Every patient is different, with different causes for pain. While certain methods for pain treatment work better for some patients than others, you and your physician will determine a plan of action to treat your specific condition.

Risk Assessment
The Orthopedic and Spine Institute has online risk assessment cards for back and joint pain, athletic injuries, and other orthopedic issues. Review them here and if you answer “yes” to any of the six questions on the card, then you should be evaluated by a physician or orthopedic surgeon.

Physical Therapy and Rehab
Building up muscles to support and stabilize your joint or spine can make a significant difference to your mobility. Whether therapy is needed before or after surgery, exercising regularly under the direction of a trained therapist could be the answer to your pain issues and recovery.

Preparing for Surgery
If surgery is the best option to treat your pain, there are a number of ways to prepare so that you know what to expect. UHMC offers a concierge service for pre-op patients to answer questions and assist the patient and the family before and on the day of surgery.

UHMC also offers a Pre-Operative Education Class. Information is shared about diet suggestions, home preparation during recovery, and what to expect from the procedure itself. You will also meet other pre-op patients with your same concerns and experiences.

If you would like to meet with a physician or orthopedic surgeon at UHMC, please contact our Consult-A-Nurse service for a free referral at 1-888-256-7728. For more information about the Orthopedic and Spine Institute, please visit our website.

Back pain, one of the most common ailments, is estimated to affect approximately 80 percent of people at some time in their lives. It can come on suddenly or be a result of gradual wear and tear over years. It can also be mild or severe in nature, and can last a few days or be a chronic condition. Treatment options include over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, ice, heat, massage, yoga, physical therapy, epidural steroid injections, prescription drugs and surgery. However, finding effective long-term back pain relief is often an individualized process as both doctors and patients try specific treatment options that find success depending on each patient’s condition.

Is Surgery the Answer?
There is no overall sure-fire remedy to fix every person’s back pain; however, doctors do agree that it’s best to evaluate a person on an individual basis. While surgery is successful in some cases, in others it does not produce any noticeable difference. Typically, doctors advise giving more conservative treatment options a try first, and only consider surgery if back pain is:

• chronic, and lasts longer than three months
• causing permanent nerve damage or other complications
• interfering with wok, sleep, or the ability to perform everyday tasks
• determined to be caused by a specific condition that is likely to be remedied with surgery
• extreme enough to warrant the risks of surgery

Surgeries to aid in the relief of back pain include discectomy to remove a portion of bone, spinal fusion to join two or more vertebrae together, disc replacement, and more. To determine if surgery may be the answer to a person’s back problems, patients should talk with a qualified doctor, explore all possible options and even get a second opinion.

University Hospital & Medical Center is home to a regionally recognized Orthopedic and Spine Institute. We consult with patients daily to determine the best treatment plan for their specific back pain issues. If you would like to learn more about the surgeries, therapies, and education classes that we offer, please visit our website or call 1-866-442-2362 for a physician referral.

Sources:

Back Pain (NIH)

Surgery for Back Pain (EhealthMD)

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The Orthopedic and Spine Institute

With joint replacement surgery—also known as arthroplasty—surgeons remove damaged joint surfaces and replace them with plastic or metal devices, called prostheses. The most commonly replaced joints are the hip and knees, but joints such as the shoulder, elbow, finger or ankle can be replaced as well.

The procedure is often performed on people living with arthritis, an injury, chronic pain, or a degenerative joint disease, and gives many patients the opportunity to resume an active and pain-free lifestyle.

Postoperative Rehabilitation

Once you’ve initially recovered from your joint replacement surgery, you’ll begin physical therapy to help ease the transition back to normal physical activity. Physical and occupational therapists provide education and training both before and after surgery to educate and train patients for their recovery. Therapies differ based on the type of replacement you’ve had, though many focus on daily activities, body mechanics and balance, energy, joint mobility, and muscle strengthening and conditioning.

Physical Therapy

After your surgery, a physical therapist will recommend exercises to perform in the hospital and at home to accelerate recovery. Daily activity is imperative to recovery and regaining use of the replaced joint. In the cases of knee and hip replacement, you will be encouraged to sit up—or even walk—soon after your surgery. Mobilization also helps reduce blood clotting.

Taking Care of Your New Joint

A few weeks after your joint replacement surgery, you’ll have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon to check on the healing process. Most patients can resume normal physical activity six to eight weeks after surgery. Remember to take care of your new joint. How long your new joint lasts is determined by how you use it. With proper care, knee and hip joints can last up to 20 years.

For more information about joint replacement procedures or our Orthopedic and Spine Institute, please visit our website or contact our free Consult-A-Nurse® service any time of day at 1-888-256-7728.

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The Role of Rehabilitation after Joint Surgery

Solving orthopedic injuries and curing joint pain requires a highly trained and experienced staff. It is very helpful for the patient if the hospital that you choose also has amenities that make your hospital experience easier on you. Here at University Hospital and Medical Center, our goal is to make sure that our patients get both of these benefits when they choose us for medical care.

The Orthopedic and Spine Institute

Our orthopedic department here in Tamarac is designed to help our neighbors regain mobility, reduce joint pain and get back the parts of their lives that arthritis and traumatic injuries have taken from them. We have designed an “orthotel.” It might seem like a cheesy pun, but it really is the best description for what we offer our patients. We have eight private suites that allow a spouse or loved one to stay with you overnight during the recovery process. Our rooms are designed with better flooring and décor so that you fell more like you are in an upscale hotel, than in a hospital environment. Everyone knows that your environment plays a large role in your comfort level, so we took the extra time to create a superior healing environment.

We Are Here to Help

Our Orthopedic and Spine Center has a staff member on hand whose full-time job is making sure that your joint surgery is as easy an experience as it can possibly be. Our Patient Navigator starts helping you before you are even admitted. The navigator can get you any information that you need to learn about your injury, your procedure, and your recovery. The Patient Navigator will schedule your pre-surgery classes, make sure that you know your schedule, update your family, and confirm that your medications are ready when you need to pick them up.

Why classes before surgery? We do this because prepared patients tend to have better surgical experiences and recovery periods. You can sign up for a pre-operative class by calling 954-724-6092. We welcome you to sign up for one of these free classes, but we do require that you make a reservation for a class so that we can be prepared to help you understand your specific procedure.

Our Medical Staff

Our orthopedic surgeons and doctors have decades of combined experience assisting patients with orthopedic injuries. We can usually offer multiple treatment options, explain how they are different, and help you decide on the best option.

Supporting our orthopedic surgery team are our dedicated nursing staff. The Orthopedic Nurses Certification Board is an independent organization that monitors hospitals that provide orthopedic care. The organization sets high standards and demands that they be met in order for medical staff to receive certification. Nurses have to pass a technical examination, in addition to showing an understanding of proper processes related to patient care. We are proud that we have six certified nurses working with our patients every day.

For more information on our Orthopedic and Spine Institute please visit our website. We dedicate our time to helping people in Broward County feel better. Reduced pain and more mobility are achievable.

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Next Day Hip Replacement

A Variety of Approaches to Hip Surgery

Traditionally hip replacements have been very involved procedures that were considered to be major surgeries. As medicine has advanced, surgeons have developed different types of procedures that all can effectively replace your hip joint and allow you to walk again with less pain. One of these more modern procedures is the next-day hip replacement. Dr. Richard Berkowitz, the Director of Orthopedic Research at University Hospital and Medical Center in Tamarac, Florida, has 15 years of experience helping patients get back on their feet with this type of surgery. He has taken some time to share his knowledge so that we can all better understand this procedure.

Factors Leading to a Hip Replacement

• Arthritis- Arthritis is one of the leading causes of hip degradation. As the disorder affects your joint the tendons will wear away slowly. Dr. Berkowitz makes this naturally occurring event easier to understand by comparing it to a car tire: “As the tire is used, the tread wears off and ultimately you need a new tire.” The surgery that he performs replaces the parts of the joint that allow your bones to interact.
• Trauma- Sometimes an injury, such as a fall or car accident, can lead to serious hip problems. If this happens to you a Next Day Hip Replacement can be a great way regain mobility.

Why is a Next-Day Hip Replacement Different?

A next-day hip replacement is one of several available procedures for patients in need of hip repair. It has some factors that separate it from other procedures.

• Smaller incision- This surgery accesses your hip joint using a small 2/3” incision to the back of your leg. The smaller incision means less blood and scarring. Dr. Berkowitz uses special equipment designed to access your hip through this tiny opening, along with lights to illuminate the bones as he rebuilds your hip joint.
• Fast recovery- Physical therapists will have you up and walking within a few hours of your surgery. In fact “you will get up and walk several times the first day to start off your recovery process,” says Dr. Berkowitz. Most patients are out of the hospital the very next day. You will be able to walk with the aid of a cane as soon as you leave the hospital, instead of lying in bed for over a week. Starting rehab right away is good for you, as lying in bed too long after a surgery is associated with blood clots, bed sores and urinary tract infections.
• Short, easy surgery- This procedure only takes about 45 minutes to perform. Due to the fact that the surgery is usually done in under an hour and the incisions are so small, you do not even have to be put to sleep. Instead Dr. Berkowitz recommends a spinal anesthetic that will keep you numb for a couple of hours.

Is a Next-Day Hip Replacement Right for me?

This procedure is a fantastic option for many patients, but truthfully some patients might be better off to undergo a different, yet still very effective, surgical procedure. Next-day hip replacements are best for:

• Patients who are physically fit- If your body is in good shape, then you will likely be able to handle the faster paced recovery process associated with this type of surgery. While some overweight patients can still be candidates, carrying a few extra pounds makes the surgery more difficult for your doctor.
• Patients with healthy hearts- We take your total health into account. If you have been diagnosed with a significant cardiovascular problem, we will recommend a different type of hip replacement that better meets your medical needs.

Deciding on the best hip replacement for you involves gathering information and talking to your doctor. University Hospital and Medical Center is the only facility in Broward County that offers the next-day hip replacement. Patients at University can also find out about other surgical options when it comes to hip and joint replacement so that you receive medical care that is tailored to you. An Orthopedic Liaison is available 24/7 from the time you schedule your surgery until after you leave the hospital to help you through the process and make sure that all your questions are answered.

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The Orthopedic and Spine Institute

Car accidents, sports injuries and even a fall can all cause your head to experience a blow. If the blow is forceful enough, you might end up dizzy, distant, nauseous or even unconscious. These are all basic signs that you have suffered a concussion.

A concussion occurs when your head experiences enough trauma that your brain collides with your skull. Concussions vary in severity, so symptoms may vary. Regardless of how bad you concussion is, or how bad you might think that it is, you must take measures to treat it. Most often the injured person will need the help of others, as a blow to the head can cause disorientation. If this appears to be the case, you should get the person to a doctor for a proper diagnosis. Be sure that someone with a head injury does not drive herself, as she can easily become involved in an automobile accident.

Signs of a Concussion

• Confusion
• Loss of short-term memory
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Increases
• Seeing spots or flashing lights
• Nausea
• Loss of consciousness
• Abnormal eye movement

If you are with someone who experiences head trauma and exhibits any of these signs, especially the ones towards the end of the list, seek medical attention as soon as possible. If the injured person is in the middle of a game/sport, the athlete needs to be immediately taken off the field. Continuing to play, especially a contact sport, can lead to a more severe injury.

Do not leave someone alone if you suspect the person could have a concussion. Be sure that someone stays with the patient while you wait for medical attention. During the exam, it’s also helpful for someone to stay, as the patient may be too disoriented to remember exactly what happened.

Concussion Tests

The doctor will probably use some form of diagnostic imaging technology to evaluate the status of a head injury, such as:

• Head CT- Doctors may take a CT scan of the patient’s head to evaluate whether a concussion has developed.
• MRI- This test uses magnetic waves to create an image of the inside of the head.

After the Concussion

If you’re diagnosed with a concussion, discuss treatment options with your doctor. Generally rest is the best way to recover from a concussion. Concussion patients should avoid doing anything strenuous or that could cause re-injury. They should also avoid aspirin, medicines that thin the blood, medications that cause drowsiness, alcohol and of course any illegal drugs.

Talk to your doctor about your condition and when it would be medically acceptable to return to contact sports or strenuous exercise. Everyone’s body and level of concussion is different, so your doctor will likely reevaluate your condition before clearing you for these activities. Keep in mind that multiple concussions are very dangerous and can cause brain hemorrhaging or damage to the brain, which can result in changed physical abilities and even personality.

Concussions are the result of accidents, which means that many times patients will need to visit an ER for a proper diagnosis or to be transferred to the correct department within the hospital. If you have questions about emergency care in Tamarac or Fort Lauderdale, please visit University Hospital and Medical Center online or Consult-A-Nurse® by calling 1-866-442-2362.

Sources:

MedLine Plus

Sports Injury Clinic

University Hospital and Medical Center Health Library

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Every year millions of people suffer by way of pain and loss of mobility. A good percentage of the time this pain and impaired ability to move is brought on by injuries in the skeletal structure and its connecting joints. Whether the actual location of the medical issue is the spine, hips or knees, patients need to seek the advice of an orthopedic doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

While maintaining a high level of physical fitness is a great way to keep your skeletal structure intact, the fact of the matter is that aging is unavoidable and accidents happen. Through the aging process or accidents your skeletal structure will suffer both daily wear and tear and occasional extra stress. As this happens, your joints and skeletal structure begin to break down, requiring medical attention.

Back and Joint Care at UHMC

The residents of Tamarac, Coral Springs and all of North Lauderdale have a great resource when it comes to high quality orthopedic care. The Orthopedic and Spine Institute at University Hospital and Medical Center has been completely renovated and updated. The focus of the renovations was to provide high-quality, customer-centered care. We already knew that we had some of the best doctors, surgeons and other orthopedic specialists on staff, and we made a commitment to designing a facility that matched their expertise.

We redesigned our rooms to offer a more comfortable and inviting place for patients to receive treatment and recover from orthopedic surgeries. Our Orthopedic and Spine Institute now features private suites for our patients. Not only did we add in some of the comforts of home, like flat screen televisions and WiFi, but we also made the rooms large enough to accommodate pull-out couches for family members. It is our belief that when you are sick or injured your support network should be a big part of your medical care. Our doctors can provide the expert care and the instruction, but sometimes it is your family and friends who help provide the inspiration to recover.

A Concierge? At a Hospital?

We also want to make sure that every patient has all of the information that they need when they are being treated at our hospital. In this spirit we borrowed an idea from the hotel industry and brought in a concierge. The concierge is available to answer any questions, make sure that you are aware of your treatment schedule and even help you to organize your treatment that may take place outside of the hospital at other facilities. In addition to being there for the patients, the concierge is happy to communicate with family members, since we understand that family is a big part of medical care and everyone needs to be kept in the loop.

We also offer classes that help patients understand the procedures that they are about to undergo, to reduce some of the understandable anxiety that some patients have about medical care. We want open communication to be a part of the orthopedic experience at the University Hospital and Medical Center Orthopedic and Spine Institute.

Anyone who is experiencing back, neck, knee or other joint pain should be advised to seek treatment at our facility. If you are referred to an orthopedic specialist by your primary care provider, ask him or her to send you to the Orthopedic and Spine Institute at University Hospital and Medical Center for:

• Total Knee Replacements
• Total Hip Replacements
• Spinal Fusions
• Herniated Disk Treatments
• Arthritis Relief
• And Any Other Skeletal or Joint Conditions

If you’d like more information about our Orthopedic and Spine Institute, please contact us at 1-888-442-2362 or visit us online.

Sources:

University Hospital and Medical Center Orthopedic and Spine Institute

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons

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Americans are living longer, and many are staying active well into their later years. As a result, an increasing number of men and women are experiencing bone and joint health issues during their lifetimes.

But it’s not just older folks with arthritis who need orthopedic care. Children can fall and suffer fractures, or have difficulty with walking, balance and coordination due to illness or disease; while teens and younger adults can be seriously injured playing sports or in automobile accidents.

UHMC meeting orthopedic needs

The Orthopedic and Spine Institute at University Hospital and Medical Center can assist people of all ages who have musculoskeletal illnesses or injuries.

Our team includes board-certified orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons, orthopedic certified/trained professional nurses, physical therapists and technicians, all of whom strive to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes, whether the patients are undergoing diagnosis, surgery or rehabilitation.

Among the musculoskeletal conditions seen in the Orthopedic and Spine Institute are:

• Joint injuries and disorders
• Joint discomfort
• Fractures
• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Ligament and tendon damage
• Arthritis
• Sports injuries

Fast facts

A lot of people visit orthopedic specialists. Here are some statistics from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. These are based on 2006 data, the most current available.

• Almost 7 1/2 million physician visits were made because of shoulder ailments.
• Approximately 21 million visits were made to doctor’s offices because of back problems. (This includes more than 8 million visits for lower back problems.)
• Knee problems prompted about 12 million visits to physicians’ offices.

A family feeling

Late last year, the Orthopedic and Spine Institute was given an extensive renovation to make it more inviting and comfortable for patients. The result is that it feels very much like a luxury hotel.

There are private suites with space for a visitor or relative to stay overnight with the patient. There is also a private rehabilitation area for orthopedic and spine patients who are undergoing physical therapy and occupational therapy. And the décor was changed to a more neutral tone, to give the facility a more homelike atmosphere.

If you or a loved one has a musculoskeletal injury or condition, don’t wait to seek treatment. Contact Consult-A-Nurse^® at 1-866-4-HCA-DOCS if you have questions or would like a physician referral, or visit University Hospital and Medical Center online.