Arkansas Surgical Hospital Announces Installation of ROSA®️ Knee System for Total Knee Replacement
NORTH LITTLE ROCK — Doctors at Arkansas Surgical Hospital have a new helping hand for knee replacement surgery with the arrival of the Zimmer Biomet ROSA®️ Knee System. The ROSA knee system brings together robotic technology with industry-leading surgeons to help personalize surgical procedures.
Not Ready for a Knee Replacement? Try a Cartilage Transplant
There are a variety of treatments for cartilage damage in the knee, ranging from pain and anti-inflammatory medications to complete knee replacement. One of the most recent developments in treating knee problems is cartilage transplant surgery.
Stem Cell Injections for Arthritis Relief
Arthritis pain is one of the most common complaints people have as they age. Natural wear and tear on joints accumulates over time, especially if you lead an active lifestyle or engage in repetitive activities. This can lead to chronic pain due to inflammation and damage to your joints and tendons.
There are numerous treatment options available, ranging from over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories to joint replacement. One of the most recent advances in arthritis pain relief is stem cell injections into the joints.
What Are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are cells that occur naturally in the body. They are not specialized cells, but they have unique properties that make them ideal for medical use: they can divide and reproduce themselves, and they can become a variety of other, more specific types of cells. For instance, a stem cell can evolve into the new cartilage or bone if the body needs it.
When stem cells are used to treat arthritis, they are harvested from the patient’s fat cells or bone marrow (both of which are rich in stem cells). The cells are most often drawn from the patient’s pelvic bone with a syringe. There is some temporary discomfort during this process, but it is minimized with local anesthetics. In some cases, sedation may be administered before harvesting the cells.
How Do Stem Cell Injections Provide Arthritis Pain Relief?
Stem cells are typically injected into painful, arthritic joints using small needles. Surgeons use medical imaging such as ultrasound to help guide the needle into place for precise delivery of the stem cells to the damaged area. In some cases, they can also be inserted into the joint during surgery.
For several weeks, these stem cells help rebuild worn cartilage. It appears that stem cell therapy also minimizes inflammation while releasing cytokines, proteins that slow the progression of arthritis and reduce pain. Most patients continue to see improvement or anywhere from three to six months after the injection procedure.
As with any procedure, there is a risk of side effects, but these are minimal with stem cell therapy. Some patients may experience mild, temporary stiffness and swelling at the injection site. This can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications and ice and is usually gone within a day or two of the procedure.
Who Can Benefit from Stem Cell Injections for Arthritis Relief?
Stem cell injections are usually done after other more conservative treatments have failed. If prescription pain relievers, physical therapy, and other non-invasive options aren’t working, stem cell injections may help you avoid surgical interventions.
Stem cell injections are more effective in treating large joints—such as the hip and knee—that have moderate rather than severe arthritis damage. If the damage has progressed too far, the injected cells may not be able to replace the missing bone or cartilage.
Stem cell injections are also effective for treating chronic tendon problems that haven’t responded well to more conventional treatments. For example, our orthopedic surgeons often use stem cell injections for treatment of the Achilles tendon and tendons of the shoulder and elbow.
Some people should not undergo stem cell injections for arthritis. These include patients who have a compromised immune system, former cancer patients who have not been in remission for at least five years, those with specific blood-based diseases, individuals on high-dose blood thinners, and patients with medical problems such as diabetes.
Am I A Candidate for Stem Cell Injections?
If you are interested in stem cell injections to alleviate the pain and inflammation of arthritis, contact Arkansas Surgical Hospital to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians. At an initial appointment, your medical history and x-rays will be reviewed. After a physical exam, the doctor will discuss various treatment options with you and let you know whether you are a good candidate for stem cell injections. If you choose this option, you will be scheduled for the harvesting of your body’s stem cells.
While most of our patients report significant arthritis pain relief as a result of stem cell injections, there is no guarantee. This is still a relatively new, experimental treatment, and research continues into its effectiveness and long-term effects. Additionally, not all insurance plans will pay for stem cell treatments. If you are interested in learning more about stem cell injections for arthritis relief, please call Arkansas Surgical Hospital at (877) 891-9322 to schedule an appointment for a consultation.
Symptoms & Solutions: Meniscus Tears
Meniscus tears can occur when you twist or wrench your knee. Learn more about these painful injuries and the various ways they can be treated.
Arkansas Surgical Hospital Takes Actions to Prepare for Coronavirus
June 17, 2020 – Patient safety is, and always has been, of utmost importance at our hospital. Chairman of the Board and orthopedic surgeon Scott Bowen talks about the steps Arkansas Surgical Hospital is taking to continue putting patients’ safety first.
Should I Get Foot Fusion Surgery?
Foot fusion surgery, also known as arthrodesis, is a surgical procedure that fuses two or more bones in the feet.
Fusion is the joining of two separate bones making up the damaged or painful joint. This procedure is done when a painful area hasn’t responded well to treatments such as orthotics, pain medications, steroid injections, and physical therapy.
Several foot problems can be alleviated with foot fusion surgery. It is most often used to minimize arthritis pain, but it can also treat flat feet, fractures, and excessive wear and tear to the joints of the foot. The surgery brings relief by reducing pain, increasing stability, and improving the foot’s ability to bear weight.
Is Foot Fusion the Right Choice for You?
Only you and an orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle problems can determine whether foot fusion surgery is right for you. In general, it is the last option in the orthopedic surgeon’s arsenal when a patient’s pain and limited mobility are no longer responding to less invasive measures. You may be a good candidate for the procedure if your pain is constant, moderate to severe, and interferes with daily activities.
Some people worry that fusing joints in the foot will contribute to additional stiffness, but this is not usually the case. Since the bones that are being fused already suffer from immobility, fusing them will not significantly change the stiffness. Fusion will, however, dramatically reduce pain in the area and strengthen the joint so that it can function more effectively.
Who is A Good Candidate for Foot Fusion Surgery?
If you haven’t responded well to other treatment options and are suffering from chronic pain, or if your foot is becoming deformed, it’s time to look into foot fusion surgery. However, not everyone is a good candidate for this surgery. You need to be relatively healthy, have strong bones, and be willing to go through the extended healing and physical therapy program after surgery to achieve the desired result.
Some people who are not good candidates for foot fusion surgery include:
- Individuals with osteoporosis
- Those with neurological problems that can interfere with healing
- Individuals with autoimmune disorders that may prohibit recovery
- Anyone suffering from an infection
- Patients with narrowing of the arteries
It is best to discuss your options with an orthopedic surgeon who has had years of training and is familiar with all aspects of treatment from surgery to post-operative care.
What Happens During Foot Fusion Surgery?
Foot fusion surgery is done under general anesthesia. There will also be an injection in the leg to numb the area and reduce post-operative pain. For most procedures, the surgeon will make two incisions near the joints that will be fused. Any damaged bone will be removed, and the ends will be smoothed down and joined using screws or plates that will stabilize the area and allow the bones to fuse together over time. In some cases, additional bone may be needed for a successful fusion. This bone can be harvested from another part of the body or obtained from a bone bank.
What to Expect After Foot Fusion Surgery
When you wake up from foot fusion surgery, your foot and leg will be in a cast up to your knee. You won’t feel any pain because the area will be numb. You will soon meet with a physical therapist to discuss how to walk without putting weight on your foot. Once you are comfortable (usually a day or two after surgery, you will go home with instructions and pain medications.
Elevating your foot above your heart will minimize swelling and discomfort. You should not move around unless you have to, and you should never put any weight on the affected leg. You can take pain medications as prescribed by your surgeon. Avoid anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and do not smoke during this phase of recovery, as either of these actions can slow the fusion or stop it altogether.
Walking Post-Surgery
Each individual is different, and some people can get back on their feet sooner than others. This depends on how well you do in physical therapy, how complicated and extensive the surgery was, and how well the fusion is healing.
A general guideline may look like this:
- 1-2 weeks: You will be walking on crutches in a plaster cast, placing no weight on your foot
- 2-6 weeks: Your foot will be in a lighter cast, but you will still need to use crutches
- 6 weeks – 3 months: Wearing a boot, you will be able to put some weight on your foot with or without crutches (depending on the surgeon’s and physical therapist’s recommendations)
- 4 months: You should be able to bear your own weight in regular shoes
During this time, you will also work with a physical therapist to strengthen the foot and minimize swelling. As your healing progresses and you begin walking, your physical therapist will help you learn how to walk properly and carry your weight effectively and safely.
Following Up with Your Surgeon
Most surgeons will have a specific schedule for follow-up visits so they can chart your progress and make sure there are no unexpected complications. Most doctors will want to see you at two weeks, six weeks, twelve weeks, and six months after your surgery. Your cast may be replaced by a boot at six weeks, and you should be able to transition to your own shoes by the third month following surgery.
Typical Results of Foot Fusion Surgery
The success rate of foot fusions is excellent, with most patients experiencing a complete or almost total reduction of pain by about three months. After six months, you should be able to participate in sports. You will continue to improve for up to a year with some minor swelling throughout the healing process. You can control this with ice and elevation after strenuous activities or long periods of time on your feet.
Is it the Right Time for Foot Fusion Surgery?
If you’re suffering from nearly constant pain and all other options have failed, you may be a good candidate for foot fusion surgery. This depends in part on your medical health, but there are other considerations as well.
Can you take time off to heal properly after the operation? While you won’t be in the hospital for very long, you will have an extensive recovery period at home. You will not be able to drive for at least three months, so you’ll need someone to take you on errands and to doctors’ appointments. You will have to take time off work, which may be lengthy, depending on your career. If you have a desk job, a month may be plenty of time; however, if you perform physical labor, you may have to be off work for as long as 16 weeks.
If you believe you’re a candidate for foot fusion surgery and are confident you can handle the operation and a potentially lengthy healing process, talk to one of the orthopedic surgeons at Arkansas Surgical Hospital. You can schedule a consultation by calling (877) 891-9322. We will be happy to answer all your questions and put you on the road to pain-free walking.
Types of Surgery for Shoulder Dislocation
A shoulder dislocation occurs when the ball of the shoulder joint is pulled or knocked out of its socket. In some instances, the shoulder can be eased back into place, but the trauma to the joint can cause instability, pain, and recurring dislocations. In these cases, shoulder surgery is recommended to stabilize the area and minimize the risk of repeated dislocations in the future.
There are several different surgical options for shoulder dislocation repair, depending on the severity and location of the injury within the shoulder.
Bankart Repair Surgery
If the dislocated shoulder moved toward the front of the body, the ring of cartilage surrounding the socket may have been torn out of the socket. Bankart repair surgery corrects this by repairing the tear in the cartilage and reattaching it to the socket. Depending on the severity of the damage, Bankart repair surgery can be done arthroscopically or through an open procedure.
Capsular Shift Surgery
If the shoulder has been dislocated multiple times, the ligaments holding the shoulder in place become hyper-extended and lose their ability to hold the joint in place. Capsular shift surgery tightens the ligaments so they can once again hold the shoulder firmly in place.
Latarjet Surgery with Bone Grafting
This shoulder dislocation surgery is indicated when the bone on the edge of the shoulder socket has been damaged. Bone from the shoulder blade is used as a graft to attach the tendon to the front edge of the shoulder socket. Alternatively, bone from a bone bank or the patient’s pelvis can be used to stabilize the shoulder.
Remplissage Surgery
If the ball of the shoulder, or humeral head, has been severely damaged due to repeated shoulder dislocations, Hill-Sachs lesions may develop. Remplissage surgery resurfaces these damaged areas by smoothing them out or filling them in. The ball is then re-attached to the rotator cuff. In some situations, Latarjet and Remplissage surgery are done in tandem to address multiple issues with a dislocated shoulder.
Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Multiple shoulder dislocations or instability due to repeated rotator cuff tears can lead to the need for a complete shoulder replacement. This procedure replaces both the ball and socket of the shoulder with artificial parts that are then attached to the humerus, or upper arm bone, with a stem.
Total joint replacement is the most extreme surgery for shoulder dislocation. It is usually only performed after other therapies have failed to bring relief for severe shoulder pain or loss of movement.
Determining Which Shoulder Surgery is Right for You
Any dislocated shoulder is a medical emergency. The resulting pain and trauma to the joint—as well as potential complications—need to be addressed by a medical expert familiar with the various treatment options available.
It is important to remember that any shoulder surgery requires recovery time and physical therapy to re-establish range of motion and build strength. Your surgeon will discuss the post-surgical treatment you will need to get back to the full use of your shoulder.
If you have suffered more than one dislocated shoulder or have chronic shoulder pain due to trauma to the shoulder joint, the orthopedic surgeons at Arkansas Surgical Hospital can evaluate your injury and determine the best shoulder surgery option for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.