For Muscles, Bones and Joints, Our Comprehensive Orthopedic Services Have You Covered
There are 206 bones, 650 skeletal muscles, 13 major joints and literally hundreds of ligaments and tendons in the human body. And whenever any of these require medical treatment, there’s one place you and your family can turn to: Main Street Hospital. Our team of orthopedic surgeons, radiologists, physical therapists and technicians offer a comprehensive range of orthopedic treatments along the entire continuum of care, from diagnostic imaging to rehabilitative therapy.
Imaging Services
The first step for most orthopedic problems is to diagnose the problem. Our radiology department is fully equipped with the technology to produce clear, high-quality images to diagnose your orthopedic condition and help your physician determine the best treatment.
- MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging provides an unequalled view inside the human body. Using a large magnet, radio waves and computer technology, the MRI can produce high-quality images of the brain, spine, joints and muscles. Unlike X-rays and CT scans, an MRI does not use radiation to obtain an image. - X-ray
This is the oldest and most commonly used type of imaging to examine different parts of the body. - CT Scan
A computed tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays to take picture of cross-sections or slices of your body. - DEXA Scan
DEXA stands for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and is used to measure bone density. The DEXA scan is most frequently used to diagnose osteoporosis. - Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy combines X-rays and computer technology to create real-time images. - Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound to create images of organs, muscles, joints and other soft tissues.
Joint Replacement Surgery
Hip and knee replacement surgery has become a common medical procedure. Indeed, more than one million joint replacements were performed last year alone in the United States, and 7.2 million Americans now have an artificial hip or knee.
A joint is a point in your body where two bones come together. The ends of each bone are protected by cartilage, a smooth, elastic tissue that provides a rubber-like padding. Over time, the joint and cartilage can wear out or be severely damaged by arthritis, resulting in stiffness, limited motion and muscle weakness. Ordinary activities such as walking, getting into and out of a car, climbing stairs or putting on socks and shoes become painful if not impossible. People who experience these symptoms should consider joint replacement surgery.
The first step is to talk to your primary care physician and make an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon. In many cases, an X-ray or other imaging device is used to determine the severity of damage to the affected joint.
Joint replacement surgery for a knee or hip usually takes less than two hours. The surgeon uses either a local or general anesthesia, so you don’t feel any pain during the operation. Physical therapy usually begins at the hospital and continues on an outpatient basis after the patient returns home. You may have some temporary pain in the new joint and have to use a walker or crutches to walk. But over time, almost all patients enjoy greater mobility and live more active lives within a few weeks after their joint replacement surgery.
Back/Spine Surgery
Almost everyone will have at least one experience of acute low back during his or her life. Low back pain can be excruciating, but most cases usually improve over time (two to 12 weeks), especially when physical therapy is used.
If the lower back pain continues, then surgery may be required. Our team of orthopedic surgeons is ready to help people with lower back pain and other spinal conditions such as:
- Compressed Disc (pinched nerve)
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Herniated Disc
- Spinal Infections
- Spinal Stenosis
- Spinal Injuries, Factures and Disorders
Carpel Tunnel Surgery
The carpel tunnel is a narrow opening in the wrist though which several tendons pass. If these tendons become inflamed, it puts pressure on a nerve that also passes through the carpel tunnel, causing pain, numbness and tingling sensations.
Fortunately, carpel tunnel surgery is a straightforward procedure with a high success rate. The surgery creates more space in the carpal tunnel to relieve the pressure.
General Orthopedics
Our team of orthopedic surgeons treats patients of all ages, from newborns and children to the elderly, providing care for a full of range of bone and joint disorders as well as fractures, tears, sprains and strains of the muscles, ligaments and tendons throughout the body. Some of the more common orthopedic surgeries they perform include:
- Orthopedic trauma (repair of broken bones and fractures)
- Shoulder and elbow surgery
- Foot and ankle surgery
- Hand surgery
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy provides care that reduces pain and helps people recover from a disease or injury so they can return to living a normal, active life. Physical therapists teach exercises and techniques that help patients regain their strength, mobility, flexibility and range of motion. For many orthopedic cases, such as muscle strains, arthritis and low back pain, physical therapy is the first and often the only course of treatment required. These treatments can include stretches and exercise, massage, heat and cold therapy, and using an ultrasound to ease muscle pain and spasms. When orthopedic surgery, such as a hip or joint replacement, is needed, physical therapy plays a key role in ensuring a successful outcome.
Because physical therapy can require several weeks or even months of treatment, you should consider choosing a physical therapy provider that is close to your home in order to avoid the inconvenience and time-consuming process of traveling to an out-of-town facility.
For more information about the comprehensive range of orthopedic services at Main Street Hospital, please visit us online at address of orthopedic services web page.
Sources: webMD, Johns Hopkins, Advanced Radiology