Knee injuries involving multiple ligaments, known as multi-ligamentous injuries, pose unique challenges and complexities in diagnosis and treatment. As an orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee injuries, delving into the intricacies of multi-ligamentous knee injuries is crucial for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans.

Causes of Knee Multi-Ligamentous Injuries

Multi-ligamentous injuries of the knee often result from severe trauma, such as:

  • High-impact sports injuries
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Significant falls

These injuries involve damage to more than one of the major ligaments supporting the knee joint, including the:

  • Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
  • Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
  • Medial collateral ligament (MCL)
  • Lateral collateral ligament (LCL).

Symptoms of Knee Multi-Ligamentous Injuries

Individuals experiencing multi-ligamentous knee injuries may present with immediate pain, swelling, instability, and significant loss of function in the affected knee. The knee may feel unstable, making weight-bearing or mobility challenging. Severe multi-ligament injuries often involve significant bruising and limitations in knee movement.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing multi-ligamentous knee injuries requires a thorough evaluation by an orthopedic specialist, including a detailed physical examination, and imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to assess the extent of ligament damage. Treatment strategies for these complex injuries are individualized based on:

  • Specific ligaments involved
  • Severity of the injury
  • Patient’s overall health
  • Surgical intervention is often necessary

Surgical Intervention

Surgery for multi-ligamentous knee injuries focuses on repairing or reconstructing the damaged ligaments to restore stability and function to the knee joint. Surgical techniques involve reconstructing the torn ligaments using grafts or repairing them directly, often performed arthroscopically or through open surgical approaches depending on the complexity of the injury.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

Rehabilitation after surgery for multi-ligamentous injuries is essential for optimal recovery. Physical therapy aims to gradually regain strength, stability, and range of motion in the knee. Rehabilitation programs are tailored to the individual’s injury severity and may involve several months of intensive therapy to achieve maximal recovery and return to activities.

Understanding knee multi-ligamentous injuries empowers individuals to recognize the severity of the injury, seek prompt medical evaluation, and explore suitable treatment options. Consulting with an orthopedic specialist ensures accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans aimed at restoring knee health and function following these complex injuries. To schedule with Dr. Shayne Kelly, call us at 812-477-1558.

Hip osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition affecting the hip joint, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. As an orthopedic surgeon specializing in joint conditions, exploring the complexities of hip osteoarthritis is crucial for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans.

Causes of Hip Osteoarthritis

Hip osteoarthritis commonly develops due to the breakdown of cartilage within the hip joint over time. Factors contributing to its development include aging, previous hip injuries, genetics, excessive weight, joint overuse, or structural abnormalities in the hip joint.

 

Symptoms of Hip Osteoarthritis

Individuals with hip osteoarthritis often experience pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion in the hip joint. Pain may be felt in the groin, buttocks, or thigh and might worsen with prolonged activity or weight-bearing. Stiffness in the hip, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity, is also common.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing hip osteoarthritis involves a comprehensive evaluation by an orthopedic specialist. This evaluation includes:

  • A thorough medical history
  • Physical examination
  • Imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI

Treatment strategies aim to manage symptoms and improve hip function. Conservative treatments like:

  • Activity modification
  • Physical therapy
  • Weight management
  • Pain medications
  • Joint injections

Lifestyle Modifications and Management

Managing hip osteoarthritis involves lifestyle modifications aimed at reducing stress on the hip joint. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in low-impact exercises, using assistive devices when necessary, and implementing joint-friendly modifications in daily activities.

Surgical Intervention

For individuals with advanced hip osteoarthritis unresponsive to conservative treatments, hip replacement surgery (arthroplasty) might be recommended. This procedure involves replacing the damaged hip joint with an artificial implant, restoring joint function and alleviating pain.

Hip osteoarthritis can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, but with proper diagnosis and management, symptoms can be effectively controlled. As orthopedic surgeons, our focus remains on personalized treatment plans that address the specific needs of each patient, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and enhance overall well-being. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call 812-477-1558 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shayne Kelly.

Distal biceps ruptures, though relatively uncommon, are significant injuries affecting the tendon that connects the biceps muscle to the forearm. As an orthopedic surgeon specializing in upper extremity conditions, delving into the complexities of distal biceps ruptures is crucial for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans.

Causes of Distal Biceps Ruptures

Distal biceps ruptures often occur due to sudden forceful movements or excessive stress on the tendon. This can happen during weightlifting, heavy lifting, or sudden, forceful pulling motions. Such actions can lead to a partial or complete tear of the tendon, resulting in significant discomfort and impaired arm function.

Symptoms of Distal Biceps Ruptures

Individuals experiencing a distal biceps rupture commonly report:

  • A sudden sharp pain in the front of the elbow or forearm
  • Accompanied by a popping or tearing sensation
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Weakness
  • Pain with bending the elbow or rotating the forearm
  • Injured arm may have “Popeye” appearance due to the retracted muscle

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing a distal biceps rupture involves a thorough evaluation by an orthopedic specialist, including a physical examination and sometimes imaging studies such as MRI or ultrasound. Treatment strategies vary based on the severity of the rupture. While partial tears or less severe injuries may respond well to conservative treatments like:

  • Rest
  • Ice
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Physical therapy

Surgical Intervention

Complete often tears require surgical intervention. Surgery for distal biceps ruptures aims to reattach the torn tendon to the bone using various techniques, such as sutures or anchors. The goal is to restore the function and strength of the affected arm while reducing pain and promoting optimal healing.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

Following surgical repair, rehabilitation is crucial for restoring elbow and forearm strength, flexibility, and function. Physical therapy plays a vital role in guiding patients through exercises aimed at gradually regaining motion and muscle strength, facilitating a safe return to normal activities.

Understanding distal biceps ruptures empowers individuals to recognize symptoms early, seek timely medical evaluation, and explore suitable treatment options. If you’ve experienced sudden elbow or forearm pain accompanied by weakness, consulting with an orthopedic specialist can provide insights into personalized treatment plans aimed at restoring arm health and function. To schedule an appoitnemtn with Dr. Shayne Kelly, call us at 812-477-1558.

Ankle sprains are among the most common orthopedic injuries, often occurring during physical activities or even simple daily movements. Ankle sprains typically result from sudden twisting or rolling motions of the ankle joint beyond its normal range of motion. We commonly see these caused by: Sports Injuries, walking or running on uneven surfaces, previous injuries to the ankle and lack of proper footwear.

Symptoms of an ankle sprain can include:

  • Pain: immediate pain at the site of the injury, which may worsen with movement
  • Swelling/bruising: Can occur around the ankle and even into the foot
  • Instability: Difficulty bearing weight on the affected ankle, with a feeling of weakness or instability

Prompt diagnosis and treatment are imperative in a quick recovery after an ankle sprain. Diagnosis will include physical examination which allows us to evaluate the severity of the injury and stability of the ankle. Imaging tests are also performed to rule out fractures or other abnormalities. In cases of severe sprains or suspected ligament tears, advanced imaging techniques, such as ultrasound or MRI, are performed to assess soft tissue damage.

Treatment:

Common approaches include:

  1. RICE therapy: Rest, Icing the affected area 15-20 minutes every few hours, Compression to reduce swelling and allow for support and Elevation to minimize swelling
  2. Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is an important component to the effective treatment and recovery in an ankle sprain. Engaging in PT allows for improvement in strength, flexibility, and proprioception to prevent future injuries.
  3.  Bracing: Bracing provides additional support and stability during the recovery process
  4. Medication: Steroids or NSAIDs(non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen may help to alleviate pain, swelling and discomfort

In severe cases involving ligament tears or fractures, surgical intervention may be necessary to restore stability and function to the ankle joint.

Understanding the causes, recognizing symptoms, obtaining a proper diagnosis, and following appropriate treatment measures are essential for effectively managing ankle sprains and minimizing the risk of long-term complications. Seeking prompt medical attention and following rehabilitation protocols can facilitate a faster and more complete recovery, allowing individuals to return to their daily activities and sports with confidence. Call us at (812)-477-1558 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Braxton Facer.

Bunion Deformity

by Dr. Braxton Facer - Posted on Feb 21, 2024

Bunions are a common foot condition characterized by a bony bump forming at the inside of the big toe joint. While often seen as a cosmetic concern, bunions can lead to discomfort and impact daily activities and quality of life. Understanding the causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for bunion deformity is essential for effective management and relief.

Causes of Bunion Deformity:

  1. Genetics: Certain foot shapes and inherited structural abnormalities can predispose individuals to developing bunions.
  2. Footwear: Wearing tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes can force the toes into unnatural positions, contributing to bunion formation over time.
  3. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can increase the likelihood of bunions forming.

As a physician, it is important to perform a physical examination, gather information about the patient’s symptoms, lifestyle, and footwear habits. This can help in diagnosing and understanding the severity of the bunion. Performing imaging tests like X-rays can provide detailed images of the foot’s structure, helping to confirm the presence of a bunion and assess its severity.

Treatment of Bunion Deformity: 

Treatment can include both conservative and surgical measures.

Conservative measures include:
  • Footwear modifications: Wearing shoes with a wider toe box can help alleviate pressure on the bunion.
  • Padding and splinting: Padding the bunion and using splints or orthotic devices can help temporarily realign the toe and reduce discomfort.
  • Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications can help manage bunion-related discomfort. Injections may even be performed in an arthritic bunion deformity to reduce pain and discomfort..
  • Custom orthotics: Prescription orthotic devices can provide support and help correct abnormal foot mechanics, reducing bunion progression.
Surgical measures include:
  • In cases where conservative measures fail to provide relief, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct the deformity and alleviate symptoms. With the advancements in technology and research, we can offer multiple solutions to bunion correction.

Here at Tri-State Orthopaedics, our team has the experience and expertise to confidently treat your bunion deformity. By working with our specialists and adopting appropriate treatment plans, individuals can find relief from bunion-related symptoms and improve their overall foot health. To work with one of our podiatry specialist, Dr. Facer, call us at (812)-477-1558.