This year, approximately a third of elderly Americans will experience a fall at home. Most of you will read this and ask, “Am I considered elderly?” or think “It’s a good thing I’m not elderly!” My mother, who is strong in her reign as octogenarian matriarch, has a litmus test for determining whether someone has …
5 ways to prevent falls at home: An orthopedic surgeon’s advice to his own mom Read More »
It happens to all of us. We bump into a coffee table, trip over a lamp cord or slip on the stairs. But if you are an older adult, the consequences of a fall can be dire. One out of every four older adults will fall each year in the US, making falls the leading …
One of the questions I hear most often is, “how can I prevent osteoporosis?” It’s a great question, because it shows that people want to sidestep—instead of just treat—this common problem. The good news is there are ways to do exactly that. Understand what osteoporosis is The first step is to know how this condition …
Yes, you can lower your chances of osteoporosis (Here’s how) Read More »
In the past, many people with hip or knee pain were hesitant about choosing joint replacement. They had worries about a long hospital stay, ongoing pain or mobility after surgery. But now, many of these problems aren’t problems anymore. With same-day joint replacement, it’s possible to have hip or knee replacement surgery in the morning …
How same-day joint replacement is revolutionizing the surgery experience Read More »
The prospect of ongoing, worsening knee pain is not an appealing one. For some people, though, the idea of a knee replacement procedure is even less so. Throughout my career as an orthopedic surgeon, I have performed countless knee replacements on many patients who are nervous about the procedure—until they learn what to expect and …
Joint replacement procedures have been around for decades. They are considered safe and effective at relieving pain—usually from osteoarthritis—and improving quality of life. For most people, getting a joint replacement is a straightforward proposition. But what if you’re experiencing other issues with your joints, making your case a bit more complicated? In this case, you …
No one who has had a joint replacement procedure wants to hear that they need another procedure on the same joint. But despite the success rate of this type of surgery, the fact remains that some people will need to have a joint revision procedure at some point in their lives. Joint revision surgery is …
Problems with your artificial joint? It might be time for revision surgery Read More »
While it is not uncommon for a particular medical condition or treatment to impact men and women at different rates, you are probably not aware that knee replacement is among them. You may be surprised to learn that it is women who require knee replacement more often than men. Not only do I know this …
Why more women end up needing knee replacement surgery than men Read More »
Cracking your knuckles or leaning over in your chair to crack the joints in your back may feel good in the moment, but too much of a good thing may be detrimental to your overall joint health. Scott & White orthopedic surgeon, Russell J. Clark, MD, dispels some myths about “popping” your joints and explains …
Popping your knuckles: Not all it’s cracked up to be Read More »
When it comes to joint replacement, most people have heard of knee replacement, hip replacement and even shoulder replacement. But not as many folks are acquainted with another important joint that can now be replaced if necessary: the ankle. Ankle replacement—also known as total ankle arthroplasty—is not exactly a new procedure, but it has come …