Health Information

Orthopaedic Disorders

  • Arthritis

    Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases are characterized by pain, swelling, and limited movement in joints and connective tissues in the body.

  • Arthroscopy

    Orthopedic surgeons use arthroscopy to diagnose and treat joint problems. An arthroscope is a small, tube shaped instrument that is used to look inside a joint.

  • Treatment for Arthritis

    Detailed information on the most common treatments used for arthritis

  • Common Orthopedic Disorders

    Detailed information on the most common orthopedic disorders, including arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, elbow pain, elbow problems, cubital tunnel syndrome, lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), medial epicondylitis (golfers el

  • Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

    Cubital tunnel syndrome feels similar to the pain that occurs from hitting the "funny" bone in your elbow. The condition may occur if you frequently bend your elbows, constantly lean on your elbows, or sustain a direct injury to the area.

  • The Orthopedic Treatment Team

    Members of your treatment team may include an orthopedic surgeon, a rheumatologist, and a physical therapist.

  • Elbow Pain and Problems

    Detailed information on elbow pain and problems

  • Evaluation Procedures

    To help the orthopedist determine your treatment, you'll need a physical exam, a medical history profile, and a description of symptoms.

  • Exercise: The Right Program and the Right Preparation

    You don't have to exercise for long periods of time—or even vigorously—to become fit. You do need to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.

  • Foot Pain and Problems

    Foot pain is often caused by improper foot function. Improperly fitted shoes can worsen and, in some cases, cause foot problems.

  • Fractures

    A fracture is a partial or complete break in the bone. When a fracture occurs, it is classified as either open or closed.

  • Glossary - Orthopedic Surgery

    Glossary of terms relating to orthopedics

  • Hand Pain and Problems

    Common hand problems include arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and ganglion cysts.

  • Ice Packs vs. Warm Compresses For Pain

    It can sometimes be confusing whether to use heat or cold when treating sore muscles or an injury. Here are facts to keep in mind.

  • Home Page - Orthopedic Surgery

    Detailed information on the most common orthopedic disorders, including arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, elbow pain, elbow problems, cubital tunnel syndrome, lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), medial epicondylitis (golfers el

  • Joint Replacement Surgery

    Joint replacement is a surgical procedure to remove and replace an arthritic or damaged joint with an artificial joint, called a prosthesis.

  • Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper's Knee)

    Jumper's knee is also known as patellar tendonitis. It may be caused by overuse of the knee joint, such as frequent jumping on hard surfaces.

  • Knee Pain and Problems

    Common knee problems include sprains, strains, torn cartilage, and arthritis.

  • Knee Replacement Surgery

    When a knee is severely damaged by disease or injury, an artificial knee replacement may be considered.

  • Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)

    The pain of tennis elbow is caused by damage to the tendons that bend the wrist backward away from the palm.

  • Ligament Injuries to the Knee

    The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most common ligaments to be injured. Learn about the four major ligaments of the knee.

  • Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's and Baseball Elbow)

    Other activities that can cause this condition include carrying a heavy suitcase, chopping wood, and using a chainsaw.

  • Neck Pain and Problems

    Neck pain can result from many different causes—injury to muscles, tendons, or ligaments; arthritis; a herniated disc; or a tumor.

  • Online Resources - Orthopedic Surgery

    List of online resources to find additional information on orthopedics

  • Osteoarthritis

    Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a chronic, degenerative, joint disease that affects mostly middle-aged and older adults.

  • Osteoporosis

    Osteoporosis causes a loss of bone mass and destruction of bone tissue. The bones most often affected are the hips, spine, and wrists.

  • Exercise and the Aging Person

    Exercise is good for people of all ages. It helps lower blood pressure, reduces the risks for falls and serious injuries, and slows the body's loss of muscle and bone mass.

  • Preventing Sports Injuries

    Good preventive steps: Warm up before you work out, alternate days for exercising certain muscle groups, and cool down when you're done.

  • Shoulder Pain and Problems

    Detailed information on shoulder pain and the most common types of shoulder problems

  • Topic Index - Orthopedic Disorders

    Detailed information on the most common orthopedic disorders, including arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, elbow pain, elbow problems, cubital tunnel syndrome, lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), medial epicondylitis (golfers el

  • Soft-Tissue Injuries

    Detailed information on the most common types of soft-tissue injuries

  • Torn Meniscus

    Meniscus tears can occur during a rotating movement while bearing weight, such as when twisting the upper leg while the foot stays in one place during sports and other activities.

  • Treatment Plans

    For most orthopedic disorders and injuries, more than one form of treatment may be appropriate.

  • Lumbar Strain (Weight Lifter's Back)

    A lumbar strain is an injury to the lower back, which results in damaged tendons and muscles that spasm and feel sore.

  • Kyphosis

    Kyphosis is a forward curvature of the spine. It is a type of spinal deformity and should not be confused with poor posture.

  • Hip Fracture

    A hip fracture is classified by the specific area of the break and the type of break(s) in the bone. It is a serious injury and requires immediate medical attention.

  • Overview of Sports Injuries
  • Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee)

    Runner's knee occurs when the kneecap rubs against the thighbone as it moves. The condition can be caused by a structural defect or a certain way of walking or running.

  • Scoliosis

    A spine affected by scoliosis shows a sideways curvature and a rotation of the vertebrae, giving the appearance that the person is leaning to one side.

  • Shin Splints

    Shin splints involve damage to one of two groups of muscles along the shin bone that cause pain. The location of the shin splint pain depends on which group of muscles is damaged.

  • Sports and Fractures

    Stress fractures are weak spots or small cracks in the bone caused by continuous overuse. They often occur in the foot after training for basketball, running, and other sports.

  • Hip Replacement Surgery

    This surgery may be considered as treatment after a hip fracture or for someone who has severe arthritis.

  • Paget Disease of the Bone

    Paget disease is the most common bone disorder after osteoporosis in people older than 50.

  • Bursitis

    A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that cushions a joint. When a bursa becomes inflamed, the condition is known as bursitis.

  • Fibromyalgia

    Detailed information on fibromyalgia, including cause, triggers, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

  • Sports Injuries

    Many sports injuries can be prevented with proper conditioning and training, wearing appropriate protective gear, and using proper equipment.

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis

    Detailed information on rheumatoid arthritis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

    Women develop carpal tunnel syndrome three times more frequently than men. It usually occurs only in adults.

  • Low Back Pain

    Low back pain can range from mild, dull, and annoying to persistent, severe, and disabling pain. Pain in the lower back can restrict mobility and interfere with normal functioning.

  • Sympathetic Nerve Blocks for Pain

    This therapy targets the sympathetic nervous system, a series of nerves that spread out from your spine to your body to help control several body functions, including blood flow.

  • Epidural Corticosteroid Injections

    If you are experiencing intense, intractable pain in your legs or arms from inflamed spinal nerves, then an epidural steroid injection might be the preferred treatment to quickly give you relief.

  • Injectable Corticosteroids

    Corticosteroid injections can treat a variety of skeletal, muscular, and spinal conditions. Some of these injections can be done by your health care provider during a routine clinic visit; others require a referral to a pain specialist.

  • Cryotherapy (Cold Therapy) for Pain Management

    When used to treat injuries at home, cryotherapy refers to cold therapy with ice or gel packs that are usually kept in the freezer until needed. These remain one of the simplest, time-tested remedies for managing pain and swelling.

  • Patient-Controlled Analgesia Pumps

    Patient-controlled analgesia is a method of pain management that allows you to decide when you will get a dose of pain medication. You don’t need to wait for a nurse, and you can get smaller doses of pain medicine more frequently.