Office Hours
Monday to Friday: 8 am to 5 pm
Reach Us
Phone: (510) 647-1200
Fax: (510) 647-1205
Email: pacificbone@gmail.com
Address: 3000 Colby St, Suite 106
Berkeley, CA 94705
The hip is one of the body’s most important joints. It plays an important role in nearly every basic function, from sitting and standing, to walking and bending. Most people are born with healthy hip joints that facilitate a wide motion range without pain or discomfort. But over time, one or both hips can develop complications that stiffen the joints and cause significant discomfort on a day to day basis. Rather than cope with more physical limitations, discomfort, and a less active lifestyle, many patients turn to orthopedic surgeons to undergo a hip replacement. Today’s minimally invasive hip replacement procedures make it possible for patients to achieve restored joint function with as little inconvenience as possible.
Did you know…
that hip replacements are used to treat patients who are suffering from both traumatic injuries and diseases like arthritis? Currently, hip replacement is one of the most common joint replacement surgeries in the U.S., with approximately 300,000 patients opting for the procedure on an annual basis. Of those patients, the vast majority experience a successful recovery without the need for a secondary operation. In fact, many artificial hips can last up to 30 years or more!
You may be a candidate for a hip replacement if you have severe joint damage or a joint disease that causes chronic and debilitating pain. Individuals who are at high risk for infection or who suffer from chronic health issues, such as morbid obesity, may not be eligible for this procedure. Only a consultation with your orthopedic surgeon can determine whether hip replacement is right for you.
You’ll receive a spinal anesthesia for your hip replacement. During the procedure, and incision is made in your hip, through which diseased bone and other tissues are removed. The artificial hip parts are either cemented in place or else fixated in a way that will encourage your biological bone to fuse with the artificial hip. Most procedures take about an hour, with many patients going home after a one night stay.
You will not be released from the hospital until you can safely get in and out of bed on your own, as well as perform a normal daily task by yourself. It is normal to experience pain and swelling in the first few days and weeks following your surgery. However, discomfort should subside with time. Be sure to take all medications exactly as prescribed and attend your follow-up appointments with your surgeon. Keep in mind that drug, cigarette and excessive alcohol use can complicate the recovery process and affect the outcome of your surgery.
Millions of people suffer from knee pain and stiffness – often due to degenerative joint disease like osteoarthritis. Physical traumas and joint diseases can significantly impair mobility and quality of life during even the simplest of activities. Although conservative measures are the first line of defense, many patients require extensive medical intervention to achieve relief for their knees. Total knee replacement is the choice of many patients and orthopedists because the procedure has a high rate of success. In fact, as many as 90 percent of patients achieve a significant reduction in knee pain following surgery.
Did you know…
that the first knee replacement surgery was performed in 1968? Now, the procedure is more popular than ever, with more than 700,000 people getting total knee replacements in 2010 alone. Artificial knee joints have changed the lives of millions of people from young to old. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, total knee replacements have been successfully performed in patients as young as 13. However, the majority of people eligible for this surgery are between the ages of 50 and 80.
You may be a candidate for total knee replacement surgery if you have osteoarthritis or joint damage that has not adequately responded to more conservative methods of treatment, such as physical therapy. Although knee replacements are considered safe and highly effective, results still vary from patient to patient. It is important to discuss your options with your orthopedist to determine if total knee replacement is right for you.
Total knee replacement surgery is performed typically with spinal anesthesia plus sedation. Your doctor will make an incision, exposing the bone beneath. Damaged cartilage and a small amount of the bone will be removed and replaced by metal implants that are either cemented or pressed into the bone. Finally, your doctor may resurface your patella and insert a smooth spacer into your joint to facilitate fluid movement. The entire procedure usually takes no more than 1 or 2 hours.
Most patients only need to spend just one night in the hospital after surgery. During this time, the medical staff and your orthopedist will monitor your condition to ensure you are comfortable and that you are not developing unwanted blood clots after surgery. Your doctors and nurses will also work to prevent complications of surgery, such as pneumonia. Expect to begin a physical therapy regimen within 24 hours of your knee replacement. It will be important to continue these exercises for many weeks to facilitate a strong recovery.
An arthroscopy is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the health of problem joints – particularly those in the knees, shoulders, wrists, hips and back. The procedure uses an arthroscope, which is an endoscopic device complete with a camera and light at the end. Inside the joint, the arthroscope transmits images of the joint to a viewing screen for your surgeons examination. These images are helpful in identifying and even helping conditions like a torn rotator cuff, a dislocation, or joint inflammation.
Did you know…
that arthroscopy can be a convenient alternative to open joint surgery? Not only is an arthroscopy less invasive than surgery, it is also more affordable on average. Many patients also enjoy the shorter recovery time and lower risk of complications associated with arthroscopies.
You may need an arthroscopy if you are suffering from chronic and undiagnosed joint pain or discomfort. Your orthopedic surgeon may recommend an arthroscopy as a means of examining the condition of your injured or diseased joint. The outcome of your procedure can help your orthopedist develop a treatment plan that best fits your needs.
Your arthroscopy will be an outpatient procedure performed typically under general anesthesia. Most procedures last no more than 1 hour, although you’ll need to spend another hour in supervised recovery before being allowed to go home.
A small incision will be made near your joint, through which your orthopedic surgeon will thread an arthroscopy into your joint. Using the camera on the end of the scope, your surgeon will examine the condition of your joint and determine whether the conditions present can be corrected during the same arthroscopic surgery. Examples of amendable joint conditions include cartilage damage, bursitis, and labral tears. Additional incisions may be necessary to correct any joint conditions.
You will probably go home on the same day as your procedure. However, you’ll need the assistance of a close family member or friend to help you in the days following your surgery. Your doctor will provide instructions for avoiding physical activity temporarily after your arthroscopy.
Therapeutic injections are joint injections administered for the relief of chronic pain and inflammation. They are used in patients who are experiencing either acute or chronic discomfort but are usually reserved for patients who have not achieved desirable relief from more conservative measures like physical therapy. There are several types of therapeutic joint injections, the most common of which are steroidal injections. Many injections are designed to provide immediate relief following the injections, as well as slow-release treatment over the course of several weeks or months after the injection.
Did you know?
There are several types of therapeutic injections. Examples include epidural injections, facet joint injections, selective nerve root block injections, and sacroiliac injections. Patients who undergo this type of treatment may require more than one joint injection to achieve desirable results. However, it is not recommended that patients get more than 3 joint injections in a 6 to 12 month period.
You may be a candidate for therapeutic injections if you have not been able to get relief for ongoing joint pain or back pain from pain medications, physical therapy, or lifestyle modifications. You should not get this type of treatment if you are taking anti-coagulants or are allergic to the ingredients in the injection. You’ll need a consultation with your doctor to determine whether joint injections are right for you.
Most therapeutic injections are performed with patients awake, although some injections require sedation. A basic knee injection may be performed in just a few minutes from the comfort of your doctor’s office. The skin is cleansed with an antiseptic and covered with a small bandage after the injection is completed. Other injections – especially those pertaining to the spine – may require the guidance of x-ray imaging at a hospital.
Many patients experience relief in the first few days after an injection. However, you may still experience some soreness at the injection site. Applying ice may help minimize any swelling. You’ll need to limit your physical activity on the day of the procedure but can probably return to work as early as the next day.
Viscosupplementation is the injection of hyaluronate into the knees to cushion them and provide lubrication. These injections are comprised of a thick substance with the consistency of jelly that helps to cushion the joints and lubricate them. Known as hyaluronate, this substance is a naturally occurring protein in the joints that is elastic and thick in young, healthy joints. Over time, hyaluronate may begin to degenerate and weaken, causing pain and discomfort. By injecting the lubricant directly into the joint, inflammation is soothed and pain minimized.
Did you know…
that hyaluronate injections have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration since 1997? Since its approval, viscosupplementation injections have been administered to millions of people all over the world for the treatment of osteoarthritis and joint pain. Viscosupplementation has been widely tested and is deemed safe with a very high success rate and low risk of side effects.
Viscosupplementation may be right for you if you suffer from chronic knee pain or have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Hyaluronate injections are an effective alternative to surgery for many patients, although it may take several injections to achieve desirable results.
Viscosupplementation is a quick procedure performed in the comfort of your doctor’s office, taking only minutes to administer. You will lie on your back with your knee extended. An antiseptic will be applied to the injection site before the needle is gently inserted just to the side of the knee cap. You may experience some slight discomfort at the injection site. Additional injections will be administered weekly over a period of three to five weeks.
Viscosupplementation recovery requires very little ‘down time,’ although you will need to avoid placing pressure on your knee for long periods of time. Apply ice to alleviate soreness or bruising. You may find that your knee pain has subsided immediately following an injection. However, it is normal for results to continue to improve over the course of several weeks.
Physical therapy is a valuable tool to doctors and orthopedists who are helping their patients rehabilitate injuries or recover from major surgery. It is a non-invasive method that can be used as a stand-alone therapy or in combination with other treatments. Physical therapy is a term used to describe a collection of therapeutic methods, such as exercise therapy, massage therapy, hot and cold therapy and electrical stimulation therapy. It is designed to challenge the body’s musculoskeletal system, pushing it beyond the boundaries caused by disease, deformity or injury.
Did you know…
that physical therapy is thousands of years old? Although there is no way of knowing exactly when it was first used, scientists do know that both Hippocrates and Hector advocated for its use as early as 460 B.C. But it wasn’t until the late 1800s and early 1900s that formal schools of physiotherapy began to emerge, along with professional societies of physical therapists. By the 1950s, physical therapy began to spread outside of hospital settings and into outpatient centers and doctor’s offices where it continues today.
There are many people who could benefit from physical therapy. Examples include athletes with overuse injuries, patients with arthritis, joint replacement surgery patients, and anyone who is limited by chronic musculoskeletal pain, stiffness, or motion range restrictions. Patients may also benefit from physical therapy if they are suffering from traumas to the body’s connective tissues, such as torn ligaments or tendinitis. To find out if physical therapy is right for you, contact your orthopedist to schedule a consultation.
Your orthopedist will prescribe physical therapy that will challenge you without over-working you. The long-term goal for many orthopedic patients is improved joint mobilization and less pain. You can expect your physical therapy sessions to gradually increase in difficulty, constantly challenging you to make progress toward your goals. Some patients require physical therapy for just a few weeks, whereas others need it for several years. Your exact experience will vary according to your needs.
It is not unusual for orthopedists to prescribe in-office physical therapy accompanied by at-home stretches or exercises. Depending on your specific circumstances, you may be advised to adopt a more active lifestyle or perhaps avoid certain physical activity until you make a full recovery. The most important thing you can do to facilitate a better treatment outcome is to follow your orthopedist’s instructions exactly as advised.
Orthopedics is a specialty branch of medicine pertaining to conditions and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Everyone is born with many muscles, bones and connective tissues that work together to form the support structure of the body. Orthopedists work to ensure these components remain strong and healthy, and the patients are free of pain and discomfort. The overall goal of orthopedics is to extend highly effective care and results using the conservative and minimally invasive treatments available.
Did you know?
An orthopedist treats patients of all ages, from birth to old age. Children are often born with physical deformities that require ongoing orthopedic care. Some people visit orthopedists after suffering a traumatic injury – perhaps in a car accident or while playing sports. Still, some patients do not require orthopedic care until much later in life, when arthritis often appears. Regardless of the reason for seeing an orthopedist or age, there are treatments available that can restore or repair the full function of the musculoskeletal system in many patients.
You may need to visit an orthopedist if you are suffering from any type of musculoskeletal disease or injury. Examples include osteoarthritis, torn ligaments, scoliosis, deformities, bone fractures, herniated discs, and compressed vertebrae. If you have not been diagnosed with any of these conditions but are suffering from joint pain, back pain, stiffness, limited mobility, or other musculoskeletal symptoms, schedule a consultation with an orthopedist to find out more about the cause of your discomfort.
It is true that orthopedics often perform surgery to restore a joint, repair severe fractures, or replace a damaged disc. But that doesn’t mean that all patients require surgical intervention. In fact, many patients are able to achieve less pain and fewer symptoms using far less invasive treatments, such as physical therapy, prescription medications, and joint injections. Talk with your orthopedist to find out which treatments could be right for you.
If you require orthopedic surgery, the thought of undergoing an operation may be intimidating. However, you can trust that many common orthopedic operations – such as knee and hip replacement – boast some of the highest success rates in modern medicine. Furthermore, today’s minimally invasive methods often mean a shorter recovery time overall. Speak with your orthopedic surgeon about any questions you have regarding the recovery period after your operation.
Sports and athletics play an important role in the lives of many people here. Not only are sports a fun pastime, but the regular activity keeps bodies healthy and strong. Unfortunately, there are risks associated with nearly every athletic activity, from running and swimming to swinging a golf club or tennis racket. The goal of our sports orthopedics services is to help our patients recover from sports-related injuries and enjoy safe sports participation in the future. By identifying and treating injuries as quickly as possible, we can make medical interventions and develop a rehabilitative plan for recovery.
Did you know…
that sports orthopedists are capable of treating a wide range of athletic injuries?
Examples include:
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Tendinitis
- Frozen shoulder
- Bursitis
- Fractures
- Torn ligaments
- Dislocation
- Sprains and strains
- Torn cartilage
- ACL injuries
- Knee and elbow hyperextension
- Ankle injuries
- And much more!
Many athletes take advantage of sports orthopedics to treat injuries and traumas caused by physical activity. If you participate in sports, go to the gym, or enjoy any type of athletic activity, sports orthopedics may help alleviate the symptoms caused by repetitive motion, overuse, or some other type of trauma.
Your initial visit will provide your doctor with an understanding of your physical and athletic history. During this visit, you will explain any pain, stiffness or swelling you may have been experiencing. Based on the results of your initial examination, your doctor may request further tests, such as x-rays or MRI imaging, to make a diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan.
There are many things you can do to prevent an injury from worsening. Your doctor will make recommendations for any lifestyle changes that may benefit your orthopedic health. Often, a regimen of exercise and stretching can help prevent soft tissue damage, and working with a trainer can prevent overuse injuries. In some cases, patients may need to avoid some activities altogether to protect previously injured joints, bones, and tissues.
Orthopedic surgeons often perform knee replacements for patients who are limited by diseases and conditions like osteoarthritis or joint injury. But not all patients require a total replacement. Instead, a partial knee replacement can be used to replace only targeted bones and tissues while preserving as much of the natural joint as possible. Most patients pursue partial knee replacements with the goal of eliminating discomfort and returning to an active, pain-free lifestyle. Partial knee replacements have a high rate of success and when properly cared for, can last patients for many years without the need for additional operations.
Did you know…
that partial knee replacements offer many benefits over total knee replacement procedures? Not only do partial replacements require less invasive surgery, but they also result in less blood loss during surgery on average. Many partial knee replacement patients also experience a shorter recovery period and less post-procedural pain than total knee replacement patients do.
You may be a candidate for a partial knee replacement if you are suffering with a knee injury or degenerative disease that is confined to only a single compartment of the knee. Your orthopedist will want to ensure that there are no other, more conservative treatments available before proceeding with a partial knee replacement. To find out if this procedure is right for you, contact your orthopedist to schedule a consultation.
The partial knee replacement procedure is performed in an inpatient setting with most patients under general anesthesia. An incision is made over the knee, and the diseased or damaged bone and tissue removed from the joint. The new partial prosthetic replaces those areas, and the incision is closed. Most partial knee replacements take less than 1 to 2 hours to complete though patients generally spend an addition 1 to 2 hours in a recovery room.
Patients usually remain in the hospital for at least 2 days after a partial knee replacement. During this time, your orthopedists and the hospital medical staff will oversee your recovery to ensure you are not experiencing any complications. Most partial knee replacements take several weeks to heal, during which time your orthopedist may prescribe joint rehab or physical therapy. However, you can expect to be pain-free with restored joint mobility at the end of your rehabilitation and recovery period.
Monday to Friday: 8 am to 5 pm
Phone: (510) 647-1200
Fax: (510) 647-1205
Email: pacificbone@gmail.com
Address: 3000 Colby St, Suite 106
Berkeley, CA 94705