Introducing the new Ask-a-Doctor Orthopedic Surgery Forum

Hi,

We're pleased to announce the opening of a new Ask-a-Doctor Orthopedic Surgery forum where you can receive a personal answer from Dr. Charles Rosen, MD from the Univ. of CA, Irvine, School of Medicine

The new Orthopedic Surgery forum is located at: http://www.medhelp.org/forums/show/271

MedHelp

[rsw1225]

hey this is rob in ct. Just wanted to know if a rod in your tib can cause alot of pain 4 years after being put in. My leg is in loads of pain when I walk any distance.2 MD's have said the bone looks well healed. But oh the pain. Its horrible. Does anyone think having the rod removed might help.mY DOCTOR said its a 50/50 chance of improvement. Really I am beginning to think cutting the thing off is the answer.

[neeva147]

can a tarlov cyst grow... and how much can it grown in a year? can it be removed?

[Carol515]

I have a problem with my left knee giving away which it did in February, 2008.  I tried to stop my fall by grabbing the railing of the steps causing my right knee to twist.  I ignored it and figured it was probably a soft tissue injury that would heal in 8 to 12 weeks.  It has been several months and I finally went to an Orthopaedic Surgeon.  I was told that both knees were arthritic. The MRI results revealed a medial and lateral tears in the meniscus.  I was told eventually I would require replacement of both knees.  However, due to pain, movement of the knee that causes startling pain, an unsteady gait and irritation of the degenerative disease in my lumbar spine probably a result walking to favor that knee the doctor has recommended arthroscopic surgery to remove th loose cartilage, scraping of the arthritis and a lateral ligament release which will require a surgical incision all of which will require an 8 week recovery perion.  Then he will proceed with injections and PT.  He feels this will prolong the need for a replacement.

What are the success rates of such a surgery and is it worth contemplating?  Will the lateral ligament release weaken the lateral side of the knee and what is the purpose of this part of the procedure?   Should I consider a second opinion?

On the first visit to the Orthopaedist, I told him I did not want surgery.  He said he would do what he could to treat the problem conservatively.  I saw the results of the x-rays and MRI so I am aware of  what the results revealed.

I am a 62 year old disabled RN whose vehicle was rear-ended FOUR times, 1983, 1984, 1987 and 1993.  My cervical vertebrae C4-7 have been fused.  I have degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine treated with thermal ablation and numerous injections to relieve pain to no avail.  Diagnosed with left and right thoracic outlet syndrome treated with removal of scar tissue on left side and woke up in recovery with paralysis of the entire left arm causing dislocation or the shoulder which lasted for months.  After much research I found a physician in the west who specialized in TOS surgery.  In 1990, I had a scalenectomy with removal of the first rib.  Developed severe wrist pain which was explained as carpal tunnel due to "the double crush syndrome".  In 1991, repeat of same on right side and woke up with a paralyzed diaphragm that lasted two and a half years.  I also had smell hallucinations, inability to taste,  dazing and inability to concetrate.  After six Neurologists; an ENT specialist for smell and taste evaluation; a Psychologist and a Forensic Psychiatrist who finally diagnosed  TLE,  I was treated with medication by another physician and finally, three years later, the problems from TLE were resolved.  I then proceed to have left carpal tunnel surgery resulting in numbness, tingling and a cold hand. The right has been treated conservatively with an injection and splinting.  That is why I am so hesitant with the thought of surgery.  

Thank you for your comments on the above.

Carol515

[CAREERMAN70]

I am a 41 yr old man that had L4 L5 Laminectomy, Discectomy a few years ago. I have no pain. I do, however, have Cramps in my right leg muscles and a slight loss of strength. I am about to start a Law enforcement Academy. There will be rigorous exercise with lots of running and climbing. We will also be throwing each other around during the defense training. What happens this far out? Is the hole(s) in the disc(s) filled in with calcium? What do you think are the chances I could do permanent damage? What should I do to help with the cramps and minimize the loss of function? I realise there is a lot \"What ifs\" just would like your opinion.  Thank you for your time!  Adam
Bakersfield, Ca

[SylviaK]

I've been looking into knee replacements as I had 2 different orthopedists tell me I needed double knee replacements. I was wondering if anyone knew about the recovery time? I'm a coach and need to be back in the game soon. I looked on wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knee_replacement) and found a loca doc in Scottsdale (he has excellent reviews) Dr. Kozinn (www.scottsdalejointcenter.com) but am still looking for more information about the actual surgery. What does it entail exactly? Any help is appreciated.

[kbug1013]

I was DX with this condition in Aug 10 . I have had PT since this time stopping for 2 months. My pain is some what tolorable , but my ROM is still not all there. I am a Diabetic and have not taken any Cortizone Injection due to there is no promise in them working. I was thinking about Manual Manipulation. I just don't know if I should wait or do it. I am also concerened about recovery post Manipulation. I have Bi-Lateral FS.


thanks for taking the time to answer my question.


Kbug

[Jra3688]

Yesterday at work i turned around quick and hit my knee cap and When I Did this I felt it move out of place then back to its right position after I fell down. I can still walk around and it doesn\'t feel like it wants to give out. But I can\'t determine the difference if my knee is swollen or has fluid built up. I\'m keeping my knee elevated. Is there anything else i should do besides elevating? How do I tell the difference, my leg knee is not in pain but I can fully extend it but I can\'t bend it all the way.