Reliable Orthopedic Surgeon

People with knee, hip, shoulder, back, elbow, or foot problems, may need to be treated by an orthopedic surgeon. Although most people with orthopedic problems don’t need surgery, an orthopedic surgeon can provide comprehensive treatment as well as performing any necessary surgery. Dr. Howard Marans is the most reliable orthopedic surgeon in CA.

When to See an Orthopedist

Some orthopedic problems develop suddenly, after a fall or a sports accident. Other orthopedic problems develop more slowly, as time goes on. In such cases, it can be easy to accept chronic pain as just part of the “aches and pains” of growing older.

Although it’s normal to feel sore due to muscle strain and other issues from time to time, it’s not normal to experience persistent or severe pain. Severe pain, pain that has persisted for longer than a few days, or pain that is accompanied by symptoms like muscle weakness, all warrant examination by a physician.

What to Look for in a Surgeon

The outcome of treatment for an orthopedic problem depends on timely, accurate diagnosis, clear communication with the patient, and skilled execution of the treatment. Therefore, it’s important to research surgeons carefully before choosing a doctor.

Some of the key features to look for in a surgeon include:

• Experience – All doctors undergo extensive education and training before they practice on their own; even a “novice” physician is a medical expert. However, it’s true that doctors continue to develop their skills and judgment as they gain experience in the field. Most patients prefer to work with a doctor who has at least a few years of experience.
• Expertise – What is the doctor’s area of expertise? For example, an athlete with a sports injury should visit a doctor who has expertise in sports medicine.
• Board certification – Patients should look for a doctor who is a board certified orthopedist with a clean disciplinary record.
• Range of services offered – At the outset, it is not clear what treatment will be used for the condition. Therefore, it can be beneficial to choose a doctor who offers a range of treatments for a variety of conditions.
• Approach to treatment – What is the doctor’s approach to treatment? Ideally, the doctor should use surgery only when necessary, and prefer minimally invasive methods in cases where they are appropriate.

Top Fountain Valley Orthopedic Surgeon 

The top orthopedic surgeon in CA is Dr. Howard Marans of OC Orthopedic. Dr. Marans has over two decades of experience treating patients for orthopedic conditions. He is a board certified orthopedist with expertise in sports medicine. He offers a range of orthopedic services, including arthroscopic surgery, internal rotation, and open reduction.

Dr. Marans would be happy to meet with you about your orthopedic health. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981.

Top Arthritis Doctor

The knee is the largest joint in the human body, as well as one of the most complex. It is responsible for transferring weight and facilitating movement with each step a person takes. Knee arthritis can cause significant pain and mobility issues, but the majority of cases can be effectively managed with treatments designed to control the symptoms and progression of the condition. In some cases, surgical treatment may be required.

Types of Knee Arthritis

Arthritis refers simply to inflammation of a joint. Some of the most common types of arthritis are:

• Rheumatoid arthritis – A progressive autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue in the joints. Symptoms usually occur symmetrically on both sides of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis has the potential to cause severe disability.
• Osteoarthritis – A degenerative condition in which the cartilage that lines the bones, and sometimes the bones themselves, break down. The synovial fluid may also decrease.
• Post-traumatic arthritis – A condition in which trauma, such as a fall, causes damage to the knee, leading to inflammation.

Conservative Treatment

Conservative treatments are aimed at managing symptoms without opening up the knee. Some non-surgical and minimally invasive methods include:

• Oral medication, which can relieve symptoms and reduce inflammation
• Physical therapy, which strengthens the muscles that support the knee and improves knee flexibility
• Occupational therapy, to regain the ability to perform activities like cooking or using the phone
• Lifestyle changes, such as sleeping on one’s back on a hard mattress for rheumatoid arthritis patients
• Steroid injections, which reduce inflammation
• Synvisc injections, which supplement synovial fluid

Knee Replacement

Sometimes, the knee sustains such severe damage that it is no longer possible to control symptoms or prevent the progression of bone and cartilage damage. In such cases, the doctor may recommend a knee replacement. During this procedure, the damaged cartilage and bone are removed and replaced with a prosthetic.

Knee replacement is a major surgery, and the benefits and risks should be carefully considered before the procedure is chosen. Patients face a lengthy recovery time and a risk of side effects, both of which should be fully understood. The doctor will walk the patient through the treatment options.

Top Fountain Valley Doctor for Arthritis

The quality of the doctor for arthritis is closely related to the outcomes from treatment. Dr. Marans is a board certified orthopedist who has spent more than two decades treating patients with knee arthritis. Dr. Marans’s patients appreciate his clinical judgment, diagnostic skill, and the care he takes in exploring treatment options with each patient. These factors, combined with the precision with which he performs the chosen treatments, make Dr. Marans the best doctor for arthritis in the area.

Dr. Marans would be happy to meet with you about your knee arthritis. To schedule a consultation today, please call OC Orthopedic at 714.979.8981 or click below and enter your information and we will get right back to you.

Arthroscopic Elbow Surgery

Arthroscopic elbow surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used in the treatment of common elbow conditions that do not respond to non-surgical treatments. Arthroscopic elbow surgery can be used for a wide range of elbow conditions, and can be performed in an outpatient setting. Dr. Howard Marans provides the top treatment for elbow conditions in Los Alamitos, CA.

Uses

In general, physicians only recommend surgical treatment for elbow problems if the elbow condition is causing pain and has not responded to nonsurgical treatments. Methods such as rest, medication, and physical therapy are often sufficient to alleviate symptoms.

Elbow arthroscopy is most useful for treating conditions that damage the cartilage surfaces of the joint, as well as the soft tissues that surround the joint. It can also be used to remove scar tissue, loose bone, or loose cartilage.

Some uses of arthroscopic elbow surgery include:

• Treatment of tennis elbow
• Release of scar tissue, which improves range of motion
• Treatment of osteoarthritis
• Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder
• Treatment of osteochondritis dissecans, a sports injury most common in gymnasts and throwers
• Removal of loose cartilage and bone fragments

Other procedures must be performed using open joint surgery, the more traditional manner. Treatment of golfer’s elbow, internal fixation, and elbow joint replacement are examples of procedures which must be done using open joint surgery.

How it Works

During elbow arthroscopy, the surgeon makes one or more small incisions near the elbow. Through one incision, a tiny camera known as an arthroscope is inserted. The camera records a high-quality video of the inside of the joint, which is displayed on a screen in an operating room. Through the other incisions, the physician inserts the tools that are used to perform the procedure.

Elbow arthroscopy is usually performed in an outpatient setting, not in a hospital. Patients are placed under local anesthesia and sedation, and can return home within several hours of the procedure.

What to Expect

The recovery from arthroscopic elbow surgery takes several weeks in most cases. The first few days after surgery are the most uncomfortable. During this time, pain medication may be prescribed. The doctor will also prescribe movements that should be done to restore function to the elbow and arm, as well as limitations on movement.

The risk of side effects from arthroscopic surgery is low, and most side effects are mild. As part of the discharge from the clinic, patients will receive detailed information on side effects to look out for and when to call a physician.

Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to meet with you about whether arthroscopic elbow surgery is right for your elbow condition. To schedule a consultation today, please call OC Orthopedic at 714.979.8981 or click below and enter your information and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

ACL Surgery

Tears of the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, are a common type of knee injury, especially among athletes. ACL surgery can normally be performed using arthroscopic surgery, a minimally invasive procedure. The amount of time away from work depends on the nature of the patient’s job, as well as how quickly they heal.

ACL Surgery Basics

ACL surgery is performed arthroscopically. This means that small incisions are created in the knee, about the size of a pin. Through one incision, a camera is inserted, which allows the doctor to see the inside of the knee without opening it up. Through the other incisions, small tools are inserted. The tear is repaired, usually using a graft from another ligament or tendon.

ACL surgery can be done on an outpatient basis, meaning that patients are treated in an ambulatory surgery center. Normally, only local anesthesia and sedation are required. After several hours of observation, patients can return home that day.

Returning to Work and Activities

For the first few days, patients will not be up to much. Although they should walk around for a few minutes a day, overexertion should be avoided. Each successive day after surgery, the condition improves and the patient is able to be more active.

Doctors make their recommendations about returning to work on a case-by-case basis, but there are some general guidelines on what to expect. Here’s what to expect in terms of returning to work and activities:

• Desk jobs – Most patients can return to their desk job in as little as a week.
• Standing jobs – If the job involves standing for most of the day, patients can expect to return within four to six weeks.
• Physically strenuous jobs – For jobs that involve a lot of lifting or climbing, time away from work may be up to two to four months. Patients may return to work with limited duties if possible.
• Jogging – At four months out, most patients can start jogging again.
• Running – At five months out, patients can usually return to cycling and running.
• Full recovery – At six to eight months out, the majority of patients have made a full recovery and can return to all physically strenuous activities, although the use of a brace may still be recommended.

Minimizing Downtime

Patients can minimize their downtime by following their physicians’ recommendations regarding activities before and after surgery. These recommendations are designed to minimize the risk of side effects. Important steps include:

• Refraining from smoking several weeks before and after surgery
• Eating a healthy diet with plenty of protein and nutrients
• Monitoring for fever and other signs of infection
• Refraining from over-exertion
• Being active as recommended
• Participating in physical therapy and following the therapist’s recommendations for home exercises

If you have an ACL tear or experience knee pain, ACL surgery may be right for you. Dr. Marans would be happy to meet with you about your knee injury. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981.

Find Rotator Cuff Surgery

Rotator cuff tears are a relatively common shoulder injury, especially among athletes. A rotator cuff tear can cause significant pain and limit mobility and strength, especially if left untreated for an extended period of time. Fortunately, a skilled rotator cuff surgeon can treat torn rotator cuffs using minimally invasive methods.

Rotator Cuff Surgery

Treatment for a rotator cuff tear depends heavily on the nature of the injury and how it has responded to past treatments. Often, tears are minor and symptoms will resolve with physical therapy and medication. However, rotator cuff tears occur in the tendon, which receives little blood and does not heal well. Therefore, more severe tears usually require surgical treatment. This is especially true for athletes who require full use of their shoulder.

Rotator cuff surgery can often be performed using arthroscopic surgery. Arthroscopic surgery allows the doctor to access the shoulder using small incisions and a camera. It is preferable in many cases because it can be performed in an outpatient setting, has a shorter recovery time, and has fewer risks. However, more severe tears may require the physician to open up the shoulder to repair the tear.

It is important that patients fully understand their treatment options, the risks, and the potential benefits of treatment. Prior to choosing a treatment, the doctor will go over these facts as they relate to the patient’s unique case.

Importance of a Skilled Surgeon

The importance of a skilled rotator cuff expert cannot be overstated. Outcomes from rotator cuff surgery and non-surgical treatment require timely and accurate identification of the condition, communication with the patient about treatment options, and the technical expertise to administer the treatment.

Some of the most important features to look for in a rotator cuff expert include:

• Experience – All board certified physicians have extensive education and training, but they continue to hone their skills and judgment over time. Most patients feel more comfortable with a more experienced physician.
• Area of expertise – Special considerations should always be taken into account when choosing a doctor for a rotator cuff tear. For example, athletes who have sustained a sports injury require treatment from a doctor with expertise in that field.
• Board certification – The physician should be board certified in orthopedic medicine.
• Past patients’ experiences – Reading reviews and testimonials can give patients an idea of what to expect. Individual reviews should not be treated as gospel, but the overall trends can provide valuable information about what most patients have experienced.

Top Orange County Rotator Cuff Surgeon

The top rotator cuff surgeon in Orange County, CA is Dr. Howard Marans of Orange County Orthopedic. Dr. Marans is a skilled, board-certified orthopedist with over 20 years of experience treating rotator cuff injuries. Dr. Marans works to ensure that each patient receives the high-quality care that is so essential to a positive treatment outcome.

Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to meet with you about treatment for your rotator cuff tear. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981.

Treatment Options For Wrist Fractures

Wrist fracture usually refers to a fracture of the radius, one of the two bones in the forearm. Scaphoid or ulna fractures are also considered wrist fractures. Wrist fractures can threaten the integrity of the wrist and forearm, but with effective treatment most cases can be resolved with full function restored.

About Wrist Fractures

Wrist fractures are one of the most common fractures overall. In fact, around 1 in 6 fractures treated in the emergency room is a wrist fracture. Wrist fractures most commonly occur after sudden trauma to the wrist, usually a fall. Breaking a fall with the wrist can produce a fracture even though most falls produce no such problems. Athletes and elderly people are particularly prone to wrist and other fractures.

Symptoms 

Because fractures are usually a traumatic injury, it’s often immediately obvious that something is wrong. Symptoms include:

• Wrist pain
• Swelling
• Visible deformity of the wrist

A trained physician can normally identify a wrist fracture just by examining the wrist. However, an x-ray will always be taken so that the doctor knows exactly where and how severe the fracture is. X-rays reveal how stable the wrist is and whether the fractured bone is in the proper position.

If a broken wrist is suspected, it is important to seek treatment right away. A broken bone is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment gives the best chance for a positive outcome. Untreated broken bones can lead to severe issues such as compartment syndrome or permanent loss of function of the wrist joint.

Treatment Options

Most of the time, a wrist fracture can be treated with a cast. During this type of treatment, the doctor applies a hard cast that immobilizes the wrist, allowing the bone to heal undisturbed. The cast will usually come off after several weeks. Once the cast is removed, physical therapy is used to restore function to the wrist and arm.

If the bone is out of its proper position, it may be necessary to perform open reduction and internal fixation. The decision to do surgery is also based on the health and needs of the patient, and surgery is most commonly used for young athletes who require full use of the wrist.

During this procedure, the doctor performs surgery on the wrist. First, the bone is put back in its normal position (open reduction). Then, the bone is secured with rods, screws, plates or pins (internal fixation). After the surgery, the treatment for fractures that require surgery is similar to the treatment of fractures that only require casting.

Dr. Howard Marans is the top orthopedic surgeon in Fountain Valley, CA. Dr. Marans would be happy to meet with you about your wrist fracture. To schedule a consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at 714.979.8981.

Elbow Arthritis

Elbow arthritis can cause significant pain and other symptoms that reduce quality of life and one’s ability to perform normal activities. Most cases of arthritis can be effectively managed with the help of an arthritis doctor. Dr. Howard Marans is the top elbow arthritis doctor in Fountain Valley.

Types of Arthritis

Arthritis refers broadly to inflammation of a joint. There are several types of arthritis:

• Osteoarthritis – Degeneration of the cartilage, and sometimes the bones, in the joint. Osteoarthritis is strongly associated with age and genetics.
• Post-traumatic arthritis – Arthritis that develops after trauma to the elbow. Post-traumatic arthritis may occur after falls or after chronic overuse of the elbow.
• Rheumatoid arthritis – A progressive autoimmune condition in which the body attacks the healthy tissue in the joint. Rheumatoid arthritis usually occurs in both elbows and in other parts of the body, and requires careful management to preserve function as much as possible.

There are also a number of less common forms of arthritis, such as infectious arthritis and gout.

Symptoms

Arthritis can cause a number of symptoms. Symptoms to look out for include:

• Pain, which may occur at certain times of the day or after certain activities
• Swelling, especially with rheumatoid arthritis
• Instability of the elbow
• Inability to take the elbow through its full range of motion
• Elbow stiffness
• Elbow locking

Treatment

If you have symptoms of elbow arthritis, evaluation and treatment by an arthritis doctor is important. A skilled arthritis doctor will be able to diagnose the condition and formulate a plan of treatment that fully addresses the implications of the diagnosis.

For most cases of arthritis, non-surgical treatment is sufficient. Medications such as Aleve and Advil can be used to keep joint inflammation down. Specific medications are also available for rheumatoid arthritis.

Physical therapy and lifestyle changes are also important. Physical therapy can reduce inflammation and restore function to the joint. It should be accompanied by long-term lifestyle changes, such as avoiding overuse of the elbow and stretching the elbow regularly. Lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and occupational therapy are especially important for rheumatoid arthritis patients, who risk losing use of the joint.

If the condition does not respond to non-surgical treatments, then it may sometimes be necessary to use surgery. Surgery is chosen on a case-by-case basis, and the benefits must be carefully weighed against the risks and downsides.

Top Elbow Arthritis Doctor

Dr. Howard Marans of OC Orthopedics is the top arthritis doctor in Fountain Valley, CA. Dr. Marans has treated hundreds of patients with arthritis. He takes into account the factors that make each patient’s case unique, such as their medical history, age, and activity level to formulate a personalized plan of treatment.

Dr. Marans would be happy to meet with you about your arthritis. To schedule a consultation today, please click below and enter your information or give us a call at 714.979.8981.

Internal Fixation For Fractures

Most simple fracture can be resolved by casting and immobilizing the bone. However, fractures in which the bone is widely separated or broken into numerous pieces may require open reduction and internal fixation. Below, we’ll look at the uses and types of internal fixation for fractures.

Fracture Basics 

Dr Marans MD

A fracture occurs when a bone sustains a break or crack. Most fractures are relatively limited. For example, athletes might develop stress fractures, or hairline fractures may occur after trauma. On the other hand, some fractures are complex, featuring breaks in multiple parts of the bone or a complete separation between two parts of the bone. In some cases, part of the bone may puncture the skin.

Fractures can cause severe conditions if left untreated, including compartment syndrome. Therefore, prompt intervention is essential.

Internal Fixation for Fractures

Complex fractures may require open reduction and internal fixation. As opposed to simple casting and immobilization, internal fixation for fractures which are complex is associated with better outcomes and reduced hospital stays.

During this process, the physician sterilizes and opens up the area around the broken bone. Then, the doctor sets the bone in its proper position (open reduction). The bone is then fixed in its appropriate place using screws, rods, or plates (internal fixation).

The implants used in internal fixation are:

• Plates – Internal splints that hold the bone together. Attached to the bone with screws.
• Screws – Most common internal fixation device. Can be used alone or in conjunction with other devices. Come in a variety of sizes and shapes to be used on different types of fractures.
• Rods – Inserted through the hollow center of a bone that contains marrow. Used to treat most thigh and shin fractures.
• Pins – Used for fractures where screws would be too large. Also used in conjunction with othe types of internal fixation.

After internal fixation for fractures, the patient stays in the hospital for 1-7 days. The bone will remain in a cast or otherwise immobilized for several weeks. After the cast comes off, the patient will receive physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.

What to Do After a Fracture

After sustaining a fracture, seeking medical treatment immediately is essential. Symptoms of fractures include severe pain, inability to move a body part, and visibly or palpably deformed bone. In severe cases, part of the bone may stick out. Once the patient is in the hospital, treatment will proceed rapidly. Internal fixation is usually performed on the same day as the fracture was sustained.

Dr. Marans is the best doctor providing internal fixation for fractures in the Orange County area. Dr. Marans would be happy to meet with you about your fracture or other orthopedic problem. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Marans, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at 714.979.8981.

Orthopedic Knee Surgery

Orthopedic knee surgery may be used to treat knee problems that do not respond to other treatments. If you have a condition that may require surgery, you may want to understand the potential costs so that you can plan for them. Below, we will take a look at what influences orthopedic knee surgery costs, as well as how insurance covers knee surgery.

Types of Orthopedic Knee Surgery

There are two main types of knee surgery: open knee surgery and arthroscopic knee surgery. Open knee surgery is most commonly used to treat more extensive knee problems, such as total knee replacement for arthritis. Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive form of surgery that can be used to treat less extensive knee problems, like meniscus or ligament tears.

It is preferable to use arthroscopic knee surgery whenever possible. Arthroscopic surgery has lower risks and a shorter downtime, making it preferable from the patient’s perspective. In addition, arthroscopic surgery usually costs less to perform than open knee surgery.

What Influences Cost

Each case is unique, and knee surgery can cost different amounts depending on the specifics surrounding an individual case. Some of the factors that influence orthopedic knee surgery costs include:

• How high the local cost of living is
• Whether or not open knee surgery is used
• Whether or not a hospital stay is required
• How long is takes to perform the surgery
• How many resources the surgery takes to perform
• What the individual surgeon’s rates are

Insurance Coverage

Insurance covers orthopedic knee surgery costs, because knee surgery is only used in cases where it is medically necessary. Insurance policies vary widely in the terms of their coverage, so that patients may have very different out-of-pocket costs depending on their coverage. If you have a high deductible that you have not yet met, you may pay for a large portion of the surgery on your own. If you have a low deductible or no deductible, you may pay very little out-of-pocket.

Thanks to insurance coverage and the widespread availability of patient financing, the majority of patient are able to afford their orthopedic knee surgery costs without issue. If your out-of-pocket costs are too high for you to handle all at once, you can use financing to spread out the cost of treatment over a longer period of time. Some financing options include credit cards and third-party health care financing companies.

Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to meet with you about your knee health. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call (714) 979-8981.

What Will Surgery for a Torn MCL Cost?

If you have an MCL tear, getting effective treatment is important for relieving symptoms and preventing further knee problems from developing. Sometimes, surgery is necessary. Below, we will look at surgery options for MCL tear, as well as your non-surgical options.

Understanding MCL Tears

The knee has four ligaments that contribute to its stability and movement: ACL, PCL, LCL and MCL. The MCL, or medial cruciate ligament, may be torn after sudden twisting or trauma, as is common in certain sports. MCL tears are also more common in middle age.

MCL tears may be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild tears basically “stretch” the ligament but leave it intact. Moderate tears occur when the ligament is actually torn. Severe tears occur when the ligament is completely severed in two pieces. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and use medical imaging to determine how severe the tear is.

Non-Surgical Options

In cases where a tear is mild to moderate, it may be necessary to manage symptoms without surgery. This is an especially strong option for patients who are older and less active, because the risks may outweigh the benefits in such cases. Some of the most common non-surgical treatments include:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
• Physical therapy
• Medication
• Steroid injections directly into the knee

Surgery Options for MCL Tear

Surgery is often necessary for moderate to severe MCL tears, especially for patients who are more physically active. The goal of surgery is to repair the tear while minimizing the invasiveness of the procedure, a fact which should be taken into account when considering surgery options for MCL tear.

The two main surgery options for MCL tear are arthroscopic surgery and open knee surgery. Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive form of surgery that allows the doctor to operate without actually opening up the knee. It is preferable whenever possible, because it is associated with a shorter downtime and lower risks. In cases of very severe or complex tears, or MCL tears associated with other knee injuries, open knee surgery may be required.

Only a doctor can determine which treatment is best for your MCL tear. This will be determined by looking at your symptoms, your medical history, the severity of your tear, your overall health, your activity level, and how you have responded to any treatments that were used in the past.

If you are interested in learning more about your surgery options for MCL tear, Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to hear from you. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.