Knee Injury Specialists in Orange County, CA

The knee is the largest joint in the body, and one of the most essential. The knee is used in each step we take, and facilitates the transfer of weight from the upper body to the lower legs and feet. To stay stable, the knee has a relatively limited range of motion. An injured knee can cause pain, joint degeneration, and problems with overall body alignment.   

Ligament Tears

The knee is held in place by four ligaments: the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), and medial collateral ligament (MCL). One or more of these ligaments may be torn after sudden trauma to the knee, especially injuries in which the knee is twisted out of place.

Ligament tears are common among athletes whose sport requires frequent turns or stops, such as basketball players and football players. ACL tears are the most common. Although some groups are at a higher risk, a ligament tear can happen to anyone.

Ligament tears can sometimes be left to heal on their own if the tear is mild to moderate. However, if the tear is moderate to severe, surgery may be required, especially if the patient is young and physically active.

Meniscus Tears

The knee contains two menisci, which are wedge-shaped pieces of cartilage that facilitate the smooth movement of the knee. A meniscus can be torn after twisting the knee or trauma, as can happen in sports. The menisci tend to lose fluid and become more fragile with age, so people who are middle-aged or older are more likely to develop this injury.

Surgery is often recommended for meniscus tears. The need for surgery depends on the location of the tear and its severity.

Fractures

The patella, or kneecap, may be fractured after a fall, car accident, or other trauma. Traumatic fractures are considering an emergency, and can pose a significant threat to a person’s health and mobility.

Fractures can sometimes be treated non-surgically, but other times surgery is required. The road to recovery from this knee injury is generally lengthy, and requires a period of joint immobilization followed by a period of physical therapy.  

Knee Injury Specialists

Dr. Howard Marans of OC Orthopedic specializes in the treatment of knee injuries. Dr. Marans is an experienced orthopedic surgeon who has worked with thousands of patients over his decades-long career. He is skilled in the treatment of sports injuries and other traumatic orthopedic injuries, as well as the treatment of common orthopedic problems.

Dr. Marans is dedicated to using minimally invasive procedures whenever possible. He works with each patient to develop an individualized treatment plan.

Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to meet with you about your knee injury. To schedule your 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.

Best Reviewed Fracture Surgeons in California

If you have broken a bone, getting treatment is essential to ensuring your long-term health. You should seek medical care immediately if you think you have a broken bone. Broken bones sometimes require surgery. It is important to find a skilled surgeon to perform your treatment or surgery. Below, we will take a look at where and how you can find the best fracture doctor in California.  

About Surgery for Fractures

If a fracture is simple and the bone remains intact but fractured, then treatment does not usually require surgery. Such bones can often be treated by simply casting the bone, followed by physical therapy after the cast comes off.

However, complex or severe fracture may require surgery. For example, surgery may be necessary if the bone is poking through the skin or otherwise displaced, or if the bone is fractured in many places.

Open reduction and internal fixation is used to treat fractures. The goal of this surgery for fractures is to return the bone to its normal position and to keep the bone in place so that it can heal. First, the doctor puts the bone in its normal position (open reduction); then, screws, rods, or pins are used to hold the bone in place (internal fixation). The rods and screws may or may not be removed after the bone heals.

Choosing a Fracture Surgeon

The quality of your surgeon can impact the outcome of your surgery for fractures. Be sure to keep these considerations in mind:

• Level of experience – A more experienced doctor is likely to have better judgment and technical skills, which translates to better treatment.
• Board certification – The doctor should be a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a clean disciplinary record. You can check with the state board to confirm.
• Good bedside manner – The doctor should make you feel comfortable and take the time to answer your questions and address your concerns about your condition and treatment.
• Reviews – The doctor’s previous patients should have good things to say about their experiences. Reading reviews is often very influential when choosing a surgeon for fractures.

Top California Fracture Surgeon  

Dr. Howard Marans of OC Orthopedic specializes in surgery for fractures. Dr. Marans has worked in orthopedics for over two decades, and has treated hundreds of fractures. Dr. Marans works to treat each patient with a high level of skill and individualized care. His past clients appreciate his clear communication and the positive outcomes they experienced with him. Dr. Marans stands out as one of the best-reviewed doctors for fractures.

Dr. Marans would be happy to meet with you about treatment for your fracture or other orthopedic problems. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.

Find a Doctor For Bicycle Accidents in California

Although cycling is a low-impact sport, cyclists can still sustain a variety of injuries related to overuse or trauma. After having been injured in a cycling accident, it is important to find and visit a skilled sports doctor for cyclists. Below, we will take a look at how and where patients can find the best sports doctor for cyclists in California.   

About Cycling Injuries 

Cyclists may be injured from a fall or may sustain overuse injuries affecting the knee or ankle. Some injuries cyclists may encounter include:

• Broken clavicle or other fractures
• Head injury
• Achilles tendonitis
• Patellar tendonitis
• Lower back pain
• Neck pain

Choosing a Doctor

The quality of one’s doctor can make a substantial difference in how appropriate and effective treatment is, as well as how pleasant and stress-free the treatment process feels. Therefore, patients should carefully research doctors and consider the features that are most important to them.

When choosing a sports doctor for cyclists, here are some of the most important features to look at:

• Years of experience – Doctors’ judgment and skills improve as they gain experience in the field. Finding a doctor who has been practicing for at least a few years is a good policy.
• Areas of expertise – If there is a specific or unusual cycling injury, it is best to find a physician who is also an expert in treating that condition.
• Range of treatments offered – Patients may need treatment for different orthopedic conditions at a later time. Choosing a doctor with a wide range of practice can allow patients to keep going to the same physician.
• Bedside manner – The doctor’s manner should help patients feel comfortable discussing their problems, and feel confident in their care.
• Insurance affiliations – It is important to confirm whether or not the doctor takes one’s insurance prior to making an appointment.

How to Find a Physician

There are many resources available for finding good physicians in your area. Many patients ask friends or family to recommend a trusted sports doctor. They may also ask their primary care physician for a recommendation. Additionally, the Internet is a valuable resource. Patients can often read reviews from past patients online, and many doctors run websites that provide information about their practice and their qualifications.

Top California Sports Doctor  

Dr. Howard Marans, head of OC Orthopedic, is the top sports doctor for cyclists in California. Dr. Marans has treated thousands of patients for sports injuries, including cycling injuries. Dr. Marans’ patients appreciate his thorough, individualized approach, good bedside manner, and excellent technical skills.

Dr. Marans would be happy to meet with you about your bicycle injuries. To schedule a consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.

The Risk Factors of Open Reduction Internal Fixation Surgery

People with complex broken bones often require open reduction and internal fixation surgery, in which the broken bone is returned to its natural position and held in place using screws or rods. Internal fixation surgery is absolutely medically necessary in the situations where it is used. It is important for all patients to understand the potential risks, as well as the benefits, of treatment.  

Possible Complications

It is possible for some complications to occur with open reduction and internal fixation surgery, although the majority of people do not experience any complications. Potential side effects include:

• Bleeding – If a blood vessel is hit during the operation, bleeding may occur. Bleeding may also occur after surgery. Bleeding is controllable when caught, and is sometimes self-limited.
• Infection – Infection may occur during or after internal fixation surgery. Infection may affect only the wound, or bacteria may infect the bone itself. Bone infections are a very serious complication, for which patients are carefully monitored at the hospital.
• Blood clots – Blood clots can form during or after surgery, especially since mobility is limited following surgery, allowing blood to pool in the legs. If dislodged, blood clots can cause issues such as stroke and pulmonary embolism. The treatment team will monitor for signs of blood clots during the hospital stay. In addition, early activity the day of the surgery can help prevent this complication.
• Reaction to anesthesia – Some patients react to the anesthesia used during surgery. The anesthesiologist will monitor the patient’s reaction throughout the surgery. Patients who have a history of reaction to anesthesia, or a family history of reactions, should be sure to inform the treatment team before the procedure.

In rare cases, people may experience severe complications, up to and including death, as a result of open reduction and internal fixation.

Understanding Risk

There are some risks associated with the surgical treatment of broken bones, and it is important for patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation to understand those risks. However, the risks associated with not getting treatment for broken bones are much greater. In addition, the majority of patients do not experience any complications.   

No action, from taking a flight to driving a car to using a pressure cooker, is without risk. Every day we weigh the risks and benefits in order to decide what to do in certain situations. The same is true of undergoing surgery. The doctor will not recommend surgery unless he believes the benefits outweigh the risks, but the patient should also understand those risks and make an informed decision to participate in or abstain from treatment.

If you have a broken bone, Dr. Marans would be happy to meet with you about treatment. To schedule a consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.

Minimally Invasive Hand and Wrist Surgery 

Arthroscopic wrist surgery is a minimally invasive form of surgery that can be used to treat a number of conditions affecting the hand and wrist, including arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Arthroscopic surgery has numerous advantages over other forms of surgery, but it is still preferable to avoid the use of surgery whenever possible.  

How Arthroscopic Surgery Works

Arthroscopic wrist surgery allows the surgeon to operate on the wrist without creating large incisions or opening up the wrist. During this procedure, the doctor makes one or more tiny incisions near the affected part of the wrist. Then, the doctor inserts a camera in order to view the joint, and tiny tools in order to operate.

Arthroscopic surgery is performed in an outpatient setting; there is no hospital stay. It is usually performed under local anesthesia and sedation, instead of general anesthesia.

After surgery, patients will have some downtime. It will be necessary to avoid activities that make use of the wrists for several days, such as typing and cooking. As a result, most people are away from work for several days. In many cases, patients can return to work in as little as a week. However, it will be several weeks until a full recovery is made, and physical therapy is often necessary.

Benefits of Hand and Wrist Surgery

It is preferable to use arthroscopic wrist surgery whenever surgery is necessary because there are numerous benefits to this type of surgery as opposed to more invasive forms of surgery. Advantages include:

• Highly effective
• Lower risk of side effects, including bleeding
• No large scar
• No hospital stay
• No anesthesia
• Shorter downtime

Choosing a Course of Treatment

Although it is preferable to use arthroscopic wrist surgery whenever possible, it is even more preferable to treat hand and wrist problems without resorting to surgery. The majority of issues can be addressed without surgery, which results in lower costs, less downtime, and incurring fewer risks.  

Some conservative methods that are often successful include:

• Splinting – Immobilizes the wrist in order to allow it to heal
• Physical therapy – Stretches and exercises can restore mobility and prevent inflammation. Regularly practicing the exercises learned during physical therapy can help prevent flare-ups of symptoms.
• Medication – Medications like Aleve and Advil are often effective at relieving inflammation. Patients should not begin to take such medications on a long-term basis without first consulting with a physician.

If such methods are inappropriate or ineffective, then the physician may discuss the possibility of surgical treatment.

Dr. Marans would be happy to meet with you about whether arthroscopic wrist surgery is right for you. To schedule your consultation with the top surgeon in Orange County, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.

How Do I Find a Good Doctor For a Torn Rotator Cuff

Rotator cuff tears are a common sports injury for athletes such as swimmers, tennis players, and weightlifters. If you have symptoms of a rotator cuff tear, it is essential to visit a doctor for your torn rotator cuff as soon as possible to prevent damage to the shoulder.  

Rotator Cuff Basics

The rotator cuff is a set of four muscles and tendons that helps hold the shoulder together and move the shoulder above the head. The tendons can tear as a result of repetitive motions, as occurs during certain sports. In addition, a tear may occur as a result of sudden trauma. Although rotator cuff tears are most common in athletes, they can happen to anyone.

Rotator cuff tears can sometimes be treated without surgery, especially if the tear is mild and the patient is less physically active. However, surgery is sometimes necessary to restore function and relieve symptoms.

Tools for Finding a Doctor

The quality of the physician can make a significant difference in patient outcomes. Fortunately, there are a number of effective tools available for finding a doctor. Patients can ask their primary care physician to recommend a trusted colleague. Friends and family may also be able to recommend a doctor. The Internet can also be a valuable tool, allowing patients to gather information and reviews from a number of sources.

Key Features to Look For

When searching for a physician, it is best to keep in mind the features that are most important to you in a doctor, and evaluate physicians based on those features. Some of the most important features to look for include:

• Years of experience in the field
• Area of expertise – is the physician an expert in sports medicine?
• Dedication to the use of minimally invasive procedures whenever possible, which are associated with shorter downtime, greater comfort, and lower risk of side effects
• Surgical skill, which helps ensure that the surgery is successful and does not have complications
• Bedside manner, which ensures that you and the doctor are able to communicate well about your needs and medical condition
• Insurance affiliations

Top Orange County Doctor  

Dr. Howard Marans, head of OC Orthopedic, is the top doctor for torn rotator cuff in Orange County. Dr. Marans has over 20 years of experience treating sports injuries and other orthopedic problems, and has earned significant professional acclaim during that time. Dr. Marans is dedicated to treating patients using the most modern, minimally invasive procedures whenever possible in order to minimize downtime and risks.

Scheduling a consultation with a trusted physician is the first step to getting relief from your shoulder pain. Dr. Marans would be happy to meet with you about your rotator cuff tear. To schedule a consultation with the top doctor for torn rotator cuff today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.

How To Tell If You Fractured Your Hand

Hand fractures usually occur as a result of sudden trauma to the hand, such as a fall. Athletes are likely to sustain hand fractures, especially skateboarders and cyclists, who may use their hand to stop a fall, but a fracture can happen to anyone. If you have symptoms of a hand fracture, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.  

Signs of Hand Fracture

When a fracture occurs, it is usually immediately obvious that something is wrong. Some signs of a hand fracture include:

• Being unable to move the wrists, hand, or fingers
• Pain, which is usually sudden and may be severe
• Swelling
• Warm to touch
• Bones that are visibly out of place
• A bone poking through the skin

Seek Treatment Promptly

If you think you have fractured your hand, it is important to seek medical care immediately. A broken bone can be a medical emergency, and prompt treatment can prevent serious complications and long-term loss of hand function.

It is better to seek treatment and find that it is not necessary than to not seek treatment and find that it was necessary. Therefore, if you have injured your hand and think it may be broken, the best thing you can do is to contact a skilled hand doctor.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to ensure that the bones are correctly aligned, then to stabilize the hand so that it has time to heal without further trauma.

If the fracture is a hairline fracture and the other bones are still in place, the doctor may be able to stabilize the hand with a cast without using any surgery.

If the bone is severed in two pieces or is out of place, then surgery may be required. Open reduction and internal fixation is the usual surgery for a fracture. During this procedure, the doctor opens up the hand, returns the bones to their normal alignment, then uses devices such as screws and rods to stabilize the hand. After surgery, the hand is casted.

Recovery   

You may need to stay in the hospital for as little as one to as many as several days after your surgery. Unfortunately, recovering from a hand fracture is not a fast process. You will need to wear a cast or brace for several weeks, as directed by your physician.

After the cast comes off, physical therapy is usually necessary to restore strength and flexibility to the hand. Attending physical therapy regularly and performing any recommended exercises at home can help the hand heal as quickly as possible.

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

How Do I Treat My Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is an overuse injury that commonly occurs in tennis players and other athletes who frequently use their arms. Tennis elbow can be painful and inconvenient, but it responds well to treatment, especially when treated promptly. Often, non-surgical treatment is effective at relieving symptoms.  

Understanding Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is a form of tendonitis, in which the tendons located in the elbow and arm become inflamed, swollen, and irritated. Tennis elbow is common in tennis players, as well as other people who perform repetitive gripping activities using the thumb and first two fingers, such as squash and weightlifting. People who regularly perform activities such as painting, raking, carpentry, and typing are also prone to tennis elbow. The condition is the most common elbow complaint.

Tennis elbow usually develops slowly over time, rather than as a result of acute injury. When the muscles are overused and stressed over time, microscopic tears can develop. Because the tendons receive a low blood supply and heal slowly, overuse and tearing can cause long-lasting inflammation.

How To Know When an ACL Injury Requires Surgery

ACL tears are a common knee injury, especially among athletes. Tears to the knee’s anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) can vary significantly in severity. Some tears can be treated without surgery, but other times surgery is unavoidable. The severity of the tear as well as some lifestyle and risk factors are taken into account when choosing a course of treatment.  

Understanding ACL Tears

The ACL is one of four ligaments in the knee which contribute to its movement and stability. ACL tears most commonly occur after sudden twisting or trauma to the knee. Athletes whose sport require frequent turns, stops, or contact may tear their ACL. For example, football players, ballet dancers, and soccer players are prone to this injury. It may also occur after an accident or even after a simple action such as bending down to pick something up.

ACL tears vary in severity as follows:

• Grade I – The ligament is stretched and stressed but not torn. Mild to moderate pain may occur, but the issue is not severe.
• Grade II – The ligament tears but is still intact. Pain, instability, and trouble moving the knee may all occur.
• Grade III – The ligament is completely torn and severed into two pieces. Grade III tears are severe and usually cause dramatic, immediate symptoms.

When Surgery is Considered

In many cases, surgery is the best option for restoring functionality to the knee and relieving symptoms. Untreated ACL tears can lead to more severe problems, such as osteoarthritis and hip issues. However, no surgery is without risks and downsides, so the benefits must be weighed against the risks.

Severe, Grade III tears often require ACL reconstruction, while Grade I tears are unlikely to require reconstruction. For moderate tears, the decision is based on issues such as:

• How the patient has responded to non-surgical treatments
• Where the tear is and how likely it is to respond to non-surgical treatments
• How active the individual is and whether they require full use of the knee (for example, athletes are much more likely to require surgical treatment than less active individuals)
• How old the patient is, since age affects whether full use of the knee is required and how the patient will respond to surgery
• Whether there are any other risk factors, such as preexisting diseases that would make surgery a more risky prospect  

ACL reconstruction is usually performed using minimally invasive, arthroscopic surgery. This allows the doctor to operate on the knee without opening up the knee and making large incisions.

Only a physician can determine whether surgical ACL reconstruction is the right choice in any individual case. Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to meet with you about treatment for your ACL tear. To schedule a consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.

Rheumatoid Arthritis vs. Osteoarthritis

Arthritis occurs when one or more of the body’s joints becomes inflamed. Arthritis can be caused by many issues, but the most common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Each type causes different symptoms and requires a different approach to treatment.  

Types of Arthritis

There are numerous types of arthritis. Some of the types include:

• Osteoarthritis – A degenerative condition in which the cartilage and other joint structures wear down, resulting in pain and inflammation. Most common in older people, obese people, and people who have untreated orthopedic injuries.
• Rheumatoid arthritis – A progressive autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue in the joints. Typically, the same joints on both sides of the body are affected. This condition has a significant genetic component.
• Gouty arthritis – Gout can cause arthritis. Gouty arthritis may occur with certain thyroid conditions, or more rarely as a result of a nutritional deficiency.
• Post-traumatic arthritis – Joint inflammation that occurs after a joint injury, such as a car accident or sports accident.
• Infectious arthritis – A rare condition in which a joint becomes infected. Sudden joint pain, fever, and joint warmth may all be noted. This is a serious condition requiring prompt intervention.

Osteoarthritis Treatment

Osteoarthritis treatment is focused on relieving inflammation and restoring joint function. Typically, the most minimally invasive treatments are the most preferable form of treatment. Common treatments include:

• Physical therapy – Relives inflammation and strengthens the muscles that support the joints. The exercises should be continued at home during and after the formal physical therapy ends.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – NSAIDs such as Aleve and Advil help bring down inflammation.
• Weight loss – For obese people, losing weight can reduce the stress on the joints. Losing as little as 10% of one’s body weight can help.
• Surgery – Surgery can be used to replace joints that have suffered severe damaged. Surgery can be either arthroscopic or open joint depending on which joint is affected and how much of the joint must be replaced.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Many treatments are common between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, because rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive, autoimmune condition, some different treatments are also employed. In addition to the treatments explored in the osteoarthritis section, rheumatoid arthritis treatment may also include:  

• Occupational therapy – Helps make changes to allow patients to perform activities such as cooking, dialing the phone, and personal hygiene
• Maintaining joint mobility – Preventing permanent loss of joint mobility is a primary concern. Stretching several times a day as outlined by the physical therapist is key. In addition, patients are instructed to make changes such as sleeping on one’s back on a flat, hard mattress with a low pillow.
• Autoimmune drugs – Some drugs specifically target the autoimmune response involved in rheumatoid arthritis. These drugs often have significant side effects, but may still be the best option.

Dr. Howard Marans is the top arthritis doctor in Orange County. Dr. Marans would be happy to meet with you about your rheumatoid arthritis treatment. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.