For bone fractures, prompt treatment is essential to healing. Some bones require surgical treatment, in which case a fracture surgeon will be needed. Below, we’ll explore the basics about fractures, as well as where you can find the top fracture surgeon in Orange County.  

Fracture Basics

A fracture, or broken bone, occurs when a bone is exposed to more pressure than it can handle. Fractures may occur in athletes who fall or are in a collision, after accidents, or in older adults, especially those with osteoporosis.

Fractures are a serious medical condition that require immediate treatment. They usually cause severe pain and make it difficult or impossible to use the affected body part. If not treated promptly, fractures have the potential to cause issues such as nerve damage, internal bleeding, or a serious condition known as compartment syndrome.

Treatment of Fractures 

If the bone is broken but still in its proper position, most fractures can be treated with casting or immobilization, which allow the bone to heal without experiencing stress from the muscles and movement.

If the bone is no longer properly aligned, if it is broken into two separate pieces, or if there are breaks in several cases, surgery may be necessary. The typical surgery for a fracture is open reduction and internal fixation. During this procedure, the surgeon puts the bone back in its proper position, then uses hardware such as rods and screws to keep it in place after it heals.

Once the cast is removed and the joint is mobile again, there is still more healing that must take place. Patients go through physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the affected area.

Considerations When Choosing a Doctor

When choosing a fracture surgeon, some of the most important things to consider are:

• Experience – How long has the doctor been in the field?
• Expertise – If your case is complicated or unique, does the doctor have experience treating patients like you? If you are an athlete, is he a sports medicine expert?
• Services offered – If you have other orthopedic conditions, will the fracture surgeon be able to treat those as well?
• Availability – Fracture repairs are usually performed on an emergency basis, so the doctor will need to get to the hospital quickly.

Top Orange County Fracture Surgeon  

Dr. Howard Marans is the top fracture surgeon in Orange County. Dr. Marans has over two decades of experience treating patients for fractures and other orthopedic surgeons. He is a skilled surgeon whose precision and technical prowess has earned him acclaim among both patients and peers. Patients appreciate Dr. Marans’ excellent clinical judgment and straightforward approach to treatment.

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

A torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee is one of the most common orthopedic problems, especially among athletes. ACL tears can cause significant pain and knee instability depending on their severity. Moderate to severe tears may need to be treated surgically. With minimally invasive procedures, patients can usually return to work within a relatively short period of time after ACL reconstruction, although making a full recovery may take longer.  

Understanding ACL Tears

The ACL is one of four ligaments in the knee that contributes to the joint’s stability and flexibility. It usually tears after sudden twisting or trauma to the knee, as can happen after a fall or a car accident. Tears may consist of either mild ligament stretching, a partial tear, or a full tear, in which the ligament tears into two pieces.

Symptoms and the course of treatment depend heavily on the severity of the tear. Severe tears may make the patient completely unable to put weight on the knee, while mild tears may cause much more mild symptoms. Mild tears can often be treated non-surgically. Moderate to severe tears may need ACL reconstruction, especially if the patient is younger or more active.

ACL Reconstruction

During ACL reconstruction, the physician surgically repairs the ACL tear, often using tissue taken from another one of the patient’s tendons or ligaments.

Most of the time, ACL surgery can be performed arthroscopically. This means that the doctor makes small incisions next to the knee, and inserts a camera and the surgical tools through the incisions. This allows the doctor to operate on the knee without opening it up. Only a doctor can determine whether arthroscopic ACL surgery is the right course of treatment in a patient’s individual case.

Recovering from ACL Reconstruction

Arthroscopic surgery is associated with a shorter recovery time, although making a full recovery from an ACL tear can still be a lengthy process. Most patients can return home the same day after surgery. For the first few days, activity will be fairly limited, but will increase each day.  

Most patients with desk jobs are comfortable returning to work within about a week. However, individual healing times vary. For patients with physically strenuous jobs, it may take 6 weeks or longer to return to work. Going back on restricted duty may be necessary.

For athletes, the journey can be even longer. Although basic functioning can often be regained within weeks, it can take months to return to full athletic achievement and to train safely. For most athletes, an ACL tear means an end to the season.

Dr. 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 give us a call at (714) 979.8981.

Ankle injuries can affect the bones, cartilage, tendons, or ligaments. They may occur suddenly as a result of trauma, or develop slowly as a result of overuse or degeneration. Treatment for ankle injuries is essential, since untreated ankle problems can worsen over time and may cause poor alignment of the whole body, resulting in hip and knee problems.  

In some cases, ankle surgery is required to remedy the problem. Minimally invasive ankle surgery is preferable whenever it is an option.

When Surgery is Needed

Even minimally invasive surgery has risks and downtime, so it is ideal to resolve the ankle injury without resorting to surgery. Methods like rest, physical therapy, medication, and injections can all be valuable in allowing the ankle to heal.

However, sometimes the symptoms persist even after non-invasive options are exhausted. In addition, some conditions are so severe that there is no chance they will be resolved without surgery. In such cases, surgery will be used.

About Minimally Invasive Ankle Surgery

Minimally invasive ankle surgery is accomplished by using arthroscopy, a surgical technique that allows surgeons to operate on a joint without opening up the joint. Instead of creating a large incision along the ankle, the doctor creates a couple of small incisions, about the size of a pen. Through one incision, a small camera known as an “arthroscope” is inserted. Through the other incision(s), tools are inserted.

Minimally invasive surgery has many advantages over open joint surgery, including:

• No large scar
• No need for general anesthesia
• Lower risk of complications such as bleeding and infection
• No hospital stay
• Shorter recovery time
• More comfortable recovery period

Finding an Ankle Surgeon

The skill of the ankle surgeon can make a big difference in how the patient experiences the treatment and in what the outcomes of treatment are. Experienced doctors who have continually honed their technique typically provide the best care. Some issues to consider include:

• Is the doctor dedicated to the use of minimally invasive surgery?
• How long has the doctor worked in the field?
• What are the doctor’s areas of expertise?
• What do past patients say in their reviews and testimonials?
• What accomplishments has the doctor made over the course of his or her career?
• Has the doctor earned recognition from peers?

Top Laguna Beach Ankle Surgeon  

Dr. Howard Marans, head of OC Orthopedic, provides the best treatment for ankle conditions in Laguna Beach. Dr. Marans has treated patients for orthopedic conditions for over two decades. He is dedicated to the use of minimally invasive procedures, and has continued to hone his skill and judgment over the course of his career. Dr. Marans’s patients appreciate his clear communication and individualized approach to developing a course of treatment.

Dr. Marans would be happy to meet with you about your ankle injury. To schedule a consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979.8981.

The rotator cuff is a set of four muscles and tendons responsible for moving the shoulder and for maintaining shoulder stability. If the rotator cuff tears, it can result in significant symptoms. Untreated rotator cuff tears can lead to more serious conditions, so treatment is important.  

Causes

Rotator cuff tears are common among athletes who use the shoulder a lot, like swimmers and tennis players. They may occur suddenly due to trauma, especially if the shoulder is already vulnerable due to over-training. In addition, rotator cuff tears may develop slowly over time as a result of overuse of the shoulder.

Non-athletes can also develop rotator cuff tears. Older people are the most vulnerable, and rotator cuff tears in non-athletes usually result from trauma such as a fall or a car accident.

Symptoms 

If the rotator cuff is torn suddenly as a result of trauma, it may be immediately obvious that something is wrong. There may be a tearing sensation or a popping sound, and the pain and other symptoms will onset immediately. The pain may be severe.

On the other hand, overuse injuries can be ignored until they are severe as they become the “new normal,” so it is important for athletes to be aware of their body and limitations when training.

Some symptoms of rotator cuff injuries include:

• Pain, especially when moving the arm overhead
• Shoulder weakness
• Limited shoulder range of motion

Potential Treatment

Sometimes, it is possible to manage minor tears with physical therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs. The potential for this type of treatment depends on how active the patient is and where the tear is located. Non-surgical treatment is particularly preferable for older, less active individuals.

Moderate to severe tears will not heal on their own. Therefore, surgery is often required to treat a tear to the rotator cuff. Rotator cuff tear surgery can be be performed arthroscopically, so that no general anesthesia or hospital stay are required. However, the recovery time is lengthy even when minimally invasive surgery is used. For athletes, a tear may mean an end to the season, although it may be possible to cross-train during the recovery period.

Importance of Treatment  

It is essential to see a doctor if symptoms of a rotator cuff tear or other injuries are present. If an athlete continues to train on an injured shoulder, it can lead to more severe problems, including osteoarthritis of the shoulder. Although taking time away from training can be difficult to do, trying to work through an injury is never a good idea.

Dr. Howard Marans is the top doctor for rotator cuff tears in Orange County. Dr. Marans would be happy to meet with you about your shoulder injury. To schedule a consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at 714.979.8981.

Orthopedic Sports Surgeons in Orange County, California

Athletes who have sustained injuries should seek treatment from a sports medicine surgeon as soon as possible after the injury. A skilled sports medicine doctor can provide the best chances of making a full recovery and returning to the sport as soon as possible.  

When to See a Doctor

Athletes are often tempted to avoid seeing a doctor for pain that arises during training, especially if the pain develops gradually. Although feeling muscle soreness during training is normal, it is not normal to experience pain, especially sudden pain.

Continuing to train through pain can cause injuries to become more severe, requiring more lengthy and intensive treatment. Therefore, pain should be addressed by immediately ceasing the activity. Severe pain should be treated immediately. More mild to moderate pain can be monitored for several days, with a doctor being consulted after a week or so.

Sports Medicine Basics

It is important to consult a sports medicine surgery about an injury, because athletes have different medical needs than the general population. They are in peak physical condition and require the ability to continue to train at an elite level. Treatment is often more aggressive. In addition, athletes are prone to specific sets of injuries depending on which sport they play.

Choosing a Surgeon

It is important to find a surgeon who is a good fit. Some things to look for when researching doctors include:

• Range of treatments offered – Going to a doctor who has a broad practice ensures that, regardless of the diagnosis or what future problems arise, the patient can keep going back to the same physician.
• Experience – A more experienced physician is usually able to provide better care. At the very least, the office should be headed by an experienced doctor.
• Areas of expertise – If the patient has special needs or a specific medical condition, the doctor should have expertise in treating that condition.
• Board certification – The doctor should be board certified in orthopedic medicine, and have a clean disciplinary record.
• Bedside manner – The doctor should help the patient feel comfortable and heard throughout the treatment process. Feeling uncomfortable with a physician is a valid reason to choose another doctor.   

Top Orange County Sports Medicine Surgeon

Howard Marans, MD is the best sports medicine surgeon in Orange County, California. Dr. Marans has helped thousands of patients recover from their orthopedic problems over the course of his two decades in the field. Dr. Marans provides high-quality, individualized care and implements the most minimally invasive treatment methods whenever it is appropriate to do so.

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

Clavicle fractures are a relatively common type of fracture, especially among cyclists. The clavicle, or collarbone, may fracture after a fall or other trauma. If a clavicle fracture occurs, prompt treatment is important. Below, we will take a look at the basics of clavicle fractures and their treatment, as well as where you can find the best doctor for clavicle fracture in the area.

Dr Marans MD

Treatment

If the fractured clavicle is still intact, the doctor may simply immobilize the shoulder, which allows it to heal. Management of pain and any other injuries will also be important. Once the fracture heals, the shoulder and arm are rehabilitated in physical therapy.

If the clavicle is completely broken in two, broken in several places, or otherwise out of place, then surgery may be required. During clavicle fracture surgery, the doctor opens up the area around the collarbone. First, he performs open rotation, which means returning the bone to its natural position. Next, he performs internal fixation, which means using screws, rods, and other tools to keep the rod in place while it heals. After surgery, the recovery process still consists of a period of immobilization followed by a period of rehabilitation.

Finding an Orthopedist

If a fracture is suspected, it is important to seek medical attention right away. An untreated fracture is more difficult to heal, and serous complications can occur. Once the patient’s immediate safety is secured, the next step is to get the patient to the hospital or otherwise get immediate medical attention.

It is important to find a skilled doctor to handle the treatment of a clavicle fracture. Some features to look out for include:

• Plenty of experience treating fractured clavicles and other types of fractures
• Experience treating athletes
• Board certification in orthopedic medicine
• Clean disciplinary record with the state board
• Positive reviews from past patients
• Good bedside manner, making the patient feel comfortable to ask questions and raise concerns

The Internet can be an excellent tool for finding a good doctor for clavicle fracture. Online, patients can find out about the doctor’s experience, the treatments the doctor offers, and what past patients say about the doctor.

Top Doctor for Clavicle Fracture  

The best doctor for clavicle fracture near Anaheim, CA is Dr. Howard Marans of OC Orthopedic. Dr. Marans has treated patients with clavicle fractures for years. Dr. Marans’ patients report widespread satisfaction with the treatment he provides, thanks to his efficient approach to care and his excellent technical skill in the operating room. Dr. Marans understands that each case is unique, and formulates an individualized treatment plan for each patient.

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

Athletes are at an increased risk of certain orthopedic problems compared to people who do not train as extensively. From trauma to overuse injuries, athlete may develop a wide variety of problems affecting the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. A skilled orthopedic surgeon for athletes can formulate and administer a plan of treatment, allowing athletes to regain functionality as fully as possible.  

When to See a Doctor

It can be hard to know when to see a doctor for an orthopedic injury. Here are some guidelines for when to see a doctor and what to do about injuries as they develop:

• Pain that is not muscle soreness should be acknowledged, and training should stop
• Severe pain, or pain accompanied by issues such as inability to move a body part, should be evaluated immediately
• A bone that seems broken or deformed should be evaluated immediately
• Injuries to the head or spine should be evaluated immediately
• For mild to moderate pain, use RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
• If mild to moderate pain persists for longer than several days, visit a doctor

Importance of Treatment

Because athletes face such a high pressure to train and compete, they sometimes avoid seeing a physician after an injury. An overuse injury may be dismissed as simply a consequence of training, while traumatic injuries may be dismissed as less severe than they are.

Although putting off treatment is common and may be tempting, it is important for athletes to seek treatment as soon as possible after developing an injury. Continuing to train on an injury can cause the injury to become worse and may lead to further complications. In the long run, this can put the athlete out of commission for even longer, and the chances of making a full recovery may drop.

Finding a Surgeon

The quality of the orthopedic surgeon can impact the patient’s outcome, so finding a skilled orthopedic surgeon for athletes is essential. The amount of experience the physician has is essential. All board certified orthopedists have extensive training and education, but doctors continue to develop their skills as time goes on.

In addition, patients should be sure to choose a doctor who has expertise in sports medicine. Although athletes and other patients can develop some of the same conditions, athletes are more prone to certain injuries. In addition, treatment is sometimes more aggressive because it is aimed at making it possible for the athlete to train and compete with full use of the injured body part.   

Dr. Howard Marans of OC Orthopedic is the top orthopedic surgeon for athletes in Mission Viejo, CA. Dr. Marans has over two decades of experience as an orthopedist, and has worked with hundreds of athletes. Dr. Marans works to ensure that each patient receives high-quality, individualized care that allows them to live as full a life as possible.

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

Cyclists may develop a number of injuries over the course of their cycling career, ranging from mild scrapes and muscle soreness that resolve on their own to serious conditions like broken bones. If a significant injury is sustained, it is important for cyclists to visit a skilled orthopedic surgeon.   

Choosing an Orthopedic Surgeon for Cyclists 

From the diagnosis to the operating room to the recovery period, the quality of the orthopedic surgeon will make a difference in terms of the patient’s experience and outcomes. Some important features in an orthopedic surgeon for cyclists include:

• Expertise in sports medicine – Athletes have different needs than people who are older or more sedentary, so a sports medicine expert is essential.
• Years of experience – Doctors develop their skills and judgment as time goes on, so most patients are more comfortable with a more experienced physician.
• Board certification – The physician should be board certified in orthopedic medicine.
• Clean disciplinary record – Check with the state board to see whether the physician has been disciplined by the board in the past.
• Good bedside manner – The doctor should take the time to answer patient’s questions, listen to their concerns, and generally put them at ease.
• Smooth office experience – The staff should be helpful, and wait times should be reasonable.

Cycling Injuries

Although cycling is a low-impact sport, there are still a number of injuries that cyclists can develop. Cycling takes the biggest toll on the knees, ankles, and feet, which are responsible for most of the movement in the sport. In addition, even the most experienced cyclists sometimes fall, putting them at a risk for traumatic injuries like broken collarbones and concussions.

Cyclists can reduce their risk of injury in a number of ways. For example, cross-training can prevent overuse injuries of the knee, ankle, and foot. Wearing a helmet and reflective gear and cycling on safer routes when possible can reduce the risk of falls.

Importance of Treatment

Athletes sometimes avoid getting treatment for injuries, perhaps because they dread time away from training and competition or perhaps because they have come to accept the discomfort as a normal part of training. However, getting prompt treatment for orthopedic problems can allow patients to regain full function and prevent future injuries.

Top Orthopedic Surgeon  

Dr. Howard Marans is the top orthopedic surgeon for cyclists in Orange County. Dr. Marans is a board-certified orthopedist who has spent over two decades providing sports medicine care. Dr. Marans works to ensure that each patient receives individualized care that is the most appropriate for the situation.

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

Athletes are at an increased risk of certain orthopedic problems compared to people who do not train as extensively. From trauma to overuse injuries, athlete may develop a wide variety of problems affecting the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. A skilled orthopedic surgeon for athletes can formulate and administer a plan of treatment, allowing athletes to regain functionality as fully as possible.  

When to See a Doctor

It can be hard to know when to see a doctor for an orthopedic injury. Here are some guidelines for when to see a doctor and what to do about injuries as they develop:

• Pain that is not muscle soreness should be acknowledged, and training should stop
• Severe pain, or pain accompanied by issues such as inability to move a body part, should be evaluated immediately
• A bone that seems broken or deformed should be evaluated immediately
• Injuries to the head or spine should be evaluated immediately
• For mild to moderate pain, use RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
• If mild to moderate pain persists for longer than several days, visit a doctor

Importance of Treatment

Because athletes face such a high pressure to train and compete, they sometimes avoid seeing a physician after an injury. An overuse injury may be dismissed as simply a consequence of training, while traumatic injuries may be dismissed as less severe than they are.

Although putting off treatment is common and may be tempting, it is important for athletes to seek treatment as soon as possible after developing an injury. Continuing to train on an injury can cause the injury to become worse and may lead to further complications. In the long run, this can put the athlete out of commission for even longer, and the chances of making a full recovery may drop.

Finding a Surgeon  

The quality of the orthopedic surgeon can impact the patient’s outcome, so finding a skilled orthopedic surgeon for athletes is essential. The amount of experience the physician has is essential. All board certified orthopedists have extensive training and education, but doctors continue to develop their skills as time goes on.

In addition, patients should be sure to choose a doctor who has expertise in sports medicine. Although athletes and other patients can develop some of the same conditions, athletes are more prone to certain injuries. In addition, treatment is sometimes more aggressive because it is aimed at making it possible for the athlete to train and compete with full use of the injured body part.

Dr. Howard Marans of OC Orthopedic is the top orthopedic surgeon for athletes in Mission Viejo, CA. Dr. Marans has over two decades of experience as an orthopedist, and has worked with hundreds of athletes. Dr. Marans works to ensure that each patient receives high-quality, individualized care that allows them to live as full a life as possible.

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

While most fractures can be treated with casting and immobilization, severe fractures may require surgery. It is important to find a skilled surgeon for severe fractures to perform the treatment. Below, we’ll explore the basics of surgery for fractures, as well as where you can find the top fracture doctor in California.  

About Fractures

A fracture is a break to a bone. Fractures range in severity from hairline fractures to full breaks of the bone that push through muscle and skin to breaks in multiple locations. All fractures are medically serious and require prompt intervention to promote full healing and prevent complications.

Left untreated, severe fractures can cause serious complications, such as failure of the bone to heal and compartment syndrome, which can threaten the integrity of the entire limb. Therefore, people who think they may have a fracture should see a doctor immediately.

Severe fractures often cause severe pain and the bone may be visibly or palpably broken. It may even protrude out of the skin. Minor fractures may cause significant swelling and pain. All types of fractures may make it impossible or extremely painful to move the affected body part.

Surgery for Severe Fractures

Severe fractures need to be set so that they can heal properly. This is accomplished using open reduction and internal fixation.

During open reduction, the doctor sterilizes and opens up the affected part of the body. He then moves the bone back into its normal position, preserving other structures and operating on ligaments and muscles if necessary.

During internal fixation, the doctor uses devices such as rods, screws, and pins to keep the bone in place. This allows the bone to heal properly. Once the bone heals, the hardware may be either left in place or removed depending on the situation.

Open reduction and internal fixation is a major surgical procedure, and patients usually stay in the hospital for 1-7 days after treatment. During this time, the hospital staff will monitor for complications, keep the pain under control with medications, and help the patient move as much as possible.

Casting and immobilization usually continue for several weeks after surgical treatment. It may take several months to fully rehabilitate the affected body part and allow the patient to return to all normal activities.

Top Surgeon for Severe Fractures  

Dr. Howard Marans, a skilled orthopedist and sports medicine specialist, is the best surgeon for severe fractures in California. Throughout his 20-year career, Dr. Marans has earned acclaim for his skill in the operating room and his individualized approach to each patient’s treatment.

Dr. Marans would be happy to meet with you about your orthopedic health. To schedule a consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at 714.979.8981. If you think you may have a severe fracture or other medical emergency, call 911 or visit an emergency room.