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.

There are a number of orthopedic injuries associated with cycling. Many injuries can be treated with non-surgical methods, but sometimes surgery is necessary. It’s important to find a skilled surgeon for the treatment of cycling injuries. Below, we’ll take a look at some of the most common cycling injuries, as well as how and where to find the top orthopedic surgeon cyclists in Orange County.

Common Cyclist Injuries

Cyclists are most prone to injuries that affect the knees, calves, and feet. Common injuries include:

• Patellar tendonitis – The tendon that connect the kneebone (patella) to the shinbone (tibia) can become inflamed or tear, resulting in tendonitis.
• Knee osteoarthritis – Breakdown of the bones of the knee joint is knee osteoarthritis. This condition is especially likely to develop if another knee injury goes untreated.
• IT band syndrome – The iliotibial (IT) band runs along the thighbone (femur) and connects to the knee. IT band syndrome is a common overuse injury in which the IT band becomes inflamed, resulting in pain on the lateral aspect of the thigh.
• Fractured clavicle – The collarbone (clavicle) may break after a fall, which happens to even the most adept of cyclists at times.
• Achilles tendonitis – The Achilles tendon attaches the tibia to the heel. If the tendon tears or is inflamed, Achilles tendonitis occurs.
• Plantar fasciitis – A condition in which the tissue in the arch of the foot becomes inflamed.

Choosing an Orthopedic Surgeon

Many of the above issues can be treated with rest, drugs, and physical therapy as the first line of treatment. However, surgery may be necessary, which is why it is important to find a skilled orthopedic surgeon to diagnose the condition and oversee the treatment.

Some of the most important things to look for in an orthopedic surgeon for cyclists include:   

• Years of experience in the field
• Expertise in sports medicine
• Dedication to using non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments when possible
• Good bedside manner that makes patients feel at ease to ask questions and discuss concerns
• Helpful staff who make office visits pleasant and straightforward

Top Orange County Orthopedic Surgeon for Cyclists

Dr. Howard Marans of OC Orthopedic is the top orthopedic surgeon for cyclists in the Orange County area. Dr. Marans has maintained a busy practice for over 20 years, treating patients with a wide variety of sports injuries and other orthopedic conditions. Dr. Marans carefully evaluates each patient’s clinical situation and works with the patient to develop an individualized plan of treatment that fully addresses the symptoms.

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

ACL tears are one of the most common sports injuries. They are especially common among athletes who play sports that require sudden turns or stops, such as football and basketball. Below, we’ll take a look at how ACL tears are treated, as well as where to find the best ACL surgeon for athletes near Orange County, CA.  

About ACL Tears

The knee contains four ligaments that hold the joint in place. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) can tear after twisting the knee or other types of trauma. Tears are graded on severity from Grade I to Grade III:

• Grade I – Minor tear or stretching
• Grade II – Partial tear
• Grade III – Complete tear – the ligament is severed

It is usually obvious immediately after tearing the ACL that something is wrong with the knee. However, symptoms of pain and knee instability vary drastically depending on the severity of the tear.

When Surgery is Required

Some minor, Grade I tears can be treated without surgery. In such cases, rest and ice allow inflammation to go down, while physical therapy can strengthen the leg muscles that support the knee.

However, many athletes who sustain ACL tears, especially Grade II or Grade III tears, need surgery. The ligaments receive a relatively low supply of blood, which makes it difficult for them to heal on their own. A doctor can determine whether or not surgery is necessary in each particular case.

How ACL Surgery Works

ACL surgery can normally be performed arthroscopically. During arthroscopic surgery, the doctor does not open up the knee joint. Instead, small incisions are made and a camera is used to view the inside of the joint. The doctor repairs the knee using small tools. Arthroscopic surgery is preferable because the risks and recovery time are lower than with open knee surgery.

Even with surgery, athletes with ACL tears face a significant recovery time. For most athletes, an ACL tear means an end to the season. It can take several months for the ligament to heal fully after surgery. Depending on the severity of the tear, prompt treatment may allow athletes to return to their previous level of functioning.

Best ACL Surgeon for Athletes  

The best ACL surgeon for athletes near Orange County, CA is Dr. Howard Marans, head of OC Orthopedic. Dr. Marans is an experienced orthopedist and sports medicine specialist who has treated hundreds of torn ACL over his 20 year career, both surgically and non-surgically. Dr. Marans understands the unique issues athletes face, and he works with each patient to develop a course of treatment that is appropriate for the patient’s unique clinical situation.

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

Carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition affecting the hand and wrist, is a common condition, particularly among office workers and others who use their hands frequently. Carpal tunnel syndrome is characterized by sharp, piercing pain that goes from the wrist up the arm. It can cause significant pain and tends to get worse over time, but effective treatment is available.  

About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The median nerve runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand. It controls sensation to the palm side of the thumb and the fingers, except the little finger. It also sends nerve impulses to muscles that move the fingers and thumb. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage of ligaments and bones at the base of the hand, and is home to the tendons and median nerve.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed or squeezed. This can occur if irritated tendons become thicker than usual, or if other swelling occurs.

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms include pain, weakness, and numbness in the hand, wrist, and arm. It usually develops slowly over time, beginning with burning, tingling, or itching in the palm and fingers. Symptoms may occur for longer periods of time as the condition proceeds. Eventually, it can become difficult to grasp objects or form a fist. Sensations such as feeling the difference between hot or cold objects may also diminish.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by numerous issues, and usually occurs due to a combination of different factors. Some people have a smaller carpal tunnel naturally, making the condition more likely to develop. Trauma and injury can contribute, as can conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or fluid retention. In the modern world, work stress is a frequent cause.

Treatment Options  

Carpal tunnel syndrome may be treated with a number of different methods. Only a doctor can determine which method is right for a particular patient. The decision will be made based on how serious the condition is, whether any nerve damage is present, and whether the condition has responded to past treatments.

Treatment options include:

• Home treatment – Patients wear a wrist splint, avoid activities that cause symptoms, and change their form when performing those activities if necessary. For mild cases, home treatment for 1-2 weeks often relieves symptoms.
• Medicine – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can manage symptoms and reduce inflammation. Steroids, either oral or injections into the carpal tunnel, may also be used.
• Physical therapy – Stretching and range-of-motion exercises can restore function and reduce inflammation. Patients can often use the methods they learn in physical therapy to control symptoms at home in the long run.
• Surgery – If there is nerve damage, the condition is severe, or the condition hasn’t responded to any other treatments, the doctor may recommend surgical treatment.

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

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee may tear after twisting, falling, or trauma. In some cases, ACL tears can be managed with non-surgical methods. However, moderate to severe tears may require surgical reconstruction, especially if the patient is an athlete who requires full use of the knee. Fortunately, ACL reconstruction surgery is covered by insurance.

When ACL Surgery is Necessary

Ligaments are poorly vascularized, which means that they do not have a good blood supply. This makes it hard for them to heal from a tear, and ligaments heal slowly if at all.

It is often possible to control the symptoms of pain and instability associated with mild to moderate tears using non-surgical methods, especially in patients who do not do physically strenuous activities. For example, physical therapy strengthens the muscles that support the knee.

On the other hand, moderate to severe tears may need surgical reconstruction because they cannot heal on their own and may cause severe pain and other symptoms. Left untreated, ACL tears can lead to osteoarthritis and other problems. For athletes and younger people, regaining full use of the knee is very important.

About ACL Surgery

During ACL reconstruction surgery, the physician takes a small piece of a tendon or ligament from another part of the patient’s body and uses it to reconstruct the torn ACL. ACL surgery can usually be performed in an arthroscopic manner, meaning that tools and a camera are inserted through small incisions instead of opening up the knee.

If ACL surgery is performed arthroscopically, it can usually be done in an outpatient setting. Patients normally receive local anesthesia and sedation, and can return home the same day.

Insurance Coverage

Doctors recommend ACL surgery when it is medically necessary to restore function, relieve pain and other symptoms, and prevent the development of further orthopedic problems. Therefore, when ACL surgery is medically necessary, it should be covered by health insurance.

To get coverage from your insurance, you’ll need to go to a doctor who accepts your insurance plan. If you have PPO coverage, this means checking that the doctor is in your network.

Managing Costs  

Although insurance does cover ACL surgery, some patients have insurance plans that have a high deductible, which can result in a significant financial burden. For patients who cannot pay their share of the cost of ACL reconstruction surgery out of pocket, there are a number of financing options, like financing from patient financing firms, personal loans, or health care credit cards.

With the help of insurance and financing, the majority of patients are able to afford the treatment they need for their ACL tear.

Dr. Howard Marans of OC Orthopedic would be happy to meet with you about your knee pain. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981.

The clavicle, also known as the collarbone, is the bone that connects the sternum, or ribcage, to the scapula, or shoulder blade. If the clavicle is fractured, treatment is necessary to alleviate pain and ensure the long-term health of the shoulder. Dr. Howard Marans is the top doctor for clavicle fracture in California.  

Clavicle Fracture Causes

In most cases, clavicle fractures are caused by trauma. For example, the clavicle may become fractured in a car accident or after a fall.

Most clavicle fractures occur in the middle of the bone, but sometimes the end of the bone near the sternum or scapula can sustain a fracture. In rare cases, the bone may harm surrounding structures like the ligaments or nerves.

Symptoms

It is usually immediately obvious after the fall or accident that something is wrong with the shoulder. Some of the most common symptoms of clavicle fractures include:

• Pain, often severe
• Difficulty moving or lifting the arm
• The shoulder sagging down and forward
• A visible or palpable bump over the break
• Bruising, swelling, or tenderness

People who have symptoms of a broken clavicle should schedule a consultation with an experienced orthopedist immediately, as prompt diagnosis and intervention can help the collarbone heal as smoothly and quickly as possible.

By examining the shoulder, doctors can usually identify that the clavicle is fractured. However, an x-ray will be necessary to ascertain the exact location and extent of the break.

Treatment

The majority of clavicle fractures can be treated without surgery. Patients are instructed to wear a sling, ice the clavicle frequently, and take pain relievers while the initial fracture heals. Once the fracture is healed, physical therapy is used to restore strength and flexibility to the shoulder.

If the fracture is complicated, surgery may be required. During surgery, the doctor will place rods or plates to keep the bone aligned while it heals. After surgery, treatment will be similar to non-surgical treatment for a broken clavicle. Surgery is most likely to be used in cases where the ligaments were damaged as well.  

People heal at different rates, which makes it difficult to give an exact estimate for the healing time. However, the majority of patients recover within 6-12 weeks of the fracture.

Top California Doctor for Clavicle Fracture

Dr. Howard Marans is the top doctor for clavicle fracture in California. Dr. Marans is an orthopedist with over 20 years of experience in the field. Over that time, he has developed excellent clinical judgment and technical skills that allow him to diagnose the condition, formulate an individualized plan of treatment, and execute that treatment with precision.

To schedule your consultation with the top doctor for clavicle fracture, please click below and enter your information or call Dr. Marans at 714.979.8981.

If the knee’s anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, it may be necessary to perform surgery, depending on the severity and nature of the tear. In some cases, physical therapy and home exercises can strengthen the muscles that support the knee so that ACL surgery is not necessary.  

Physical Therapy & Home Exercises

Physical therapy often forms a cornerstone of treatment for ACL tears. Physical therapists help patients through exercises that strengthen the legs to help support the knees better. They also help patients through exercises that restore a full range of motion to the knee. Even when surgery is used, physical therapy is used afterwards to help heal the knee.

For the best results from physical therapy, patients should perform home exercises as well. The physical therapist will provide information on which exercises to perform and how often they should be practiced.

Although exercises for the knee can be useful in promoting healing and preventing the use of surgery, they should only be done under the direction of a doctor or physical therapist.

Considerations for Surgery

The decision of whether or not to perform ACL surgery is complex. The biggest question is whether or not the tear is likely to respond to conservative methods. Although the tear itself won’t heal on its own, it is often possible to control symptoms with non-surgical methods, thus avoiding the use of surgery. For very severe tears, this may not be feasible.

Another consideration is whether or not full use of the knee is required. A young person or an athlete typically needs to be able to perform physically strenuous activities and to be able to use the knee for many decades. On the other hand, less active and older people may not need such extensive use of the knee, and may instead be satisfied to be able to walk and perform normal, low-impact activities without pain.

About ACL Surgery

ACL surgery is done arthroscopically, which means that the doctor makes small incisions around the knee and inserts a camera and tools into the knee, as an alternative to completely opening up the joint. This minimally invasive approach makes it possible to perform the procedure in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia and sedation.

During ACL surgery, the doctor takes a small piece of tendon or ligament from another part of the body. This tendon or ligament is used to reconstruct the damaged part of the ACL. After the surgery, physical therapy is used to help strengthen the leg and ensure that the knee is fully functional and usable.

You should never embark on a home exercise regimen designed to treat a knee problem without talking to your doctor first. To schedule your consultation with Orange County’s top orthopedist, please click below or call us at 714.979.8981.

Trauma fractures are fractures that occur after falling, contact, car accidents, or other types of trauma. Trauma fractures usually represent a medical emergency and require prompt treatment to provide the best possible healing. Dr. Howard Marans is the top doctor for fractures in Anaheim, CA.  

Symptoms of Trauma Fractures

After trauma, it can sometimes be hard to know whether symptoms are indicative of a fracture. Some trauma fracture symptoms include:

• Swelling or bruising above the bone
• Visible deformity of the bone
• Pain that gets worse with movement or pressure
• Inability to move the affected body part
• Bone piercing through the skin

A skilled physician can often tell that a fracture is present after the initial physical examination. However, x-ray is always used to allow doctors to visualize the exact nature of the fracture and to understand exactly how severe it is.

Importance of Treatment

It is important to treat trauma fractures promptly, and the intensity of pain experienced with trauma fractures usually reinforces this fact. With prompt treatment, doctors can immobilize, cast, or operate on the bone immediately, which gives the bone the best chance at healing properly.

Doctors can also monitor and catch serious complications like infection and compartment syndrome when treatment is prompt.

Immobilization and Casting

Simple fractures in which the bone is broken but remains in place can often be treated with immobilization and/or casting. Immobilization is treatment that prevents the bone from moving. For example, a broken collarbone can be immobilized by placing the shoulder in a sling. For broken limbs, casting is often used to keep the bone protected and immobilized.

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation

For complex fractures in which the bone separates significantly or several parts of the bone are broken, open reduction and internal fixation may be necessary. During this procedure, the doctor performs surgery to access the bone. The bone is put back into place (open reduction), and implants such as screws, plates, or rods are used to stabilize the bone (internal fixation).  

If the fracture caused or was accompanied by other serious issues, such as internal bleeding, infection, tendon tears, or ligament tears, the physician can address those issues during surgery as well.

OC Orthopedic

Dr. Howard Marans is an Anaheim doctor with extensive experience treating trauma fractures. Dr. Marans is a skilled surgeon with excellent clinical judgment for which treatments are most appropriate. Dr. Marans has treated thousands of fractures, and is an expert in open reduction and internal fixation.

Dr. Marans would be happy to meet with you about treatment for your trauma fracture. To schedule a consultation, please give us a call at 714.979.8981. If you have an emergency, contact your local emergency department by calling 911.

How Quickly Can I Get Back To Work After Rotator Cuff Surgery

Surgery is sometimes required to treat rotator cuff tears, especially more serious tears. It can take a while for the rotator cuff to fully heal after surgery, but the majority of patients can return to work at a desk job within a relatively short period of time.  

About Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff consists of four muscles and tendons in the shoulder. It is responsible for moving the shoulder overhead and for stabilizing the shoulder.

Rotator cuff tears are most common among athletes who frequently put weight on the shoulder or move the arm overhead. Examples include weight lifting, swimming, and tennis. Tears may occur suddenly, as a result of acute trauma, or develop slowly over time due to overuse. Overtraining is a significant risk factor in the development of rotator cuff tears.

About Rotator Cuff Surgery

Moderate to severe rotator cuff tears often require surgery, especially in athletes. On the other hand, mild tears may be treated non-surgically, especially in older, more sedentary individuals.

Rotator cuff surgery is generally performed arthroscopically. This means that the doctor does not create large incisions to open up the shoulder. Instead, several small incisions approximately the size of a pen are made around the shoulder. Through these incisions, the doctor inserts tools and a camera and is able to repair the tear.

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is performed in an outpatient setting, so patients can return home the same day as the surgery. Local anesthesia and sedation are used, but there is no need for the use of general anesthesia.

Recovering from Rotator Cuff Surgery

Activity is fairly restricted for the first few days after surgery. It will be important to walk around for a few minutes each day, but most patients do not feel up to much more than that, and it is important that patients do not push themselves. Each successive day after surgery, activity is easier and discomfort is more easily managed. 

Within a week, most patients are ready to return to work at a desk job. However, people with jobs that involve lifting or other shoulder movements will need to wait longer to return to work, or else return in a limited capacity. It can take about 6-8 weeks for these patients to return to work.

Making a complete recovery from shoulder surgery is a lengthy process. Although most normal activities can be resumed within a couple of months, it can be much longer until the shoulder is able to perform at its previous level.

Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to meet with you about treatment for your rotator cuff tear. To schedule a consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at 714.979.8981.