OSS

Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle Opens Practice on Mercer Island

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

On July 10, 2010, Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle (OSS) opened an office on Mercer Island. Two orthopedic surgeons from the practice, Charles Peterson II, MD and Wayne Weil, MD – both residents of Mercer Island – will have weekly office hours on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.

The only orthopedic group on the island, Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle-Mercer Island offers sports medicine, general orthopedic and fracture care, hand and wrist surgery, and minimally-invasive and arthroscopic joint reconstruction and replacement. The new office joins two other OSS Seattle locations in Ballard and Wallingford.

Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle (OSS) is a full-service orthopedic practice with offices in Ballard, Wallingford and Mercer Island. OSS specializes in the treatment of injuries and conditions of the hip, knee shoulder, hand and wrist, foot and ankle. The group also provides arthroscopic procedures, joint replacement, and fracture care. Patients have access to some of the latest advances in orthopedic care, including minimally-invasive joint replacement procedures that help speed patient recovery. Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle’s main facility, Seattle Orthopedic Center, is equipped with MRI, a fully accredited ambulatory surgery center, and physical therapy.

Formerly Ballard Orthopedic and Fracture Clinic, the group became Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle in 2007. Today, OSS consists of six board-certified orthopedic surgeons, Philip Downer, MD, Jon Franklin, MD, Charles Peterson II, MD, Joel Shapiro, MD, Michael Watt, MD, and Wayne Weil, MD. In September, Scott Ruhlman, MD, will join the group. The clinic also has four dedicated physician assistants on staff.

OSS’s Wayne Weil, MD provides innovative procedure for nerve-compressed elbows

Tuesday, April 27th, 2010

OSS hand specialist Dr. Wayne Weil is now performing a new arthroscopic procedure called “endoscopic cubital tunnel release” – treating patients dealing with ulnar (elbow) nerve compression with a state-of-the-art surgical option that demonstrates excellent results including with less pain, quicker recovery time, and fewer complications.

Dr. Weil is one of only a few surgeons in Seattle who perform this innovative procedure, in addition to performing endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery. In both procedures, Dr. Weil performs the procedure through much smaller incisions than needed for similar traditional surgeries, which leads to less pain and shorter healing times for patients. In fact, endoscopic cubital tunnel release is only a 30-minute outpatient surgical procedure, done with regional anesthetic while the patient is awake. Following the surgery, patients need to wear bandages on the elbow for several days and can usually return to light duty work within two or three days.

Ulnar nerve compression, or cubital tunnel syndrome, is the second most common peripheral nerve compression syndrome, causing numbness in the ring and small fingers, weak grip, pain at the elbow, and difficulty sleeping at night because of pain and numbness in the hand.  This condition has recently been termed “cell phone elbow” as prolonged hyperflexion or bending of the elbow can increase pressure on the ulnar nerve and can cause the hand to go numb.

Oftentimes, ulnar nerve compression can be treated entirely without surgery, through strengthening exercise regimens or physical therapy techniques.  In general, frequent bending of the elbow from using a phone, computer keyboard and mouse, or any other repetitive work where the elbow remains bent for extended periods of time should be balanced with counter-stretches and periods of time where the joints can be relaxed to avoid compression and pain.

When ulnar nerve compression become serious, though, Dr. Weil’s expertise in endoscopic cubital tunnel release surgery provides a new and excitingly low-impact treatment for troublesome elbows.

New York Times covers minimally invasive hip replacement surgery offered at OSS

Sunday, February 21st, 2010

We’re excited to see Jane Brody’s New York Times article this month on anterior approach hip replacement surgery. Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle is one of only two centers in the Pacific Northwest offering this technique, with over 4 years experience performing this minimally invasive hip replacement surgery. We’re able to offer this innovative approach to nearly all of our patients who have arthritis of the hip severe enough to warrant surgery. Patients benefit from the reduced risk of complications and dramatically increased rate of recovery following the procedure. To learn more, visit: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/09/health/09brod.html

What is a Rotator Cuff and How Can it be Injured?

Thursday, October 8th, 2009

The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons and muscles – supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis. These muscles not only provide power to the shoulder, but also stabilize the shoulder joint, keeping the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) in place against the shoulder blade. Rotator cuff injury is a tear that occurs to one or more of these four tendons or muscles.

What are the Causes and Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Injuries?

The two main causes of a rotator cuff injury are acute tears, caused by trauma such as a fall, and chronic tears which are caused by degeneration of the tendon over time. Acute tears are more noticeable because they result in immediate pain and you may experience a snapping sensation or weakness of the arm. You may have developed a chronic tear if you notice some or all of these symptoms: pain while working, lifting, or reaching over your head, pain when sleeping on the affected shoulder, or a weakness in your arm. Both chronic and acute tears can worsen if not treated properly.

How do I Prevent a Rotator Cuff Injury?

One of the best ways to avoid rotator cuff injury is through adequate conditioning before putting strain on your shoulders with vigorous activities of any kind. Warming up is an essential routine before participating in any sporting activity. Stretching and strengthening exercises are very important when it comes to prevention of a rotator cuff injury.

Stretching and Strengthening Exercises

To help avoid injury to your shoulder muscles, try the following exercises. While conducting these exercises, take care to proceed gently and slowly.

* Stand upright, clasp your hands behind your back, and then keep your arms straight while you slowly lift them upwards until you feel resistance. Hold this position for 15 to 20 seconds and repeat it 3 to 4 times.

* Stand with your arm out in front of you with your forearm pointing upwards at right angle (90°). Place a stick or pole in your hand and let it fall behind your elbow. Pull the bottom of the stick forward with your other hand. Hold this stretch for 15 to 20 seconds, and then repeat it 3 to 4 times.

* Lie on your stomach on a table, keeping your left arm at shoulder level with your elbow bent at right angle, slowly raise your left hand to level with your shoulder. Lower your hand slowly and repeat it with your right arm.

* Lie on your right side with a rolled-up towel under your right armpit and stretch your right arm above your head. Your left arm should be at your side with your elbow bent at 90°. Roll your left shoulder out while raising the left forearm to level with your shoulder and then lower the arm slowly (like the backhand swing in tennis)

* Lie on your right side and keep your left arm along the upper side of your body with the right elbow bent at right angle. Let the right forearm rest on the table. Roll your right shoulder in while raising your right forearm up to your chest and then lower it slowly (like the forehand swing in tennis)

* Stand upright and move your right arm halfway between the front and the side of your body, thumb down. Raise your right arm to 45° angle. (the way you empty a can). Make sure not to lift beyond the point of discomfort or pain. Slowly lower your right arm and repeat the exercise with the left arm.

Tennis Elbow – Should I See a Doctor?

Thursday, October 8th, 2009

Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is a painful condition where the outer part of the elbow becomes sore and tender due to repetitive motions that put a strain on the elbow. Tennis elbow is one of the most common repetitive stress injuries.

Common Causes of Tennis Elbow

While commonly referred to as tennis elbow, only 5% of the people afflicted with this injury are actually tennis players. In fact, the majority of people who suffer from tennis elbow are not athletes.

This condition can happen to anyone who uses their wrist repetitively. Some common activities known to cause tennis elbow are: typing, using a hammer or screwdriver, painting, as well as many activities performed by a plumber or gardener. The repetitive wrist movement causes degeneration in tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the arm bone.

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

Symptoms and the intensity of pain may vary. People suffering from tennis elbow often have tenderness in the elbow and the back of the forearm, which worsens with repeated use of the elbow especially during twisting movements. Common symptoms of tennis elbow include:

• Pain while lifting or bending the arm

• Pain caused while twisting the forearm

• Pain when gripping small objects like pen especially while holding the pen and writing.

• Inability or difficulty in extending the forearm completely

• Persistent pain on the outside of the upper forearm just below the bend of the elbow and on certain occasions, radiating down towards the wrist.

My Elbow Hurts. Should I See a Doctor?

Tennis elbow most commonly affects people between the ages of 30 to 50. People may often attribute the pain to growing older and hope that by ignoring it, the pain will go away. However, if left untreated, tennis elbow can progress into a debilitating injury that could eventually require surgery.

Another common misconception about tennis elbow is that taking anti-inflammatory medications or using topical creams can cure tennis elbow. These methods only cover the pain, and rarely solve the underlying problem. Anti-inflammatory medication may still be used to help manage the pain, but it’s best to seek medical attention and get a plan of action first. If you find yourself experiencing the symptoms described above, it’s best to talk to a physician to receive a proper diagnosis and course of treatment.

What is the Treatment for Tennis Elbow?

Doctors can prescribe many different treatment options, ranging from modalities such as braces or physical therapy, all the way up to surgery or changing jobs to avoid the repetitive motion. Your doctor will most likely start with conservative measures, such as resting the affected arm, icing the elbow, or giving you a brace. They may also instruct you to take anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the swelling and manage pain. If these options do not resolve your tennis elbow, your doctor may recommend surgery, however surgery is only necessary in about 5% of cases. If you follow your doctors suggestions and refrain from straining the tendons even further, your tennis elbow should go away within a few weeks, but could last several months.