Alex Rodriguez Returning to Field After Hip Surgery

KOMO News recently reported on May 6th, that New York Yankees’ third baseman, Alex Rodriguez (A-Rod) is returning to the field “for the first time since surgery on his left hip almost 4 months ago.” They also report that, “He joined a group of injured New York Yankees starters Monday at the team’s minor league complex. The 37-year-old third baseman ran, played catch and hit off a tee.”

Rodriguez was off the field and had hip surgery back in mid-January for a hip injury including a torn labrum and hip impingement. Since surgery he has been in recovery, physical therapy rehab, and is currently on a doctor ordered 30-day rehab schedule.

OSS encourages all those who participate in sports to play safe. However in the event of an injury we have 8 orthopedic surgeons with varying specialties, including knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, wrist, foot, ankle, and hand to help you recover. We also offer sports medicine and physical therapy rehabilitation after your treatment.

Our own hip surgeon, Dr. Philip Downer, reviewed Rodriguez’s case for hip impingement and stated that,” My recommended treatment is the same as he received.” Dr. Downer specializes in hip surgery and often treats tears and impingements, including those caused by various sports.


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Posted in Hip, Sports Medicine, Sports News | Comments Off

Common Baseball Injuries

With ever-warming days in Seattle, and the Major League Baseball season in full swing, many people are taking to the fields once again to partake in America’s favorite pastime. As with every sport, there is a chance for a player to suffer an injury amidst play. Although baseball may not be as contact heavy as other sports (such as football), there are still a number of injuries players can avoid by proactively applying preventative strategies.

The most common injuries for players have a greater chance of occurring in the muscle groups with the most stress placed upon them in a sport that involves frequent stops and starts, and quick changes of direction: The shoulders, the elbows, and the knees.  A higher incidence of injury is more likely if a participant does not take the time to stretch or properly warm-up prior to use. Even while taking precautions it is still possible to suffer injury in the middle of play from the extreme forces placed upon the body.

A Torn Rotator Cuff: The Most Common Injury in Baseball

The act of throwing the baseball is a central part of any baseball game, and if a pitcher does this too frequently without proper rest there is a high chance of injuring the shoulder in a number of ways. The main injury suffered in the shoulder is a torn rotator cuff as a result of overworking the area. The rotator cuff of the shoulder controls the range of movement for the arm, and is handled by four muscles working in unison (the teres minor, subscapularis, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus).

A rotator cuff injury is an injury to any part of the musculature of the shoulder. This can be damage to the tendons of the joint, or the muscles allowing for movement, rotating, or stabilization. Continuous use of this area will stretch the tendons holding the ball joint until the ball of the shoulder has too much freedom of movement. This puts excess stress onto the tendons causing large amounts of pain.

Usually the rotator cuff injury is minor and can be treated without surgery and simply heal with time. Having the player adopt a very relaxed schedule as pain dictates, and perform light exercises of the injured area typically leads to a full recovery. But any injury in this area can lead to a tear and should be evaluated by a physician, as a tear can progress resulting in limited movement and strength in the joint.

Torn Knee Cartilage

The second most common injury occurs in the knees as a result of a sudden jerk or twist, such as in a snap-change of direction during running, or to catch the ball out of the air. Most often the injury is located in the knee cap, the meniscus. Sudden impacts, pivoting, twisting or decelerating puts stress on the meniscus. The meniscus is “C” shaped protective cushion, and since it is made of cartilage (and not bone) thus can be easily torn. Continuous use of your knee is required throughout the majority of the game, making any injury to the knee very serious and should be attended by a physician for a proper diagnosis.

Tendinopathy: Baseball Injuries from Repetitive Use

Injuries in baseball can be from accumulated trauma over time resulting in small tears in the muscles of the forearms and tendons, leading to increasing inflammation and weakness of the joint(s). This is a repetitive use injury, more so than a sudden, acute injury that results in instant pain and inflammation of the tendon or joint.

Baseball players also commonly suffer from “Tennis Elbow” (lateral epicondylitis), or “Golfer’s Elbow” (medial epicondylitis). While the injuries are named for their main sport, they are not uncommon to find in baseball players due to the undeviating stress on their soft tissue and joints.  Tennis Elbow is a tearing of the tendons of the outside of the elbow, with Golfer’s Elbow being a tearing on the inside. These can occur simply by repetitive movements and overuse of the muscles without proper resting periods, such as in long days of pitching or hitting.

While these baseball injuries are the most common players suffer, there are pre-emptive steps that can be made to prevent them. Proper stretching and a general conditioning regimen pre-game can reduce the risk associated with repetitive use and keep strains, sprains, and tears at bay ensuring a fun, and injury-free baseball season.


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Posted in Elbow, Knee, Shoulder, Sports Medicine | Comments Off

Local Weekend Events: Kentucky Derby, Fiesta 5k, and Cinco De Mayo

This weekend in the Seattle area is going to warmer than usual for the first week of May. We are expecting temperatures in the 70s to 80s. Along with this great weather, this weekend there will be some great events, including a Cinco De Mayo 5k, and a Kentucky Derby. With warm weather starting early, OSS encourages everyone involve in outdoor activities and sports to be safe, avoid injuries, and be hydrated.

Kentucky Derby – Saturday May 4th

The Emerald Downs is hosting the 139th Running of the Kentucky Derby with a special 1pm post-time at EmD.

They encourage you to wear your most festive Derby Hat to the event to receive FREE ADMISSION and enter our Fabulous Hat Contest!  FREE Family Day activities in the Park including pony rides,  face painters, and a bounce house,  weather permitting. Learn More. 

Cinco De Mayo  Fiesta 5k and Taco Truck Challenge  - Saturday May 4th

This year’s Fiesta 5K will be held Saturday, May 4th at Volunteer Park. This event will also have their 3rd annual Taco Truck Challenge in coordination with 107.7 The End and will also include live music. For more information about this event or for registration info, visit their website: Fiesta5kOle.com 

Cinco De Mayo – May 5th

There are a variety of different Cinco De Mayo events all around Seattle this weekend. The warm weather should make these events especially enjoyable. Events include a Cinco De Mayo Party Children’s Day at the Children’s Museum, and a Cinco De Mayo Cruise through Waterways Cruises and Events. View More Local Cinco De Mayo Events.

The Seattle Center is also holding many events this weekend, including a March of Dimes, March for Babies on Saturday. View all of these events.


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May and June Pet Supply Drive for Doney Memorial Pet Clinic

OSS is proud to offer a pet supply donation box at each of our locations for May and June. We encourage all staff, patients, and anyone in the community to stop by and donate pet food, new or gently used pet supplies, and toys for the Doney Memorial Pet Clinic.

The Doney Memorial Pet Clinic is 100% volunteer run and donation funded. This local clinic provides veterinary care to the pets of homeless and other low income qualifying pet families. They also offer a pet food bank and have been offering pet care for over 25 years. Their mission in addition to helping pets is, “To prevent an increase of unwanted pets through partnering with the City of Seattle’s spay and neuter program.”

Join Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle and support this great local organization by bringing any of the following supplies to either of our clinic locations.

The Doney Clinic Always Needs:

  • Gift Cards for Local Pet Stores
  • Dog & Cat Food and Treats
  • Pet Waste Bags or Plastic Bags

Other appreciated items include :

  • Gentle Leaders
  • Haltis
  • Easy WalkersCarriers
  • Pet Clothing
  • Dishes and Bowls
  • Grooming Supplies
  • Any New or Gently Used Pet Supplies

Bring donations to the following OSS locations:

Ballard Location:
5350 Tallman Ave, NW Ste. 500, Seattle, WA 98107 – View Map

Seattle Orthopedic Center
2409 N 45th Street, Seattle, WA 98103 – View Map

Find more information about The Doney Memeorial Pet Clinic or to get involved, visit their website: DoneyClinic.org.


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Local Running Group Runs in Honor of Boston Marathon

The local Richmond Beach Running Group, started by our own Dr. Scott Ruhlman, dedicated this past Saturday’s run to support and honor the events at the recent Boston Marathon. Two runners from the club completed the marathon this year and were at the event along with a total of 63 runners from the club, many of which were past finishers of the Boston marathon, including Dr. Scott Ruhlman.

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Patch reported on the local relevance of the bombings as “Four runners from Shoreline, and seven runners from Edmunds were registered (for the Boston Marathon).” They also detailed the two local runners from the Richmond Beach Running Club who attended Monday’s Boston Marathon who discussed with the group their experiences surrounding the race and the bombing tragedy.

Q13 Fox also reported on the event, which eventually had 63 runners and 10 children of the newly formed members from the Richmond Beach Running Club as they ran along Richmond Beach Road NW. Two of the club runners completed the Boston Marathon on Monday, “finishing the race before the two bombs detonated.”

View the event coverage video from KiroTV, including an interview with Dr. Ruhlman, the founder of the club, who initiated the event.

The Richmond Beach Running club runs every Wednesday and Saturday, for more information on their running group or more news coverage of the event, visit their website.


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OSS Offering Xiaflex Treatment for Dupuytren’s

The Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle offer Xiaflex injections for the treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture. This innovative medication can completely straighten your fingers without invasive surgery and anesthesia.

Dupuytren’s Contracture Caused by Excessive Thick Collagen

Dupuytren’s contracture is a progressive hand disorder that limits movement of the fingers. This condition results from an abnormal buildup of a substance called collagen. For people with Dupuytren’s, the collagen accumulates over time in the palm and thickens into a rope-like cord. The fingers bend toward the palm and you cannot straighten them back into normal position. Because arthritis and other disorders have similar symptoms to Dupuytren’s contracture, this condition is only diagnosed by an orthopedic specialist.

Xiaflex – An FDA-Approved Nonsurgical Option

The doctors at Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle now offer an exciting new treatment for Dupuytren’s – Xiaflex.  This treatment is the first and only FDA-approved nonsurgical option proven to work for adults with this condition. Clinical research studies show that Xiaflex helps people with Dupuytren’s contracture achieve straight, normally positioned fingers and improves their digit mobility. A recent report found that up to 65% of patients who received Xiaflex injections had completely or nearly straight fingers after 2 or 3 Xiaflex injections. Prescription Xiaflex is a medicine that the surgeon injects into the affected palm cord.

Dr. Weil and Dr. Ruhlman Specially Trained to Administer Xiaflex

The orthopedic hand specialists at OSS are Dr. Wayne Weil, MD and Dr. Scott Ruhlman, MD. These exceptionally trained surgeons inject up to 3 treatments per cord over a 30-day interval. Xiaflex injections are given in the office and no anesthesia or surgery is necessary. This exciting new drug will change the way you look at Dupuytren’s treatment options. Xiaflex helps to “break down” the thickened cord so that you can bend your fingers.

Special Considerations with Xiaflex

Before receiving Xiaflex, tell your orthopedic specialist if you have had an allergic reaction to a previous Xiaflex treatment, or have a bleeding disorder, clotting problem or other medical condition. Also, inform the doctor of all the medicines you take – prescription and over-the-counter. Xiaflex could interact with aspirin, certain herbal products, Plavix, Effient, or Coumadin.

Xiaflex does have some side effects, but few people report these. Common adverse reactions include swelling at the injection site or of the hand, bruising or bleeding at the site of injection, pain or tenderness of the hand or injection area, swelling of the glands in the underarm or elbow, and underarm pain. Be sure to report any side effects to your orthopedic specialist immediately.

Orthopedic Specialists Dr. Weil and Dr. Ruhlman

Dr. Wayne Weil, MD is an orthopedic surgeon trained in surgery of the hand and wrist. As a board-certified orthopedic specialist, Dr. Weil utilizes the latest technology and innovative treatments in his practice. After graduating with a medical degree from New York University’s School of Medicine, Dr. Weil advanced his education and training at NYU’s Hospital for Joint Diseases and focused on hand and microvascular surgery at the University of Washington. An expert in treating Dupuytren’s, Dr. Weil promotes Xiaflex as an alternative therapy option. Learn more about Dr. Weil at www.handandelbowsurgery.com.

Dr. Scott Ruhlman, MD is an orthopedic specialist trained in hand, elbow, and shoulder surgery as well as sports medicine. Dr. Ruhlman earned his medical degree at the Medical College of Ohio and went on to train at the University of Washington Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Department. He attended the prestigious Harvard Medical School where he required knowledge and skills to perform complex adult and pediatric hand and upper extremity surgery. Dr. Ruhlman uses Xiaflex for patients with Duputren’s because he says it works great and has few side effects. To know more about Dr. Scott Ruhlman, MD visit www.scottruhlmanmd.com.

If you are experiencing Dupuytren’s Contracture symptoms and would like more information on Xiaflex treatments contact Orthopedic Specialist of Seattle to schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Weil or Dr. Ruhlman.


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Dr. Ruhlman Traveled to Kenya to Treat Orthopedic Injuries

Written by Dr. Scott Ruhlman:

I had the privilege in March of serving at Tenwick Hospital, Bomet Kenya. I was nervous about going as this was quite a new experience for me and I was traveling during the midst of their national elections, which 4 years earlier was quite violent with thousands killed and hundreds of thousands displaced. I was relieved to have a very smooth trip with no major problems. The country was quite beautiful and the people are very generous and accommodating.

 Just about a 4-hour drive out of Nairobi, Tenwick Hospital is a  rural 300- bed hospital serving a very large undeserved area. The hospital employs over 500 local Kenyan workers and has significant international support. World Medical Mission supports the hospital with logistics and helps volunteers travel to Tenwick and that is how I got involved to help with their Orthopedic Surgical load.

There were many fractures and infections when I arrived and a team of Kenyan residents and surgeons who were certainly grateful for the additional help. I was able to operate every day, performing between 3-5 surgeries, working with the resident and attending surgeons to help teach them techniques I often use.  Not surprisingly, they taught me so much about themselves, their culture, techniques, and how to perform fairly sophisticated surgery with often less than ideal equipment.

Overall, it was a very positive experience and I plan on going back, perhaps even with my family.  The Kenyan people were very enjoyable and genuine and the country has many beautiful areas and safaris that will be fun to explore in the future.


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Dr. Mark Reed to Host Foot and Ankle Seminar – April 15th

Top 5 Foot & Ankle Conditions
Hosted by Dr. Mark Reed

Monday, April 15th 6:00pm—8:00pm
Swedish Ballard Conference Room A
5300 Tallman Ave. N.W. Seattle, WA 98107

Our foot and ankle orthopedic specialists and newest addition, Dr. Mark Reed, is presenting a foot and ankle seminar this April 15th. Join this seminar to hear Dr. Reed discuss the top five foot and ankle conditions including:

  • -Toe Deformities
  • -Foot and Ankle Arthritis
  • -Sports Injuries
  • -Arch Deformities
  • -Trauma

Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle is excited for this upcoming seminar and invites all who are interested to attend. Join us and listen to the top orthopedic conditions of the foot and ankle from our highly trained orthopedic surgeon.

Dr. Reed is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon providing specialty care of all foot and ankle disorders in both adults and adolescents with a special focus on sports-related injuries. In addition to providing state of the art treatment in the areas of fracture care and sports medicine, he also provides joint replacements and reconstructive surgery for degenerative conditions such as arthritis and tendon dysfunction.

After completing his general orthopedics training, Dr. Reed was accepted at the Union Memorial Hospital Foot and Ankle Fellowship in Baltimore, Maryland, considered to be one of the most prestigious foot and ankle fellowship programs in the country. He trained under three of the leaders in the foot and ankle community, including the current president of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society. He has undergone advanced training in ankle joint replacement, as well as in reconstructive procedures, including bunion, hammertoe, and flatfoot deformity correction.

The physicians here at Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle are highly specialized in orthopedic surgery and general orthopedic care for adults and children. We treat injuries and ailments throughout the body, and are dedicated to providing orthopedic care of the highest quality.


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Dr. Jonathan Franklin Named to Prestigious Best Doctors in America 2013

Dr. Jonathan Franklin, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with Orthopedic Specialist of Seattle, was named to the Best Doctors in America 2013. Only doctors who earn the support and recommendation from their colleagues are included in this prestigious database, a registry of the top 5% of physicians in the United States.

The Best Doctors community is made up of doctors in a variety of clinical programs focused on ensuring the right diagnosis and treatment. Over 30 million individuals have access to the best medical providers through Best Doctors. Additionally, the community provides services to many philanthropy organizations focused on medically under-served international populations.

Dr. Franklin’s clinical focus is arthroscopic and reconstructive knee surgery, hip and knee replacement surgery, and arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Furthermore, he has a strong sports medicine background and treats recreational and professional athletes for a variety of sports injuries. Dr. Franklin is also on Seattle Magazine’s Top Doctors list and teaches as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University School of Medicine.

Recruited to college on both wresting and academic scholarships, Dr. Franklin earned an undergraduate degree from the prominent, respected Harvard University. Dr. Franklin went on to earn his medical degree at the University of Washington, where he also completed his residency. He then attended the Salt Lake Knee Research Foundation and completed a fellowship in sports medicine.

To be named to the Best Doctors in America 2013, you must be selected by thousands of doctors nationwide. Dr. Franklin was selected based on his superior clinical expertise, his outstanding medical practice record, and his impeccable community service. He performs over 350 knee surgeries each year, many of them arthroscopic surgeries. Additionally, Dr. Franklin coaches for the Boys & Girls Club and has coached youth baseball and football over the years.

Dr. Franklin’s philosophy is simple: he believes in meeting the patient’s individual needs through comprehensive evaluation and treatment focused on helping each patient achieve a pain-free and active lifestyle. Find more about him on his website.


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OSS Offers New Online Bill Payment

OSS is now offering a new convenient way to pay your bill through Proliance. If you have any questions about your bill pay or your balance, contact our office.

You can follow the button or the link to pay your bill. This button is also located in our left hand sidebar, Patient Information, and Contact Us pages.

Billpay Link: https://www.proliancesurgeons.com/billpay/


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