Before Arthroscopy
During a preparatory appointment, your doctor will gather information about your joint problem and conduct a thorough physical examination. He may use several diagnostic tests, such as x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans, to determine the cause of your joint problem. If questions remain, your doctor may recommend arthroscopy to be sure of a correct diagnosis.

During Arthroscopy
Though most arthroscopic surgeries are done on an outpatient basis, arthroscopy still requires an operating room and anesthesia. To prevent pain during the procedure, an anesthesiologist will administer local, regional or general anesthesia. Most arthroscopic procedures last less than an hour, but the length of your surgery will depend on what your surgeon finds and what treatment is necessary.
• Your surgeon will first make a small slit in your skin (about the size of a buttonhole) for the arthroscope.
• Next, your surgeon will rinse the joint with a sterile solution. This helps your surgeon to see the inside of your joint clearly and in great detail.
• Your surgeon will insert the arthroscope and use the image projected on the video screen to guide it.
• If surgical treatment is needed, your surgeon will insert tiny instruments through another small cut. These instruments might include scissors, motorized shavers and radiofrequency (RF) probes to ablate, trim or remove tissue and cauterize any bleeding.
• Your surgeon will close your incisions with stitches or steri-strips (small bandaids) and cover them with a soft bandage.

After Arthroscopy
You will be moved to a recovery area and should be able to go home within one or two hours. Either a regional block or injection of local anesthetic will be used to minimize post-procedure pain. You will also be given appropriate prescription pain medication, and encouraged to use ice or a cooling sleeve to minimize any post-procedure discomfort. You will need to have someone with you to drive you home.

When surgery is necessary, we at Fort Lauderdale Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine strive for a minimally invasive, frequently arthroscopic approach to speed healing, maximize recovery, and minimize pain and scarring. If you suffer from joint pain or injury, our expertise in arthroscopy could be the answer you need. Feel free to contact us at (954) 400-5544 to schedule a consultation with one of the leading orthopedic surgeons in Florida.

The rotator cuff is made up of muscles and tendons in your shoulder which cover the head of your upper arm bone (humerus). This “cuff” holds the humerus in the shoulder socket. Rotator cuff tears come in all shapes and sizes, most commonly occurring in the tendon. Partial tears do not completely sever the soft tissue, while full thickness tears split the soft tissue into two pieces.

There are two primary causes of rotator cuff tears: injury and overuse.

• Injury. If you fall on your outstretched arm or lift something too heavy with a jerking motion, you could tear your rotator cuff. Rotator cuff tears in younger people are usually caused by an accident, such as a fall. This type of tear often occurs in conjunction with other shoulder injuries, such as a broken collarbone or dislocated shoulder.

• Overuse. Most tears, however, are a natural result of the wearing down of the tendon that occurs slowly over time. This happens as we age, but can be worsened by overuse – repeating the same shoulder motions again and again.

For these reasons, rotator cuff tears are most common in people over 40 who participate in activities involving repetitive overhead motions. Athletes, such as baseball pitchers and tennis players, are particularly vulnerable to overuse tears. Painters, carpenters and others who do overhead work also have a greater chance of developing a rotator cuff tear.

If you suffer from weakness or pain when lifting or rotating your arm that won’t go away, call the Florida orthopaedic experts at Fort Lauderdale Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine for a personal consultation. Our treatments can prevent your symptoms from getting worse and get you back to your normal routine. We can be reached at (954) 400-5544.

Although the interior of almost any joint can be viewed with an arthroscope, six joints are most frequently examined with this instrument. These include the knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle, hip and wrist. Here are the steps involved in an arthroscopic procedure.

1. The orthopaedic surgeon inserts the arthroscope, a small tube that contains optic fibers and lenses for viewing, into the joint through small incisions in the skin.
2. The arthroscope is connected to a video camera and the interior of the joint is seen on a television monitor. 
3. By viewing the cartilage, ligaments and bones, the surgeon can determine the amount or type of injury and then repair or correct the problem, if necessary.
4. Following arthroscopic surgery, the small incisions are covered with a dressing. This can usually be removed the next morning and replaced with bandages to protect incisions as they heal.
5. It is not unusual for patients to go back to work or school or resume daily activities within a few days following arthroscopy.

The physicians of Fort Lauderdale Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine are experts in the latest arthroscopic techniques. These include arthroscopy of the shoulder for rotator cuff problems, shoulder bursitis or instability and dislocations and arthroscopy of the knee for meniscus, ligament and cartilage tears. We also perform arthroscopy of the hip, elbow and ankle for a variety of problems. If you suffer from joint pain or injury, our expertise in arthroscopy could be the answer you need. Feel free to contact us at (954) 400-5544 to schedule a consultation with one of the leading orthopedic surgeons in Florida.

Our board-certified specialists and licensed physical therapists work to alleviate sources of chronic pain, including:

• Osteoarthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic headaches
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Neurological disorders

The Fort Lauderdale Orthopaedics physical therapy team, working alongside our Florida orthopaedic physicians, helps patients of all ages to become stronger and increase their mobility. We collaborate with each patient to understand his or her particular pain, including the cause and what can be done to manage it. The more you learn how to exercise to accommodate your pain, the less pain you’ll have to endure and the more you’ll be able to improve your day-to-day quality of life.

Physical therapy can teach chronic pain sufferers how to move safely and functionally, and adapt to physical limitations. When used in combination with other treatments, it can be an extremely effect tool in combating chronic pain. If you would like help managing your pain, please contact Fort Lauderdale Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine today at (954) 400-5544 to schedule a personal consultation with one of our orthopaedic specialists.

One consideration for knee replacement surgery patients is whether the procedure will need to be repeated later on. This implant makes it less likely that a patient will need to undergo a second surgery. To learn more about the Smith & Nephew OXINIUM◊ knee implant and if it’s right for you, contact Fort Lauderdale Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine at (954) 400-5544 to schedule a personal consultation.

Clinical research continues to be a field of rapid growth which contributes significantly to the health of people around the world. During a clinical trial, researchers recruit patients with certain health conditions; administer the medication, treatment or device to be tested; and collect data on the patients’ health for a defined time period. Shrock Orthopedic Research (SOR) conducts many clinical trials, drawing study participants from all over south Florida who wish to participate in FDA-approved, cutting-edge orthopedic research.

Clinical trials conducted by SOR vary in length. Some studies last a few months and may require several office visits, while others are longer and require fewer visits spaced out over a few years. Prospective trial participants are fully informed about their respective study beforehand, including its purpose, visit schedule, and applicable stipend. Once a study is underway, a subject in a Florida orthopaedic clinical trial may withdraw at any time and for any reason.

Dr. Kevin Shrock, of Fort Lauderdale Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, is the primary investigator in all SOR clinical trials. He oversees study-related patient care, assisted by two clinical research coordinators. If you think you may be eligible for study participation at SOR, or for more information about our current studies, please call (954) 400-5544 or email info@shrockresearch.com.

1. Don’t consider stretching a warm-up. “You may hurt yourself if you stretch cold muscles. So before stretching, warm up with light walking, jogging or biking at low intensity for five to 10 minutes. Or better yet, stretch after you exercise when your muscles are warmed up.”

2. Focus on major muscle groups. “When you’re stretching, focus on your calves, thighs, hips, lower back, neck and shoulders. Also stretch muscles and joints that you routinely use at work or play.”

3. Don’t bounce. “Bouncing as you stretch can cause small tears in the muscle … Hold each stretch for about 30 seconds. Repeat each stretch three or four times.”

4. Don’t aim for pain. “Expect to feel tension while you’re stretching, not pain. If it hurts, you’ve pushed too far.”

5. Make stretches sport specific. “Some evidence suggests that it’s helpful to do stretches tailored for your sport or activity. If you play soccer, for instance, you’re more vulnerable to hamstring strains. So opt for stretches that help your hamstrings.”

6. Keep up with your stretching. “Stretching can be time-consuming. But you can achieve the best benefits by stretching regularly, at least two to three times a week.”

7. Bring movement into your stretching. “Gentle movement can help you be more flexible in specific movements. The gentle movements of tai chi, for instance, may be a good way to stretch. And if you’re going to perform a specific activity, such as a front kick in martial arts, do the move slowly and at low intensity at first to get your muscles used to it. Then speed up gradually as your muscles become accustomed to the motion.”

While stretching won’t prevent certain injuries, such as overuse, it can go a long way toward making your exercise regimen more effective and enjoyable. If you have health concerns, please talk to your doctor or physical therapist at Fort Lauderdale Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, or call (954) 400-5544 to schedule a personal consultation.

While many tennis players suffer from this condition at least once in their career, tennis elbow most frequently affects those who aren’t athletes. Because the injury results from overuse, any job or activity that works the same forearm muscles repetitively can cause tennis elbow, such as painting, plumbing, meat cutting or gardening. Symptoms include:

• Outer elbow pain that gradually worsens, spreading to the forearm and hand
• Weakness and difficulty grasping
• Pain worsens with squeezing, grasping or twisting of the arm
• May increase in the evening and result in morning stiffness or tightness
• Restricted movement

A simple physical examination by a Florida orthopaedics specialist can determine whether a patient suffers from tennis elbow. In a large majority of cases, the injury can be treated with nonsurgical means including rest, ice packs, over-the-counter pain medication, braces and splints, and physical therapy. The physicians at Fort Lauderdale Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine specialize in elbow, hand, wrist and forearm issues. Feel free to contact us at (954) 400-5544 to schedule a consultation with one of Broward County’s leading orthopedic specialists.

1. Education. Learn about knee replacement surgery and develop an understanding of the procedure. Discuss with your doctor what to expect before, during and after surgery, and ask any questions you may have.
2. Collect information. Make a list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you take regularly (names, dose, frequency). You may be advised by your physician to stop certain medications prior to surgery. Inform your insurance company of the upcoming surgery, and learn what post-operative services your insurance covers, such as physical therapy and equipment.
3. Preoperative physical. You will need a general medical evaluation a few weeks before surgery to assess your current health. Tests may include a blood draw, an EKG, urine analysis and x-rays. The results should be forwarded to our office.
4. Home preparation. Prepare for your return home prior to surgery. Arrange for a spouse, family member or friend to stay with you for several days following the surgery. Rent or purchase walking aids and other devices, such as crutches or a walker, raised toilet seat and tub chair. Remove area rugs and other obstacles to ensure you can maneuver easily through your home. Stock up on ready-made, easily prepared meals that you enjoy.

You can trust Broward County’s leading orthopaedic specialists at Fort Lauderdale Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine to restore you to full health again. Please click here to learn more about knee replacement surgery.

• Swimming & water aerobics. Water’s buoyancy supports your weight and greatly reduces jarring impact on joints, making swimming and other water sports a great choice for arthritis sufferers. The aerobic exercise of swimming also strengthens muscles and reduces stiffness.

• Cycling. A bicycle supports a rider’s body weight, making cycling a low-impact form of exercise. For those with arthritis in the knees or hips, cycling on a flat surface may cause less soreness in the joints. A recumbent bike or exercise bike may be a better option for those with back and knee problems.

• Walking. Brisk walking improves posture, muscle tone and stamina, and offers the same aerobic benefits as jogging or running without the jarring impact on joints. 

• Yoga, tai-chi, Pilates. Though not considered aerobic, these types of gentle exercise are easy on the joints while increasing flexibility, balance and range of motion. Stiffness and pain can be reduced with the stretching exercises involved in yoga.

If you are living with arthritis, these and similar low-impact forms of exercise can help you to maintain your strength and flexibility, without causing added pain. If you would like further help, please contact Fort Lauderdale Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine at (954) 400-5544 to schedule a personal consultation with one of our FL orthopedics specialists today.