Entries by orthosportsmed

11 Common & Rare Hand Infections

Description Hand infections can cause severe problems that persist even after the infection has resolved, such as stiffness, loss of strength, and loss of tissues such as skin, nerve and bone.  Thus, early and aggressive treatment of infections is essential.  When seen early, some types of infection can be treated with antibiotics and local rest […]

Extensor Tendon Injuries

Description Extensor tendons are just under the skin. They lie next to the bone on the back of the hands and fingers and straighten the wrist, fingers and thumb (Figure 1). They can be injured by a minor cut or jamming a finger, which may cause the thin tendons to rip from their attachment to […]

Do I Need Carpal Tunnel Surgery?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. The condition occurs when one of the major nerves to the hand — the median nerve — is squeezed or compressed as it travels through the wrist.

An Overview of Rheumatoid Arthritis

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis In its most literal sense, arthritis means “inflamed joint.” Arthritis describes any condition where cartilage in the joint breaks down. Normal joints consist of two smooth, cartilage-covered bone surfaces that fit together as a matched set and glide against one other. Arthritis can result when these smooth surfaces become irregular as […]

What Is Psoriatic Arthritis & How Do You Treat It?

What is Psoriatic Arthritis Arthritis describes any condition where cartilage in the joint breaks down. Normally, a joint consists of two smooth, cartilage-covered bone surfaces that fit together as a matched set and glide against one other. Arthritis can result when these smooth surfaces become irregular as the cartilage breaks down. This results in surfaces […]

Types of Shoulder Fractures

Shoulder fractures can result from a fall on the shoulder, a motor vehicle accident, contact sports, etc. The shoulder is a complex joint connecting the arm to the body. The shoulder bones include the humerus (upper arm bone), the scapula (shoulder blade) and the clavicle (collarbone) (Figure 1). The upper end of the humerus has […]

Dr. Petit Presents at the Vail International Shoulder Summit

Dr. Petit gave lectures on complex shoulder replacement (arthroplasty) along with shoulder arthroscopy and biceps tenodesis to the international audience. Attendees included shoulder surgeons from around the world as well as physical therapists, athletic trainers, and primary care providers. Top shoulder surgeons from around the world making presentations during Summit at Sonnenalp Vail April 6th […]

Will I Need Surgery on My Broken Or Fractured Finger?

Although the bones in the hand are small, a broken (fractured) finger is not a minor injury. The bones in a normal hand line up precisely. They let you perform many specialized functions, such as grasping a pen or manipulating small objects in your palm. When you fracture a finger bone, it can cause your […]

Broken Arm: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments

Description A broken bone is commonly known as a fracture. Any bone in the arm can be broken, but common areas for fractures in the arm are: Wrist, specifically the distal radius Forearm bones (radius and ulna) (Figure 1A) Elbow Humerus Shoulder Causes Most broken arms are caused by trauma. In younger people, common causes […]