By Cody Martin, MD I’ve heard about robotic joint replacement surgery – what is it? Robotic joint replacement surgery uses a state-of-the-art machine (a robot) to assist the surgeon in precise planning of surgery and specifically, guiding delicate bone cuts and placement of implants. There are different types of robots; some devices resemble an arm or have a handpiece; others …
Lumbar Decompression
“Is Lumbar Decompression Surgery right for me?” The consideration for lumbar decompression surgery first begins with “why” it should be considered in the first place. One reason is that it is absolutely necessary, or things will get worse if the procedure is not performed. This would be for conditions such as infections in the spine, blood clots on the …
Everything You Want To Know About Meniscus Tears
What is a Meniscus Tear? A meniscus tear is a common knee injury that occurs in the rubbery knee cartilage that cushions the shinbone from the thighbone. What are the Causes and Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear? In young patients, meniscus tears are usually a result of significant twisting in many cases, these injuries occur when the foot is …
Conventional vs. Robotic-Arm Assisted Knee Arthroplasty
Robotic-assisted surgery is starting to become more widely sought after by patients and many joint replacement surgeons are quickly becoming trained in this innovative method of joint replacement surgery as a result. Many of the robotics-assisted surgeries being performed show outcomes that fare better than many of the open, traditional surgeries. Local hospitals in northern Arizona have already invested …
The Most Common Orthopedic Injuries in Football
The Most Common Orthopedic Injuries in Football Since football season’s kicked off, our Sports Medicine Specialists at Northern Arizona Orthopaedics know that potential for injury emerges with every game and every practice. Whether you’re the athlete or a supportive spectator, here is what you should know about the most common orthopedic injuries resulting from high speeds and full contact. Shoulder …
Northern Arizona Orthopaedics Adds Two Physicians to Distinguished Team
Northern Arizona Orthopaedics, the region’s largest orthopedic practice, is proud to announce the addition of Dr. Michael Sorensen and Dr. Hayden Poulson to their team beginning in July 2020. With the addition of these new physicians, the Northern Arizona Orthopaedics team has grown to 11 orthopedic and spine specialists, covering the entire spectrum of orthopedic conditions. The physicians will be …
Everything You Wanted to Know About Sciatica
What is Sciatica? The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that is formed in the lower back and runs down from the lower back and into the back of the leg where it divides into two nerves that then supply the lower leg. The term sciatica is often used to describe pain or discomfort in the lower back that radiates …
Everything You Need to Know About Fractures and Fracture Healing
A fracture is another term for a broken bone. When we talk about fractures, we use certain terms to describe where the bone is broken, in what sort of pattern, open or closed and if it is displaced (shifted apart) or angulated. Fractures can be nondisplaced (a crack in the bone), spiral, segmented, or comminuted (multiple pieces). The more energy …
Everything you need to know about Hip Arthritis
Arthritis is generally defined as deterioration of a joint with associated loss of the cartilage which lines the joint and acts as a cushion. As the arthritis progresses, the body’s natural processes kick in and the bone tries to reinforce itself with additional calcium. This additional calcium can form bone spurs (osteophytes) which can become painful and cause many of …
Setting up your work-from-home desk to avoid back pain
Millions of us are now working from home and as we adjust to accommodate stay-at-home orders, most of us should also be adjusting our at-home offices to prevent aches and pains, which can develop into more severe damage to our spine. Like most of you, I have become accustomed to emailing from the kitchen counter or spending time hunched over …