January 2022

You are likely to develop shoulder injuries through sports injuries, accidents, falls, or work activities. Early shoulder injuries may not pose any health risk when treated, and you may not need surgery. You, therefore, need to see a doctor immediately after you learn you have a shoulder injury.

If you have developed complications from a shoulder injury, you should consider arthroscopic shoulder surgery in West Chester. Ronald Hess, an orthopedic surgeon, uses advanced technology to treat your injury without causing scarring. Schedule your consultation today to learn more.

What is arthroscopic shoulder surgery?

It is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to cure shoulder injuries. Arthroscopic shoulder surgery promotes quick recovery, has fewer scarring and more minor complications.

The procedure involves your provider using a high-resolution arthroscope, a camera with light at the end. The arthroscope fits into your shoulder through a small incision to show the inside of your shoulder. Dr. Hess uses the incisions as a lead way for surgical tools in repairing the impaired shoulder tissues.

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery may also act as a diagnosis step. It gives a clear and complete view of your shoulder where imaging tests are ineffective.

Which injuries can you resolve with arthroscopic shoulder surgery?

Your provider conducts the surgery to provide remedies for critical shoulder injuries, among other depreciation injuries in the joint. Dr. Hess uses shoulder arthroscopy to repair common soft tissue injuries such as:

• Labral tears
• Biceps tendinitis
• Rotator cuff tears
• Biceps tendinitis
• Rotator cuff tears
• Joint arthritis
• Among other cartilage damage

During the procedure, your provider repairs and removes tissue damage. He administers anesthesia, then injects fluid into your joint to enlarge it and makes all structures visible.

When is arthroscopic shoulder surgery necessary?

Dr. Hess recommends trying conservative treatments first. Arthroscopic surgery is a safe and effective procedure but comes as the last treatment option. Many non-surgical treatments can relieve pain and eliminate swelling, enhancing smooth healing of your shoulder.

Conservative treatments do not usually provide lasting solutions, and your provider may recommend arthroscopic surgery even having tried the following.

• Physical therapy
• Resting your shoulder
• Joint injections
• Heat and ice therapy
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications

Recovery differs for everyone; it may take some time for a full recovery for severe damage. After your surgery, Dr. Hess will give you instructions to minimize your pain during recovery and enhance your shoulder’s strength through physical therapy.

What are the benefits of shoulder arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy surgery is highly effective compared to traditional open surgery due to the following reasons.

• Less scarring. The minimally invasive surgery ensures your provider makes only a tiny incision.
• Improves recovery time
• Effective with fewer complications involved
• Minimizes pain
• Shorter hospital stay
• Accurate diagnosis results

It is unlikely to experience complications with shoulder arthroscopy. However, like any other procedure, there may be risks involved, such as blood clots, infections, excessive bleeding, and blood vessels damage.

Talk to an orthopedic surgeon today

Your provider considers other conservative treatments for shoulder injuries first before moving on to surgery. Dr. Hess performs arthroscopic surgery to help relieve your pain and repair the damage. Call the office today to have your shoulder arthroscopy consultation.

Plasma is a blood component that contains particular “factors,” or proteins, that aid in clotting. There are additional proteins that encourage cell growth. Researchers created PRP by extracting and concentrating plasma from blood.

Injecting PRP into injured tissues is thought to encourage your body’s production of new, healthy cells, thus promoting recovery. Scientists presume that the body ‘s organs will heal faster since the tissue regeneration elements in the formulated growth injections are more enriched.

What is PRP (Platelet-rich Plasma)?

Platelet-rich plasma is made up of two components: plasma, which is the liquid portion of blood, and platelets, which are a type of blood cell that helps the body recover.

Physicians take a blood sample from a patient and centrifuge it to generate platelet-rich plasma. This rapidly rotates the sample, separating and concentrating the platelets from the rest of the blood inside the plasma.

What is PRP Injection?

Platelet-rich plasma is created from a patient’s blood sample and injected into the target location, such as an injured knee or a tendon. The practitioner may utilize ultrasound to guide the injection in some circumstances. To speed up the healing process, the objective is to increase the concentration of specific bio proteins or hormones known as growth factors at a specific region.

Process of PRP Injection:

Here’s what you can expect from a standard PRP injection procedure:

A blood sample will be taken by a healthcare practitioner. The sample size is determined by the injection site for PRP. For example, in one studyTrusted Source, 20 milliliters of blood were drawn for injection into the scalp. This is about the size of a teaspoon.

The blood is spun in a centrifuge. This machine rapidly rotates around, forcing the blood components to separate. The separating procedure takes around 15 minutes.

A technician prepares the separated plasma for injection into the afflicted region.

Doctors will frequently employ imaging, such as ultrasound, to determine specific injection sites, such as the tendon. The PRP will then be injected into the afflicted region by your doctor.

Side Effects of PRP Injection:

PRP injections are a low-risk technique with few adverse effects. Because the treatment involves a blood sample, you should stay hydrated and eat beforehand to avoid feeling lightheaded. You may suffer some discomfort and bruising at the injection site following the operation.

Your own cells and plasma are used to make PRP injections. As a result, the likelihood of an adverse reaction is significantly lower than that of other injectable medications such as corticosteroids. Bleeding, tissue damage, infection, and nerve injury are some of the less usual hazards of PRP injections. If you are thinking about getting PRP injections, make sure to discuss all of the pros and dangers with your doctor.

Recovery time of PRP:

The PRP recovery time is rather short, with a few days of pain followed by gradual improvement. Expect some discomfort and swelling after joint injections to treat arthritis for 3-7 days. Then, over the course of a few weeks, there is normally a progressive improvement.

You may not find a change straight away because PRP injections are intended to encourage healing or growth. However, after a few weeks or months, the region may begin to recover faster or develop more hair than you would have expected if you hadn’t had PRP injections.

What not to do:

Comprehending the activity constraints required of you is an important component of understanding PRP injection recovery period. The good news is that you don’t need to do anything unusual in the great majority of cases where PRP is administered.

Follow the “Activity as Tolerated” rehabilitation method. That is, if you are experiencing discomfort as a result of the injection, limit your activities to keep the pain at a 2/10. If you’re not in discomfort, you may resume your usual activities, easing up on the workouts as you listen to your body.

Final thoughts:

If effective, PRP usually provides a long-term relief cortisone shot because the degenerative soft tissue (tendon, ligament) has begun to rebuild or renew itself. Bioactive proteins have the potential to promote healing and repair. According to new studies, PRP is more effective than cortisone injections, which mask inflammation but have no healing properties.

Contact lenses are ideal for correcting vision problems without having to wear traditional spectacles. Initially made from glass, soft plastic is now the preferred material for making contact lenses. You can place these lenses directly on the cornea to correct myopia, farsightedness, and uneven focus. Physicians can also prescribe special contact lenses to patients who have had cataract surgery. Alamo Eye Care is a provider of specialty contact lenses in San Antonio that helps patients who have vision challenges.

Below are four kinds of regular contact lenses available:

1.     Extended wear

You can wear these lenses as you sleep, and you can keep them on for up to seven days straight. Unfortunately, extended-wear lenses are not effective in correcting all vision problems, and they require frequent visits to the optician for monitoring and care.

2.     Rigid Gas-Permeable (RGP)

RGP lenses permit oxygen to pass through the eyes, and they can correct many vision issues. These lenses are beloved for comfortability and longevity, and you can choose whatever tint suits you. RGP lenses can also manage myopia or nearsightedness. On the downside, their porous nature can allow debris to be trapped under the lenses. RGP lenses require consistent usage to promote adaptability.

3.     Planned replacement

These are soft lenses that are replaced every two weeks, per month, or quarterly. They are easy to clean, sanitize and promote good eye health. On the downside, planned replacement lenses are not as straightforward as RPG lenses.

4.     Extended-wear disposable

These soft lenses are typically worn for up to six days, and then you toss them. You do not have to clean them for a short duration before switching to a new pair, and you can get tinted lenses. Unfortunately, handling extended-wear disposable lenses is an intricate process, and they do not offer as much clarity as you get with RPG lenses.

What are specialized contact lenses?

Conventional contact lenses may not solve major eye problems like corneal transplants.

EyePrintPRO™ are designed to fit the contours of the ocular surface. These lenses are ideal for patients with cornea abnormalities that cannot resolve with the standard lenses discussed above.

Scleral lenses sit on the sclera or white part of the eye and extend to the cornea. They are ideal for people with dry eye syndrome, which could get irritated if they wear lenses that rest on the cornea.

Hybrid lenses have a permeable center to allow oxygen to hydrate the eye. Patients who are battling abnormal cornea conditions will find these hybrids helpful. Ortho-K lenses reshape the cornea during the night so the patient can have good vision sans lenses during the day. These lenses are ideal for people who cannot wear lenses due to the nature of their work, for instance, working in dusty environs. They can also correct myopia in children, so it does not become permanent.

For the most part, anyone who wishes to wear contact lenses over traditional spectacles. Nevertheless, there is a small population that does not qualify for this solution. For instance, anyone who has unrelenting eye infections has lubrication problems or suffers from extreme allergic reactions. Contact your ophthalmologist today to learn more about contact lenses.

Let’s start with the basics. An optometrist specializes in diagnosing and treating visual system disorders and providing pre and postoperative care for patients undergoing ocular surgery. That means they can help diagnose eye problems like glaucoma or diabetes, prescribe glasses, contact lenses, or other vision correction devices if needed. The list is extensive on the treatments you can get from an optometrist. Pay a visit to Elizabeth MacDonald OD, in Maitland, FL. What does an optometrist do?

• Conducting Eye Exams

One of the main things an optometrist does is conduct eye exams. It includes testing your vision, ensuring you don’t have any eye diseases or other problems with your eyesight. The doctor will also prescribe glasses or contacts if needed and explain how to use them properly. Counseling About Eye Appearance

Optometrists are also concerned about the appearance of your eyes. They can help you choose proper frame styles and other accessories that make your glasses or contact lenses look good. Some optometrists offer their brand of eyeglass frames in-house at their practice.

• Including Lifestyle Counseling

Even if you don’t require vision correction, it’s a good idea to visit your optometrist for a routine exam every year or two. The doctor will perform tests on many parts of your body, including brain function and eye health.

Optometrists can also advise how to live a healthier lifestyle to improve your vision, such as eating healthy foods and exercising regularly. They can also provide advice on protecting your eyes from UV rays and air pollution.

• Preventing Eye Disease and Injury

Optometrists can also treat various eye diseases and injuries. Optometrists do have the tools to test for these conditions, so they may be able to refer you to an ophthalmologist if needed.

Other treatments include injections of steroid medications into the eyes to help reduce inflammation caused by autoimmune disorders such as uveitis or other inflammatory diseases that affect vision.

They can even give emergency treatment for retinal detachment if it is caught early enough. Your optometrist provides pre-and post-operative care before eye surgeries, whether it’s just a few procedures or full-blown eye surgery like LASIK. Prevention and early treatment is the primary key to optimal vision.

• Glaucoma Treatment

If you have glaucoma, there are several treatments available for you. These include Trabeculoplasty, a procedure done with an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

It involves creating a small opening in the eye’s filtering tissue to increase its fluid outflow and relieve pressure on the optic nerve. Medication is also given to patients to control intraocular pressure and protect the optic nerve from direct contact with fluid inside the eye.

Glaucoantagonists, such as Betagan or Timoptic, can treat high eye pressure and intraocular pressure spikes. Aspirin is also given to patients with significant cardiovascular problems and may increase their chance of stroke and heart attack.

Optometrists are health care professionals who diagnose and treat visual system disorders and provide pre-operative care for patients undergoing ocular surgery. They can help with any vision needs you may have, including glasses or contact lenses prescriptions, lifestyle counseling, prevention and early treatment of eye disease or injury, and more.

An echocardiogram is a medical ultrasound used to visualize the structure and motion of the heart. This procedure is commonly used in cardiology practice to evaluate the health of the patient’s cardiovascular system, especially when other tests are inconclusive or indicate something which may not be clinically visible. An echocardiogram is a standard test for people who have chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, or other heart-related problems. The test can determine the presence of fluid around the heart and more. If you have any symptoms that point towards heart disease, you may need to see a Port Saint Lucie echocardiogram specialist to determine the exact cause of your symptoms.

How Is It Done?

The echocardiogram is a painless, noninvasive study that uses sound waves to provide images of your heart. The test takes 15-60 minutes and can be done in a diagnostic center or hospital. Although the ultrasound may emit sounds similar to sonar or “pings” from a submarine, it does not involve radiation.

Your entire chest area will be draped with a sheet or cover to prevent the echocardiogram from being thrown off by movement from your clothes. After applying ultrasound gel to your skin, your doctor will move a transducer device across your skin to capture images of the heart and surrounding structures. You may feel some pressure from the transducer, but it will not cause any pain.

How to Prepare?

It is important to tell your doctor about any allergies, possible heart problems you are aware of, or pregnancy. Also, inform your doctor about any medications (including vitamins and herbal supplements) that you take because some may interfere with the test results. Informing your doctor will help your cardiologist plan for the best course of treatment in advance.

What Is It Used For?

A person can have an echocardiogram for several reasons. Apart from looking at your heart structure, your doctor looks into how well your heart is working or any signs of life-threatening conditions. During the test, your doctor will measure how big and strong your heart is and determine if it is working correctly.

In addition to heart disease, an echocardiogram can be used for many other health problems, including:

• Detection of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) or a hole in the heart that closes soon after birth
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations
• Cardiac risk assessment in high-risk patients, e.g., those who have had a heart attack, valve surgery or stent insertion, coronary angioplasty followed by placement of a metal mesh tube called a “stent,” structural heart disease, or a congenital heart defect
• Determination of the cause of an abnormal heart sound
• Evaluation to determine if closing a PDA is effective and whether surgery can prevent further problems in very sick premature infants or fetuses with certain congenital disabilities

In summary, an echocardiogram is a simple, painless test that gives your doctor information about the heart’s structure and function. The test only takes 15-60 minutes to complete. To prepare, you should inform your doctor about any allergies, heart problems, or medications you may be taking. You can use an echocardiogram to detect many other health problems apart from heart disease.