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Monday, July 29, 2013

New Research Looks at the Causes and Most Common Types of Broken Bones in Children

Post provided by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons


Fractures to the wrist are the most common in children under age 16;
snowboarding causes the most fractures per hour of exposure
 

While broken bones are not uncommon in children, a new study appearing in the April 2013 Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery(JBJS)looks at which fractures are most common in children, and which activities are most likely to cause fractures.

Approximately one-third of pediatric fractures occur during sport or recreational activity. In this Norwegian study, researchers sought to determine the incidence and causes of pediatric fractures in children under age 16. Exposure time to the most common childhood activities was measured through random interviews with parents in the study population.

There was an overall annual incidence rate of 180.1 fractures per 10,000 children. The distal radius, or wrist, was most often fractured, followed by fingers and toes. Snowboarding was associated with the highest activity-specific fracture rate estimated to be 1.9 fractures per 10,000 hours of exposure, which is four times higher than the fracture rates for soccer, and five times higher than trampoline use.


“In our study we discovered that snowboarding caused four times more fractures per exposure time compared to other common childhood activities,” said orthopaedic surgeon and lead study author Per-Henrik Randsborg, MD, PhD. “Furthermore, trampoline use did not seem to cause more fractures per hours of exposure than other popular childhood activities. In fact, handball and soccer had a higher risk of fractures than did trampoline use.”

Other Key Findings:
  • The mean age of all fractures was 10, and there were more fractures in boys (61.7 percent of all fractures).
  • Winter activities causing the most fractures per weekly hours of exposure were snowboarding, followed by playground use, ice skating and team handball (European).
  • High fracture activities in the summer months per weekly hours of exposure were team handball, followed by skateboarding/rollerblading, soccer, and playground and trampoline use.
  • Soccer has the highest rate of fractures overall, when not accounting for hours of exposure, followed by playground, bicycle and trampoline use.
  • Snowboarding is associated with a highest rate of wrist-specific fractures compared with other activities. Most of the children suffering wrist injuries while snowboarding were not wearing wrist guards.

“Our study indicates what childhood activities give the highest risk of fracture per time exposed to the activity,” said Dr. Randsborg. “The findings will be useful in identifying which activities that should be targeted for further studies regarding the implementation of effective preventive measures, so that children might continue to be physically active while reducing the number of preventable injuries.”

Doctor of the week!

Dr. John McDonald is our Doctor of the Week! Watch the video to learn more about Dr. McDonald.

FREE Joint Replacement Seminar on Thursday Aug 1st!


Learn more about non-surgical arthritis treatment options as well as total hip and total knee replacement surgery at Arthritis Camp! Refreshments are served.  Bring your friends and family! Date: Thursday, Aug 1st.  Time: 5 PM to 7 PM Location: Northwest Austin, 4700 Seton Center Pkwy, Ste. 200, Austin, 78759.   Speaker: Tyler Goldberg, MD.
 
Please RSVP by registering online or call 439-1176. If you can't make this seminar, plan to attend our next seminar on Thursday Sept 5th.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Doctor of the Week!

Dr. Robert Koval is our Doctor of the Week! Watch the video to learn more about Dr. Koval.


Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Doctor of the Week!

Dr. William Taylor is our Doctor of the Week! Watch the video to learn more about Dr. Taylor.


Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Doctor of the Week!

Dr. Brian Hardy is our Doctor of the Week! Watch the video to learn more about Dr. Hardy.


Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Orthopaedic Surgeons Promote Regular Exercise to Prevent and Minimize the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Post provided by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, affects an estimated 20 million Americans, including many middle-age Americans ages 45-65. That’s why the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) are touting the benefits of a balanced fitness/exercise program in preventing, and easing the symptoms of, osteoarthritis.

With osteoarthritis, the articular cartilage that covers the ends of bones in the joints gradually wears away leaving a frayed, rough surface that causes painful joint motion. Osteoarthritis usually develops after many years of use, and most often affects people who are middle-aged or older. Other risk factors for osteoarthritis include obesity, previous injury to the affected joint, and/or family history of osteoarthritis.

“While vigorous participation in sports and exercise over many years certainly can contribute to the wear and tear that causes osteoarthritis, an ongoing active lifestyle that includes regular, moderate-intensity, no- or low-impact exercise also is the best way to prevent and ease osteoarthritis symptoms and disease progression,” said AAOS 2nd Vice President David D. Teuscher, MD, a Beaumont, Texas orthopaedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine.
 
If done in 30-to-45 minute intervals, three-to-five days a week, exercise can help:
· reduce pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis
· improve flexibility and range of motion
· enhance muscle strength and endurance
· improve balance and coordination
· maintain a healthy weight
According to the AOSSM, a successful exercise program should include four components:
1. Warm-up - A warm-up helps the body get ready to exercise by elevating the heart rate slowly and increasing body temperature. Some warm-up activities include five minutes of mild intensity walking or riding a stationary bike.
2. Stretching/flexibility - Flexibility is essential to joint health, and yet everyone’s degree of flexibility varies greatly. Stretching should not be painful and should begin with easy stretches being held for 20 to 30 seconds each. 
3. Aerobic (cardio) activity - A stationery bicycle may provide the best aerobic exercise for an arthritic patient. It is easy on the joints and maintains flexibility, motion and strength. Start with five minutes on the bicycle and gradually increase activity by one minute or two minutes per week. 
4. Anaerobic (strength) activity - Strength training is beneficial for the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis, especially light-to-moderate resistance exercise.
“If these supervised measures don’t work, you should seek the advice of a physician who may use weight bearing diagnostic x-rays to confirm the condition of your painful joint. After a proper diagnosis, physical therapy and/or medications may be recommended to further ease osteoarthritis symptoms,” added Dr. Teuscher. “For some patients, surgery to repair or replace knee or hip joints may be required to allow for a return to an active lifestyle and previously enjoyed activities.”
Stop exercising and consult with your physician if you have increased swelling, stiffness or joint pain, and/or dizziness, light headedness or shortness of breath following physical activity.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Doctor of the Week

Dr. Ai Mukai is our Doctor of the Week.  Watch the video to learn more about Dr. Mukai.