North Phoenix Orthopedic Surgeons

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Phone: (602) 944-2271 Fax: (602) 943-3420

What is Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy?

PRP therapy offers a promising solution to accelerate healing of tendon injuries and osteoarthritis naturally without subjecting the patient to significant risk. PRP is an emerging treatment in a new health sector known as ”Prolotherapy” or "Orthobiologics." The philosophy is to merge cutting edge technology with the body's natural ability to heal itself.

Blood is made of RBC (Red Blood Cells), WBC (White Blood Cells), Plasma, and Platelets. Platelets were initially known to be responsible for blood clotting. In the last 20 years we have learned that when activated in the body, platelets release healing proteins called growth factors. There are many growth factors with varying responsibilities, however cumulatively they accelerate tissue and wound healing. Therefore after increasing the baseline concentration of these platelets, we are able to deliver a powerful cocktail of growth factors that can dramatically enhance tissue recovery. The patients blood is drawn then centrifuged to separate these layers. The platelet layer is then re-injected into the site of injury. No additional surgery is necessary. Call for a consultation! 602-944-2271.

What is arthroscopic surgery?

Arthroscopic surgery is a common orthopedic procedure that is used to diagnose and treat problems of the joint. The word "arthroscopy" comes from two Greek words: 'arthro,' meaning "joint," and 'scope,' meaning "look." Arthroscopic surgery simply means to look inside a joint.

Arthroscopic surgery is most commonly performed on the knee and shoulder joints.

When an arthroscopy is performed, a camera is inserted into the joint through a small incision (about one centimeter). The arthroscopic surgery camera is attached to a fiber optic light source and shows a picture of the inside of the joint on a television monitor so the operating team may conduct the procedure. Fluid is inserted into the joint to allow more maneuverability and to remove any debris. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.

Arthroscopy is less invasive and less traumatic to the muscles, ligaments, and tissues. The benefits of arthroscopy include: smaller incisions, faster healing, a quicker recovery, and minor scarring. Arthroscopic surgical procedures are often performed on an outpatient basis and typically the patient returns home the same day.

What is knee surgery?

Knee surgery may be an option to consider once physical therapy has failed and you have constant aching pain that is no longer tolerable. Usually arthritis is present and the joint has bone on bone contact. Daily activities are limited by your knee pain waking you at night and you lack strength to carry out normal daily activities.

Arthroscopic knee surgery could be done to treat meniscus tears, smooth down rough cartilage on the condyles or under the patella, fix patella maltracking and bursitis. Orthopedic knee arthroscopy is where instruments are inserted into the knee through small incisions below the knee cap and the surgery is done in an out patient surgery center.

A total knee replacement may be recommended if arthritis or degenerative joint disease makes your knee stiff and painful or once physical therapy has failed and you have constant aching pain that is no longer tolerable. Usually arthritis is present and the joint has bone on bone contact. Orthopedic knee replacement surgery replaces damaged surfaces with artificial parts (prostheses).

What is shoulder surgery?

Shoulder surgery may be an option to consider if physical therapy is no longer beneficial, daily activities are limited by your shoulder pain, pain wakes you at night and you lack strength to carry out normal daily activities, and have been diagnosed with severe arthritis.

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery could be done to treat rotator cuff tears, slap tears, acromiaoclavicular joint degeneration, and bursitis. Orthopedic shoulder arthroscopy is where instruments are inserted into the shoulder through small incisions on the shoulder in an out patient surgery center.

A total shoulder replacement may be recommended if arthritis or degenerative joint disease makes your shoulder stiff and painful or if the upper arm bone is fractured so badly that tissue death may result. Orthopedic shoulder replacement surgery replaces damaged surfaces with artificial parts (prostheses).

What are Orthovisc injections?

Orthovisc is a viscous (thick) sterile mixture made from highly purified hyaluronan from bacterial fermentation. Hyaluronan is a neutral chemical found in the body. High amounts of hyaluronan are found in the joint tissues and in the fluid that fills the joints. The body’s own hyaluronan acts like a lubricant and a shock absorber in the joint. It is needed for the joint to work properly. When you have osteoarthritis, there may not be enough natural hyaluronan in the joint, and the quality of that hyaluronan may be poorer than normal. Orthovisc is given in a shot (injection) directly into the knee joint.

Orthovisc is used to relieve knee pain due to osteoarthritis. It is used for patients who do not get adequate pain relief from simple pain relievers like acetaminophen or from exercise and physical therapy.

Your healthcare professional will inject Orthovisc (30 mg/2 mL) into your knee once a week, for a total of 3 or 4 injections.