A non-union fracture occurs when a fracture fails to heal because of movement, poor blood supply or infection. It can take some fractures up to nine months to heal completely. If the fracture doesn’t heal within this time period, treatment may be necessary. Bracing and electric stimulation are nonsurgical options. Surgery is often required to Read more
A mal-union fracture occurs when a broken bone heals in a misaligned position. This can result in the bone being shorter than it was originally, or displaced and bent out of position. The misalignment affects the joint by causing pain, joint degeneration, arthritis and instability of the joint. If the mal-union is painful or damaging, Read more
Trigger finger occurs when the tendons in the fingers or thumbs become inflamed and swollen so that they no longer glide easily over the joints but instead lock or catch momentarily when bent. It is common to feel a pop when the tendon slips out of the lock position and straightens. What are the signs Read more
As one of the most common injuries among athletes, herniated discs can be very painful. A disc can herniate in the neck (cervical) or the back (lumbar). Doctors at the USC Spine Center of Keck Medicine of USC use a team approach for initial treatment that includes oral medications, physical therapy and steroid injections. When Read more
Tendinitis occurs when a tendon becomes inflamed, usually from exercising. Sports injuries or overuse are usually to blame for this type of injury. Poor posture and failing to stretch before and after exercising can also trigger tendinitis. What are the signs and symptoms of tendinitis? Pain and tenderness in the area Inflammation and swelling Read more
A common condition, metatarsalgia is inflammation of the ball of the foot that is painful and debilitating. Nonsurgical treatment includes rest, ice, elevation, anti-inflammatory medicine and physical therapy to regain use and flexibility. Orthotics and foot pads also are known to alleviate pain from metatarsalgia. What are the signs and symptoms of metarasalgia? Swelling and Read more
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue. This leads to inflammation in the joints and surrounding tissues. In many cases, the same joint on both sides of the body is affected. What are the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis? Redness and swelling around the joint Chronic, Read more
Patellofemoral arthritis is painful arthritis that affects the patella, or kneecap. It is usually caused by damage to articular cartilage caused by a fracture or dysplasia. What are the signs and symptoms of patellofemoral arthritis? Redness and swelling around the joint Chronic pain Popping noise or grinding sensation in the joint Weakness in the joint Read more
Osteonecrosis occurs when blood flow is drastically reduced or cut off altogether, causing the knee or hip bone to break down and eventually die. Though this condition can occur in any bone, it is most common in the hip, knee, shoulder or ankle. Our orthopaedic surgeons have special expertise in the treatment of osteonecrosis of Read more
Osteoarthritis is a breakdown of cartilage in the joints that occurs over time. There is no cure, but some treatments can help slow the disease and reduce pain. What are the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee and hip? Redness and swelling around the joint Chronic pain Popping noise or grinding sensation in Read more