Patient Education
North County Orthopedic Medical Group would like to be your partner in health care. Feel free to ask your questions and share your concerns with us. We will work with you to develop a wellness program for the care and treatment you need.
We welcome you to our practice and look forward to caring for you.
What We Offer
North County Orthopedic Medical Group provides a full range of medical services including the following:
The Achilles tendon is the strong band of tissue that connects the calf muscle to the heel.
Achilles tendonitis (also tendinitis) is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the strong band of tissue that connects the calf muscle to the heel.
Adhesive capsulitis, commonly referred to as frozen shoulder, is a common condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder.
The elbow is a joint that hinges and pivots, allowing the arm to bend, extend and rotate. Although usually thought of as having a single joint,
The shoulder joint, where the bones in the shoulder meet, is the body's most mobile joint. It allows for a large range of movement, much of it central to everyday activity.
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat injuries and abnormalities within the joints.
An ankle dislocation can occur when a significant amount of force is placed on the joint, resulting in an abnormal flexing that shifts the bones in the ankle from their normal positions.
An ankle fracture, commonly known as a broken ankle, involves any type of break or crack in the tibia, fibula, or talus. Common causes of an ankle fracture may include a sports injury, a motor vehicle accident or a fall.
An ankle sprain is a common injury that occurs when the ankle is twisted or turned, and results in torn ligaments within the joint.
An ankle strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon in the ankle. An ankle strain is a common injury that occurs when the ankle muscle is stretched or torn.
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is a combined surgical procedure to decompress spinal nerves and stabilize the cervical spine.
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most commonly injured ligaments in the knee.
The socket of the shoulder, or glenoid, is covered with a layer of cartilage called the labrum that cushions and deepens the socket to help stabilize the joint.
The rotator cuff is the thick band of muscles and associated tendons that cover the top of the upper arm and hold in it place, providing support and stability to the shoulder joint.
Avascular necrosis, also known as osteonecrosis, is a disorder in which the bone does not receive enough blood, resulting in small breaks that can eventually cause it to collapse.
At some point in their lives, the great majority of adults will suffer from significant low back pain, usually from an injury at work, at home or at play.
Biceps tendinosis is a degenerative condition of the two tendons that connect the biceps muscles, the muscles at the front of the upper arms, to the shoulder bones.
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are substances used in place of bone grafts in spinal fusions because of their ability to stimulate bone growth.
Repairing a broken (fractured) thumb can be done nonsurgically or surgically. Which method is chosen depends on a number of factors.
A bursal sac is filled with fluid that provides a cushion between muscles/tendons and bones to decrease friction and irritation.
There are two calf muscles located at the back of the lower leg, the gastrocnemius and the soleus. The former is the larger calf muscle.
The carpal tunnel is a narrow, fibrous passage in the wrist that protects the median nerve, which runs down the length of arm and through the wrist into the hand.
Carpal tunnel release is an outpatient procedure performed to relieve pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. It is performed in order to reduce carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.
The carpal tunnel is a narrow, fibrous passage in the wrist that protects the median nerve, which runs down the length of arm and through the wrist into the hand.
Cartilage defects of the knee involve damage to the articular cartilage, the smooth substance that covers the ends of the bones, keeping them from rubbing together.
The carpal tunnel is a narrow, fibrous passage in the wrist that protects the median nerve, which runs down the length of arm and through the wrist into the hand.
Cauda equina ("horse's tail") syndrome, also known as CES, is a rare neurological disorder affecting the group of nerve roots at the bottom of the spinal cord.
A cavovarus foot deformity is a condition in which the foot has an abnormally high arch and the heel slants inward. This condition places more weight than normal on the ball and heel of the foot during walking or standing, causing pain and instability.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounds the brain and spine, and is encased in a membrane known as the "dura." Sometimes, a CSF leak develops from a tear in the dura, allowing CSF to leak from the nose or ear.
A cervical fracture is a break of one of the seven bones in the cervical spine (neck), that help support the head and connect it to the rest of the body.
Cervical fusion is a surgical procedure performed to join at least two of the vertebrae of the neck. This surgery is performed to alleviate pain in patients with disorders of the cervical spine.
Cervical radiculopathy refers to pain that radiates into the shoulder and arm as a result of injury to a nerve root in the cervical spine (neck).
Chronic ankle instability is a condition in which the outer portion of the ankle has a chronic sensation of weakness and constantly "gives way" during walking and other activities.
The clavicle, commonly known as the collarbone, is the bone of the shoulder joint that connects the arm to the rest of the body.
Coccydynia, also known as coccyalgia, refers to pain and inflammation of the coccyx (tailbone), the final segment of the spine, located between the buttocks.
A Colles' fracture is a break in the distal radius, which is the larger of the two bones in the forearm. Because the distal radius usually breaks approximately 1 inch from its end
Babies can be born with foot deformities for a number of reasons. Foot deformities may occur as a result of a genetic defect, birth trauma or developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation.
Corns and calluses are thickened layers of skin that develop on the feet as a result of the skin protecting itself from friction and pressure.
Corticosteroid injections have been used for decades to temporarily relieve pain and inflammation in joints and soft tissues, and to relieve systemic inflammatory reactions.
De Quervain's tenosynovitis is an inflammation of the two tendons that run from the back of thumb and down the side of the wrist.
A discectomy is a surgery performed to relieve nerve-root compression that is caused by a herniated disc. It can be performed as open surgery or as a minimally invasive procedure.
Degenerated discs are a common back problem. The spinal discs, which are soft, gelatinous cushions that separate the vertebrae, wear down during the aging process.
A dislocated elbow, commonly referred to in children as a nursemaid's elbow, occurs when the bones of the elbow joint are pulled out of alignment and partially dislocate.
The biceps tendon connects the biceps muscle, which is located in the upper part of the arm, firmly to the bone. The biceps muscle allows the arm to flex at the elbow.
The distal radius is the larger of the two bones in the forearm. Because a fracture of the distal radius usually occurs approximately 1 inch from its end, which is close to where it connects to the bones of the hand near the thumb.
Dupuytren's contracture is a rare hand disorder caused by a thickening of the layer of fibrous tissue beneath the skin of the palm and the finger(s). This thickening causes tendons to tighten (contract), which makes the finger difficult to extend
Elbow arthritis occurs when the cartilage of the elbow joint becomes worn or damaged. This cartilage normally acts as a cushion between the bone and the joint
Arthroscopy is a type of surgery that uses an arthroscope, a thin fiber optic camera, to visualize an internal area and confirm a diagnosis. If damage or abnormalities are detected during the arthroscopy, repairs can often be made during the same procedure.
As people age, their bones, muscles and underlying tissue weaken, resulting in decreased strength, energy, and impaired mobility. Inactivity may increase these effects of aging.
External fixation is a method that uses an outer metal rod and pins to hold a bone or bones in place until they heal. Surgical pins are inserted through the skin into the bone and held in place by bolts attached to the external metal rod.
Facet joint syndrome is a condition that occurs when the facet joints of the spine become damaged or worn out.
Facet-joint injections are both a minimally invasive treatment for back pain caused by inflamed facet joints, and a diagnostic tool for determining whether facet-joint inflammation is a source of pain.
A broken thighbone, also known as a femur fracture, is a serious and painful injury. The femur is one of the strongest bones in the body, and a break or fracture in the femur bone is often caused by severe injury such as trauma sustained in a motor vehicle accident.
A fractured (broken) finger is usually the result of a trauma, such as a fall on an outstretched hand, a punch, or slamming the finger in a door. There are 14 bones in total in the fingers (phalanges) of each hand, each of which is susceptible to fracture.
A fingertip injury is a fairly common type of hand injury, one often caused by an accident, such as slamming a finger in a door, that occurs during everyday activities.
When muscles contract, tendons pull on the bones, allowing movement to occur. In the hand, the muscles that move the fingers and thumb are found in the forearm.
When muscles contract, tendons pull on the bones, allowing movement to occur. In the hand, the muscles that move the fingers and thumb are found in the forearm.
Foot drop, sometimes called drop foot, is a condition in which the patient has trouble lifting the front portion of the foot during walking, causing that foot to drag along the ground.
In addition to vertebrae and discs, the spinal column contains many foramina, holes through which the nerves pass from the spinal canal to the rest of the body.
A fracture is a break or crack in a bone that occurs when the bone cannot withstand the amount of force being placed on it. A fracture is usually the result of trauma, a fall or a direct blow to the body.
A functional capacity evaluation (FCE) is a physical exam that determines a patient's ability to return to the workforce.
Gait analysis, also known as walking or motion analysis, is a comprehensive evaluation of the way an individual stands and walks.
A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled sac that usually forms on top of a tendon or the covering of a joint in the wrist or hand. It is the most common type of soft-tissue growth in the wrist or hand, and can develop suddenly or over time.
Guyon's canal syndrome (handlebar palsy) is caused by the entrapment of the ulnar nerve within a tunnel-like structure in the wrist known as Guyon's canal.
A hammertoe is an abnormally crooked, contracted toe that takes the shape of an inverted "V." This condition develops when a muscle or tendon imbalance causes the toe to buckle and eventually become stuck in a bent position.
An injury to the hamstring muscle is a painful problem, frequent among athletes, especially those who sprint, or run and stop suddenly.
The hands are a particularly common site for traumatic injuries, including those from falls, automobile accidents and sports activity.
A heel spur is an outgrowth of bone, known as a bone spur or osteophyte, on the heel of the foot.
A herniated disc (also called a ruptured or slipped disc) is a damaged "cushion" between two bones in the spine (vertebrae).
Hydrotherapy (aquatic therapy) is a form of physical rehabilitation that uses the properties of water to help promote healing of several different conditions.
The iliotibial band is a band of tissue that runs along the outside of the leg from the hip to just below the knee, providing functionality and stability to the knee joint and surrounding area.
The distal humerus is the end of the upper arm bone, or the humerus, that forms the upper part of the elbow.
The iliotibial band is a band of tissue that runs along the outside of the leg from the hip to just below the knee, providing functionality and stability to the knee joint and surrounding area.
Spinal surgery carries certain risks, which, although rare, include spinal injury and nerve damage. To reduce these risks, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) is often used.
Because joints are in constant use, they often wear out over time due to overuse or aging. Joint reconstruction or replacement may be required to relieve the resulting pain and restore function.
A Jones fracture, named for the doctor who first described it, is an injury to the fifth metatarsal bone of the foot, the bone at the base of the small toe.
Arthritis is a condition that causes pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and it commonly affects the knees.
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to examine tissues inside the knee. During an arthroscopic procedure, a device known as an arthroscope is inserted into a small incision in the knee.
The labrum is a protective layer of cartilage in the hip joint. It provides this relatively shallow ball-and-socket joint with more stability and cushioning, allowing for a full range of motion.
Kyphosis is an exaggerated rounding of the upper back, sometimes called a hunchback. Most often found in postmenopausal women, when it is referred to as a "dowager's hump," it is also fairly common in adolescent girls.
The collateral ligaments are located on the sides of the knees. The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is located within the knee joint.
Lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow, is an elbow injury that occurs as a result of the overuse of the muscles and tendons of the forearm and elbow.
Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) is a spinal fusion technique performed from the side of the body rather than from the back or through the abdomen.
Lumbar microdiscectomy, also known lumbar disc microsurgery, is performed to remove a piece of intervertebral disc that is pressing on a spinal nerve and causing severe pain, weakness or numbness in the lumbar, or lower, back.
A lumbar epidural steroid injection is a minimally invasive procedure for treating leg, buttock and lower back pain originating from the epidural space.
Lumbar facet-joint injections are both a minimally invasive treatment for lower-back pain caused by inflamed facet joints, and a diagnostic tool to determine whether facet-joint inflammation is the source of the pain.
A lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, is most often performed as a diagnostic procedure, but may also be performed as a means to administer anesthetic or chemotherapy medications.
A lumbar sympathetic nerve block is administered to both diagnose and treat pain in the lumbar (lower) region of the spine.
Mallet finger, also known as baseball finger, involves a tear in the finger's extensor tendon, the tendon that allows the finger to straighten.
Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) is a noninvasive procedure to treat chronic pain unmanageable by other methods.
The collateral ligaments are located on the sides of the knees. The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is located in the knee, connecting the inner side of the thigh bone to the shin (tibia) bone.
Medial epicondylitis, also known as golfer's elbow, is a painful condition in which the tendons connecting the forearm to the elbow have become damaged due to injury or overuse.
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage located in the knee, that acts as a shock absorber between the shinbone and the thighbone.
The metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints are located within the knuckles of the fingers.
A microdiscectomy, also known as microdecompression spine surgery, is a surgical procedure that removes part of an impinged intervertebral disc in order to relieve pain, weakness and numbness throughout the body.
Morton's neuroma is a painful condition in which excess fibrous tissue accumulates around a nerve in the ball the foot, usually between the third and fourth toes.
Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic condition in which trigger points (muscle knots) develop in certain muscles, usually ones that have been injured or overused.
Nerve conduction study (NCS), also known as a nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test, enables the diagnosis of possible nerve damage by measuring the speed with which an electrical impulse travels through a nerve.
Nerve pain often results from nerve entrapment syndrome, the damage caused when a nerve is pinched or compressed.
When a broken bone does not heal it is referred to as a nonunion. A nonunion often occurs when the bone lacks the adequate stability or bloodflow to heal.
When a fractured (broken) bone does not heal, it is referred to as a "nonunion" fracture. Although most fractures eventually heal.
X-rays are imaging tests that produce images of the structures inside the body. X-rays use a type of radiation called electromagnetic waves to produce these internal images.
An ankle fracture is a common injury that involves a break in one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint.
Arthritis is a condition that causes pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis, a condition that causes pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints, develops over time as the cartilage protecting the bones in the joints wears down.
The talus is the uppermost bone in the foot that, together with the tibia, makes up the ankle joint.
Osteomyelitis is an infection in a bone. Osteomyelitis is caused by an infection that develops in the bone or spreads to the bone from another area, and may result in the formation of an abscess in the bone that blocks blood supply.
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes the bones to become weak and brittle, placing them at a high risk for fracture.
Patellofemoral syndrome, also known as chondromalacia patella, is a painful knee condition caused by a degeneration of the cartilage in the kneecap
Certain conditions affect the ankle joint, causing stiffness and pain, and difficulty with walking.
Arthritis causes joint pain, stiffness and swelling. Osteoarthritis is a common type of arthritis that develops when cartilage in a joint wears down; another type is rheumatoid arthritis, which causes inflammation in the lining of a joint.
Elbow injuries are common conditions. Repetitive movement and constant use during certain types of activities may put excessive strain on the elbow tendons.
A fractured (broken) finger is often the result of trauma, such as that caused by falling on an outstretched hand or slamming a finger in a door.
