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Archives: Injury Resources

These are the medical resources that help clients learn more about the various injuries that could be sustained in an accident.

Lumbar Radiculopathy (Sciatica)

Overview Radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root is compressed as it exits the spinal canal, causing pain and symptoms in the spine and down to the body areas where that nerve extends.  Lumbar radiculopathy is often called sciatica and causes pain in the low back, hips, buttocks, lets, and feet.   Causes Nerve root compression is caused by the narrowing of the exit ports from the spinal canal.  Herniated discs extending beyond their normal border can protrude into those exit ports and press...

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Lumbar Discoscopic Discectomy

Overview A Lumbar Discoscopic Discectomy is a minimally-invasive, outpatient surgery that relieves nerve pain caused by herniated discs. It is performed through a small tubular device under local anesthesia.   Guide Wire Inserted The surgeon uses a fluoroscope (video x-ray machine) to find the correct route to the injured disc.  The surgeon then inserts a guide wire into the disc.   Dilating Tube Inserted A dilating tube is slid over the guide wire, pushing tissue and nerve roots aside....

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Low Back Pain (Lumbar Spine)

Overview Lower back pain is a common problem that impacts quality of life. It can vary in frequency and intensity.  There are many different causes  of low back pain.   About the Lumbar Spine Your lumbar spine is your lower back. There are five lumbar vertebrae, with spinal discs in between.  These discs cushion the bones, absorb shock, and allow spinal movement such as bending and twisting.   Spinal Nerves The spine protects spinal nerves that extend down from your brain through a space...

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Loose Body Removal (Knee)

Overview Loose Body Removal is a minimally-invasive, outpatient procedure that removes debris from within the knee joint. These loose bodies are usually pieces of bone, cartilage, or other tissues that have broken free from their normal anatomical positions and are floating within the joint.   Preparation In preparation for the procedure, you are given local anesthesia.  Your knee is cleaned and positioned for surgery.   Accessing the Joint The surgeon creates small openings in your...

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Lisfranc Injury Surgery

Overview The Lisfranc joint complex is a cluster of small bones and ligaments in the middle foot.  Fractured or dislocated bones in this joint often require surgery to repair.   Preparation To prepare for surgery, you are put to sleep under general anesthesia.  The surgeon cuts an incision along the top of your foot to expose the Lisfranc joint.  After careful visual examination, your surgeon determines the correct surgical method and begins the procedure.   Procedure Your surgeon may...

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LCL (Lateral Collateral Ligament) Injury

Overview The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is on the outer side of your knee and connects the femur to the fibula. The LCL helps stabilize your knee by working with the medial collateral ligament (MCL) to limit side-to-side knee joint movement.  The LCL helps keep the upper and lower leg aligned properly at the knee.   Causes You injure your lateral collateral ligament when your knee is pushed sideways toward the outer side of your body.  This usually requires a hard blow to the inner...

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Laminotomy

Overview Laminotomy surgery creates more space around your spinal nerves.  This procedure eliminates nerve compression and the pain, weakness, and numbness that it caused.   Preparation You will lie face-down on the surgical table and be put to sleep by general anesthesia.  The surgeon makes an incision in your back to expose the involved vertebra.   Procedure Once the correct vertebra is identified, the surgeon removes part of its lamina.  The lamina is the bone forming the back of...

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Laminectomy

Overview A laminectomy procedure relieves pressure on the nerve roots in the spine, usually caused by stenosis.  The surgery removes the “back” of the spinal canal at the affected vertebra, providing more room for the nerves to flow without compression.   Removing the Spinous Process The surgeon makes an incision in your back to access the spine. The surgeon identifies the involved vertebra and removes its spinous process (bony protrusion that sticks out from the rear of the vertebra).   Removing...

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Labral Tear of the Hip (Acetabular Labrum Tear)

Overview If you have hip pain or if your hip catches or clicks when you move your leg, you may have a torn labrum. This is a rim of tissue that surrounds the hip’s “socket” (acetabulum). The acetabular labrum deepens the socket, cushions the joint, and allows smooth movement.   Causes You can tear a labrum during a traumatic event, like a car crash or fall.  You can also tear it doing athletic activities or even dancing.  Labral tears can be caused by osteoarthritis or by abnormalities...

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Jones Fracture Fixation (Open Reduction and Internal Fixation, ORIF)

Overview A Jones Fracture is a fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone of the foot. This condition is treated with an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery that uses screws and possibly other hardware to align and stabilize the fractured bone.   Preparation The patient is positioned and anesthesia is administered.  The surgeon makes an incision along the outer side of the foot to expose the fractured bone.   Fixation The surgeon carefully aligns the fractured bone pieces. ...

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