Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Overview
Nerves and blood vessels can be compressed in the space between your clavicle (collar bone) and your top rib. This space is called the “thoracic outlet” and the disorders caused by this compression are collectively called thoracic outlet syndrome.
Causes
Many conditions cause tho…
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) – Neurotomy in the Cervical Spine
Overview
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses heat from radio waves to treat the nerves in painful facet joints in your cervical spine (neck). It is used when physical therapy, medications, or other treatments have not relieved the pain.
Preparation
To begin, you lie on your stomach and ar…
Nerve Conduction Study (NCS and NCV)
Overview
A nerve conduction study (NCS), also called a nerve conduction velocity (NCV), is a noninvasive exam that measures how quickly nerves conduct electrical signals through the body. It helps your doctor diagnose nerve damage and devise an appropriate treatment plan.
Exam
You are pos…
Electromyography (EMG)
Overview
This is a two-part test of your nerves and muscles. The first part is a nerve conduction study, sometimes called an NCS or NCV (nerve conduction velocity). The NCS measures how well electricity moves through your nerves. The second part is a needle electromyogram (needle EMG), which reco…
Distal Radius Fracture Repair Surgery
Overview
This open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery uses screws and a metal implant to stabilize a fracture in the radius near the wrist. The radius is the larger of the two forearm bones.
Preparation
The patient’s arm is positioned with the palm facing up, for optimal surgical acce…
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Overview
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) can be a debilitating condition due to the long-lasting severe pain it causes. Formerly known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), this syndrome often develops from trauma, frequently of a body part that had suffered a previous injury. It usually…
Colles Fractures
Overview
A Colles fracture occurs when one or both of the forearm bones (the radius and ulna) breaks just above the wrist. This fracture most often happens when one tries to break a forward fall..
Breaking a Fall
A person who falls forward usually tries to break the fall by extending the hands an…
Anatomy of the Shoulder
Overview
The shoulder is comprised of three separate joints that work together for extensive range of motion. Here is a closer look at the main parts of the shoulder’s anatomy.
Bones
The shoulder involves three bones; the humerus (upper arm bone), the scapula (“shoulder blade”), and the clavicle…
Anatomy of the Hand
Overview
Your hands are versatile and complex, with the ability to do tasks that involve both strength and delicacy. Let’s look at the main structures of your hands to see how they do all the things they do.
Bones and joints
There are twenty-seven bones in each hand. Starting at the wrist, you ha…