What are the most prevalent types of orthopaedic conditions?
Back and spine ailments and injuries are the most common form of musculoskeletal impairment.  In the year 2000, approximately 26 million patient visits were related to back problems and complaints.

Is surgery the typical treatment for most chronic back and spine conditions?
No, in most cases, Emory Spine Center physicians can help patients get back to normal without surgery.  The key is to get a variety of opinions from qualified doctors and specialists.  The Emory Orthopaedic and Spine Center provides a collaborative consulting process that reviews all viable options for a patient?s treatment.  So, if you're living in pain due to fears about surgery, you may be worrying for no good reason.

What is a herniated disc and does it require surgery?
A disc is a structure of cartilage, shaped a bit like a doughnut, that acts as a shock absorber between two bones - allowing a full range of motion.  The disc is composed largely of water.  As we age, there
is water loss.  However, a sudden pressure caused by improper lifting or even bad posture can also cause the disc to rupture.

Rest and pain medication usually will heal the disc naturally. Other treatments include cortisone injections or injections of chymopapain, an enzyme that destroys portions of the disc. In some cases, surgery may be required if a disc fragment dislodges into the spinal canal and presses on a nerve, (which can cause loss of mobility). 

How can I keep my bones healthy and avoid orthopaedic problems?
Bone minerals are composed heavily of calcium.  During periods of bone growth, between 10 and 20 years of age, calcium should be a critical dietary component or supplement, with at least 1300 mg. per day recommended.  In addition, older individuals begin to lose bone minerals past the age of 35.  Calcium supplements and exercise can help minimize this loss.  See Orthopaedics and Spine Care Tips for more information.

What is the difference between a sprain and a fracture and how can I tell which one I have suffered?
A fracture is a break in a bone, which can result from an accident or other traumatic injury.  A fracture rarely includes surgery and is usually treated by immobilizing the bone with a cast or a splint, which allows the broken bones to grow back together.

A sprain is an injury of the ligaments, the rubber-band like tissues that connect bones together.  When the ligaments are stretched past their normal range of motion, the result can include swelling and severe pain.

A sprain will heal with rest, but a fractured bone must be set to heal.

What causes Arthritis?
There is a layer of tissue called cartilage that covers the end of the bones at the juncture of each joint and acts as a shock absorber. Over time, the cartilage can wear away and the joints can then become achy, swollen and sore.  This condition is called arthritis.  Arthritis is the leading chronic condition of the elderly, but can develop at any age.

What are the most common injuries in the workplace?
Back injuries account for the largest number of disabling injuries in the workplace.  Laborers, truck drivers, stock handlers, nursing aids are jobs where disabling injuries most often occur. However, other 'office job' related injuries include carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition of the nerve from the wrist to the thumb side of the hand.  It is caused by repetitive forceful movements, such as working at a keyboard.  Other jobs which are especially prone to this condition include dental hygienists, meat-cutters and machine operators.

What are the symptoms of bone cancer and how is it treated?
Tumors of the bone are caused by abnormal cell growth and can be cancerous or benign.  Sometimes cancers originate in other parts of the body and metastasize (or spread) to the bone.  Symptoms of bone cancer include bone pain, chronic pain in joints or limbs and brittle bones that fracture with little or no stress.  In some cases, a lump may be noticeable.

Treatments for bone cancer include chemotherapy and radiation. In addition, surgery is sometimes required and involves removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue.  If bone is removed, it is replaced
with a donor bone or prosthesis.