Orthopedia Doctors Burien
Chronic pain in the joints and muscles affects millions of people in the US alone. Fortunately, many of these issues are caused by injuries or conditions that can be addressed by an orthopedic doctor.
Our team of physicians at OPA provides a complete set of orthopedic healthcare services in Burien and surrounding areas. Besides having experienced specialists, our installations also have top-of-the-line diagnosing equipment to help identify any issues as quickly as possible.
Technology and medicine go hand-in-hand and all of our orthopedic specialists are known for being innovative and resourceful. They have acquired certifications in physiatry, sports medicine, and orthopedics. Additionally, our roster boasts of doctors that have completed fellowship training in sports, trauma, feet and ankle, spine health, and joint replacement.
Thanks to our ingenious doctors and state-of-the-art facilities, we’ve earned a great reputation among orthopedic surgeons in Burien, WA. Our team has worked with organizations like USA Rugby and Seattle University, so we understand the importance of delivering effective treatments with fast recovery times.
If you need to find an orthopedic surgeon in Burien, get in touch with OPA to schedule an appointment today.
Additional areas we serve:
Cartiva
Arthritis in the big toe can produce intense pain and discomfort. In some cases, the pain is so severe that it can lower a person’s quality of life. Cartiva implants now provide a great option that can help reduce the painful symptoms and allow you to return to your regular lifestyle.
Similarly to the cartilage in your toes, cartiva implants prevent your bones from rubbing against each other. Cartiva is made from an organic polymer that is compatible with the human organism. At OPA, our team of experienced orthopedic specialists havs the skills to work with these implants and provide relief from arthritis pains.
When is Cartiva a Good Alternative?
In a nutshell, cartiva implants are suitable for folks who have severe cases of osteoarthritis in the big toe. This condition can cause the cartilage between your joints to weaken, eventually disappearing completely. Without the natural cushion, your bare bones rub against one another, causing chronic pain and discomfort.
Osteoarthritis can affect any of the 360 joints in your body. In some cases, it affects your big toe, which limits your ability to walk and overall mobility. Not only this, but you can also grow bone spurs that make the pain worse. The good news is that cartiva implants can help minimize the discomfort and return the mobility you used to have.
Comparing Fusion Surgery and Cartiva
Osteoarthritis in the big toe is commonly treated with fusion surgery. This procedure aims to unite the two bones that come into contact, which reliefs the painful episodes.
The surgeon removes the remaining cartilage and attaches the bones, which eventually become one single piece. But, as you can imagine, this also means that you lose the use of the joint.
Until the development of cartiva, fusion surgery has been considered the best treatment for this problem. Today, you can opt for cartiva implants that reduce the uncomfortable symptoms without compromising your joint’s mobility.
How Does Cartiva Surgery Work?
Cartiva implant surgery follows a three-step process. The first step is to make a 3-inch incision on your big toe, which the surgeon will use to access the capsule inside of your joint. If there are any prominent bone spurs, these are removed after the first step. Then, the surgeon drills a small home and places the implant. In the vast majority of cases, the procedure takes less than an hour.
Orthopedic Diagnostics
The best way to diagnose a condition or injury is to carry out a series of rigorous tests. Our team of orthopedic doctors in Burien, WA can help diagnose your conditions thanks to our state-of-the-art testing facilities. And, we’ve also focused on finding knowledgeable technicians that will do their best to get your tests done the day you get there.
Our team will conduct your tests and find the best approach as soon as you come in, as long as our availability allows expedited care. We specialize in carrying out a wide list of medical tests, including:
Diagnostic X-Rays
X-rays are extremely versatile and it’s the most common type of image test we carry out at OPA. Our X-ray machine employs a small beam of radiation, which passes through the part of the body that’s being tested. A sheet of x-ray film is placed on the other side of the beam to preserve the image, which will help our orthopedic physicians diagnose the problem.
Even though they can be done quickly and they can help your doctor diagnose your hand and wrist conditions, x-ray tests do have some disadvantages. This type of exam shows a two-dimensional representation, and in some cases, it’s best to have a 3D view of the affected area. And, soft tissue doesn’t show up in x-rays, so they can’t be used for ligament damage and similar injuries.
EMG
An electromyography test, sometimes referred to as an EMG, is used to identify dysfunctions in the nervous system and your muscles. If you are experiencing pain, numbness tingling, weakness, cramping, or another type of discomfort, consult with our physicians and inquire about an EMG test.
PedCAT
Regular x-ray machines are limited because they only provide a two-dimensional view of an area. Our state-of-the-art PedCAT test uses a minimal dose of radiation to render a 3D image of the area that’s being scanned.
Ultrasounds
Unlike x-rays, ultrasound tests give your physician the ability to examine soft-tissue injuries and problems. This machine employs sound waves and allows doctors to look at your tendons, ligaments, joints, muscles, and other soft tissue throughout your body.
MRI
MRI stands of magnetic resonance imaging, and as you can imagine, it uses electromagnetic force as part of its mechanism. An MRI machine creates a magnetic field which causes the molecules of your body to vibrate. The vibrations are recorded in a 3D image that’s extremely detailed.
Cartiva Recovery
Cartiva implants are strong and ready to be used as soon as they are placed. In comparison, fusion surgery may require up to 12 weeks or recovery, so it’s not a viable alternative for folks who want to return to their day to day activities quickly.
MAKOplasty
Experience is a key factor, but you should also choose an orthopedic doctor that is familiar with new technology. Advanced procedures tend to provide faster recovery times and better results, which is why we employ RIO® Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System to perform MAKOplasty surgery.
What is MAKOplasty?
Because osteoarthritis can hinder different parts of our body, you can sometimes experience intense pain in big joints like your knee. When the pain and discomfort are too intense, MAKOplasty surgery provides a great alternative. Through this procedure, your physician can conduct a full knee replacement by using a less invasive approach.
MAKOplasties are a great choice for people who would like reduced recovery times and to have a knee that feels more natural.
MAKOplasty Treatment Explained
The first step in a MAKOplasty is to conduct a CT scan. The test results are inserted into the robotic equipment, which creates a 3D image of the area. This allows your physician to determine where the implant will be placed. The surgeon then cleans the area and works with the robotic arm to place the implant with extreme precision.
MAKOplasty Recovery Time
One of the reasons why MAKOplasties are becoming more common is because of their reduced recovery period. A lot of patients choose to have a MAKOplasty as an outpatient because they can start walking right after the operation.
PRP Treatments
Platelet-rich plasma or PRP treatments can help manage a wide array of conditions because they use your body’s own healing capacities. Muscle, joint, ligament, tendon, and other soft tissue injuries can take a significant amount of time to heal. PRP treatments can help accelerate your recovery, so contact us today if you want to learn more.
What is Platelet-Rich Plasma?
Platelets are a type of cell found in our bloodstream. Their main purpose is to form a clot whenever there is an open wound, but these cells also have powerful healing properties. PRP treatments allow us to isolate them and reinject them in different parts of your body to help promote faster healing.
Why is PRP an Effective Alternative?
PRP treatments are effective because they use your own body’s cells. And, the process is fast and simple. After taking a sample of your blood, your physician will use a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the rest of your blood. These are then injected into the area that’s being treated.
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Get Help from an Experienced Orthopedic Doctor
If you have a bad injury or suffer a medical condition that requires constant pain killers, you may have another alternative. At OPA, our team of Burien orthopedic doctors will be happy to discuss the different options you have available, so get in touch with us and schedule a consultation today.