Orthopedic Doctors Shoreline
Millions of Americans experience chronic pain and discomfort daily. In many of these cases, consulting with an orthopedic specialist can help relieve these symptoms and find a long-term solution for your condition.
At Orthopedic Physician Associates, we have a team of orthopedic doctors that provide specialized healthcare services in Shoreline and surrounding areas. In addition to this, our facilities feature innovative diagnostic instruments that allow us to determine the gravity and cause of your injuries.
We believe that the best medical services should include state-of-the-art technology. Our orthopedic specialists have earned a reputation for mastering novel approaches and treatments that improve performance and recovery time. The team at OPA has certifications in orthopedics, physiatry, and sports medicine. What’s more, our doctors have also completed fellowship training in the areas of joint replacement, sports, spine health, feet and ankle health, and trauma.
Our combination of orthopedic experts and top-notch installations have allowed us to work with prestigious athletes and organizations like the Seattle Seahawks. And, we have the same level of care and dedication to all of our patients. If you’re looking for a reliable orthopedic doctor in Shoreline, WA, contact OPA and our team will be glad to help.
Additional areas we serve:
Cartiva Implants
People who have arthritis in the big toe can experience intense pain, which can have a huge effect on their activity levels. While traditional choices are limiting, cartiva implants offer a great alternative that can relieve the painful episodes and let you take back control without limiting your mobility.
The cartilage in your joints prevents bones from rubbing against one another. Cartiva implants serve the same purpose, but they are made up of an organic polymer, so it’s compatible with your body.
When Should You Opt for Cartiva Implants?
Osteoarthritis is a severe condition that can affect any part of the body. In some cases, this condition weakens the cartilage in your big toe, which can cause severe pain. Once the natural cushion is completely gone, it’s possible to develop chronic discomfort that reduces your quality of life.
In addition to chronic pain, osteoarthritis in the big toe can also produce bone spurs that intensify the pain. Cartiva implants offer an effective solution that can help control the pain and allow you to return to your regular activities.
A Comparison of Fusion Surgery and Cartiva Implants
Fusion surgery is the most common treatment for osteoarthritis in the big toe. During this procedure, the two bones that are coming into contact are attached. Which, in turn, can help reduce the pain.
Before attaching the bones, the surgeon removes the rest of the cartilage. Then, the bones are united and will eventually become one single piece. But, this also means that you completely lose mobility in the joint, so you won’t be able to move your big toe after fusion surgery.
It’s worth noting that before cartiva implants were developed, fusion surgery was the best alternative for folks with arthritis in the big toe. Now, you can choose cartiva, an option that helps eliminate the pain while allowing you to retain mobility.
How Do Cartiva Implants Work?
Even though it’s effective, cartiva implant surgery is actually a simple procedure. To start, your orthopedic doctor will make a 3-inch incision on the top part of your big toe. This will grant access to the capsule of your joint. The surgeon will then drill a small hole where the implant is placed. For most patients, the procedure takes less than one hour to complete.
Recovery Time After Cartiva Surgery
It’s important to note that cartiva implants are resilient and they can be used immediately after being implanted. Fusion surgery, on the other hand, requires up to 12 weeks of recovery time, so it’s not a great choice for folks who have active lifestyles and want to make a quick comeback.
Orthopedic Diagnostic Services
One of the reasons we’ve earned a reputation among the best orthopedic clinics in Shoreline is because our experts have state-of-the-art equipment at their disposal.
We believe that the only way to provide the right treatment is to conduct thorough tests and determine the extent of the damage. Our team of experienced technicians will help carry out these tests quickly and produce results promptly.
At OPA, we understand that some injuries are time-sensitive, so we do our best to conduct tests the day you arrive, as long as availability allows it. The orthopedic diagnostic services we provide include:
X-Rays
Diagnostic x-rays are used to identify a variety of ailments, so it’s no surprise it’s the most common imagery we conduct. This piece of equipment uses a small amount of radiation, which passes through the examined area. On the other side of the beam, a sheet of x-ray film captures the image that’s used by your Shoreline orthopedic doctor to make determine the issue.
While they are versatile, x-rays have some downsides because they can’t be used to treat soft tissue damage. And, it doesn’t provide a three-dimensional view of the area, making it harder to diagnose certain injuries.
EMG
Electromyography tests, often shortened as EMGs, can help diagnose nervous system and muscle dysfunctions. People experiencing cramping, tingling, numbness, pain, weakness, or similar symptoms should consult with a physician and ask about EMG tests to help rule out any serious conditions.
PedCAT
Although conventional x-rays only provide a two-dimensional view, our innovative PedCAT machine allows us to get a three-dimensional render using similar technology. By using a minimal dose of radiation, we can create a detailed image of the area being scanned.
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging, known as MRI, is a type of test that creates an electromagnetic field around your whole body. The field makes the molecules in your body vibrate, and our testing equipment captures this movement to produce a digital, three-dimensional model of the area.
Ultrasounds
Soft tissue problems are hard to diagnose. Fortunately, ultrasounds give your orthopedic specialist the ability to examine tendons, ligaments, muscles, and other types of tissue that don’t appear in x-rays.
MAKOplasty Surgery
If you’re looking for the best orthopedic doctors in Shoreline, you should look at specialists that have experience and mastery of new procedures. These surgeries tend to deliver better results and reduced recovery periods. This is the reason why we employ RIO® Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System technology to carry our MAKOplasty surgeries.
What is MAKOplasty Surgery?
Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in your body, including big ones like your knee. When the pain is too severe, having a full knee replacement via MAKOplasty surgery can help eliminate the discomfort through a less invasive approach. And, since the procedure is less intrusive, it results in faster recovery as well as a more natural feel.
A Brief Overview of MAKOplasty Surgery
Before a MAKOplasty procedure, a CT scan needs to be carried out. The results are inputted into the robotic arm, which uses the information to produce a three-dimensional image. This will help your orthopedic surgeon ensure that the implant is placed correctly. Then, the surgeon will proceed to clean the area and work with the robotic arm to ensure maximum precision.
Recovery Time After MAKOplasty
MAKOplasty surgery is becoming a popular alternative because of its reduced recovery time. As a matter of fact, many of our clients decide to have the surgery as an outpatient because they can walk right after the procedure is complete.
Areas of Specialties:
PRP Treatments
Injuries that affect muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, and other types of soft tissue can take a while to recuperate. That said, the human body has amazing healing capacities, and PRP treatments allow you to cut recovery time while ensuring your injuries heal properly.
But, you have to make sure you choose an orthopedic clinic in Shoreline that provides quality PRP treatments and delivers the right results.
Defining PRP Treatments
There are many different elements that make up our blood. Platelet cells are one of the components and their main job is to clot your blood whenever there’s an open wound. These cells also have powerful therapeutic properties, so they can be isolated and redistributed throughout your body to encourage faster healing in a natural way.
Why are Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatments So Effective?
PRP treatments are extremely effective because they use your body’s cells. The process is actually very simple. Your orthopedic specialist will first draw some of your blood and use a centrifuge to separate the platelets. Then, they are collected with a syringe and injected in the injured or affected part of the body.
Find a Reliable Orthopedic Doctor in Shoreline
Injuries and health conditions can produce intense pain and relying on pharmaceuticals is not sustainable in the long run. At OPA, we have a team of dedicated orthopedic doctors in Shoreline that has extensive training as well as experience, and we are happy to help you find a solution for your condition.
If you need to find an orthopedic specialist you can trust, contact OPA today.