Total knee replacement (TKR) is a successful surgery, reliably relieving pain and improving function in the setting of debilitating arthritic disease. However, studies show that up to 20% of patients remain unsatisfied with their knee replacement. Recent data from the American Joint Replacement Registry Annual Report showed that 88% of patients achieved a meaningful improvement after TKR in one validated outcome measure. Of course, this leaves 12% of patients who did not. For this reason, … [Read more...] about Robotic Total Knee Replacement
M.D.
Listening to Your Feet
Diabetes is the number one cause of blindness, kidney failure and amputation. More than 30 million Americans are living with diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That’s one in every 10 people. More than seven million have diabetes and don’t know it. It’s a disease that affects every major system of the body. When you have diabetes, it is important to learn to pay attention to your body and health. Those who don’t, should still pay attention to what their … [Read more...] about Listening to Your Feet
What is Integrative Medicine?
Integrative medicine (IM) is the future of health, wellness and quality of life. It focuses on healing the human body by identifying and treating the root cause of a condition. It is an open-minded way of practicing medicine that includes all forms of healing, traditional and alternative. As an Integrative Medicine Practitioner, I am classically trained as a family medicine doctor with additional training in supplements, botanicals, diet, mind-body modalities, energy medicine and other … [Read more...] about What is Integrative Medicine?
Local Interest is Growing Fast for Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Patients come to see me for a variety of complaints regarding their back and neck health. Often, there are specific questions they would like me to answer (often, to help debunk Google), and end up sharing so much about their back pain, which is incredibly personal and can really impact one’s life in a variety of ways. Naturally, my surgical patients usually ask me about the least-invasive, minimally painful and easiest surgery for them to undergo, so they can get back to enjoying life again. … [Read more...] about Local Interest is Growing Fast for Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Wondering About a Hip Replacement?
The ability to walk in a balanced, fluid motion is something that many of us take for granted. The hip joint is an essential part in creating this function. When pain and stiffness alter this ability and non-operative measures fail, I begin the discussion with my patients about total hip replacements. This surgery involves replacing the damaged hip with a properly functioning prosthetic joint, restoring the patient’s range of motion and relieving their pain. Hip Anatomy and Background The hip … [Read more...] about Wondering About a Hip Replacement?
Surgical Advancements Help Improve Trigger Finger Treatment Experience
Every day, there are new advancements in medicine and surgical procedures. New technology and specially trained surgeons mean a greater number of minimally invasive surgical procedures are being performed in hospitals or clinics on an outpatient (no overnight hospital stay) basis, allowing the patient to go home within hours after surgery. Recently, a breakthrough in these minimally invasive procedures is beginning to take shape. These surgeries can now take place in adapted procedure … [Read more...] about Surgical Advancements Help Improve Trigger Finger Treatment Experience
Defining Arthroscopic, Laparoscopic, Endoscopic
Thirty years ago, many of the modern minimally invasive surgery techniques had yet to become common place in the operating room. When I was an intern in General Surgery in 1986, we were still doing gallbladder removals by cutting large open incisions beneath the rib cage on the right side – a very painful approach, to say the least. Now, the use of small TV cameras has become commonplace and used to treat many medical and surgical disorders revolutionizing the world of medicine. Everyone … [Read more...] about Defining Arthroscopic, Laparoscopic, Endoscopic
Joint Pain in Your Loved One: When is it Time to Talk?
The winter season brings friends and families together more – usually, to help each other. In areas such as Flagstaff, where we typically receive snow, day-to-day activities become difficult for the elderly. You may just find yourself helping the members of your inner circle with many of the challenging tasks snow can bring. Because of the increase in time with them, you may discover these aging friends and relatives be suffering from joint pain, especially in their hips or knees. Even the once … [Read more...] about Joint Pain in Your Loved One: When is it Time to Talk?
Arthritis May Win a Battle, But It Doesn’t Have To Win the War
Born and raised in the Midwest, Brian spent most of his life hunting small game such as pheasant and turkey. When he moved to Arizona, he was excited for the opportunity to engage in big game hunts, such as elk and deer. One of his goals was to hunt elk with a bow. His chance came when his name was drawn for a bull elk archery tag. Brian made all the arrangements for the big hunt, loading his truck with everything he needed for the two-week camping/hunting trip. As he lifted the … [Read more...] about Arthritis May Win a Battle, But It Doesn’t Have To Win the War
Want More out of Life? Consider a Mission Trip
As a physician specializing in primary care and anesthesiology, I have been fortunate to be able to use my expertise to care for numerous people in the United States, Mexico, the Yucatan, Guatemala, Haiti and other locations around the world. Going on mission trips within and outside of our country allows me to care for people who are in need of assistance in meeting the very basic requirements of life, such as water, food, housing and medical care. One of the many ironies that becomes … [Read more...] about Want More out of Life? Consider a Mission Trip
