What is Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury at the Elbow?

Ligaments joining the ulna and radius bones of the lower arm to the humerus bone of the upper arm form the elbow. The medial collateral ligament joins the humerus to the ulnar bone of the outer lower arm. Three bands form the medial ulnar collateral ligament. The ligament consists of the anterior band (top), the posterior band (bottom) and the transverse band (crosswise), which is typically the thinnest of all three bands. Injury in this region occurs when the ligament tears or ruptures.

Causes of Medial Collateral Ligament Injury

Repetitive motion or excessive force applied to the medial ulnar collateral ligament often causes tearing or rupturing. Professional ball players often experience this type of injury from repeatedly throwing a ball overhand. Non-professional athletes also endure medial collateral ligament injuries. The acute strain of a sudden pulling force also causes tearing or rupturing of the ligament. The severity of the injury depends on whether the ligament suffers a partial or a complete tear. The size of a rupture may also vary. After the injury occurs, inflammation begins. Individuals often experience pain at the site along with swelling. Patients notice weakness in the joint, though the elbow continues functioning.

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Minute tears or ruptures heal within a few weeks after allowing the joint to rest. Applying ice immediately after the injury helps reduce the amount of inflammation and swelling. Physicians also suggest using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, which decrease inflammation, swelling and pain. After providing a sufficient time for healing, health care providers might recommend physical therapy designed to strengthen a weakened ligament. Severe tears or ruptures usually require surgical intervention.

How physicians Perform Collateral Ligament Surgery

This type of surgery existed from the 1970s. Professional pitcher Tommy John was the first patient to undergo collateral ligament surgery. Prior to the actual repair process, surgeons often use arthroscopy for determining the exact location and extent of the injury. While the patient sleeps under general anesthesia, surgeons introduce the lighted camera device into the arm through an incision measuring the same size in diameter as a pencil.

Ligament repair entails replacing the damaged tissue with another. Surgeons obtain ligament tissue from a variety of locations in the patient’s body, which include the hand, forearm, knee or upper thigh. With the patient’s arm positioned, the surgeon makes an incision along the inner elbow, allowing access to the specific injury site.

After gently moving aside local muscles, surgeons access the affected ligament and elbow joint. Using a small drill, physicians drill insertion holes in the end of the humerus and the top of the ulna. Surgeons then thread the autograft ligament through these holes forming a figure eight. The doctor completes the repair by joining the two ends of the graft together. Physicians apply an external dressing on top of the sutured incision and also typically wrap the arm with an immobilizing brace.

Recovery Time

One to two weeks following surgery, the physician typically replaces the immobilizing brace with one that has hinges, allowing the patient a limited amount of movement and exercise with physical therapy. Patients may use the arm for increased exercise and mobility in three to six months. By nine to twelve months, if patients adhere to the advice of medical professionals, the elbow heals completely. Patients now return to normal activities without fear of further injury.

See Dr. John T. Knight for Medial Collateral Ligament Surgery

Dr. Knight has over 20 years of experience in orthopedic surgery and specializes in the injuries and diseases of the hand, wrist and elbow. He is the one of the country’s leading surgeons having experience in arthroscopic and endoscopic reparative surgeries. Using state of the art equipment and the most current scientifically proven treatment techniques, Dr. Knight has successfully completed tens of thousands of procedures.

Medial collateral ligament injuries not only affect athletic ability, but also hinder normal daily activities that include earning a living. Part of having a complete recovery from this type of injury requires obtaining an accurate diagnosis and receiving proper treatment. Consulting with renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Knight is the first step to a speedy recovery.

Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury Animation Videos

Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury

Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction (Tommy John Surgery)

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HandSurgeonOrangeCounty.com does not offer medical advice. The information presented here is offered for informational purposes only. Read Disclaimer.

What is a Hyperextension Injury of Elbow?

The hyperextension injury of elbow happens when the elbow is bent in a forceful way beyond the natural range of motion and is usually accompanied by pain or stiffness to the arm. This condition is most common among athletic individuals who participate in contact sports.

Causes of hyperextension injury of elbow

The injury results from sudden impact that forces the arm to straighten in an involuntary manner. The bone and the neighboring tissue are affected by the injury. The hyperextension injury of elbow results in immediate pain to the arm. Pain may be experienced during minor movement. The pain, inflammation and stiffness frequently occur as a result of hyperextension. The injury is often accompanied by persistent swelling. The injury is the direct result of the ligaments in the elbow portion of the arm being overly stretched. The ligaments can become weak to the point here they become torn.

Treatment options for hyperextension injury of elbow

Certain measures can be taken to reduce the painful symptoms of swelling to the arm. The hyperextension injury of elbow can be iced periodically to control the swelling. Properly elevating the arm for a period of time may provide some relief to the injured arm. The icing method provides temporary relief to the elbow through numbness. In addition to the compress and the ice, a support retainer can be worn to restrict the movement. Strapping or taping the arm is also an option for those in need of temporary relief. Resting the arm and limiting the use of it is recommended once the initial injury is detected. All other treatment options are usually explored before surgery is considered.

How is the surgery performed on hyperextension injury of elbow?

Depending on the extent of the injury, surgical intervention may be necessary. If surgery is necessary to treat the injury, a series of procedures may be required.

The three basic components of the surgery for hyperextension injury of the elbow cutting the tendon, repairing any tears to the tendon, removing any inflamed or damaged tissue from the arm.

Damage to the ligaments and the tendons may be in need of repair in a surgery to treat elbow hyperextension. Tissue may also be grafted from other parts of the body and added to the area surrounding the elbow to heal the area. In this surgery, pinched nerves and any obstructed arteries are repaired. Extensive damage to the connective tissues may require more work to be performed.

What is the recovery time for elbow surgery?

The surgery has a recovery rate of 90 percent, and most patients report regaining full use of the arm. Most patients recover within several weeks of the procedure. Many find that they are able to enjoy a full range of motion to the arm soon after surgery. People typically undergo physical therapy for a month or so after the procedure. The regimen consists of routine strengthening exercises and strength of the arm returns within several weeks. Patients are discouraged from resuming normal physical activities before consulting with the physician and being cleared.

Why See Dr. Knight for such a surgery?

A surgery of this magnitude should be performed by a reputable surgeon experienced in hyperextension surgical procedures. This type of injury requires the expertise of an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in treating and joint issues like tennis elbow. The patient has the advantage of being treated in a world-class facility equipped with state-of-the-art technology under the care of Dr. Knight.

Hyperextension Injury of the Elbow Animation Video

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Common Causes

Occasionally, an athlete, or a person who has participated in other types of repeated motions of the arms, will suffer from overuse injuries of the elbow. Over time, when the sport or activity causes the person to repeat a flexion-extension movement (a bending and straightening) at the elbow joint, it can put stresses on the surrounding tissues and cause injury. It is common to see baseball players develop this type of injury over time. Other sports that may cause such an injury may include tennis or golf. Additionally, repeated motions, such as when someone works long shifts on an assembly line, can give rise to such an overuse injury if such flexion-extension movements come into play often during their daily routine.

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Treatment

Thankfully, for those who want to get back on the field, back on the greens, or back on the job, there are treatment options available. It is advised that immediately upon noticing such an injury, non-surgical methods be rapidly employed to bring down any swelling and restore normal pain-free function as soon as possible. It is advised that any sports or activities that cause painful symptoms be either completely curtailed or, at least, significantly diminished in frequency. For mild pain and swelling associated with overuse injuries of the elbow joint, over-the-counter medications such as Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs can be used. Often, a few days of a cold pack applied to the area is all that it takes to speed recovery.

Surgical Treatment

Occasionally, however, non-surgical treatment does not bring relief. It is then that further investigation, diagnosis and treatment is in order. It is imperative that you see a trained medical professional that specializes in this type of overuse injury. Your doctor will discuss the nature of the motion that caused it, and see if further diagnostic testing is in order. If testing shows that there is damage that could be remedied with surgical procedures, then it is best to proceed with treatment if you wish to soon be back in the game, or job, that you love.

Possible Injuries

A full range of possibilities come into play with overuse injuries of the elbow. There is a simple tendinitis, which is an inflammation of the tendons surrounding the elbow joint. Sometimes, advanced ligament damage can call for a surgery commonly referred to as a ‘Tommy John’, where ligaments are completely reconstructed. Another possibility is when diagnostic testing shows a tear in a tendon. Sometimes surgery on this type of injury can be a very low-stress arthroscopic procedure, or, hopefully at worst, a minimally invasive surgery can be performed with little scarring from incisions. If it turns out that you have a nerve condition, for instance ulnar entrapment (where the ulnar nerve is compressed by surrounding tissues), then neurological symptoms that do not respond to physical therapy can often be treated by surgeries designed to free a trapped and inflamed ulnar nerve.

That is only a few of the conditions that give rise to elbow pain. As you can see, diagnosing the exact cause of your pain can sometimes be a difficult process that needs the skills of someone expert as diagnosing and treating athletes and others with repetitive motion injuries.

How Dr. Knight Helps

If you find yourself experiencing any of the above symptoms, and they have not responded within a few days to the basic non-invasive procedures suggested (aspirin, rest, ice packs), then please seek help. There is no reason why you should curtail your favorite activities or suffer pain every day in the workplace. If you need to consult an expert on overuse injuries of the elbow, then make an appointment to see Dr. John Knight at the Hand and Wrist Institute. Board certified in orthopaedic surgery, Dr. Knight brings to your diagnosis and care over 20 years of experience in the treatment of upper extremity problems. The Hand and Wrist Institute delivers you precise diagnosis, sound advice, and capable treatment for any of your hand, wrist, or arm related injuries.

Don’t let your elbow overuse injury diminish your enjoyment of the activities you have always enjoyed. See Dr. Knight today to begin getting back to the sport that you love.

Overuse Injuries of the Elbow Animation Video

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HandSurgeonOrangeCounty.com does not offer medical advice. The information presented here is offered for informational purposes only. Read Disclaimer.

What is Olecranon Bursitis?

The olecranon bursa is a sac containing a small amount of lubricating fluid which is located at the tip of the elbow. It acts as a cushion between bone and skin, and allows the elbow to bend and straighten smoothly. The inflammation of this bursa is known as olecranon bursitis.

How is Olecranon Bursitis Caused?

An injury or a fall directly onto the elbow may cause bleeding into the bursa, triggering an inflammatory reaction of swelling and tenderness at the site. Individuals who must rest their elbows on a hard surface as part of their occupation may develop olecranon bursitis over a period of time. The olecranon bursa may also become infected due to a break in the overlying skin from an injury or insect bite, resulting in bacteria entering the sac. Sometimes, these infections may occur with no visible cause. Finally, disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout are sometimes associated with olecranon bursitis.

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

If infection is the suspected cause, fluid may be removed by inserting a needle into the bursa. Typically done in the office, this procedure helps to relieve the symptoms and provides a sample which can be sent to the lab to be tested for the growth of bacteria. If an infection is present, the type of bacteria detected will determine which antibiotics are most effective at treating it.

If the bursitis is not from an infection, it will often resolve on its own. In the meantime, there are measures which can be taken to relieve the symptoms. Compressing the area with an elastic bandage, as well as elevating the elbow can help to reduce swelling, and applying ice for 20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours may help relieve the pain. Ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory drugs may be taken to prevent further inflammation.

If symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, a corticosteroid medication may be injected into the bursa. The anti-inflammatory properties of steroids given by injection are stronger than those in oral medications, so this treatment is usually very effective in relieving pain and swelling. Unfortunately, results are not always permanent, and symptoms may return.

Surgical Treatment Options

Bursa Drainage

If an infected bursa does not heal after needle drainage and administration of antibiotics, it may need to be drained surgically. After an incision is made into the bursa, a tube is inserted and left in place for several days. This allows the pus in the bursa to drain, and the infection to clear.

Bursa Removal

Sometimes a case of olecranon bursitis does not improve with any of the previously mentioned treatments. The bursa becomes thickened, and movement of the elbow is severely impaired. Surgical removal of the bursa is often performed in these instances.

How is Bursa Removal Surgery Done?

After an incision is made over the tip of the elbow, the bursa sac is removed, and the skin is closed with stitches. The arm may be placed in a splint to rest the elbow and keep it immobile for a few days after surgery. This lessens the chance of bleeding and promotes healing. Bursa removal surgery is normally performed on an outpatient basis.

Recovery Time

Recovery time will depend on various factors, but the elbow should be fully functional in 3 to 4 weeks. Physical therapy sessions are not usually needed, but specific exercises will be prescribed to do at home within a few days after surgery.

The bursa will usually grow back over a period of several months, but as a normal, non-thickened bursa.

Why See Dr. Knight for Olecranon Bursitis?

Dr. Knight is a Fellowship Trained, Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon with a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Surgery of the Hand. He specializes in minimally invasive techniques for treating injuries and disorders of the hand, wrist, and upper extremities. Dr. Knight has performed over 15,000 procedures and has over 20 years experience in his field.

Olecranon Bursitis Animation Videos

Elbow Bursitis Animation Video

Aspiration of the Olecranon Bursa Animation Video

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HandSurgeonOrangeCounty.com does not offer medical advice. The information presented here is offered for informational purposes only. Read Disclaimer.

What is a Finger Joint Injury?

Finger joint injuries include dislocations and sprains that damage the ligaments; these are the most common. Gamekeeper’s thumb is a tearing or loosening of a ligament. This condition prevents the thumb from making a grasping or pinching motion; it can become an actual disability. A mallet finger is bent downward at the last joint; it cannot straighten itself. Although it is painful initially, the pain eventually decreases. Many people fail to consult a doctor; however, a severe mallet finger injury can cause permanent deformity of the finger.

How is a Finger Joint Injury Caused?

Finger joint injuries are generally caused by falls and sports accidents. Sprains and dislocations can be caused by a fall onto a hand. Gamekeeper’s thumb is generally related to soccer and skiing, but repetitive motion may also be responsible. Mallet finger is the result of an injury to the tendon on the back of the last finger joint. This tendon permits the joint to straighten. The injury is usually caused by a ball or other object hitting the tip of the finger or thumb, but sometimes patients describe it as jamming the finger.

Treatment Options for Finger Joint Injuries

Non-surgical Treatment Options

It is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible for any finger joint injury. Ignoring pain or trying to fix a dislocation by pulling on the finger may cause additional damage to the joints and ligaments. Many finger joint injuries can be treated without surgery. For a sprained or dislocated finger, the doctor will have an X-ray taken to check for a broken bone. He will then splint the sprained finger or tape it to an adjacent finger. A dislocated joint is put back into place and splinted. A gamekeeper’s thumb may be immobilized with a splint or cast. The doctor will have X-rays taken of a mallet finger to check for joint misalignment or a broken bone. This condition can generally be treated by splinting if it is diagnosed within 4 to 6 weeks after the injury.

Surgical Treatment Options

Surgery is rarely required for sprains and dislocations, unless there is a broken bone. Gamekeeper’s thumb surgery is needed when the ligaments are very badly damaged. This surgery is most effective when it is done within a few weeks of the injury. Mallet finger surgery will most likely be needed if a broken bone is involved, or if a severe joint misalignment causes deformity or inability to use the finger.

How is Finger Joint Injury Surgery Done?

For gamekeeper’s thumb, the torn ligament ends will be reconnected to each other; if the ligament was connected to a bone, the end will be sutured to the bone. If the injury cannot be repaired directly, the ligament can be reconstructed from another structure or a muscle from the base of the thumb may be used. Surgery for a mallet finger fracture may include using pins, wire, or small screws to repair the fracture. In the rare case of surgery to repair a tendon, the tendon tissue may be stretched, tendon grafts may be used, or the joint may simply be fused into a straight position.

Recovery Time

A dislocated or sprained finger will require at least a month in a splint. Recovery from surgery may take 5 or 6 weeks; additional time will be needed for physical therapy. Gamekeeper’s thumb will recover within 4 to 6 weeks with a splint or cast; surgical recovery requires 3 to 4 months. Mallet finger recovery requires 8 weeks of full-time splint use, and then 3 to 4 weeks of part-time splint usage. Surgical recovery can take several months.

Why See Dr. Knight for Finger Joint Injury?

Even though most finger joint injuries fall into normal categories, an individual case may turn out to be extremely painful or even disabling. Dr. Knight is a recognized authority of innovative treatments and minimally invasive techniques for treating wrist and hand disorders and injuries. In over 20 years of practice, he has performed more than 15,000 procedures.

Finger Joint Injuries Animation Videos

Volar Plate Injuries Animation Video

Finger Dislocation Animation Video

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HandSurgeonOrangeCounty.com does not offer medical advice. The information presented here is offered for informational purposes only. Read Disclaimer.

What is Triceps Tendonitis?

In order to know what Triceps Tendonitis is, it is necessary to know what the Triceps is. The triceps is the muscle located at the backside of the upper arm. The muscle is used to straighten the elbow out. The contracting of the triceps muscle causes tension of the Triceps tendon. Damage can occur to the triceps tendon when there is too much tension, often caused by a repetition of force or a forceful blow caused by an accident. Any damage to the triceps tendon that is followed by inflammation is what is called Triceps Tendonitis. In more serious cases Triceps Tendonitis causes sharp pain when the patient attempts to straighten their elbow against resistance.

How is Triceps Tendonitis Caused?

Triceps Tendonitis is usually caused by any kind of extended activity such as straightening the elbow against resistance, such as push-ups or playing tennis, that causes strain on the triceps tendon. It often occurs while lifting heavy weights as well.

Treatment Options for Triceps Tendonitis

A patient suffering from Triceps Tendonitis can choose to either undergo surgical treatment or non-surgical treatment.

Non-Surgical Treatment:

The success of non-surgical treatment is very much dependent on the patients themselves. A patient must refrain from any activity that puts additional stress on their triceps muscle, as it must be allowed to heal, and doing so may cause it more damage. The last thing the patient wants to do is ignore the symptoms. Once the symptoms begin to ease away, the patient can begin to slowly resume normal activities involving the triceps muscle. Taking part of the R.I.C.E (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) regime should be beneficial to patients who experience inflammatory signs in the first three days of their injury. A patient also has the option of taking anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the pain and swelling if they so desire.

Surgical Treatment:

If the damage to the Triceps Tendon is severe, meaning the tendon has been ruptured and the injury is not just causing inflammation, surgery is most likely necessary. This is usually the case in tendon injuries closer to the elbow. This means that a surgeon will have to operate on the patient’s arm, sewing the torn muscle back onto the bone.

How is Surgery Done?

Once put under anesthesia, the patient will have his or her triceps tendon sewn back onto the bone. Special tools, such as buttons or screws, might be used in order to attach the tendon back to the bone. The surgeon may also have to insert a number of holes into the bone for the ends of the ruptured tendon to be inserted into. If the tendon is extremely damaged, the surgeon may be forced to take tendons from other parts of the body in order to replace them. After the surgery is complete, a splint or cast will be put into place to help the triceps heal quickly.

Recovery Time

Non-surgical recovery varies depending on the patient. If they refrain from putting addition strain on their triceps muscle and follow the R.I.C.E. regime, it may only take a few days to weeks for the triceps to heal. If the patient ignores the symptoms Triceps Tendonitis, it could take months. With surgical treatment the patient will be given a series of exercises to help heal and work the triceps back into shape. The recovery time varies as well, depending on if the patient follows instructions.

Why See Dr. Knight for Triceps Tendonitis?

Dr. Knight is board certified in orthopedic surgery and founder and director of the Hand and Wrist Institute. He was fellowship trained to conduct surgery on the hand as well as the upper extremities. He also has a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Surgery of the Hand and over twenty years of experience in which he has perfected the task of successful surgery to the hand and upper extremities as well as minimizing any scarring that could possibly occur, thereby making recovery quicker and less painful for the patient.

Triceps Tendonitis Animation Video

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HandSurgeonOrangeCounty.com does not offer medical advice. The information presented here is offered for informational purposes only. Read Disclaimer.

About Biceps Tendinitis (Inflammation of Elbow)

Tendinitis is the inflammation of tendons, which are the cords that attach the muscles to the bones. In the case of biceps tendinitis of the elbow the inflammation is of the tendon that attaches the bicep to the forearm bone. Biceps tendinitis is caused when a person over-stresses the elbow and the tendon becomes damaged or inflamed. The elbow tendon is called the distal biceps tendon and when it’s inflamed it’s often due to a sport like golf or tennis being played incorrectly.

The symptoms of biceps tendinitis of the elbow are severe pain around the elbow and the forearm. There may be an initial popping sound if the tendon ruptures. The patient can no longer turn their hand palm up, then turn it palm down, an action called supination. The doctor can diagnose biceps tendinitis by having the patient put their arm through a range of motion test and by ordering X-rays or an ultrasound. Usually nothing more is needed beyond these diagnostic tools.

Treatment

Non-Surgical Treatment

Unless the injury is very severe, surgery will probably not be needed. The patient will probably need a few days treatment with an NSAID, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug like ibuprofen. In some cases, a patch might be applied to the area to ease the pain and the doctor might direct the patient to apply an ice pack for about twenty minutes every hour to also help with the swelling and pain. The patient should avoid using the affected arm to lift or reach until the symptoms improve.

Other modalities that might help with biceps tendinitis are physical therapy, which may be ultrasound, massage or exercises to make sure that the muscles and tendons remain supple during the recovery period. A physical therapist can teach the patient how to do these exercises.

Sometimes, if the pain of the injury can’t be helped by either oral pain medications or exercise, the physician might give the patient a steroid injection. The patient would then be told to resume oral medications and their exercise regimen.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is the treatment of last resort for biceps tendinitis of the elbow. Surgery might be performed on a patient who’s young, has intractable pain from the injury, or if the tendon suffered a complete rupture.

The surgery is meant to reattach the ruptured tendon to the bone. One procedure is arthroscopy, when the surgeon makes tiny incisions at the injured site. A tiny camera is inserted along with miniaturized surgical tools. If the patient is in otherwise good health, the surgery can be an outpatient procedure and they can go home after it’s over. The surgeon will most likely only have to use local anesthesia and a sedative.

After the area around the elbow has been sterilized and the anesthesia takes effect, the surgeon fills the area with fluid so they can better see the structures of the damaged biceps tendon. An incision will be made for the arthroscope. The arthroscope will enable the surgeon to see the inside of the damaged area on a monitor. Then, the surgeon will make other small incisions into the area to allow other instruments to be inserted.

Recovery

After the surgery the patient will rest for an hour or two, then go home. They should have already arranged for someone to take them home and stay with them for a couple of days. The arm that was operated on will be supported by a sling for a time, but the doctor will require the patient do exercises to keep the muscle and tendon flexible. Even if the surgery was minimally invasive, recovery from this surgery takes some weeks and the patient might be uncomfortable for several days afterwards. The patient can relieve the pain with medication and ice packs.

Dr. John Knight, an expert in disorders of the hand, wrist, arm and elbow, is an excellent choice for the treatment of biceps tendinitis. He’s certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and has earned a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Surgery of the Hand and is founder of The Hand and Wrist Institute at DISC. Over his 20 years of practice he’s performed over 15,000 procedures.

Inflammation of the Biceps Tendon at the Elbow Animation Video

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Dr. Knight on Set at The Doctors TV

What does a Hand Doctor Do?

Hand doctors are trained in a sub-branch of surgery. They treat problems that affect the hands, wrists, forearms and fingers. Along with that, many hand surgeons also attend to elbows, shoulders and arms. If someone has an infection or wound, then a hand doctor treats the problem. A hand doctor tries to cure a patient without using surgery. However, there are certain cases in which surgery is the only option. Since hand doctors are trained as surgeons, they know how to deal with complex procedures.

What is The Hand and Wrist Institute?

The Hand and Wrist Institute is a leading medical practice. At this institute, the workers care for injuries, deformities and other disorders. With the help of Dr. John T. Knight, the Hand and Wrist Institute finds the best solutions to treat their patients. They use a state-of-the-art surgical center to provide minimally invasive procedures. The Hand and Wrist Institute is one of the most technologically advanced medical centers in the country. They offer a number of procedures to treat hand, wrist and arm injuries.

What Expertise and Qualifications Does Dr. John Knight Have?

Dr. John Knight earned his medical degree from Louisiana State University. While attending the medical program, he earned an outstanding student award from the Louisiana Orthopedic Association. He went on to complete a fellowship at the Joseph H. Boyes program in Los Angeles. Dr. Knight is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. With more than 20 years of experience, he is regarded as one of the best hand doctors in the country. Not only that, but he was one of the first surgeons to successfully complete a toe-to-thumb transplant.

What are Some of the Most Common Procedures that Dr. Knight Treats?

 
a. Carpal Tunnel
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a burning sensation in the hand, fingers and forearm. It is usually caused by congenital abnormalities of the carpal bones. Before treating carpal tunnel, Dr. Knight must perform tests to verify the diagnosis. If a patient has this condition, then it is either acute or chronic. Non-surgical treatment will involve night splinting, rest and medications. Surgery is another treatment option. If a patient has surgery, then it will be either an open procedure or an endoscopic one.

b. Trigger Finger
Trigger finger is a condition in which a middle joint feels like it is popping in and out place. This condition is usually caused by repetitive use of the hand. If a tendon develops a nodule, then it causes a finger to become locked in place. During mild cases of trigger finger, the doctor can treat it with anti-inflammatory drugs. When conservative treatment does not work, a simple surgery may need to take place. Dr. Knight uses surgery as a last resort.

c. Ganglion Cyst
A Ganglion cyst is a benign lump that develops on the tendons or joints of a hand. At this time, the exact cause of a Ganglion cyst is unknown. Repetitive wrist motion may play a role in the disorder. If the cyst is not visible, then an MRI may need to be performed to diagnose the problem. To get rid of the cyst, it’s important to stop using the affected wrist. In some cases, a doctor must perform surgery to remove the cyst.

d. Mommy Thumb
Mommy thumb is a term that is used to describe pain from tendon friction. Repetitive use of the thumb can cause an increase in inflammatory tissue. This condition usually affects mothers who have newborn babies. In order to treat mommy thumb, patients must rest their wrist. When surgery is used to treat the problem, Dr. Knight uses minimally invasive techniques. The surgery is an outpatient procedure that requires no stitches.

Why come to The Hand and Wrist Institute in Orange County over a Hospital or another doctor’s office?

The Hand and Wrist Institute uses the most current research and technology to treat their patients. Dr. Knight has more than 20 years of experience. During those 20 years, he has performed over 15,000 procedures. If a patient wants to go through a speedy recovery period, then this is the institution to choose.