Author Archives: hummingbird

Shoulder Separation

Many athletes who play contact sports like football, can experience shoulder separation. A common misconception about a separated shoulder is that it’s an injury to the shoulder joint. A separated shoulder involves the acromioclavicular joint (known as the AC joint), which is where the collarbone meets the highest point of the shoulder blade.
A fall directly on the shoulder is the most common cause of a separated shoulder as it injures the ligaments, muscles, and tendons around the AC joint. If the movement or fall that caused the injury is bad enough, it can tear the ligaments attached to the collarbone, which is what separates the shoulder.

Symptoms of a separated shoulder include:
– Limited joint mobility
– Pain in the shoulder
– Swelling, or bruising

An X-ray usually identifies what’s wrong with the shoulder, and sometimes nonsurgical treatments like ice packs, slings, and anti-inflammatory medications can help manage the pain and help the shoulder return to its normal function. Oftentimes, however, surgery is required. Depending on the severity of the injury, the surgeon may suggest trimming the end of the collarbone so that it doesn’t rub the acromion. If the injury is more severe, the surgeon may have to reconstruct the ligaments that attach to the collarbone.

For more information, call 251-410-3600.

AOC, comebacks start here.

Dedication at AOC – Dr. Christopher Patton

In sports medicine, everyone is an athlete. Whether they are a workplace athlete, weekend warrior, maturing athlete or growing young athlete. A sports and shoulder surgeon giving back the life they enjoy is true dedication. Dedication is taking the time to listen to the patient and learn. Dedication is a thorough exam using state of the art technology. Dedication is teamwork that pushes forward through the recovery period.

Experience at AOC – Dr. César M. Roca, Jr.

Skilled Sailors know experience wins races. Skilled sports and shoulder surgeon relies on experience. Experience teaches prompt attention to detail, often avoids complications and even injury. Experience allows early diagnosis and prompt treatment and possibly avoiding surgery. Experience allows a surgeon to employ minimally invasive state of the art technology. Experience, crucial to winning races and best treatment outcomes. Experience at AOC. Comebacks start here.

Labrum Tear

Labrum Tear: Solutions and Treatment

The football season is in full swing, and while each snap of the ball is thrilling for fans, for the athletes on the field, one wrong hit can lead to serious shoulder injuries, such as a torn labrum.

The shoulder is made up of three bones: the shoulder blade (scapula), the upper arm bone (humerus), and the collarbone (clavicle). On the outer edge of the glenoid (the shallow socket in which the upper arm bone rests in the shoulder blade) is the labrum, a soft tissue that helps stabilize the joint, makes the socket deeper, and allows a variety of movements.

A labrum can be torn in a number of ways; from falling on an outstretched arm, a direct hit to the shoulder, a forceful pull on the arm, or a forceful movement when the arm is above the shoulder level. Athletes who partake in repetitive overhead arm movements, such as quarterbacks and receivers, are especially at risk of a torn labrum.

Symptoms of a torn labrum typically include:

  • A sharp popping in or locking of the shoulder
  • Pain during shoulder movement
  • Difficulty lifting objects, especially when lifting overhead
  • Shoulder strength decrease
  • Diminished range of motion

If surgery is required, it will be done with arthroscopy, which means the surgeon inserts a small camera into the shoulder joint through a small incision. The camera, called an arthroscope, provides pictures on a screen to help the surgeon guide and maneuver small surgical instruments to fix the tear.

For more information, call 251-410-3600. Comebacks start here.

Zarzour Memorium

With a heavy heart that we share the passing of Dr. Zarzour

Zarzour Memorium

It is with a heavy heart that we at Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic share the passing of our Dr. Robert Zarzour.  There will never be a man of such dignity, integrity and compassion as our Dr. Z.  We ask that you keep the Zarzour Family and the AOC Family in your thoughts and prayers as we celebrate the life of this amazing healer to all.  The family has asked in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Fuse Project, P.O. Box 1134, Mobile, AL  36605, or to Prichard Preparatory School, 743 Mt. Sinai Ave, Whistler, AL 36612. We are blessed to hold his memory in our hearts.

Meniscus Repair

Meniscus Repair

Meniscus Repair

Athletes are at risk for a number of knee injuries. A common knee injury experienced by many players—especially those participating in contact sports—is meniscus tears. Meniscus are the pieces of cartilage situated between the thighbone and shinbone that cushion the joints, provide stability, and act as shock absorbers.

There are multiple ways the meniscus can tear, the most frequent being bucket handle, flap, and radial. A common reason for a meniscus tear is a sudden twist of the knee, but it can also happen as cartilage weakens with age.

Common symptoms of a meniscus tear include:

– Pain
– Swelling
– Stiffness
– Inability to move the knee
– Locking of the knee

While many with a meniscus tear can still walk on their knee—or even keep playing sports—over a period of a few days, the knee will get more stiff and swollen. And if not treated properly, pieces of the cartilage can even get loose and move into the joint, causing further discomfort and problems. Many times, meniscus repair requires a surgical procedure known as knee arthroscopy. Arthroscopy is a common procedure done through a small incision in which a small camera is inserted into the knee joint. This allows the orthopedic surgeon the information needed to repair or removed the damaged cartilage, which is done with other small surgical tools being inserted through other small incisions around the knee.

For more information, call 251-410-3600.

AOC, comebacks start here!

ACL Reconstruction Surgery

ACL Reconstruction Surgery

ACL Reconstruction Surgery

The anterior cruciate ligament, better known as the ACL, is one of four ligaments that hold the knee together. The ACL is also one of the most easily—and commonly—injured parts of the knee, especially for athletes. This type of injury frequently occurs in athletes who participate in high impact sports like football, basketball, hockey, and soccer. But, it can also happen even without impact from another player.

Symptoms of an ACL tear include:

  • Pain

  • Swelling

  • Instability of the knee

  • Loss of full range of motion

Approximately 200,000 ACL injuries occur every year in the United States, and on average, about half of those require ACL reconstruction surgery because once torn, ACLs generally cannot be repaired.

ACL reconstruction surgery is performed through a small incision in the front of the knee, it includes removing the torn ligament and replacing it with a new tendon, which can be taken from another part of the knee. It’s an outpatient procedure, so patients get to go home in the same day.

For more information, call 251-410-3600.

AOC, comebacks start here.

 

Robert J. Zarzour, MD is retiring

After 36 Years Dr. Robert Zarzour is Retiring

Robert J. Zarzour, MD is retiring

After 36 years of providing excellent orthopaedic medical care, it is with mixed emotions that we announce the retirement of Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic surgeon, Robert J. Zarzour, MD.  As a beacon of patient centered care, Dr. Zarzour has been an integral part of our practice and will always be valued and respected.  His hard work, total patient commitment, and heart-felt dedication are worthy of great admiration.  Dr. Zarzour was one of the 3 original founding physicians of AOC and a driving force behind developing our current Outpatient Orthopaedic Center.

There is no doubt that Dr. Zarzour will be missed by the staff that he has worked so closely with, by the entire AOC family and especially by his patients.  He was the surgeon who was always present, truly cared and provided exceptional medical treatment to his patients over the years.

At this time, you usually say, “It will be hard to fill his shoes.”  However, we at AOC are excited to announce the arrival of another Zarzour to the AOC family.  In the summer of 2017, we at AOC will be proud to welcome that Dr. Grant Zarzour, who will be joining our practice as a Fellowship trained total joint surgeon

While it is hard to say good bye to Dr. Zarzour, it helps to know that another Zarzour arrival is just around the corner.

Thank you Dr. Zarzour for showing us at AOC, your patients and your community what a true gentleman looks like.

Rotator Cuff Repair

Rotator Cuff Repair

Rotator Cuff Repair

The rotator cuff is a critical part of the shoulder. Consisting of the muscles and tendons located at the shoulder joint, the rotator cuff attaches the shoulder to the upper arm, helping the shoulder function correctly and allowing for the arm to be raised.

Injuries to the rotator cuff, such as a strain or tear, are actually quite common. These injuries can happen quickly because of a sudden movement or occur over a slow period of time due to repetitive movements or overuse of the shoulder itself.

Some of the most common symptoms of a torn rotator cuff include:

  • Persistent pain

  • Limited use of the arm

  • Muscle weakness

Surgery may be the only option to repair a tear. There are multiple options for rotator cuff repair, including less invasive options like arthroscopy, which requires inserting a small camera into the shoulder joint. And, much of the time, surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis, not requiring the patient to stay at the hospital overnight. It’s important to talk with your doctor to determine which surgical option is right for you and your individual need.

For more information, call 251-410-3600.

 

Handling Hand Injuries - Cut or Torn Flexor Tendon

Handling Hand Injuries: Cut or Torn Flexor Tendon

Handling Hand Injuries - Cut or Torn Flexor Tendon

The human hand is comprised of many tendons, which are tissues that connect muscle to bone. Tendons help the hand move by pulling the bone as muscles contract. For example, extensor tendons are located on the top of the hand and straighten the fingers. Flexor tendons are on the palm side and work to bend the fingers. Flexor tendons actually start at the elbow and forearm regions as muscles and become tendons just past the middle of the forearm.

Because they are close to the skin’s surface, any sort of deep cut or tear can hit a flexor tendon. While a cut or tear—whether it occurs in the forearm, wrist, palm, or finger—might seem minor, in reality, it can completely prevent fingers from bending.

Some of the most common symptoms of a cut or torn flexor tendon include:

• An open cut or tear on the palm side of the hand
• Inability to bend one or more fingers
• Pain
• Tenderness in finger
• Numbness in fingertip

Because cuts or tears pull the ends of the flexor tendon apart, it’s impossible for a tendon to heal on its own. A doctor’s treatment is required and most of the time requires surgery. The Hand Team at AOC is proficient in flexor tendon repair. We understand that a flexor tendon injury greatly impacts the ability to perform even the smallest activities and tasks. Our board certified Hand Team of Dr. William Crotwell, Dr. Suanne White-Spunner, and Dr. Jared Burkett use the most up-to-date procedures to get your life quickly back on track. For more information, call 251-410-3600 or visit us at alortho.com.