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October 26, 2023
Ankle Sprains Treatment and Prevention with Dr Thompson
Ankle sprains occur as a result of a twisting injury to the ankle in which the ligaments that connect the ankle bones (fibula and/or tibia) to the foot bones (talus) are stretched or torn either partially or completely. Types of Ankle Sprains There are different classification systems for ankle sprains. All of these systems are based […]
September 25, 2023
All About Shoulder Arthroscopy
Wake Orthopaedics Sports Medicine Center’s Dr. Mark Wood sat down to discuss minimally invasive options for your painful shoulder if conservative methods have failed. Luke Hudson, DPT, also discusses what to expect prior to your surgery, immediately following your surgery, and your rehab. Did you know that your shoulder is a complex joint that is capable of more […]
September 25, 2023
From Injury to Championship
The patience and dedication the third seed Heritage Huskies Womens Soccer team showed on the field with their thrilling State Championship win over the second seed Pinecrest Cougars was no match for the patience and dedication that several Heritage players have exhibited off the field. Behind 80-minutes of regulation time, 20-minutes of overtime, 10-minutes of Golden Goal and 4-2 […]
September 11, 2023
Overcoming a Potentially Career-Ending Injury: Aidan Morgan's Story
On October 13, 2022, Aidan Morgan was playing tackle football on the D line when he was hit on his left shoulder by a massive 240-pound lineman. Aidan, who weighed in at just 156 pounds, suffered a shoulder dislocation which sent pain searing through his body. He fell to the ground. The other player then […]
August 17, 2023
Spine 101: Cervical Fusion vs. Disc Replacement — What's the Difference
Neck pain and cervical spine disorders are prevalent conditions that can severely impact your quality of life. Most of the time, non-surgical treatments including physical therapy, medications such as steroids and anti-inflammatories, and time provide relief. However, sometimes problems with the discs in the neck can produce either a herniation or bone spurs that cause […]
July 3, 2023
A Will to Win: Olivia Jacobs' Story
Olivia Jacobs was born with the attributes of a winning athlete. With passion, self-confidence, self-discipline and resilience, she channeled her competitive spirit into her most beloved sport: basketball. For years, she was motivated and optimistic about her future as a high school and even collegiate athlete, but setbacks followed. A Debilitating Knee Injury In November 2020, […]
June 9, 2023
Resist the Comfort Zone with Strength Training
The legendary band, The Delta Rhythm Boys, had it right when they wrote the lyrics for “dem dry bones.” As adults age, minerals begin to leech out of the bones, leaving them brittle, fragile and prone to breaking. This condition, known as osteoporosis, may seem inevitable, but with a little work, adults can protect their […]
June 8, 2023
Hip Replacement When Is It Time and What Is the Best Approach
Is hip pain getting in the way of living your life? Is osteoarthitis making it difficult to walk or complete daily tasks? Are non-surgical treatments no longer working? If so, a hip replacement surgery might be the right option to get you back on your feet and decrease pain. Hip replacement surgery replaces damaged or […]
June 8, 2023
Joint Replacement Surgery What Primary Care Providers Should Know
With an ever-increasing emphasis on value-based medicine, it is important for primary care providers to understand the management of patients with hip and knee arthritis. This group represents a very large portion of the patients under the care of any primary care provider and constitutes the largest diagnosis-based spend for Medicare. This article will review […]
June 8, 2023
Lets Talk Knee Replacement - A Q and A With Dr Curtis Hanson
Aching knees plague millions of Americans – mostly due to normal wear and tear on the joint that leads to osteoarthritis. Those patients who want to continue living an active lifestyle will often consider a knee replacement surgery – but typically only after they’ve tried all other non-surgical options. Dr. Curtis Hanson, a board-certified orthopaedic […]
May 24, 2023
Knee Replacement for Prior Military Search and Rescue Swimmer Benny Moore
Benny Moore enjoyed a rewarding career as a search and rescue swimmer for the United States military. He readily put himself in peril to save lives. Yet, his selfless service to his country eventually led to his diagnosis of osteoarthritis — in his mid-30s. Benny explains, “My knees started swelling with fluid, so I would […]
April 26, 2023
Osteoporosis and Fragility Fractures in Women
Take care of your bones, so your bones can take care of you. Whether you’re a middle-aged adult or a teenage star athlete, neglecting your bone health can lead to osteoporosis — a common yet serious disease affecting both men and women. To help combat this condition, Women’s Health Month is a great time to […]
April 24, 2023
Amputation after a Cat Bite Tom Kecks Story
After retirement, Tom Keck became a hobby craftsman, making upgrades and repairs around his home. In 2017, while working on a home project, Tom fell off his ladder. Unfortunately, the fall was severe, resulting in several crushed ribs that impacted his spleen. He had to have his spleen removed. The years went by, and Tom […]
April 20, 2023
An Injured Athlete and a Team that Wouldn't Give Up — Savannah Anderson's Story
Strong-willed, compassionate, loving, an animal whisperer: these are the words Gwen Anderson (a mom and WakeMed employee) uses to describe her highly athletic daughter, Savannah Anderson, who began showing horses at the young age of five. “She loves animals,” shares Gwen, “especially her three horses. She is also persistent, so when she sets a goal, […]
April 5, 2023
8 Common Youth Sports Injury Questions Answered
With sports camps and more structured activities, kids today are increasingly likely to play their chosen sport year-round. But more time on the field brings a greater risk of experiencing sports-related injuries, including ACL and meniscus injuries in the knee, or injuries to the shoulder and elbow. Whether an athlete enjoys recreational sports or competing at the elite level, it is […]
April 5, 2023
Regenerative Orthopaedics What You Need to Know About PRP
Cutting edge technology or lunatic fringe? These are the boundaries that surround alternative treatments used in regenerative orthopaedics. Two such treatments include the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapies. Although not historically considered ‘mainstream,’ these interventions are becoming increasingly popular for their potential to aid in healing and repair of the body. […]
April 4, 2023
Future Frontiers in Shoulder Replacement Surgery and Management of Shoulder Arthritis
It’s not unusual to experience pain in your joints on occasion, especially if you’re active and participate in high-impact activities. That unwanted pain can be caused by injured muscles, tendons or ligaments around the joint. But if that pain or aching joint gradually becomes worse over time – or is localized to one area – […]
March 28, 2023
Recovery from a Near-Fatal Skydiving Accident Scott Trimbles Story
May 6, 2022, was a clear weekend for competitive skydiving at a Hoke County, North Carolina parachute center. Skydivers came from around the region, including other states, to partake in the competition. Scott Trimble traveled from Ohio for the event. He had recently advanced from a student to a licensed parachuter. The event weighted participants […]
February 7, 2023
Shifting the Paradigm of Carpal Tunnel Management
Recent advances in carpal tunnel management including the use of ultrasound for carpal tunnel diagnosis and endoscopic carpal tunnel release techniques have allowed for timely diagnosis, less painful surgery and faster return to work than prior treatments. What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common condition affecting one of the […]
February 7, 2023
Can You Open This for Me
When arthritis of the thumb becomes more than just a pain in your hand Have you noticed pangs of discomfort when signing a check, buttoning your shirt, opening a jar or even snapping your fingers? If the answer is yes, you may be living with thumb arthritis — a condition that can impact everyday life. […]
January 8, 2023
Q and A on Scoliosis
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sami Mardam-Bey Wake Orthopaedics What is scoliosis? It’s really just an abnormal curve of the spine. It’s fairly common, and approximately 3% of children are diagnosed with a mild or small curve (greater than 10 degrees). Only 0.3% progress to having a much bigger curve (greater than 30 degrees). What is […]
October 4, 2022
Deputized as an Honorary Officer Kaydens Story
Ten-year-old Kayden Sykes loves a thrill, and one of his greatest is riding his four-wheeler. On August 13, 2022, Kayden was doing a little joy riding when he was hit by an oncoming vehicle entering his neighborhood. Kayden’s left leg was crushed by the car and his all-terrain vehicle (ATV). Almost immediately, he began to […]
October 1, 2022
Joint Replacements
Joint pain is something that frequently occurs as we age. There are many different causes of joint pain, but osteoarthritis is one of the most common. As some people age, they can wear out the cartilage — the smooth, shock absorbing part of the joint between the bones. When that happens, the bones get closer […]
July 21, 2022
Firefighter Rescue Trey Byrds Story
Trey Byrd has always loved working with his hands. Having grown up on a farm, he’s never been afraid of hands-on, hard work. Fast forward to his high school graduation, Trey was ready to find a career path that would offer him fulfillment and a chance to be out and about and up and moving. […]
