ACL Reconstruction Surgery DC: What to Expect

When an individual has an accident that results in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) being torn away from the bones of the leg, and a fragment of bone is also fractured away from the main part, surgery is required to return the knee to its normal functions.  There are two types of surgery that are used to perform ACL Reconstruction Surgery DC.  They are arthroscopic surgery and open surgery.  Arthroscopic surgery is the preferred procedure for ACL repair DC.  It uses very small incisions for the surgeon to pass through a camera and surgical tools.  As unlikely as it might seem, the surgeon is actually able to view the internal structures of the knee better using the tiny camera than by making a large (open) incision and viewing them directly.  To learn more about ACL repair services DC click here.

ACL Repair Services DC

Steps involved in the an arthroscopic surgery to repair the ACL include the following:

• The patient receives either a spinal or a general anesthesia.  Because this surgery is performed on a fairly localized area of the body, a spinal anesthesia can be used very successfully for patients who are not good candidates for general anesthesia or who may prefer not to undertake the inherent risks associated with it.
• A local anesthetic is also introduced at the surgery site.
• Several small incisions are made in different locations on the injured knee.  These usually total two are three.  Each one is less than an inch in length.
• In order to see the internal structures of the knee more clearly, a saline solution is introduced through one of the incisions.  This serves to both wash away blood and open an area that is more easily viewed.
• An arthroscope is inserted into one of the incisions.  It has a tiny camera attached that transmits pictures from the inside of the knee to a viewing screen in the operating room.
• Surgical drills and other instruments are inserted and used to create a passage in the bones for the new ligament, which is then anchored in place with surgical screws.
• Arthroscopic incisions are so small, only bandages are needed to close them.

Medical Alternatives to Weight Loss Surgery Washington DC

Weight loss surgery Washington DC is one method by which a lot of folks who are obese choose to decrease body mass index (BMI).  But, what about folks who are afraid of having a risky surgical procedure?  About 5% of Bariatric surgery procedures DC involve serious complications up to, and including, death.  In addition, some folks who are extremely obese and need to lose weight the most often have complicating factors like heart disease or breathing problems that make them poor surgical candidates overall.  For some of these individuals, prescription weight loss drugs may be a part of the answer.

Pharmaceutical Intervention Instead of Bariatric Surgery DC

There is never one medical intervention that is the be-all-end-all in weight loss.  Even as technology and medical procedures advance, the basic formula for weight loss remains the same:  eat less and move more.  Medical interventions like Bariatric surgery options Washington DC, which are available through http://www.medstarwashington.org/, and prescription weight loss drugs are simply more tools to put in the weight reduction toolbox.  That is not to say they cannot be valuable tools.

So, what about prescription weight loss drugs as an alternative to surgery?  There are a few choices out there at this time.  Typically, the prescription of these drugs is limited to individuals whose body mass index (BMI) exceeds 30, or those whose BMI is over 27 and occurring along with a co-morbid condition like high blood pressure or diabetes. 

Prescription weight loss drugs may not be appropriate for those who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breast feeding.

One of the most popular weight loss drugs currently available is called Orlistat, or Xenical as a generic.  This drug is available either with or without a prescription.  As an over-the-counter product, it is called Alli.  Alli contains half of the dose of Xenical.  It works by blocking a certain amount of fat absorption. This type of weight loss drug has some side effects, which may include digestive disturbances like passing gas or loose bowel movements.  People who take this drug should use dietary supplements because some nutrient absorption will be lost along with fat absorption.  Following a diet that is less than 30% fat while taking this medication will help it to work best.

Recovering from Total Hip Replacement Washington DC

Like many other medical procedures, having a Total hip replacement Washington DC has become easier and less complicated in recent years, owing to many technological and medical advances.  Artificial hips have also been improved to be a lot more functional and durable.  Recovering from hip replacement DC requires some care and attention to make sure that the new joint stays in place and functions as well as possible, which is what the professionals at http://www.medstarwashington.org/ do.

After Total Hip Replacement DC

The time it takes to recover from a hip replacement surgery is somewhat dependent on the kind of surgery that was performed.  Some surgeries require quite a large incision that will take a greater amount of time to heal.  In other cases, the hip joint can be replaced through a relatively smaller incision that will heal more quickly.  In either instance, the internal bone structures have undergone essentially the same procedure.  The old hip joint was removed by the surgeon and replaced on with an artificial one that is either bonded with cement or made of a porous structure that will allow bone tissue to grow into and around it, subsequently making it very secure.  Recovery time will also depend on the overall health of the patient prior to the procedure. Here are some things to keep in mind during recovery from hip replacement surgery:

• Remember to take all prescribed medications.  Pain medication can be gradually reduced as healing takes place.  It is important to take blood thinners for ten days or so.
• Rehabilitation services will provide a walker, cane or crutches post-surgery.  The amount of weight that can be borne on replaced hip immediately depends upon whether it was cemented in place or not.
• A physical therapist helps with re-learning how to walk and do various activities of daily living in safe ways within a few days after surgery.  They can provide an exercise program to facilitate faster healing and return to normal routines.
• Certain activities such as as sitting on low chairs, beds and toilets are restricted for a while after surgery because they can place too much stress on the new hip joint before it has had a chance to properly heal.