Bone Health

Healthy bones are a necessity for a full and active lifestyle.  Although we count on our bones everyday for physical support and consider them strong and rigid structures, our bones are actually living tissue that changes on a regular basis.  Along with the calcium that gives them their strength, bones are also made up of a collagen protein that gives them flexibility and also makes them susceptible to weakening and injury.

Our bone health is directly affected by our lifestyle choices.  Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle will help to maintain healthy bones and fight against osteoporosis and other diseases.  While some factors that cannot be modified, such as gender, age and body size, increase the risk of bone loss, others can be controlled to help protect your bones.  These factors include:

• Exercising regularly
• Eating a healthy, balanced diet
• Adequate calcium and vitamin D consumption
• Avoiding smoking and alcohol
• Avoiding medications like anticonvulsants and certain steroids

Since the risk of bone disease increases with age, it is important to take preventative measures throughout your life to decrease this risk.  Childhood and young adulthood are especially critical times since bones are still developing and can solidify healthy bones. 

At Northern California Orthopedic Center, we offer basic bone health preservation, as well as treatment of osteoporosis and other bone related diseases.  Call us today to discuss your bone health options.

Custom Orthotics

Orthotics are devices worn in the shoe to alter or modify abnormal foot behavior.  They aim to treat, adjust and support different disorders of the foot.  While orthotics are available over-the-counter to correct general problems, the most effective orthotics are those that are custom made.

Your doctor can create orthotics that are made to specifically fit the size and shape of your foot, as well as correct your individual foot problem.  This is done by creating an impression of the foot called a cast, which is then made into a customized insert worn in the shoe. 

Orthotics can be used to correct:

• Bunions
• Chronic heel, knee or low back pain
• Flat feet
• Ankle sprains
• Shin pain
• Abnormal shoe wear

Orthotics can either be functional, which are designed to correct foot deformities and provide support to the abnormal areas, or accommodative, which are often used in young children to correct minor foot problems. Accommodative orthotics can also include leg braces to correct foot, leg or hip abnormalities. 

Digital X-Ray

X-ray imaging, also called radiography, is a fast and easy way to identify and diagnose bone injuries and disorders such as arthritis, cancer, osteoporosis, fractures and infections. It is also used in conjunction with orthopedic surgery to ensure that a fracture or other injury has been properly aligned, and it can aid in the detection and diagnosis of abnormalities in the chest organs, including the heart and lungs. X-rays may be followed up with MRI, PET, CT, or ultrasound imaging if further testing is needed.

 

Fracture Care

A fracture is a break or crack in a bone that occur when the bone cannot withstand outside forces, often as a result of trauma or disease.  Fracture, break and crack all refer to the same thing.  Fractures can range from a small crack in the bone to complete separation.  They are often caused by a fall, motor vehicle accident or sports injury.  Normal activities can also cause fractures for people at a higher risk, including those with low bone density (osteoporosis), bone tumors, cancer or brittle bone disease (osteogenesis imperfecta). 

Some of the different types of fractures include:

• Stress Fracture – A stress fracture occurs as a result of overuse.  Because of repeated use, the bone becomes weak and cannot absorb the shock that is put on it.  It is common in the lower leg or foot and especially among athletes. 
• Compression Fracture – A compression fracture occurs as a result of old age.  People with osteoporosis are at high risk for this type of fracture because their bones lose calcium.  The weakened bones, usually in the spine, can crumple under the force of gravity.
• Incomplete (Greenstick) Fracture – A greenstick fracture occurs when the bone bends but does not completely break.  This occurs most often in children, who have high levels of calcium in their bones.
• Comminuted Fracture – This occurs when the bone cracks into several fragments.  It occurs as a result of high impact trauma or osteoporosis.

A bone fracture causes pain, swelling and sometimes bruising of the affected area.  Applied weight or pressure causes even more severe pain.  They are usually easy to diagnose, but treatment requires precision and care by experienced professionals. 

At Northern California Orthopedic Center, we offer specialized knowledge and care for the treatment of fractures.  Our doctors will treat your injury every step of the way until it is completely healed.  Bone fractures can be diagnosed by physical examination and an X-ray or CT scan.  Immobilizing the area is often helpful in relieving pain before proper treatment begins.  Treatment for bone fractures depends on the location and type of fracture, as well as the patient’s medical history.  We take all of these factors into account when developing a treatment plan.

Mild fractures, including stress and greenstick fractures, usually only require the conservative treatment methods of ice, rest and anti-inflammatory medication.  Moderate fractures may require splints or braces along with pain medication.  The immobilization helps relieve pain and speed up recovery.  More severe fractures may require surgical treatment, especially open fractures with wounds that need to be closed. 

After the proper treatment is performed, the rehabilitation process begins.  It is important to care for your fracture while it heals.  Full healing can take several weeks to several months.  Your doctor will advice you on how to care for your fracture and helpful measures you can take to ensure a speedy and healthy recovery.

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Workers Compensation Orthopedic Injuries 

An industrial injury refers to any type of injury that occurs while working.  They are usually the result of an accident and can be caused by unsafe work conditions, laziness, clumsiness or misuse of equipment.  Chronic injuries may also develop as a result of repeated activities such as typing or improper techniques.  Industrial injuries most frequently affect the neck and back.

If you are injured while working, it is important to report the injury and receive prompt and proper treatment.  At Northern California Orthopedic Center we are experienced in treating work-related injuries and helping you achieve a quick and full recovery. 

Click here to learn more about Workers Compensation

Orthopedic Urgent Care

NCOC is pleased to provide orthopedic urgent care that fits your schedule with short wait times and without an appointment. NCOC features Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeons, Orthopedic and Sports Medicine trained Physician Assistants, and a staff specially trained in orthopedic care.

X-Ray is available as the staff assesses your orthopedic injury.

NCOC Orthopedic Urgent Care treats the following orthopedic conditions:

• Injuries resulting from an accident or fall
• Sports related injuries
• Fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains
• Sudden or Acute pain
• Painful joint swelling
• Minor Lacerations

NCOC Orthopedic Urgent Care provides the following additional services:

• Workers Compensation
• School Physicals
• Sports Physicals

Click here to read more about OrthoCare

Osteoporosis Treatment

The term “osteoporosis” comes from the Greek words for “bone” and “porous.” It is a disease characterized by increasing bone loss which can lead to fractures, height loss and a hump-backed appearance. One in two women, and one in five men, over the age of 65 will suffer at least one bone fracture due to osteoporosis. The most serious risk for people with osteoporosis is hip fracture following a fall. But osteoporotic bones are so weak that it doesn’t always require a fall to cause injury – even everyday activities can result in a fracture. Spinal compression fractures, for example, are the most common osteoporosis-related injury and can be triggered simply by bending over.

A diagnosis of osteoporosis is made after a complete medical history, physical examination and laboratory tests including X-rays and bone densitometry. Other possible causes of bone loss must be ruled out as well. Lost bone cannot be replaced, but the treatment team will work with you to prevent further weakening. The treatment plan may include exercise, diet changes, hormone therapy with estrogen (ERT) or anti-estrogens (SERMs), or bone-preserving medications such as Calcitonin or Alendronate. Risk factors for developing osteoporosis include age and sex (post-menopausal women are at the highest risk), heredity (family history, slender build, fair skin), nutrition, sedentary life , medications (bone thinners, steroids) and illnesses. Everyone reaches a peak bone density at about age 20-25; after age 35, our bones lose mass and weaken unless we take action.

Osteoporosis is not curable, but it is preventable. You can maintain your bones’ health at any age by eating a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, exercising, not smoking, and limiting alcohol. Regular bone density testing can detect osteoporosis early, before you suffer a fracture.

Scoliosis Treatment

Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. Viewed from the front or rear, a normal spine appears to be straight. When a person with scoliosis is viewed from the front or rear, the spine appears to be curved. Common signs of scoliosis are uneven shoulders or an uneven waist. In advanced cases of scoliosis, the spine may rotate or twist, causing the ribs on one side of the body to stick out farther than on the other side. Severe scoliosis may cause back pain and breathing difficulty.

Adolescents with a spinal curvature of less than 20 degrees usually do not require extensive treatment. They do, however, need periodic check-ups and X-rays to make sure the curve does not get worse. If the spinal curve is 25 to 40 degrees and the child is still growing, a 24-hour brace is often worn. Bracing is an attempt to prevent further progression of the curve, but it will not reverse or cure scoliosis.

Those who have spinal curves greater than 40 to 50 degrees are often considered for scoliosis surgery. While surgery will not perfectly straighten the spine, the goal is to make sure the curve does not get worse. During scoliosis surgery, the vertebrae are fused together so the spine cannot bend. This is called a spinal fusion. The process is similar to what occurs when a broken bone heals.

Surgery begins with an incision in the middle of the back. The muscles are then moved to the side to expose the spine, and the joints between the vertebrae are removed to loosen them up. Metal implants (usually rods, screws, hooks or wires) are put in to hold the spine in place while the vertebrae gradually fuse. The procedure usually takes 4 to 6 hours, but varies from patient to patient.

The implants are left in the body, even after the bones have fused, to avoid additional surgery.

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Sports Medicine

Sports medicine is a subspecialty of orthopedics that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries suffered during athletic activity. The goal of treatment is to heal and rehabilitate the injury so patients can return to their favorite activities quickly, whether it’s Little League, recreational play or a high school, college or professional sport.

As with a sports team, there are many physicians who work together to help the patient regain maximum use of the injured limb or joint. “Players” on the team are typically the physician, orthopedic surgeon, rehabilitation specialist, athletic trainer and physical therapist – and the patient him/herself.

Common injuries treated include:

• ACL Tears
• Compartment Syndrome
• Fractures
• Heat Exhaustion
• Muscle Contusions (Bruise)
• Muscle Cramps
• Shin Splints
• Sprains & Strains
• Stress Fractures
• Torn Tendons & Ligaments  

Sports/School Physicals

A sports physical exam, also known as a preparticipation physical examination (PPE), is a thorough medical examination that determines whether or not it is safe for an athlete to participate in a particular sport.  Sports physicals are often required for children and teens before they are allowed to join a team sport and are usually repeated before each season.

A sports physical includes a detailed medical history that is usually on a form filled out prior to the exam.  The physical part of the exam includes:

• Recording height and weight
• Checking blood pressure and pulse
• Vision test
• Heart, lungs, abdomen, ear, nose and throat examination
• Evaluating posture, strength and flexibility

Sports Physicals are welcome in our walk-in urgent care with no appointment necessary. The confirmed healthy results ensure that an athlete is physically capable of participating in his or her chosen sport.  At Northern California Orthopedic Center, we offer sports physicals to provide confirmation for schools or other sports organizations of our patients’ health.

Agreed Medical Evaluator (AME)

Agreed medical evaluator This is the physician that is agreed to by your attorney and insurance company. The AME will be the one to conduct your medical evaluations. 

Independent Medical Examiners (IME)

Independent Medical Examiners provide evaluation, including history and physical examination, often conducted for injured workers to determine the cause, extent and medical treatment of an injury.  They provide examinations to determine whether a worker has reached maximum benefit from treatment or whether any permanent impairment remains from the injury.  Independent Medical Examinations address questions regarding the final degree of disability.

Qualified Medical Evaluators (QME)

Qualified medical evaluators are qualified physicians who are certified by the Division of Workers’ Compensation - Medical Unit to examine injured workers to evaluate disability and write medical-legal reports. The reports are used to determine an injured worker’s eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits. QMEs include medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy, doctors of chiropractic, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists, psychologists and acupuncturists.

Information for Attorneys and Adjusters

Northern California Orthopedic Centers is an Experienced Provider of Quality AME's, QME's and IME's.

Northern California Orthopedics Centers is committed to providing high quality medical evaluations. We are focused on expedient scheduling of patient examinations and quick turnaround of reports. We comply with AMA and ACOEM guidelines, and provide fair assignment of impairment.

We have years of proven experience in medical/legal orthopedic examinations and patient treatment.

• We specialize in providing comprehensive AME, QME, and !ME reports to help with rapid case resolution.
• The patient will always see an Orthopedic Specialist.
• We provide in house contact personnel to answer any employer, adjuster, and attorney questions, and to obtain necessary authorizations

Please contact us at 916-965-4000 for more information.

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