Blog Archive

If your shoulder joint doesn’t work as well as it used to, or causes you chronic pain, surgical shoulder replacement could be right for you. After you recover from surgery, your updated shoulder joint functions smoothly, without pain or dysfunction. At Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Pearson...

It’s no secret that exercise and diet are crucial for optimal health and wellness. However, effective weight loss and management is far more complicated than the popular concept of “eating less and moving more.” In reality, numerous factors come into play when trying to lose weight, including genetics, body type,...

What’s your level of risk for osteoarthritis? This condition, which tends to strike as you get older, can result in chronic joint pain, stiffness, and loss of easy motion. Osteoarthritis is actually the most common form of arthritis out there, so your risks might be higher than you realize. At...

Lots of impacts can result in broken or fractured bones. No matter what type of fracture you’re dealing with, or what caused your broken bone, you need the right fracture care. Dr. Jeffrey Pearson and the team at Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana have extensive experience caring for broken bones and...

Once you heal from hip replacement surgery, you enjoy benefits like improved range of motion and reduced pain. But, hip replacement surgery can be intensive, leaving you with a substantial recovery to get through before you can fully benefit. So, what should you expect about returning to exercise after hip...

Your knees carry you through the ups and downs of daily life — literally! So, when you suffer from a knee injury like a meniscal tear, you risk knee joint instability and dysfunction that may seriously limit your mobility and your future quality of life. Dr. Jeffrey Pearson and the...

You’ve got so many places to be, and so many things to do. Family functions, work events, hobbies, and travel all keep you busy. But as you get older, or if you’ve suffered from an injury or degenerative condition, hip pain and dysfunction can get in your way. When your...

So your doctor has told you it’s time for a knee replacement. You might be excited since knee replacement surgery can help give you relief from the pain you might be experiencing from chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis. However, a small part of you might be worried since the recovery...

Shoulder impingement syndrome, also known as subacromial impingement syndrome, is a condition that occurs when the tendons and bursa (a fluid-filled sac) in the shoulder become compressed or pinched between the upper arm bone and the shoulder blade. This can cause pain, weakness, and limited mobility in the shoulder. Shoulder...

Bicep tendonitis, also known as biceps tendinitis, is a condition that involves inflammation or irritation of the biceps tendon, which connects the biceps muscle to the shoulder joint. It is commonly seen in athletes who perform repetitive overhead motions, such as baseball pitchers and swimmers. The symptoms of bicep tendonitis...

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in the shoulder joint. It occurs when the capsule that surrounds the shoulder joint becomes thick, tight, and inflamed, making it difficult to move the arm. The exact cause of frozen shoulder is...

There are several non-operative treatment options for shoulder pain, which may depend on the underlying cause of the pain. Some common non-operative treatments for shoulder pain include: Rest and activity modification: Reducing or modifying activities that cause pain and avoiding repetitive overhead movements can help reduce pain and inflammation. Physical...

A rotator cuff tear is a common injury to the group of muscles and tendons that attach your shoulder blade to your upper arm bone. The rotator cuff helps you to lift and rotate your arm. A tear can occur when one of the tendons or muscles is torn or...

 The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that attach to the shoulder blade and help stabilize and move the shoulder joint. These muscles and tendons work together to allow for various arm movements such as lifting, reaching, and throwing. The rotator cuff is important in...

A meniscus tear is a common injury that occurs in the knee. The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that provides cushioning and support to the knee joint. It helps to distribute weight and absorb shock during movement. A meniscus tear can be caused by a sudden twisting or...

A hip labrum tear is a condition that occurs when there is a tear in the labrum, which is a ring of cartilage that lines the socket of the hip joint. The labrum provides stability to the hip joint and helps to cushion the joint during movement. A tear in...

A physician assistant (PA) is a medical professional who works under the supervision of a licensed physician to provide a range of healthcare services to patients. PAs are trained in medical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of illness and injury. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and...

Orthopedic joint reconstruction fellowship is a specialized training program that provides doctors with advanced knowledge and skills in the field of joint replacement surgery. The fellowship program typically lasts for one year, during which fellows work closely with experienced orthopedic surgeons to gain hands-on experience in the field. Fellows in...

Orthopedic residency is a program that trains medical doctors to become specialized in the field of orthopedic surgery. During residency, doctors gain practical experience by working in various clinical settings and performing procedures under the supervision of experienced orthopedic surgeons. Orthopedic residencies typically last five years and involve both classroom...

Getting into medical school is a highly competitive process that requires dedication, hard work, and careful planning. Here are some key steps you can take to increase your chances of getting accepted into medical school: Focus on your academics: Medical schools require a strong academic record, so focus on maintaining...

The Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT, is a standardized exam designed to assess the knowledge and skills needed for success in medical school. The test consists of four sections: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of...

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a class of medications commonly used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. They work by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that contribute to pain and inflammation in the body. NSAIDs are available in both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) formulations and...

Oxycodone is a potent opioid pain medication used to manage moderate to severe pain. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing the perception of pain and producing a sense of euphoria. Oxycodone is available in various formulations, including immediate-release and extended-release tablets, capsules,...

Spinal anesthesia, also known as subarachnoid block, is a type of regional anesthesia commonly used in surgery and childbirth. It involves injecting a local anesthetic medication into the cerebrospinal fluid in the spinal canal, which temporarily numbs the lower half of the body. Spinal anesthesia is generally considered safe and...

Polyethylene is a commonly used material in joint replacement surgery, particularly in hip and knee replacements. It is a strong, durable material that has been used for decades to create artificial joints that closely mimic the natural movement and function of the joint. Polyethylene is used in joint replacements as...

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a commonly used material in orthopedic surgery for bone cementing applications. It is a biocompatible material that has been used for decades to help anchor artificial joints in place, repair fractures, and treat bone defects. PMMA bone cement is typically mixed with a monomer liquid to create...

Knee arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the cartilage in the knee joint wears down, resulting in pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Knee arthritis can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, genetics, obesity, injury, and repetitive stress. There are...

What's My Implant Made Of? You have made a big decision. You decided to have your hip or knee replaced. And you think- what in the world is this thing made of?That is a great question and one I will answer today. The materials used in hip and knee replacements...

Traveling after joint replacement Many patients are eager to get back to their active lifestyles after completing a hip or knee replacement, and that's our goal, too. We encourage patients to stay active and enjoy their lives, and their new total joint replacement. With summer approaching though, there are a...

After having your hip or knee replacement we will meet in clinic to discuss lifelong considerations with your surgery. One topic we will discuss is the need for antibiotics prior to small procedures. I ask my patients to take an antibiotic prior to any routine dental exam or colonoscopy.  We...

Patients often ask what their implants are made of. The answer depends on many things including if the patient had a total hip replacement or a total knee replacement. Total hip replacements usually are made of a titanium alloy. The total hip replacement consists of a stem that goes into...

Patients often want to get back to their active lifestyles after surgery. I am often asked what patients can and cannot do after everything has healed and patients are fully recovered. My answer is basically anything you want to.   The only activity I ask patients to refrain from is...

Patients often want to know if they can shower or take a bath after surgery. The short answer: YES! We apply a waterproof silvery mepilex dressing to your surgical incision. This dressing stays in place for a week. This is waterproof, so you can take a shower! We let patients...

Many people do not know where to start when considering a total hip and total knee replacement. There are so many things to think about and consider. What doctor to choose? Do I need an anterior hip replacement? Should I consider undergoing mako robotic knee replacement?   When thinking about...

A question I often am asked, is how long is surgery?  The short answer is about 90 minutes.  Patients will check in at our surgical desk when they arrive the morning of surgery. From there they will be brought back to the pre-operative holding area. In "pre-op" our nurses will...

Your knee joint is made up of 3 bones. The femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone) and patella (knee cap). The ends of these bones are covered with cartilage. This specific type of cartilage is called "articular" cartilage.  Cartilage helps the bones to slide past each other. This is the...

So you are considering a total hip or knee replacement. You have talked to your friends and done your fair share of googling. You've heard about 5-day hospital stays after a knee replacement. The question you have? How long will I have to stay in the hospital? Believe it or...