Department Spotlight Archives - Page 2 of 2

When is the Right Time for Knee Replacement Surgery?

Posted on October 28, 2016 by Michael Hinck

If you are experiencing prolonged periods of knee pain or stiffness that makes it hard to perform simple everyday tasks, you may be a candidate for knee replacement surgery.

Knee replacement surgeries are often performed to treat patients who have suffered a serious trauma, but the most common reason for someone to need this procedure is to treat progressive osteoarthritis or other diseases that affect the knee joint. This procedure is usually a last resort and your doctor might recommend it only after all other forms of treatment or medications have proven unsuccessful.

Performed by an orthopedic surgeon, knee replacement surgery involves replacing some or all of the components of the knee joint with a synthetic implant, to repair the damaged weight-bearing surfaces that are causing pain. A total knee replacement surgery replaces all three compartments of the diseased knee joint. A partial knee replacement involves an implant in just one or two compartments of the knee, retaining any undamaged parts.

Minimally invasive surgery has revolutionized knee replacement surgery. Minimally invasive knee joint replacement requires a much smaller incision, which leads to less pain, decreased recovery time and better motion due to less scar tissue formation. The average hospital stay after knee joint replacement is usually three to five days.

Rehabilitation is almost always necessary after knee replacement surgery. The physical therapy you receive after surgery, whether in a sub-acute facility, an out-patient center, or in your home is an essential part of your healing process as proper exercise will prevent scarring, maintain muscle strength and joint stability. The frequency and duration of therapy varies from patient to patient.

Flushing Hospital’s team of highly qualified orthopedic surgeons performs over 1,500 procedures every year, including hundreds of minimally invasive knee replacement procedures. They also perform surgeries to repair hip fractures, fix broken wrists and ankles, as well as shoulder replacement surgery. For more information about the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Flushing Hospital, or to schedule an appointment to speak with a surgeon, please call 718-670-3135.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Kidney Stones Causes and Treatment

Posted on August 30, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) are lumps of crystal made from substances found in urine. They typically build up along the inner surfaces of the kidney. The size of a kidney stone can range from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. It is estimated, one in every twenty people will develop them at some point in their life.

Stones form when there is a decrease in the amount of urine produced, causing it to become highly concentrated and therefore allowing minerals to crystallize and stick together. There are four major types of stones, they include:

Calcium stones
Uric acid stones
Struvite stones
Cystine stones

While dehydration is a major contributor to the formation of kidney stones, some people are more prone to developing them than others. People with certain medical conditions such as gout or digestive diseases, those with a family history of kidney stones, as well as people who are obese or consume a diet rich in protein, sodium and sugar are more susceptible.

Kidney stones often go undetected until they become loose and travel along the urinary tract. When they move around the kidney or pass through the ureter, the following symptoms may occur:

Pain during urination
Pain along your side or back, below the ribs
Urine that is pink, red or brown in color
Pain in the lower abdomen or groin
Difficulty urinating
Frequent urination or urge to urinate
Nausea or vomiting
Cloudy or abnormal smelling urine
Fever and chills

If these symptoms present themselves and persist it is advised that you see a doctor immediately. Your doctor may perform a series of tests that may include blood or urine tests, analysis of passed stones or abdominal x-rays to assess your condition. Depending on severity, treatment may include increasing your intake of water, pain medication or surgery.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center is equipped with the latest technology to fully evaluate and treat patients suffering from kidney stones. Our Emergency Department physicians have extensive experience diagnosing kidney stones and can provide rapid relief of the symptoms often associated with this disease. To schedule an appointment, please call 718 670 5486.

Why You Need To Take All Your Antibiotics

Posted on July 26, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat bacterial infections and several diseases. These medications can be efficient if used correctly. However, improper use can lead to reinfection or the development of a more serious issue.

By not taking the entire course of treatment recommended by your physician you run the risk of allowing bacteria to survive and developing a resistance to antibiotics. Depending on the severity of your condition, your physician may have to resort to more invasive or extensive measures of treatment such as surgery, stronger medications or hospitalization.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (www.fda.gov) recommend that consumers follow these recommendations for proper antibiotics use:

Complete the full course of the drug. It’s important to take all of the medication, even if you are feeling better. If treatment stops too soon, the drug may not kill all the bacteria. You may become sick again, and the remaining bacteria may become resistant to the antibiotic that you’ve taken.
Do not skip doses. Antibiotics are most effective when they are taken regularly.
Do not save antibiotics. You might think that you can save an antibiotic for the next time you get sick, but an antibiotic is meant for your particular infection at the time. Never take leftover medicine. Taking the wrong medicine can delay getting the appropriate treatment and may allow your condition to worsen.
Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else. These may not be appropriate for your illness, may delay correct treatment, and may allow your condition to worsen.
Talk with your health care professional. Ask questions, especially if you are uncertain about when an antibiotic is appropriate or how to take it.

If you have questions about taking your prescribed medications, do not hesitate in contacting your physician or pharmacy for instructions.

For your convenience, a full-service pharmacy is located in Flushing Hospital’s Medical Science Building providing prescription services to discharged, emergency department and clinic patients. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. 718-353-316

Fibroids- Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Posted on June 28, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

Uterine fibroids are abnormal growths that develop in or just outside the uterus. They form when the smooth muscle cells of the uterus (myometrium) begin to grow rapidly and advance into tumors, which are typically non-cancerous. These tumors vary in size and can be as small as a pumpkin seed or as large as a grapefruit and in unusual cases, much larger.

Fibroids are very common. It is estimated that 70 to 80 % of women will develop tumors by the age of 50. Although the causes are unknown, there are factors that put some at a greater risk than others-they are:

Family history
Pregnancy
Being overweight
Having African American ancestry
Being over the age of 30

The symptoms of fibroids depend on the size, location and the number of tumors present. Symptoms include:

Pelvic pain
Heavy bleeding and blood clots between and during periods
Increased urination
Pain during intercourse
Enlargement of the lower abdomen
Increased time of menstruation
Pressure or a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen

Women who have very small tumors or are going through menopause may experience very little or no symptoms at all.

Fibroids are diagnosed by gynecologists by way of pelvic exams and ultrasound or MRI. Your doctor will create a treatment plan based on symptoms and the advancement of the growth. Treatment may consist of medication to regulate hormone levels, assist in shrinking the tumor or alleviate pain. Surgery may be performed laparoscopically to remove tumors, however, if your condition is extreme, your physician may recommend a hysterectomy.

Robotic surgeons at Flushing Hospital are board certified or board approved and have performed countless gynecologic procedures resulting in high rates of success.Procedures performed robotically by Flushing Hospital’s team of surgeons include hysterectomies, tubal re-anastomosis, dermoid cystectomy and more.

For more information about robotic surgery or procedures performed by our surgeons, please contact Flushing Hospital’s, Department of Obstetric and Gynecology at 718-670-8994.