Orthopedics

Back, spine, and neck pain are common ailments that can lead to a difficulty in performing everyday activities such as lifting or twisting from side to side. Effective management typically involves a combination of treatments such as physical therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgery. Common conditions we treat include:

• Arthritis
• Cervical spondylosis
• Chronic back and neck pain
• Disc degeneration
• Fracture
• Herniated disc
• Lower back pain
• Neck pain
• Osteoporosis
• Sciatica
• Scoliosis
• Spina bifida
• Spinal stenosis

Orthopedic trauma refers to injuries that occur during accidents or falls that lead to dislocations, complex soft tissue injuries, or broken bones. Broken bones, or fractures, may require surgical intervention with the use of plates, screws, or rods. SSM Health orthopedic surgeons specialize in a broad range of nonsurgical and surgical repair, and work collaboratively to provide high-quality care.

Bone or soft-tissue cancer, also known as sarcoma, are rare types of cancers that can be found anywhere in the body. They often are treated with a combination of therapies, including chemotherapy, radiation, and sometimes joint reconstruction surgery. 

Learn more about musculoskeletal oncology.

The National Health Institute has called osteoporosis "a silent disease" as there are no initial symptoms until you fracture or break a bone.² If you are over the age of 50, it is good practice to think about your bone health.

Ask your primary care doctor about a DEXA bone scan, an orthopedic doctor can then assess your bone density and discuss options to prevent or treat osteoporosis.

Elbow pain can make everyday tasks—like lifting, driving, or turning a doorknob—hard and uncomfortable. Pain might start suddenly or slowly get worse over time. It is often due to overuse of the elbow or a previous injury. Common conditions we treat include:

• Biceps tendinopathy
• Cubital tunnel syndrome
• Distal biceps tears
• Elbow dislocations
• Elbow tendonitis
• Olecranon bursitis
• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
• Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears

Learn more about managing elbow pain.

Foot and ankle pain can affect individuals of all ages and activity levels. It's often made worse by improper footwear, excessive physical activity, or underlying health conditions such as arthritis or diabetes. Common conditions we treat include: 

• Achilles tendon inflammation or rupture
• Ankle arthritis or ankle replacement
• Ankle sprains
• Bunions
• Cartilage defects
• Flatfoot
• Hammertoe
• Heel pain; plantar fasciitis
• Limb abnormalities, such as clubfoot or bowlegs
• Impingement

Learn more about managing foot and ankle pain.

Proper everyday movement and function in one's hands are essential to living a healthy, active life. An early diagnosis of hand, wrist, or elbow conditions can help to alleviate pain, restore function, and prevent long-term complications. Common conditions we treat include:

• Arthritis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Cartilage tears
• Cubital tunnel syndrome
• deQuervain's tendinitis
• Distal biceps tendon rupture
• Dupuytren's contracture
• Ganglion cysts

Learn more about managing hand and wrist pain.

A hip is a primary load-bearing joint, which means it supports the weight of the body and bears the stress and pressure from movement. Relief from hip pain can be achieved through various methods, from physical therapy to surgery. Common conditions we treat include:

• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Cartilage defects
• Hamstring injuries
• Hip replacement
• Internal and external snapping hip
• Labral tear

Learn more about managing hip pain.

The knee joint is one of the most complex joints in the body. It connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). The knee allows the leg to bend and flex and plays a crucial role in everyday activities like walking, sitting, running, and jumping. Common conditions we treat include:

• Ligament injuries (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL)
• Labral tears
• Meniscus tears
• Knee replacements
• Runners knee (patellofemoral pain)
• Patellar instability

Learn more about managing knee pain.

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint which provides a wide range of arm motions. A healthy shoulder joint is essential for daily activities and many recreational activities. However, its range of motion makes the shoulder joint prone to injuries. Common conditions we treat include:

• Acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries/pain
• Arthritis
• Frozen shoulder
• Labral tears
• Hill-Sachs lesion
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Shoulder impingement, separation, or dislocation
• Shoulder replacement
• Tendinitis, tendon strains, or tears

Learn more about managing shoulder pain and other upper extremity injuries.