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Frequently Asked Questions

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How do I find information about an orthpaedic surgeon in Alabama?
What Is a Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon?
What types of problems do pediatric orthopaedic surgeons treat?
Where can I find a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon?
What is the Rotator Cuff and what does it do?
What causes a Rotator Cuff tear and how would I know if I have one?
When should I see a doctor for a Rotator Cuff tear?
What are common causes of Back Pain?
How do disc injuries cause Back Pain?
What is the difference between a Herniated Disc and a Bulging Disc?

How do I find information about an orthpaedic surgeon in Alabama?

The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners maintains a list of all orthopaedic surgeons licensed to practice in Alabama. See www.albme.org and follow the links on this site. For information about orthopaedic surgeons outside Alabama see www.aaos.org and click "Find an Orthopaedist"

What is a Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon?

A pediatric orthopaedist is the best-trained and most experienced doctor to properly evaluate and treat musculoskeletal (bone, joint, or muscle) problems in a child who is still growing. This includes newborn babies through teenagers. Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons choose to make the care of children the focus of their medical practice. The unique nature of medical and surgical care of children is learned from advanced training and experience in practice. They are doctors who have: Graduated from an approved medical school (typically four years); Graduated from an approved orthopaedic surgery residency program (typically five years); Completed additional subspecialty training in pediatric orthopaedics and pediatric spinal deformity (typically one year).

What types of problems do pediatric orthopaedic surgeons treat?

A child's musculoskeletal problems are different from those of an adult. Because children are still growing, the body's response to injuries, infections, and deformities may be quite different than what would be seen in a full-grown person. Sometimes, what is thought to be a problem in a child is just a variation of growth that will resolve with time. A good example of this is in toeing in a toddler. Some of the problems children have with their bones and joints that are due to growth do not even occur in adults. And, the evaluation and treatment of a child is usually quite different than for an adult -- even for the same problem. Children with complex pediatric problems are best managed by a medical surgical team approach. Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons diagnose, treat, and manage children's musculoskeletal problems.

Where can I find a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon?

Pediatric orthopaedists have the widest range of treatment options, the most extensive and comprehensive training, and the greatest expertise in dealing with children and treating their musculoskeletal problems. Your Pediatrician or primary care doctor may have suggestions about whom to see, or if you feel that a pediatric orthopaedist is the right doctor for your child, the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) website (www.posna.org) contains a directory of members in every geographic location.

What is the Rotator Cuff and what does it do?

The rotator cuff is a large tendon comprised of four muscles which combine to form a "cuff" over the upper end of the arm, the head of the humerus. The four muscles-supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis and teres minor- originate from the "wing bone," the scapula, and together form a single tendon unit that inserts on the greater tuberosity of the humerus. The rotator cuff helps to lift and rotate the arm and to stabilize the ball of the shoulder within the joint.

What causes a Rotator Cuff tear and how would I know if I have one?

A rotator cuff tear may result from an acute injury such as a fall or may be caused by chronic wear and tear with degeneration of the tendon. Impingement of the front of the scapula, the acromion, on the tendon is believed to be a major cause of cuff tears in individuals older than 40 years. Typically, you will feel pain in the front of your shoulder that radiates down the side of your arm. It may be present with overhead activities such as lifting or reaching. You may feel pain when you try to sleep on the affected side. You may note weakness of your arm and difficulty with routine activities such as combing your hair or reaching behind your back. If the tear occurs with injury, you may experience acute pain, a snapping sensation, and immediate weakness of the arm.

When should I see a doctor for a Rotator Cuff tear?

If you have injured your shoulder or have chronic shoulder and arm pain, it is best to see your orthopaedic surgeon. He or she can then make a diagnosis and begin treatment. The doctor may recommend a diagnostic study such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to confirm the diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment of a rotator cuff tear may prevent symptoms such as a loss of strength and loss of motion from setting in. If your primary physician has already made the diagnosis, an orthopaedic surgeon can review both surgical and nonsurgical options and start treatment.

What are common causes of Back Pain?

There are numerous causes for back pain ranging from muscle strain, trauma, arthritis, disc herniation, muscle spasm, facet joint pain, and cumulative effect of poor body mechanics.

How do disc injuries cause Back Pain?

When the disc bulges or herniates into the spinal canal, the nerves in that area can become inflamed or agitated, creating both back pain and pain in the area where that nerve carries impulses. The muscles surrounding the injured disc can become fatigued and spasm.

What is the difference between a Herniated Disc and a Bulging Disc?

A bulging disc is a slight protrusion of the center of the disc (nucleus pulposus) into the spinal canal. In the bulging disc, the annulus fibrosus (outer ring) has not been ruptured. A disc herniation is a large protrusion of the nucleus pulposus (center of the disc), which has burst through the annulus fiborsus (outer ring of the disc) into the spinal canal, invading the surrounding nerves and causing pain in the back, buttocks, hips, or legs.

"THE INFORMATION LISTED IN THIS SECTION IS NOT INTENDED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL ADVICE, BUT IS TO BE USED ONLY AS AN AID IN UNDERSTANDING ORTHOPAEDIC PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES. ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL CONDITION."