IBJI Blog

What is Spinal Fusion Surgery?

Spinal fusion is a major surgery and medical procedure used to treat back injuries. The surgery includes using rods and screws, and bone grafts to stabilize the spine. This surgery is usually a last resort after other treatments have been tried and failed.

Why would someone need Spinal Fusion Surgery?

In general the surgery is performed to help stabilize the spine, so any major back injury that may reduce stabilization may benefit from this procedure. Spinal injuries can be acute like a fractured or broken back from a severe car accident or as a result of degeneration of the disk in the back over time. Common symptoms that may cause a doctor to consider spinal fusion include:

• Sharp or severe pain in the buttocks, legs, back
• Weakness in one or both legs
• Tingling in one or both legs
• Numbness in one or both legs

Concussions are common injuries in contact sports like hockey, football and basketball and some studies show that up to 10% of athletes in physical sports will experience a concussion in their athletic career. Sports like soccer and hockey pose an even higher risk for athletes due to the nature of the sport, but in reality every athlete is always at risk in contact sports.

Complementary Pre-Concussion Baseline Screening

While some concussions are minor and just need time for the brain to heal and others more complicated and severe, for the safety of the athlete, all head injuries should be examined by a knowledgeable physician. For this reason, IBJI is offering complementary pre-concussion baseline screening for all athletes in the area. Pre-concussion screening is one of the best ways to help physicians evaluate concussions.

What is Baseline Screening?

The baseline screening consists of a computer administered test called ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing). The test addresses several cognitive areas including memory, symptoms, and reaction time and only takes about twenty minutes to complete. Concussions are handled on an individual basis and the ImPACT provides an objective evaluation for each athlete. 

Physicians are able to refer to this baseline as normal for this athlete when comparing it to a post-injury score and thus more effectively guide the management of each specific concussion. ImPACT is recognized world-wide as an accurate and effective way to assess brain function and safely guide an athlete’s return to a sport following a head injury.

How Do I Get a Complementary ImPACT screening?

ImPACT testing is available through Dr. Andrew Hunt. To schedule the ImPACT test please call Tammy at 847-724-4384. If you have specific questions for Dr. Hunt, he can be reached through Cindy at 847-724-4669. 

Locations

For your convenience we have several locations to take the test. The ImPACT is available in the Wilmette, Glenview, and Highland Park locations.

1. 1144 Wilmette Ave.-Wilmette, IL
2. 2350 Ravine Way-Glenview, IL
3. 1919 Skokie Vally Road-Highland Park, IL

So When Can I Go Back In?

In accordance with Illinois state law, any athlete who sustained a concussion must be cleared by a physician prior to rejoining the sport.  So if you want to get back in the game make sure you get your complementary ImPACT screening as soon as possible. It only takes about 20 minutes and will help your physician make the best recommendations in the event of a head injury.

Call Tammy at 847-724-4384 and schedule the ImPACT test today.

Do you have pain in your wrist or hands? Do you have stiffness in your fingers that seems to be worst in the mornings? What about numbness in your fingers? All of these symptoms are common with arthritis in the hands. Arthritis in the hands can dramatically reduce the quality of life as not having full usage of your hands can really alter how you do things or stop normal day-to-day activities completely.

What is arthritis of the hand?

Arthritis is a condition that describes inflammation of the joints. The most common form of arthritis is degenerative arthritis, also called osteoarthritis. This form of arthritis in your hands can limit functionality and cause much pain due to the loss of cartilage as it wears over time. Osteoarthritis of the hands is usually experienced later in life as it is a degenerative disease.

What are some of the symptoms?

While there are many types of arthritis many of them have common symptoms. Here are some of the most common symptoms:

• Pain in hands or fingers
• Stiffness in hands, especially early in the morning and may improve with day.
• Swollen joints in hands
• Hand or wrist may have limited range of motion
• Affected hand joint may be tender to the touch

If you’ve had chronic pain in your hands you know how discomforting and inconvenient the pain can make simple every day task. Holding a cup of coffee or typing on a keyboard can cause considerable pain. But how do you know when it’s time for surgery and what exactly is hand surgery anyway? Of course only you and your orthopedic physician can decide when surgery is appropriate as the need for surgery will greatly vary from case to case. In this article will talk about hand surgery and some of the conditions that may lead to a surgery.

What is hand surgery?

Hand Surgery is a field in orthopedic surgery that diagnosis treats and corrects problem of the hand. The title “hand surgeon” is a little misleading as a hand surgeon is a doctor with specialized training for upper extremities including hands, arms, and shoulders. Hand surgeons also do more than surgery. Hand Surgeons also treat fractures, nerve problems, and tendonitis.

How do I know if I need hand Surgery?

If you have been visiting your physician you will have tried other methods to reduce or eliminate the pain and surgery will typically be used as a last resort. It’s important that you have good open communication with your orthopedic physician as most people know when they need surgery as the pain has made it impossible to do normal day- to- day activities. If you are experiencing this type of pain and it continually gets worst, your physician needs to know and together you can take the best course of action.