leaDING MeDICINe Your link to health innovations, news and tips IN SOUTHEAST HOUSTON
SP RING 2015
Game chanGers
your springtime guide to getting fit without injury
Back on the Wrestling Mat After an Injury
Health Quiz for Men: How Much Do You Know?
Lessons in
High school wrestler Patrick Spencer
Recovery One high school wrestler shares what he learned while recovering from a torn tendon in his shoulder
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ast January, Clear Brook High School wrestler Patrick Spencer was on the mat, fighting a tough opponent. “When I attempted a grab, my arm got caught as his body was moving past mine,” he said. A shoulder shouldn’t bend that way. Fearing the worst, Patrick and his family went to the emergency department at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital. An MRI revealed a posterior labrum tear — potentially devastating news for Patrick’s wrestling pursuits. Dr. Shaun Holt, an orthopedic surgeon at Houston Methodist St. John, and his team repaired the injury without complication. “The healing time for this kind of injury is always going to be considerable, but with proper surgery and rehabilitation, recovery is possible,” Holt explained.
Dedication
Over the next six months, Patrick got to know Steve Tran, the head athletic
Stay in the Game
What is a Labrum tear? trainer at Clear Brook High School, very well. “Resilience and perseverance are qualities that are needed on the mat during a match and during rehab in order to bounce back and overcome any injuries that may occur,” Tran said. “Patrick came to his postsurgical rehab ready and willing to work hard as he does every day, whether he’s on the mat practicing or at a meet.” And that dedication, work ethic and perseverance paid off. Patrick recalled, “I was in a sling for the first two-and-ahalf months after surgery. For the last four weeks, I was able to go to physical therapy and take off the sling and get some range of motion back.” Patrick’s perspective on the whole situation is refreshing: “Not being able
To schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists or to find a location for physical therapy near you, call 713.790.3333.
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The labrum is a thick portion of cartilage in the shoulder socket that helps keep the ball of the joint in place. When the labrum becomes torn, the shoulder may dislocate. It usually occurs as a result of traumatic injury. Risk factors include: A direct hit to the shoulder F alling on an outstretched arm A strong, sudden pull A violent overhead reach The symptoms typically include acute pain and a limited range of motion. Labrum tears are treated surgically, usually by mending the point of the tear. to wrestle for such a long time only made me more motivated to do it. I found a higher level of competition, allowing me to become a better wrestler. By being a better wrestler, I can protect myself [from these kinds of injuries].” Patrick is now back on the mat, wrestling for Clear Brook High School again. n
When Less Is More Dr. Kyle Stephens joined our team, providing less invasive hernia procedures for patients
This past November, Houston Methodist St. John welcomed Dr. Kyle W. Stephens to the hospital. A valued addition, he brings with him his extensive expertise in Dr. Kyle W. laparoscopic hernia Stephens surgery, which we are proud to now offer our patients. Stephens explains how the procedure benefits patients.
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What is a hernia?
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What is laparoscopic hernia surgery?
photo by thinkstock
A hernia occurs when an organ protrudes through the wall of the cavity that contains it, usually arising when a hole develops in the wall of the abdomen. Hernias can be very uncomfortable and painful, and may lead to many dangerous complications if they are not addressed through surgery.
With the help of a small camera called a laparoscope, the surgeon is able to repair the hernia from the inside instead of making a large incision. This type of surgery drastically reduces the recovery time and risks of surgery for some patients.
Differences That Matter
Q
What makes this surgery different?
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Why OPT FOR LAPAROSCOPIC?
Instead of one large cut, it uses a series of smaller incisions, about one-half inch each. The body is not opened to the air; instead, the instruments required to perform the surgery are inserted through these holes and the doctor operates while observing through the laparoscope. This technique has many benefits for the patient (see sidebar).
• Shorter recovery time: The nature of the incisions makes laparoscopic hernia surgery much less traumatic to the body and speeds healing. • Less pain: The precision of this surgery allows the surgeon to fix the problem while leaving the surrounding tissue relatively untouched. • Lower risk of infection: The smaller, quicker-healing incisions used in laparoscopic hernia repair give infections less of an opportunity to cause postsurgery complications. “It’s an outpatient procedure, and most patients can return to nonstrenuous activities the very next day,” noted
Undergoing surgery can be a daunting prospect. Concern about pain and scarring leave many worried and reluctant. With minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic surgery, patients experience an easier recovery and other benefits, including: Shorter hospital stays Smaller surgical scars and less scar tissue Fewer traumas to the body Less pain and need for pain medication Less blood loss and decreased need for transfusions Reduced risk of infection Q uicker return to normal activities and diet
Stephens. “It also doesn’t require as much incision care as with open surgery, since the cuts are so small, plus with far less pain and discomfort.” There are certain types of hernia that require open surgery, and other patients may still prefer open surgery for a variety of reasons, but many will find laparoscopic hernia surgery to be the more attractive option for them. n
Expert Help
If you or a loved one needs to consult a surgeon for hernia repair, call 713.790.3333 to schedule an appointment.
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Fitness Foils For every favorite springtime sport, there’s an injury that can keep you sidelined. Learn how to prevent the pain and stay in the game.
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or many of us, springtime means playtime. The sun is shining and the fields, paths and courts beckon. But one wrong move or too many years of pounding the pavement can leave you couch-ridden. Here, we take a look at some of the most common sports injuries and how you can avoid them.
you love: Tennis You’re at risk for: Elbow pain
An injury so common it has its own name, tennis elbow is a condition caused by overuse of the arm, forearm and hand muscles. The weak grip strength and burning pain aren’t actually due to an injured elbow — these symptoms are telltale signs of damage to the forearm muscle that helps stabilize the wrist when the elbow is straight (during a ground stroke, for example). When this muscle is weakened from overuse, microscopic tears form in the tendon where it attaches to the joint, leading to inflammation and pain. Get back in the game: Up to 95 percent of patients have success with nonsurgical treatment, but the first step is to put down the racket for a while. In addition to taking a break, drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen reduce pain and swelling. Be sure to have your tennis equipment checked for proper fit, too. Stiffer rackets that are more loosely strung may reduce stress on the forearm.
you love: Running
photo by superstock
You’re at risk for: Shin splints
Runners, admit it: You’re a wee bit crazy (in a good way, of course). Mile after mile, rain or shine, you pound away at that pavement. So it’s understandable that you refuse to let a little shin pain keep you from your daily sweat session. When it comes to the all-too-common shin splint, there’s no true consensus among experts as to its cause. Theories
include small tears in the muscle that’s pulled off the bone, an inflammation of the muscle or a combination of the two. Fortunately, experts agree on one aspect of shin splints: how to treat them. Get back in the game: When splints strike, stop running or decrease your distance, depending on the extent of the pain. From there, be sure to ice your shins regularly to decrease inflammation, practice proper stretching and try cross training like cycling, swimming or yoga. When you return to your regular running schedule, work your way up by increasing mileage slowly — aim for a 10 percent increase each week. Wear the right shoes for your feet and try to avoid hills and excessively hard surfaces.
you love: Cycling You’re at risk for: Knee pain
Cycling is practically the definition of a repetitive motion, with the average cyclist pedaling 3,600 times in an hour. No wonder cyclists often experience knee pain from overuse. One common problem, patellofemoral pain syndrome, occurs when the patella (kneecap) gets out of alignment, causing wear on cartilage and pain around the kneecap. Get back in the game: Knee injuries in cyclists are often caused by muscle imbalance. Exercises for the quadriceps and hips can strengthen the muscles that support the kneecap, keeping it in alignment. Ask a professional about your bike fit and cycling form. A seat that’s too high or low can cause injury, as can pedaling with your knees facing inward or outward. n
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Common Exercise Mistakes Feeling more sore than sculpted? You may be committing these workout no-nos.
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Going all-out, right away. Give your body about five minutes to warm up before you really hit it.
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Running the same route. Variety is the spice of life. Mix up your workouts with some cross training.
the stretching. 3 Skipping Always end a workout with a good stretch. Your legs will thank you in the morning.
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Playing through the pain. A little discomfort is good; actual pain is not. Respect your limits and give it a rest when you’re hurt.
Get Back to What You Love
To learn more about common athletic injuries and how Houston Methodist St. John can help you heal, visit methodistorthopedics.com/for-athletes or call 713.790.3333.
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Jerry Brawner and his son, Jesse
clot cuts all or part of the heart off from its blood supply. The lack of oxygen in the heart can cause muscle injury or death. STEMIs strike a quarter-million people every year. STEMIs typically present initially as heartburn, and the pain may radiate outward from there. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, lightheadedness, nausea, weakness and palpitations.
An Unlikely Father-Son Adventure
What Causes STEMIs?
A heart attack was the last thing they expected to start their week
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erry Brawner woke up at 3 a.m. on a Monday with what felt like severe indigestion. By the time 4 o’clock rolled around, it had only gotten worse, and he knew something was wrong. A single father, he woke his 9-year-old son, Jesse, and told him to pack a backpack while he called an ambulance. “Come on, buddy, we’re going on an adventure,” he said. Once the paramedics arrived, Jerry explained, “they hooked me up and said, ‘Yeah, you’re having a heart attack.’ ” At 45, Jerry didn’t expect anything like this on what should have been just another normal Monday morning. “What’s scary,” he continued, “is that as soon as they tell you that, you know, your life flashes in front of your eyes and your adrenaline starts pumping. I’ve got a 9-year-old. … There’s nobody
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else who lives down here with me. I’ve got nobody for him.” Jesse rode along in the front seat of the ambulance as his father was attended to in the back. When they arrived at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital, Jesse waited with the ER staff as the doctors saved his dad’s life.
What Happened?
Jerry had suffered a STEMI, or ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. This potentially lethal type of heart attack occurs when a blood
Dr. Palur Balakrishnan, who treated Jerry, said, “Myocardial infarctions can result as complications from other infirmities, including diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. Smoking, lack of exercise and even stress can also precipitate a STEMI.” He continued, “Due to the nature of these causes, many STEMIs can be prevented with a healthy diet and exercise.”
Where Are they Now?
Jerry has been making an effort to adopt a healthier lifestyle and has been back to Houston Methodist St. John as he gets healthier. Jesse said, “I feel like my dad is a new person now. He eats a lot more healthy, and he doesn’t eat as much, and he’s losing weight.” With the help of the team here at Houston Methodist, Jerry is on the road to recovery and a healthier lifestyle. n
[cta] Protect Your Heart TK
Early detection of heart disease is important. To schedule an appointment, call 713.790.3333.
For His Eyes Only How much do you know about your health? Man up and take our quiz
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nough with the dirt-splattering off-road truck commercials. Want to know how to be a true man of action? Take charge of your health. This quick quiz will help you discover what you know about the top health risks for men.
1. Men between the ages of 30 and 50 are most likely to have:
A. Hip bursitis B. A herniated disk in the lower back C. A midlife crisis
Answer: B. Risk factors for a herniated disk include improper lifting, being overweight, repetitive activities that strain the spine, a sedentary lifestyle and smoking. What you can do: That part about quitting smoking for heart health? It’s true for bone and joint health, too. Experts believe that smoking limits oxygen supply to disks, causing bones to degenerate more quickly.
2. After skin cancer, ________ cancer is the most common cancer in men.
photo by thinkstock
A. Prostate B. Bone C. Lung
Answer: A. Prostate cancer strikes one in six men and is the second most prevalent cancer in men. But only about one in 36 men diagnosed with prostate cancer will die from it.
3 Things You Didn’t Know About Health Screenings
What you can do: Houston Methodist recommends that men talk with their doctors about the risks as well as the potential benefits and limitations of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) screening.
It takes a real man to admit that he probably needs to pay more attention to his health. Many major health conditions men face can be detected in their earliest, most treatable stages. That’s why health screenings are so important. Here are three, and when to get them:
3. Nothing is less manly than an enemy that won’t show its face. But that’s exactly what Type 2 diabetes does. How many men in the United States have this “silent killer”? A. 7 million B. 13 million C. 79 million
Answer: B. Additionally, an estimated 79 million Americans have prediabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal. What you can do: Have your blood glucose tested to see whether you have Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes — and get active. A major national study showed that prediabetes patients who lost 7 percent of body weight (14 pounds for a 200-pound man) cut their risk for Type 2 diabetes by more than half. n
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A colonoscopy, recommended every 10 years starting at age 50, can prevent cancer. That’s because precancerous growths can be found and removed during the procedure.
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Have your cholesterol levels checked regularly starting at 35.
If you have smoked even 100 cigarettes in your life and you’re between 65 and 75 years old, you should be screened for abdominal aortic aneurysm, a bulge in the body’s largest artery that can cause major bleeding or even death if it bursts.
Get in the Know
It is important to learn your ABCs — your A1C (blood sugar), blood pressure and cholesterol levels. To find a primary care physician to check your levels, call 713.790.3333 for a referral.
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