LEADING MEDICINE SP R I NG /SUM M ER 2022
High-Tech Imaging for Early Detection of Cancer Health Hazards to Avoid in the Summertime When Is the Right Time for
JOINT
REPLACEMENT?
YOUR LINK TO HEALTH INNOVATIONS, NEWS AND TIPS IN NORTHWEST HOUSTON
NEWS & EVENTS LIVE ONLINE WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY ORIENTATION
Visit houstonmethodist.org/events to find a date and register: Date: Thursday, June 16, 2022 Date: Wednesday, July 13, 2022 Time: Noon | Location: Online
PARENTS OF STUDENT ATHLETES
Date: August 2022 Location: Online Register here: houstonmethodist.org/for-patients/events/
We host a variety of virtual and in-person events on cancer screening, back and neck pain, joint health and more. For a comprehensive list of events at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, visit houstonmethodist.org/events or call 281.737.2500.
STAY IN THE GAME Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Where You Need It Most
S
ports participation offers a host of benefits for student athletes and adults alike, including physical fitness, socialization and team-building skills. But there are downsides, as well. Every year, millions of young athletes end up in the emergency room or doctor’s office with a sports-related injury.
COMMON SPORTS INJURIES
From sprains and strains to shin splints, a variety of conditions can bring sports participation to a halt. Acute injuries occur suddenly, often after a collision or other trauma. Examples include sprains, fractures, torn ligaments, eye injuries, concussions and spinal cord injuries. Contact sports may spring to mind, but these types of injuries can happen without contact, too. Overuse injuries occur when repetitive actions put too much stress on bones and muscles. Inadequate warm-up; increased duration, intensity or frequency of activity; improper technique or equipment; and playing the same sport year-round can all contribute to an overuse injury. Reinjury can happen if an athlete returns to a sport before they have properly healed from an injury. Letting the body fully recover from an injury is essential. Otherwise the athlete may be placing extra stress on the injury and forcing the body to compensate for the weakness, which can lead to another injury.
TREAT IT RIGHT
The type of sports injury often dictates the treatment. An injury that affects a person’s basic functioning (such as range of motion or balance) or causes a change in consciousness requires a trip to the doctor’s office or, for serious injuries, the nearest emergency room. For overuse injuries, pay extra attention to pain or discomfort and see a doctor. Getting an evaluation or treatment from an orthopedics and sports medicine expert can be key in helping athletes recover faster and get back in the game. The board-certified sports medicine, physical therapy and rehabilitation specialists at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine offer: The latest imaging and technology Advanced nonsurgical treatments
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NEW SPORTS MEDICINE LOCATION IN SPRING A new Houston Methodist sports medicine and physical therapy location is now open at The Farm League in Spring. In addition to our other locations across Northwest Houston, the new location will support the needs of families and athletes in Spring and surrounding areas. Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine 19711 Stuebner Airline Rd., Suite 1 Spring, TX 77379 281.737.1842 Houston Methodist Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Services 19711 Stuebner Airline Rd., Suite 2 Spring, TX 77379 281.737.1840 To schedule an appointment with one of our specialists at any of the locations in Northwest Houston, visit houstonmethodist.org/sportsmed-wb or call 281.737.0999.
Minimally invasive procedures State-of-the-art physical and occupational therapies Our specialists can address the full continuum of care for all your orthopedic and sports medicine needs. Whether you’re an active adult suffering from simple aches and pains, a weekend warrior, or a student athlete dealing with a complex sports injury, we can get you back on your feet – and keep you moving.
Advanced Treatment for
BACK PAIN H Dr. Hosun Hwang
aving spine surgery is usually a last resort for those dealing with persistent back pain. If you have back problems due to structural issues that can be helped by surgery, your doctor may advise you on your options. There are risks involved with any surgery, but advancements in spine surgery have made it possible to use minimally invasive techniques that allow for smaller incisions, less pain and shorter recovery times.
DO YOU NEED SURGERY?
Most back pain resolves on its own with nonsurgical treatments that might include anti-inflammatory medications, heat or ice, therapeutic massage or physical therapy. But, if nonsurgical treatments haven’t worked and you’re experiencing weakness or difficulty performing basic activities like standing or walking, you should see your doctor. Although surgery doesn’t relieve all types of back pain, it’s an effective solution for certain types of back problems. Surgery may be recommended if you suffer from: Degenerative disk disease or herniated disks Fractures or injuries to the bones in the spine Spinal deformities, such as scoliosis or kyphosis (abnormal curvatures of the spine) Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) Spondylolisthesis (when one vertebra in the lower back slips forward on top of another) Weak or unstable spine caused by infections or tumors
MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINE SURGERY
During minimally invasive spine surgery, the surgeon makes smaller incisions instead of one long incision down the back, as in open surgery. Specialized surgical instruments and an operating microscope allow the surgeon to view the spine and use small tools to perform surgery on the spine. These types of spine surgery can be performed using minimally invasive techniques: Diskectomy is a common surgery done to remove the herniated portion of a disk pressing on a nerve. Laminectomy or decompression surgery relieves pressure caused by spinal stenosis by removing bone to enlarge the spinal canal. Spinal fusion permanently fuses two vertebrae together to eliminate painful movement between them. This may be done to help with degenerative disk disease, recurrent herniated disks, spinal deformities, spinal instability and other disorders.
HOUSTON METHODIST BRINGS THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY FOR ROBOTICASSISTED SPINE SURGERY TO NORTHWEST HOUSTON Spine surgery is complex and involves a high level of precision. Although making the decision to have spine surgery can be difficult, having access to highly skilled surgeons and the latest technology can help put your mind at ease.
LEADING THE WAY WITH TECHNOLOGY “As part of our mission to bring leading medicine to the Northwest Houston community, we are dedicated to investing in innovative technology to create better outcomes for our patients,” said Dr. Hosun Hwang, an orthopedic spine surgeon at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. Robot-guided technology provides unparalleled surgical precision for complex cases involving spinal decompression or spinal fusion. The benefits of robotic spine surgery include improved surgical accuracy, less risk for complications, less blood loss and lower risk of infection.
IMPROVED ACCURACY WITH ROBOTIC SURGERY “Using this highly advanced robot allows the surgeon to plan for surgery with improved accuracy,” Hwang explained. “The preoperative planning involves MRI and CT imaging of the spine that is used for precise computer modeling for placement of hardware into the spine.”
Explore Treatment Options If you’re considering spine surgery, contact the Houston Methodist Spine Center at Willowbrook at 281.737.7463 or visit houstonmethodist.org/ spine-wb to learn more. Our spine team can help uncover the cause of your back pain and guide you through treatment and rehabilitation.
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When Is the Right Time for
Joint Replacement? J
oint pain from arthritis can interfere with your everyday activities and limit your ability to work, play and enjoy life. Arthritis is a common Dr. Daniel Le problem, and you’ll find a multitude of medications and treatments designed to provide relief and improve mobility. But how do you know if the timing is right to get a hip or knee replacement? “It’s time to take action when pain stops you from doing what you love, whether that’s playing golf, taking a family vacation or going on a walk every day,” said Dr. Daniel Le, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. When knee or hip pain bothers you every day, keeps you awake at night and affects your quality of life, it’s time to see a doctor. Although the decisions and the time frames are different for everyone, the path to treatment usually starts with talking to your primary care doctor or an orthopedic specialist. They can evaluate your joint pain and develop a treatment plan that’s customized for you.
EVALUATING JOINT PAIN
First, you may go through an assessment of pain and discuss your ability to function in everyday activities. Your doctor will order X-rays, do a physical exam and ask questions about your joint pain. Next, they may ask the following questions to evaluate the severity of your condition and determine the next steps: Do you have frequent or intense joint pain with activity?
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LEADING MEDICINE IN NORTHWEST HOUSTON
DON’T LET JOINT PAIN SLOW YOU DOWN Are you dealing with joint pain in your daily routine? You don’t have to accept joint pain as part of your life. You have the power to overcome the obstacles standing in your way so you can focus on the benefits of treatment. Break free from limitations and common misconceptions, such as: I’m too young to have joint problems. Reality: It’s not uncommon to have arthritis in your 40s and 50s. Early diagnosis can help provide relief and prevent worse problems from developing in the future. Joint pain is part of aging. Reality: Joint pain is very common, especially as you age, but it doesn’t have to prevent you from doing the things you love. I don’t have time for a long recovery. Reality: Advanced treatment techniques and targeted physical therapy make it possible to recover quickly and return to light activities within a few weeks. Having joint replacement surgery is a decision that can change your life. Choosing the right treatment path can result in decreased pain, better mobility and improved quality of life.
Do you have difficulty walking, standing up or bending over? Are you experiencing stiffness and a limited range of motion? Do you have inflammation, stiffness and swelling in the joint? Do you suffer pain while at rest, or does pain keep you up at night? Have you been experiencing symptoms for a long time? Are your symptoms getting worse? Does your pain persist even after taking over-the-counter pain medications?
Are you suffering side effects from pain medications? Is joint pain wearing you down mentally and emotionally?
EXPLORING TREATMENT OPTIONS
As a next step, your doctor may recommend conservative and nonsurgical treatments to relieve your joint pain. Medications and steroid injections may help reduce pain. Using a brace or doing physical therapy can help provide stability, build strength and maintain range of motion. Losing extra weight is also very helpful by taking the pressure off your joints.
Make an Appointment
“We start with a conservative approach to managing hip and knee pain, which means we focus on other treatments before talking about surgery,” Le said. Nonsurgical treatment options are intended to help you stay active and function better with joint pain. However, sometimes they don’t provide enough relief, or they may stop working after a while. Seeing an orthopedic specialist can help you understand all your options, including when to consider joint replacement surgery.
PLANNING YOUR JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY
If you’re a candidate for joint replacement surgery, you’ll discuss with your doctor the next steps involved in planning your surgery. Taking a proactive approach in the weeks and months before surgery can help set you up for a speedy recovery. “We give you the tools to help you prepare for surgery, from education and nutrition to physical therapy and mindfulness training,” Le added. Recovery times are different for every patient, but most people go home the
Take the next step and schedule an evaluation with a Houston Methodist orthopedic specialist in Northwest Houston. Visit houstonmethodist.org/jointdoctors-wb or call 281.737.0999 to schedule an appointment.
same day of surgery and are back to work in six to eight weeks. The bulk of the recovery happens in the first two months after surgery, but it’s common to continue making progress with strength and mobility up to 12 months after surgery.
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HIGH-TECH IMAGING FOR EARLY DETECTION OF CANCER
I
t’s important to stay up to date with cancer screening tests — your health depends on it. At Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, we use advanced imaging technology every day for mammograms, colonoscopies and lung cancer screenings.
Dr. Arvind Reddy
CONTRAST ALLOWS FOR CLEAR-CUT MAMMOGRAMS
Getting regular mammograms makes it possible to detect breast cancers when they are small and easier to treat. Whether you need a screening mammogram or other breast imaging test, we have the expertise to guide you through the next steps. Plus, you’ll benefit from our high-tech approach to breast cancer screening. A 3D mammogram is a highly efficient and accurate digital technology used to identify Dr. Scott smaller tumors sooner for earlier breast cancer Olsson detection. A contrast-enhanced mammogram is an alternative to a breast MRI that uses an injection of dye to see if there’s abnormal blood supply in the breast. This tool is especially helpful in women who have dense breast tissue — a condition that affects approximately 50% of women and can make it more difficult to detect cancer on traditional mammogram images.
Time for a mammogram?
Starting at age 40 — or younger, if you have a family history — women should ask their doctor about getting an annual mammogram. To schedule your mammogram, call 281.737.PINK(7465) for availability at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital or 281.737.1832 for the Towne Lake location. To schedule online, visit houstonmethodist.org/ breast-care.
BEGIN COLONOSCOPY SCREENINGS AT A YOUNGER AGE
Prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer could help save your life. “Precancerous polyps and early-stage colorectal cancer often have no symptoms, which is why screening is so important,” said Dr. Arvind Reddy, a specialist in gastroenterology and hepatology with Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. Your doctor can help determine which type of test and frequency is right for you:
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Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year High-sensitivity guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (HSgFOBT) every year Multitarget stool DNA (MT-sDNA) test every three years CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every five years Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years Colonoscopy every 10 years “If you have abnormal test results from a test other than a colonoscopy, it’s crucial to schedule a follow-up colonoscopy as soon as possible,” Reddy added.
Time for a colonoscopy?
The American Cancer Society recently changed guidelines for getting a colonoscopy. If you’re age 45 or older, you should talk to your doctor about getting a colonoscopy or other colorectal cancer screening test. To find a gastroenterologist in Northwest Houston, visit houstonmethodist.org/gastroenterology/ colonoscopy.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP FOR LUNG CANCER DETECTION
While survival rates for other cancers have improved over the years, lung cancer statistics have lagged dramatically behind. That’s in part because lung cancer is often not found until the cancer is at an advanced stage. “One of the biggest hurdles in reducing lung cancer deaths has been finding an effective screening method to catch the disease earlier, when it’s more treatable,” said Dr. Scott Olsson, surgical director of the Lung Nodule Program and cardiothoracic surgeon with Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. Screening for lung cancer makes it possible to identify non-small cell lung cancer at an early stage. “Research has shown low-dose spiral computed tomography (CT) scans to be effective in detecting cancer and reducing deaths among older, heavy smokers,” said Olsson. CT scans carry a risk of low-dose radiation exposure, but your doctor may recommend a low-dose CT scan for lung cancer screening if you’re age 50 to 80 and have a history of heavy smoking.
Time for lung cancer screening?
Not everyone is a candidate for a lung cancer screening. If you are a current or former smoker, you may be at risk. To find out if you qualify, visit houstonmethodist.org/lung-screening or call 281.737.1900.
HEALTH HAZARDS TO AVOID
in the Summertime
W
arm weather and outdoor activity go hand in hand, but summertime fun can quickly turn sour if you don’t take certain precautions. Here are a Dr. Hina Tahir few summertime hazards to avoid so you can stay healthy in the months ahead.
To prevent a heat emergency: Avoid the sun from late morning until 4 p.m. Limit vigorous exercise to early mornings or late afternoons. Dress in light-colored, loosefitting clothes. Drink plenty of water. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
FOOD POISONING SUNBURN
HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS “Becoming familiar with the warning signs of heat-related illness could prevent a hot-weather problem from escalating into a crisis,” said Dr. Hina Tahir, a primary care physician with Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. Heat cramps are painful abdominal spasms and cramps in the major muscles, such as the legs and abdomen. Cramps usually subside with rest, cooling down and plenty of water. Heat exhaustion presents an array of symptoms — fever, fainting, rapid pulse, low blood pressure, clammy skin, ashen skin tone and nausea. “Move indoors or to a shady spot, immediately lie down, prop up your feet, loosen tight clothes and drink cool water or sports beverages,” Tahir said. Heatstroke can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical help. Symptoms include not only those associated with heat exhaustion, but also rapid pulse and breathing, delirium, fainting, and lack of perspiration to cool the body.
Whenever you’re in the sun you need to wear sunscreen. Buy a quality product rated at least SPF 15 and apply it liberally to all exposed skin. Reapply after two hours. Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB ultraviolet rays, and don’t forget your wide-brimmed hat.
WATERBORNE ILLNESS You can become sick by swallowing, breathing in mists of, or having contact with water that is contaminated with germs in swimming pools, water parks, and rivers and lakes. “Common waterborne illnesses include diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset, ear infections, respiratory infections and skin rashes,” Tahir added. How to avoid illness: Don’t swallow the water. Shower before and after swimming to wash off germs. Keep ears dry with earplugs or a bathing cap while in the water. Dry ears thoroughly with a towel or hairdryer after swimming.
Picnics and cookouts can be a hot spot for foodborne illnesses. Try these food safety tips: Wash your hands when handling food. Use disposable wipes if soap and hot water aren’t available. Keep raw food apart from cooked food. Cover your food. Insects can spread salmonella. Cook meat, poultry and fish completely. Keep hot food warm and eat it immediately. Keep cold food cool and return it to the ice chest after serving. Discard food that’s been left out for two hours (one hour in heat above 85° F). Make sure food is served on clean plates and eaten using clean flatware.
BEE STINGS Bee, wasp or hornet stings can cause a medical emergency if you’re allergic to their venom. Most people, however, only experience a sharp pain that goes away after a few minutes. It’s important to remove the stinger promptly; use a flat edge, such as a credit card, to scrape it from the welt. Apply ice and cortisone ointment to the sting.
Stay Well This Summer!
If you or a loved one develops symptoms after spending time outdoors, make an appointment with a Houston Methodist Primary Care Group doctor in Northwest Houston. To find a provider, visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/northwest or call 713.394.6791.
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KEEP YOU MOVING without joint pain
Live life without joint pain. At Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we know that joint pain affects every part of your life. With treatment plans customized for you, our specialists offer a full range of advanced nonsurgical and surgical techniques. Our expert joint care includes:
Willowbrook
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Towne Lake
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• Innovative pain control methods • Physical therapy to improve mobility and range of motion • The latest technology, including minimally invasive surgical techniques that help reduce recovery time
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