Open Reduction / Internal Fixation – Howard Marans MD

Dr. Howard Marans - Internal fixation is a procedure in which a device is attached to a bone to stabilize it and help it heal. Internal fixation is highly effective at aligning bones and promoting healing. Pins, plates, screws, and rods can all be used to fixate a bone internally.

How it Works

During internal fixation, the patient is taken into the operating room and the area that will be operated on is sterilized. The doctor makes an incision above the bone. Once the bone is accessed, the first step is to place the bone in its natural position (open reduction). Then, the bone is stabilized and kept in that position through the use of special implants.

Implants that can be used in internal fixation include:

·         Plates – Internal splints that are connected to the bone with screws. Plates are often left in place after healing is complete.

·         Screws – Screws can be used along or in conjunction with other implants. Screws may either be left in place or removed after healing.

·         Rods – Rods are inserted through the hollow center of a bone, typically a bone with marrow in the center, especially shinbone and thighbone fractures. Rods are secured with screws at the top and bottom, to prevent the bone from shortening or rotating. Rods may be left in or removed after healing.

·         Pins – Used to treat bones that are to small for screws. Pins are usually removed after healing.

There is typically a hospital stay of 1-7 days after an internalfixation. This varies on the type of fracture and age/health of the patient.

When It’s Necessary

Simple fractures in which the bone is cracked but stays in place can often heal without surgery, simply by casting and immobilizing the bone. However, in cases where the bone is fractured in many places or where the pieces of the bone separate significantly, internal fixation may be required.

Fractures are usually immediately apparent after they occur, and internal fixation is usually performed on an emergency basis, as soon as medical imaging confirms that the nature of the fracture requires open reduction and internal fixation.

Prompt Treatment of Fractures is Essential

The importance of prompt treatment for fractures cannot be overstated. If a fracture is suspected, it is always best to seek medical treatment. Signs of fractures include severe pain, visible or palpable bumps on the bone, and an inability to move a joint.

Without prompt treatment, a number of significant complications can occur due to a fracture. Examples include:

·         Compartment syndrome – A life-threatening and limb-threatening condition in which pressure in a muscle compartment builds up to dangerous levels. Compartment syndrome is an emergency that requires surgery. It can occur even with prompt treatment, but prompt treatment is essential to prevention and treatment.

·         Nonunion – Nonunion occurs when the bone fails to heal at all.

·         Malunion – Malunion occurs when the bone heals in a misaligned manner. For example, bones that are not properly set may heal shortened or crooked. It is much harder to treat nonunion and malunion than to treat the fracture when it initially occurs.

·         Nerve damage – If the bone moves so that it presses against surrounding structures, it may press against the nerves. If not treated promptly, nerve damage may occur.

·         Infection – Infection can occur in the bone, especially if the bone pokes through the skin. Without prompt treatment, the bone and surrounding area are vulnerable to infection.

If you have symptoms of a fracture, you should call your doctor or visit the emergency room immediately.

Ankle and Knee Specialists in Huntington Beach by Dr Howard Marans

KneeSpecialists

From walking to participating in sports, each day millions of people make the decision to be fit. The healthy choices may put extra strain on the body. When continuous joint pain or an injury occurs, the task of finding the right ankle and knee specialists may add to the frustration. An orthopedist treats issues dealing with the musculoskeletal system including, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. In Huntington Beach, finding the right ankle and knee specialists may take research.

Consult Health Insurance Representative

One of the biggest factors to consider when seeking ankle and knee specialists is the current health care provider. Each health insurance provider has different guidelines and rules for medical care. The health insurance representative will be able to send a potential patient a directory of available doctors within the Huntington Beach area.

The doctors within the health care network will accept the insurance for maximum coverage according to the policy’s guideline. Working with the health insurance provider will help in reducing the out of pocket costs for medical treatment. In some situations, surgery may cost thousands of dollars. Working with the health care provider is beneficial for both medical treatment and the final expenses.

Ask the Family Doctor

With the complete medical history, the family doctor is a major resource for recommending ankle and knee specialists. Ask for referrals based on the individualized issues. The family doctor or the courteous staff may be able to make the appointment with the specialist to help speed the process along.

Go to the Internet

The Internet is a valuable resource tool for finding ankle and knee specialist in the Huntington Beach area.

- Read online review boards to find out how other patients with similar conditions viewed the doctor’s treatment and overall care approach.

- Consult the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons

- Check local resources and Huntington Beach directories.

- Check the potential new doctors’ websites to see if new patients are being accepted.

Get Referrals

Under most circumstances, a person has already needed the expertise of knee and ankle specialists. Ask for referrals from friends, family members, co-workers and others. When seeking out names, find out why the doctor was the best for the treatment received. Each person will have reasons for picking the doctor of their choice. If one doctor does not work for the type of medical issue, a second opinion is available.

Huntington Beach Knee Specialists

In the Huntington Beach area, Dr. Howard Marans will work with each patient in an individualized manner to find the best treatment program for the current medical condition. Starting with an accurate diagnosis based on medical history, physical exam and testing, Dr. Marans will explain all medical treatments available with the desired outcome for each option.

In most cases, he will start with a non-surgical approach to allow a patient to return to normal, healthy activities with the shortest amount of recovery time. When the injury or disease is too severe, Dr. Marans will explain the need for surgery to correct the issue. Along with the expectations the procedure will provide in the treatment process.

Dr. Marans accepts PPO and works with other insurance companies to give each patient a chosen medical treatment program without creating a financial hardship. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981

Howard Marans MD: Affordable Ankle Surgery in Orange County, CA

Affordable ankle surgery is a dicey subject – there are many surgical interventions that can be performed on the ankle, and the costs vary depending upon the complexity of the procedure.  The patient who is having ankle distress symptoms should worry more about the cause of their issues instead of worrying about affordability.  However, if you health insurance coverage, you can be assured your surgery will be covered and your co-pay very reasonable, depending on your insurance plan. With health insurance coverage, you can have affordable ankle surgery, no matter the dysfunction.

Ankle Surgery Funding

Ankles require surgery due to arthritis, injury, and birth defects.  Complex surgical procedures, even if uninsured, can be afforded with funding loans or payment schedules with the surgeon and hospital. It is not unusual for the ankle joint to have to be totally reconstructed after an accident, and you should seek out the highest authority in orthopedic surgery to treat your issue, even if you must have affordable ankle surgery.

Orange County Orthopedic

Whether you want to get back to your softball league or play on your school team, Orange County Orthopedic provides you with prompt care by utilizing state of the art surgical, arthroscopic, and orthopedic treatments and procedures.

As an Orange County, California specialist and surgeon, Dr. Marans not only is the go-to authority for sports injuries to vital joints and the reconstruction to complete health, but he volunteers as physician for the sports teams at local secondary schools.  This is an outstanding benefit to his community and its families, and is indicative of the overall caring character of this highly skilled surgeon.

Sports Medicine and Reconstruction

Dr. Howard Marans has expertise in all of the human joints as an authoritative surgeon of wrists, elbows, shoulders, ankles, hands, and knees.  His medical practice dates over twenty years in the operating rooms performing surgery for athletes, people in law enforcement, and others. Among the difficult procedures which Dr. Marans performs with expertise is the Achilles tear and reconstruction, joint replacement, and treating de Quervain’s Disease.  Some of his male patients have  experienced the need for rotator cuff repair, and he has extensive experience in ACL knee repair and reconstruction.

His practice and studies have taken him to Canada, Australia, and the U.S. His offices in Fountain Valley, California have the highest quality equipment and diagnostic tools and his staff shares his mission of caring for patients with professionalism and timeliness.

Top Affordable Ankle Surgery in Orange Couny, CA

Dr. Howard Marans has received the following honorary awards for exemplary service:

- J.C. Kennedy Award for Excellency in Sports Medicine

- Excellence in Research Award (Sport Sciences) American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine

- Healthgrade Honor Roll

If you are experiencing any inflammation, stiffness, pain, or limited movement in your ankle, contact Dr. Howard Marans immediately for his evaluation and correction of your medical issue.