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Blog Archive

Osteochondral Allograft Transplant Procedures and How They Can Help Avoid Knee Replacement Surgery Jun 1st, 2019

Do you have problems with the cartilage in your knee and are looking for ways to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery? Otis R. Drew, MD, in Lafayette, Louisiana, may have the answer you’re looking for. Dr. Drew is a joint preservation specialist who offers a wide array of procedures...

Do All ACL Tears Require Surgery? May 1st, 2019

If you’ve injured your ACL, you may be worried that you need surgery. The good news is that not all ACL injuries require surgery. It helps to know what’s really going on inside your knee. The anterior cruciate ligament (or ACL) is a primary ligament in the knee joint. It’s...

How to Determine Which Shoulder Stabilization Surgery Is Right for You Apr 8th, 2019

If you wave your arms around for just a moment — side-to-side, forward-and-back, up-and-down — you get a clear idea of the incredible range of motion your shoulder joints provide. But this freedom of movement can come at a cost because your shoulders are more susceptible to instability. At our...

What You Should Do if You Think You May Have Torn Your Rotator Cuff Mar 1st, 2019

The shoulder is a complex joint, which allows it incredible range of motion and function. But that complexity also makes your shoulder vulnerable to injury. Rotator cuff tears are common, with almost 2 million Americans suffering one each year. If you start to have notable pain when combing your hair,...

Suffering From Knee Osteoarthritis? Joint Preservation or Cartilage Restoration Surgery is For You Feb 13th, 2019

As the median age of American society climbs, incidence of osteoarthritis, a wear-and-tear type condition, also climbs. For those with advanced knee deterioration, joint replacement presents a chance at renewed mobility and pain-free living. However, many cope with osteoarthritis discomfort and physical limitations for years before they feel ready for...

What You Should Know About Shoulder Stabilization Surgery Jan 10th, 2019

Your shoulder is the most flexible joint in your body. It has the largest range of motion of all your joints, and it’s what helps you reach for, lift, carry, and hold things. Your shoulder is made of three bones that work together in a ball-and-socket joint. Because your shoulder...

Understanding The Effects of Rotator Cuff Arthropathy Dec 5th, 2018

Rotator cuff injuries are remarkably common. Around 2 million Americans a year go to their doctor because of this painful shoulder condition. However, a simple rotator cuff injury can develop into a more complicated condition called rotator cuff arthropathy, where severe arthritis sets in at the location of the tear....

Why Shoulder Pain Should Never Be Ignored Nov 14th, 2018

Like most people, you probably respond to unexplained joint pain by popping a pill and trying to get on with your day. It is easy to chalk pain up to sleeping awkwardly, overdoing a workout, or just getting older. There is one joint, however, that you should definitely listen to...

3 Symptoms You May Not Realize Are Caused By a Rotator Cuff Tear Oct 25th, 2018

Do you feel pain in your shoulder when doing simple activities, such as getting dressed or combing your hair? Chances are you may have a rotator cuff tear. In this post, Otis R. Drew, MD, will walk you through the causes and symptoms of rotator cuff tears and explain what...

Here's How to Know if You Are a Good Candidate For Shoulder Stabilization Surgery Sep 26th, 2018

Imagine what you’d do if you didn't have full use of your shoulder. You’d struggle to play sports, go to the gym, reach up to change a lightbulb, dry yourself with a towel, and access the pantry shelves. The shoulder is certainly one amazing piece of biological mechanics, but it...

ACL Injury Prevention: 5 Tips to Keep You Off the Sidelines Aug 24th, 2018

Your knees are not only the largest joints in your body, they’re arguably some of the most active. Every time you jump, stop, start, or pivot, your knees are hard at work, which also means they’re more prone to injury.As an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Otis Drew understands better than most...

Tips for Successfully Returning to Sports After Shoulder Surgery Jul 30th, 2018

Each year millions of Americans participating in sports experience an injury that requires repair. Shoulder injuries alone are responsible for more than 7 million people visiting the doctor’s office. Of those, 4 million are for rotator cuff problems. Shoulder injuries are common in sports that require repetitive, overhead motion, such...

Are You a Candidate for Reverse Shoulder Replacement? Jun 11th, 2018

Life is better when your shoulders feel good and work well. Shoulders help you lift, reach, carry, push, and pull, allowing you to do countless important tasks and actions throughout your day. Shoulder pain and reduced range of motion can interfere with your work, daily responsibilities, and leisure activities.Shoulder pain...

Understanding the Five Types of Shoulder Arthritis May 18th, 2018

It’s normal to feel a little stiff or sore after an intense workout or an afternoon of yard work — after all, overused muscles usually feel a little achy for a day or two as they recover. But if being active causes you to experience pain, stiffness, or swelling around...