David F. Beigler MD

What Is the Overall Success Rate of Knee Replacement Surgery?

When the joint of the knee has become severely damaged because of arthritis or injury, a knee replacement may be the best solution to restore mobility and reduce pain.

Learn about the effectiveness of knee surgery by watching this video. It explains that this surgery is successful for as long as 15 years. The success rate at 10 years is 90%. It is important to remember that knee replacement is not the best solution for all patients, so you should work closely with your surgeon to determine your eligibility.

Get more information about common orthopaedic surgeries with David F. Beigler, MD. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Beigler online or at (847) 505-0368.

Signs You May Need to Contact an Orthopaedic Surgeon

The need for orthopaedic care may arise from a single injury or a long-term disorder, but in both cases, proper medical attention is of great importance. If musculoskeletal disorders or injuries go untreated, you may experience chronic pain, immobility, and further injuries that can disrupt your life. You should see an orthopaedic surgeon if you have noticed any symptoms like those listed below.

• You have pain in the joints or spine: When you feel pain, it is your body telling you that something is wrong. Most musculoskeletal disorders will present pain that is intermittent at first, but it worsens over time as the condition gets more severe. In some cases, you might have inflammation that accompanies pain and soreness. An orthopaedic surgeon can take diagnostic images of problematic areas to pinpoint the exact cause of your pain.
   
• You have difficulty moving normally: Immobility can result from orthopaedic disorders either due to stiffness or intense pain. This can easily get in the way of your daily activities and prevent you from working comfortably. Disorders of the hips and spine are particularly problematic, as these structures support most of your body weight.
   
• You have recently suffered an injury: When you have broken a bone, sprained a joint, or torn a ligament, it is necessary to seek attention from an orthopaedic specialist. Injuries of this nature have the potential to present complications in the future if they are not treated properly. The structures of your musculoskeletal system do heal naturally, but they need to be set so that you have optimum stability and comfort once the tissues have repaired themselves.

Find the orthopaedic expertise you need with David F. Beigler, MD. Working among a team of orthopaedic specialists in the Chicago area, Dr. Beigler offers the most advanced surgical and minimally invasive procedures available for sports injuries, trauma, and musculoskeletal disorders. Learn more online or call (847) 505-0368.

The Advantages of Minimally Invasive Surgery Over Traditional Open Surgery

Today’s advanced imaging technologies and surgical techniques have transformed many traditional orthopaedic surgeries so they are safer, more effective, and easier on the patient. Depending on the exact type of surgery being performed, the doctor will use x-ray guidance or an endoscopic camera to navigate the surgical site through a tiny incision. Using this technique, surgery presents a number of advantages including those listed below.

• Fewer surgical complications: Open surgery always presents a higher risk of infection and bleeding because the inner body is exposed to outside elements. Minimally invasive surgery greatly reduces this risk, as the incisions used are generally an inch or two long. This makes a dramatic difference in musculoskeletal surgery, as there are highly delicate structures that can be permanently damaged through extensive surgery or infection.
   
• Small scars after healing: Most minimally invasive surgeries can be closed with just one or two stitches, so there will only be a small scar after the wound heals. Additionally, the entire surgical site including the incision will heal much faster because of the decreased disturbance of muscle during surgery.
   
• Short hospital stay: Since there are fewer risks involved in minimally invasive surgeries, they offer lower hospitalization times than open surgical techniques. In many cases, minimally invasive surgeries are completed faster than open surgeries, and they can be completed on an outpatient basis. If you do need to stay in the hospital after a minimally invasive surgery, your stay will not be likely to exceed one day.

Explore your options for minimally invasive orthopaedic surgery by scheduling a consultation with David F. Beigler, MD. Specializing in orthopaedic surgery and sports injuries, Dr. Beigler offers the highest level of patient care available through the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute in Glenview, Illinois in the Chicago area. Call us at (847) 505-0368 or visit our website for more information about our services. 

How Minimally Invasive Surgery Can Make a Difference in Orthopaedic Surgery

The field of orthopaedic surgery has become technically highly advanced over the past few decades, and now patients are able to heal faster and more comfortably after their procedures.

This video discusses minimally invasive surgery techniques used in orthopaedic surgery and when they are appropriate. Sports injuries typically benefit most from minimally invasive techniques, and patients are able to resume regular activities faster after this type of procedure. As techniques continue to advance, more patients will be eligible for minimally invasive surgeries.

Learn if minimally invasive orthopaedic surgery is right for you with David F. Beigler, MD. Schedule a consultation to discuss your injury online or by calling (847) 505-0368.

How to Tell if You Have Suffered a Bone Fracture

Fractures are among the most common orthopaedic injuries, but they may not be immediately identifiable depending on the type of fracture. Open fractures in which the bone protrudes from the skin are easy to spot. Alternatively, closed fractures may be confused with less severe injuries, including sprains and strains. Here are some signs that you have fractured a bone to help you understand when to seek medical attention:

• Intense pain in the injured area: Pain in the surrounding areas will become worse if you try to move the fractured bone. You may not be able to move the area at all if the fracture is in the wrist, ankle, or leg.
   
• Physical deformity in the arm or leg: A closed fracture may not be visible immediately, but it can cause bulges in the limb. You might also see bruising and swelling almost immediately after the injury.

Assessing your risk for fracture

Bone fractures occur because strong pressure is applied to the bone through a fall or traumatic blow. In healthy individuals, the impact of the injury needs to be relatively high to actually break the bone. However, older individuals and those with conditions that affect bone strength like osteoporosis are more likely to experience a bone fracture after minor falls. Know your risk for fracture, and seek immediate medical attention if you think that you have suffered this type of injury. Only an x-ray can definitively show a closed fracture so that proper treatment can be administered.

For comprehensive care after any type of fracture, visit David F. Beigler, MD in Glenview Illinois in the Chicago area. Schedule a consultation to discuss your injury online or by calling (847) 505-0368.