A hammer toe is a deformity of the second, third or fourth toes. In this condition, the toe is bent at the middle joint, so that it resembles a hammer. Hammer toe results from shoes that don't fit properly or a muscle imbalance, usually in combination with other factors. Learn more, including treatment options.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Your doctor and healthcare team will provide you with information to help you prepare for surgery. Never hesitate to ask questions. The following list of questions can help you in your discussions with your doctor before your surgery.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
This article answers some frequently asked questions about post-operative care for joint replacement patients who have limited social support and/or financial means. This information can help patients prepare for their surgery and recovery to ensure safe and successful outcomes.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
By planning ahead for your joint replacement procedure, you can help ensure a smooth surgery and recovery. This video will help you get started.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Before your joint replacement surgery, your doctor will discuss anesthesia with you. The selection of anesthesia is a major decision that could have a significant impact on your recovery. It deserves careful consideration and discussion with your surgeon and your anesthesiologist.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Studies show that obese patients are more likely to experience serious complications both during and after joint replacement surgery. If you need help losing weight and lowering your BMI before joint replacement surgery, talk to your primary care doctor.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Most hospitals and surgery centers use this important checklist—or a variation of it—to improve safety and outcomes for their patients.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Most total knee replacements are very successful. Over time, however, a knee replacement can wear out or fail for different reasons. These cases require a revision surgery to replace the original knee implant components.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Most total hip replacements are very successful. Over time, however, a hip replacement can wear out or fail for different reasons. These cases require a revision surgery to replace the original hip implant components.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Any infection in your body can spread to your joint replacement. This video explains how joint replacement infection may occur in the wound or deep around the prosthesis. It may happen while in the hospital or after you go home.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Patients rely on OrthoInfo to help them better understand orthopaedic health issues like arthritis, broken bones, and sports injuries, plus orthopaedic treatments like joint replacement and arthroscopy.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
This video describes the different types of distal radius fractures and provides information on the symptoms of a broken wrist, surgical and nonsurgical treatment options, and what to expect during recovery.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a painful condition that most often affects the hand, although the arms, legs, and feet can also be affected. CRPS is characterized by intense burning pain, stiffness, swelling and discoloration in the affected limb. Symptoms typically develop after an injury or surgery.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
This article focuses on fractures of the thoracic spine (midback) and lumbar spine (lower back) that result from a high-energy event, such as a car crash or a fall from a ladder. These types of fractures are typically medical emergencies that require urgent treatment.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Most scoliosis surgeons agree that children who have very severe curves (45-50° and higher) will need surgery to lessen the curve and prevent it from getting worse. The operation for scoliosis is a spinal fusion.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
There are three proven treatments for scoliosis — observation, bracing, and surgery. Your doctor will recommend one of these treatments based on the severity of the scoliosis and the physical maturity of your child.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Neuromuscular scoliosis (NMS) is a type of scoliosis that can occur in children who have medical conditions that impair their ability to control the muscles that support the spine. A few of the more common conditions associated with NMS include muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, and spina bifida.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a group of rare diseases that cause muscles to weaken and deteriorate. MD affects the voluntary muscles that control movement in the arms, legs, and trunk. It also can affect involuntary muscles, such as the heart and respiratory muscles.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to curve sideways. There are several different types of scoliosis that affect children and adolescents. By far, the most common type is "idiopathic," which means the exact cause is not known.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Congenital scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that is caused by a defect that is present at birth. It is much less common than the type of scoliosis that begins in adolescence. Children with congenital scoliosis sometimes have other health issues, such as kidney or bladder problems.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a disorder that affects a child's ability to control his or her muscles. It is caused by damage or abnormalities in the parts of the brain that are involved with movement and coordination. In most cases, cerebral palsy begins before a baby is born.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Diseases & Conditions| orthoinfo.aaos.org
The most common knee injuries include fractures, dislocations, sprains, and ligament tears. Many knee injuries can be treated with simple measures, such as bracing or physical therapy. Others may require surgery to correct.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Because exercise is painful for so many adults with arthritis, it may be hard to understand how exercise helps to actually relieve pain. Regular exercise can decrease stiffness and strengthen the muscles that support your joints.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Hip arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that allows doctors to view the hip joint without making a large incision (cut) through the skin and other soft tissues. Arthroscopy is used to diagnose and treat a wide range of hip problems.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
This richly illustrated animation explains the anatomy of the knee joint and describes the physical changes that occur in an osteoarthritic knee.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
This animation explains the anatomy of the ball-and-socket hip joint and describes the physical changes that occur in an osteoarthritic hip.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Ulnar tunnel syndrome occurs when of the main nerves to the hand is compressed at the wrist. The condition causes numbness and tingling in the little finger and along the outside of the ring finger. It can also make it hard for you to pinch and grip things.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Thoracic outlet syndrome is a term used for several different conditions that can occur when nerves and/or blood vessels in the thoracic outlet are compressed or irritated.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a condition that develops in joints, most often in children and adolescents. It occurs when a small segment of bone begins to crack and separate from its surrounding region due to a lack of blood supply.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Cubital tunnel release is a surgery for patients with cubital tunnel syndrome who have either persistent symptoms despite conservative treatment or severe disease that would not be appropriately treated without surgery.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
In total elbow replacement surgery, the damaged parts of the humerus and ulna are replaced with artificial components.There are different types of elbow replacements, and components come in different sizes.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
As we age, we lose muscle and bone mass. As a result, we may develop problems in our muscles, joints, and bones—such as back pain, osteoarthritis, or osteoporosis. Regular exercise will help slow this loss of muscle mass, strengthen bones, and reduce joint pain.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Arthritis pain naturally causes most adults to slow down and limit activity. Not exercising, however, can result in more problems. This video discusses how exercise can help you manage arthritis pain. Talk to your doctor about an exercise program to meet your specific needs and safely get you moving again.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
An olecranon fracture is a break in the bony "tip" of the elbow. Because the olecranon is positioned directly under the skin with little protection from muscles or other soft tissues, it can break easily if you experience a blow to the elbow or fall on an outstretched arm.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Elbow dislocation occurs when the joint surfaces in the elbow are separated — this occurs most often after a fall onto an outstretched hand. In come cases, your doctor may be able to gently move the bones back into their normal position, a procedure called a "reduction."| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Sometimes called "wear-and-tear" arthritis, osteoarthritis is a common condition that many people develop during middle age or older. It can occur in any joint in the body, but most often develops in weight-bearing joints, such as the hip.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a neck condition that occurs when the spinal cord becomes compressed—or squeezed—due to the wear-and-tear changes that occur in the spine as we age. The condition commonly occurs in patients over the age of 50.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Cervical radiculopathy, commonly called a "pinched nerve" occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated where it branches away from the spinal cord. This may cause pain that radiates into the shoulder, as well as numbness that travels down the arm and into the hand.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
This animation describes how the many parts of the spine — including the vertebrae, intervertebral disks, and facet joints — work together to allow us to stand and move.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
This illustrated guide includes exercises and activities designed to restore muscle strength and mobility to your shoulder following shoulder surgery.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
A SLAP tear is an injury to the labrum of the shoulder, which is the ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of the shoulder joint. Injuries to the superior labrum can be caused by acute trauma or by repetitive shoulder motion.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
The hallmark sign of frozen shoulder, also known as "adhesive capsulitis," is the inability to move your shoulder—either on your own or with the help of someone else. The condition develops in three stages.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Many people are not aware that smoking often leads to poorer outcomes from orthopaedic surgery. Smokers also have a higher rate of complications after surgery than nonsmokers. In fact, smoking may be the single most important factor in postoperative complications.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Although more economical than purchasing an ongoing fitness club membership, buying home exercise equipment is a significant investment. It will require time and research to find the right equipment that meets your fitness needs and your budget.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Shoes that are too tight, too loose, or without enough support, can lead to unwanted stress on your feet, ankles, lower leg, hip, and spine. Avoid pain and injuries from foot-related problems by choosing shoes that are appropriate for your feet, body, and lifestyle.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Stretching each of the major lower body muscle groups both before and after sporting activity will help your young athlete stay injury-free throughout the season. The exercises included here are designed to help stretch the large muscle groups.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common cause of knee pain in growing adolescents. It is an inflammation of the area just below the knee where the tendon from the kneecap (patellar tendon) attaches to the shinbone (tibia).| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Many people consider golf to be a low-level physical activity without much risk for injury. Many injuries can be caused by playing golf, however, including injuries to the ankle, elbow, spine, knee, hip, and wrist.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone, or severe bruising within a bone. Most stress fractures are caused by overuse and repetitive activity, and are common in runners and athletes who participate in running sports, such as soccer and basketball.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
There are many types of heat injury, ranging from mild heat cramps to life-threatening heat stroke. Heat-related illnesses are preventable. Prevention begins with understanding the causes of heat illness, and making sure to stay cool and hydrated during hot weather.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
When athletes throw repeatedly at high speed, the repetitive stresses can lead to a wide range of overuse injuries. The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is the most commonly injured ligament in throwers.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Bowed legs in a toddler is very common. In most cases, bowed legs will naturally begin to straighten as the child grows. If bowed legs have not resolved by the age of 3 years, there may be an underlying cause, such as Blount’s disease.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Evidence-based medicine (EBM) helps doctors incorporate the best available scientific evidence into their individual patient care decisions.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Copyright ©1995-2025 by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. All material on this website is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This website also contains material copyrighted by third parties.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
After having a total knee replacement, you may expect your lifestyle to be a lot like it was before surgery— but without the pain. In many ways, you are right, but returning to your everyday activities takes time.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Returning to your everyday activities after total hip replacement will take time, but being an active participant in the healing process can help you recover sooner. The tips included here will help you enjoy your new hip while you safely resume your daily routines.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Copyright ©1995-2025 by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. All material on this website is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This website also contains material copyrighted by third parties.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Many athletes, including some children and adolescents, take creatine supplements because they think it will increase strength and improve sports performance. There is currently no conclusive evidence that creatine supplements improve performance for sports activities.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Yoga has many health benefits, but can lead to injury if practiced incorrectly. There are many ways to prevent yoga-related injuries, such as selecting the appropriate class level, warming up before a session, and knowing your limits.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Strength training increases muscle tone, strength, and endurance, as well as bone strength. Being stronger improves your balance and coordination, reduces your risk for injury, and also makes it easier to do daily activities like carrying groceries and doing yard work.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Hip fractures are serious injuries that most often occur in people aged 65 and older. Women are especially vulnerable to hip fractures. Most hip fractures are caused by factors that weaken bone, such as osteoporosis, combined with the impact from a fall.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Regular aerobic exercise can help you avoid serious health problems, such as heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers. It can also lower blood pressure, build stronger bones, improve muscle strength, and reduce the risk for falling| orthoinfo.aaos.org
There are many things that people at all stages of life can do to build strong, healthy bones. Childhood and adolescence are especially important times for building bones and developing habits that support good bone health for life.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
A fall can be a life-changing event that robs you of your mobility and independence. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk for falling, such as making some simple safety modifications to your home.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Patients rely on OrthoInfo to help them better understand orthopaedic health issues like arthritis, broken bones, and sports injuries, plus orthopaedic treatments like joint replacement and arthroscopy.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Internal fixation is a surgical procedure used to internally set and stabilize fractured bones. During the procedure, the bone fragments are repositioned into their normal alignment, and are then held together with special implants, such as plates, screws, nails and wires.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Casts and splints hold broken bones in place while they heal. This video discusses how to take care of your cast or splint to make sure your bone heals properly and you recover faster.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Vitamin D is necessary for strong bones and muscles. Without Vitamin D, our bodies cannot effectively absorb calcium, which is essential to good bone health. This article focuses on things parents can do to improve their children's bone health.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Casts and splints hold broken bones in place while they heal. This article explains what to expect while you are wearing your cast or splint and includes advice on how to take care of it until it is time to have it removed.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone. Most stress fractures are caused by overuse and repetitive activity, and are common in runners and athletes. This article describes the causes and symptoms of stress fractures and includes tips for preventing them.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
An open fracture, also called a compound fracture, is a fracture in which there is an open wound or break in the skin near the site of the broken bone. Immediate treatment for an open fracture focuses on preventing infection at the site of the injury.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Growth plates are areas of cartilage at the ends of the body’s long bones. Because the growth plates are the last portion of a child’s bones to harden (ossify), they are particularly vulnerable to fracture.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
A patellar fracture is a break in the patella, or kneecap, the small bone that sits at the front of your knee. A patellar fracture is a serious injury that can make it difficult or even impossible to straighten your knee or walk.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Because young athletes are still growing, they are at a greater risk for injury than adults. The consequences of overdoing a sport can include injuries that impair growth, and may lead to long-term health problems. Fortunately, many youth sports injuries can be prevented.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Because young athletes are still growing, they are at a greater risk for injury than adults. The consequences of overdoing a sport can include injuries that impair growth, and may lead to long-term health problems.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Teenage athletes are injured at about the same rate as professional athletes, but injuries that affect high school athletes are often different from those that affect adult athletes. This is largely because high school athletes are often still growing.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
In a knee osteotomy, either the tibia (shinbone) or femur (thighbone) is cut and then reshaped to relieve pressure on the knee joint. Knee osteotomy is used when a patient has early-stage osteoarthritis that has damaged just one side of the knee.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Meniscus repair is an alternative to “trimming” (partial meniscectomy) for some patients with meniscus tears. It is often performed in patients who are young and involved in sports or other physically demanding recreational activities.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot within a deep vein. It can develop after any major surgery and commonly occurs in the thigh or calf. This video discusses ways to prevent blood clots after orthopaedic surgery.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
After a knee injury or knee surgery, an exercise conditioning program will help you return to daily activities and enjoy a more active, healthy lifestyle.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
This illustrated guide includes exercises and activities designed to restore muscle strength and mobility to your knee following arthroscopic surgery.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Synovial chondromatosis is a rare, benign (noncancerous) condition that involves the synovium -- the thin layer of tissue that lines the joints. Synovial chondromatosis can arise in any joint in the body, but most commonly occurs in the knee.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
The posterior cruciate ligament is in the back of the knee. It is one of several ligaments that connect the thighbone to the shinbone. An injury to the posterior cruciate ligament requires a powerful force. Injuries are often due to a blow to the knee while it is bent.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Total joint replacement is a surgical procedure in which parts of an arthritic or damaged joint are removed and replaced with a metal, plastic or ceramic device called a prosthesis. The prosthesis is designed to replicate the movement of a normal, healthy joint.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Spinal injections are used in two ways. First, they can be performed to diagnose the source of back, leg, neck, or arm pain (diagnostic). Second, spinal injections can be used as a treatment to relieve pain (therapeutic).| orthoinfo.aaos.org
The term "shin splints" refers to pain along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia). Shin splints typically develop after vigorous physical activity, especially if you are just starting a fitness program. Shin splints are often associated with running.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
In shoulder replacement surgery, the damaged parts of the shoulder are removed and replaced with artificial components, called a prosthesis. The specific type of shoulder replacement performed will depend on the cause and extent of your shoulder damage.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
A shoulder separation is not truly an injury to the shoulder joint. The injury actually involves the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. The AC joint is where the collarbone (clavicle) meets the highest point of the shoulder blade (acromion).| orthoinfo.aaos.org
The shoulder blade (scapula) is a triangular-shaped bone that is protected by a complex system of surrounding muscles. Scapula fractures represent less than 1% of all broken bones and many of them can be treated without surgery.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Injuries to the SC joint typically result from motor vehicle collisions or participation in collision sports like football. While these injuries can be painful, most are relatively minor and will heal well without surgery.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Overhand throwing places extremely high stresses on the shoulder, specifically to the anatomy that keeps the shoulder stable. Rotator cuff tears and SLAP injuries are common throwing injuries in the shoulder.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Injuries to the tissue rim surrounding the shoulder socket can occur from acute trauma — such as a fall onto an outstretched arm — or from repetitive shoulder motion. Throwing athletes or weightlifters can experience labral tears as a result of repetitive shoulder motion.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Tears of the biceps tendon at the elbow are uncommon. They are most often caused by a sudden injury and tend to result in significant arm weakness. To return arm strength to near normal levels, surgery to repair the torn tendon is usually recommended.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
During arthroscopy, your surgeon inserts a small camera called an "arthroscope" into your damaged joint. The camera displays pictures on a video monitor, and your surgeon uses these images to guide miniature surgical instruments.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
A fractured ankle can range from a simple break in one bone, which may not stop you from walking, to several fractures, which forces your ankle out of place and may require that you not put weight on it for a few months.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Neck pain may result from abnormalities in the soft tissues—the muscles, ligaments, and nerves—as well as in bones and disks of the spine. For many people, neck pain is a temporary condition that disappears with time.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
The seven bones in the neck are the cervical vertebrae. They support the head and connect it to the shoulders and body. A fracture, or break, in one of the cervical vertebrae is commonly called a broken neck.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Arthritis can cause pain and stiffness in any joint in the body, and is common in the small joints of the foot and ankle. There is no cure for arthritis, but there are a number of treatments that may help relieve the pain and disability it can cause.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
When you start an exercise walking program, you are making a commitment to yourself to be more physically active. This should be a lifetime pursuit, as the major health benefits of exercise walking take place over time.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
