Arthroscopic debridement and capsular release is a minimally invasive technique typically utilized for the early to moderate stages of shoulder arthritis. This procedure removes arthritic bone and loose cartilage from the joint, as well as release tight capsular tissue to allow for improved shoulder motion. This is a good option for patients wanting to avoid or delay the need for a shoulder replacement.
ARTHROSCOPIC DEBRIDEMENT & CAPSULAR RELEASE
Arthroscopic debridement and capsular release is a minimally invasive technique typically utilized for the early to moderate stages of shoulder arthritis. This procedure removes arthritic bone and loose cartilage from the joint, as well as release tight capsular tissue to allow for improved shoulder motion. This is a good option for patients wanting to avoid or delay the need for a shoulder replacement.
ARTHROSCOPIC DEBRIDEMENT & CAPSULAR RELEASE
Elbow
Elbow
Elbow
WORKER'S COMPENSATION
OCCUPATIONAL ORTHOPEDICS
Occupational orthopedics is a specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of work-related musculoskeletal injuries. We treat a large number of work-related injuries ranging from torn tendons to fractured bones. Our primary goal is to get injured workers back to work as safely and quickly as possible, minimizing down-time to workers and their employers. By seeing a board certified shoulder and elbow specialist, workers and employers can be assured that they are getting the most up-to-date specialized care available to them.
Contact our work comp liaisons and they will explain in detail the process required to obtain a consultation with Dr. Hussey:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need surgery for my work-related injury?
In many instances, injuries sustained on the job can be treated nonoperatively without surgery and the body can be allowed to heal on its own. Treatments such as medicine, modified work duties, and physical therapy are often utilized to rehabilitate the injured extremity for full use. However, if the injury is severe enough then surgery may be necessary to repair torn or broken tissue. Each individual’s injury characteristics and work type are taken into account when developing the most effective up-to-date treatment strategy.
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How long will I be off from work?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions by the injured worker, and the answer depends on the injury type and if surgery will need to be performed. Typically nonsurgical injuries heal faster and return to work sooner than injuries treated with surgery. In many instances the patient will be allowed to return to work soon after the injury or surgery on a modified duty capacity, causing minimal loss of work and productivity. If the employer cannot accommodate the job duty restrictions, then the injured employee may not be allowed to return to work until all restrictions have been removed.
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What are my work restrictions?
The restrictions placed are tailored to the patient, injury type, surgery performed (if any), and the patient’s occupation. Typically the restrictions placed will only apply to the injured extremity, with full duty allowed for the unaffected arm. If there are any restrictions necessary, these will be clearly communicated to the patient and the employer.
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If I have restrictions to my injured arm, then why are you sending me back to work?
As long as your employer can accommodate the work restrictions placed by your doctor, then Dr. Hussey is okay with allowing his patients to return to work in a modified work capacity. It is the doctor’s responsibility to place reasonable restrictions on the injured arm when needed and then it is the employer’s responsibility to accommodate for those restrictions.
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When do you anticipate me returning to work full duty?
Typically when the injured arm approaches full strength and motion, then you will be released to full duty. The amount of time needed to obtain a full unrestricted release will vary based on injury type.
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What is MMI?
MMI stands for Maximum Medical Improvement. This term is typically used in the treatment and evaluation of workers’ compensation cases. When the treating physician determines that no further medical treatments are necessary or beneficial, and that the patient has reached a plateau in their improvement, then MMI is declared and the patient is released to work with or without modified duties.
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What is an impairment rating?
At the end of treatment in a workers’ compensation case, the treating physician is often asked to give an impairment rating. This is used to determine if there is any residual impairment to the injured extremity after treatment has been completed. The rating is based on the treating physicians objective medical findings, which are then translated into an impairment rating through the use of a guidebook of permanent impairment which is provided by the American Medical Association.
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