Author Archives: Tigran Garabekyan, M.D.

Hamstring tear or strain is also known as a pulled hamstring. This injury occurs in the back muscles of the thigh and are common among athletes that need to sprint while performing their sports. In fact, hamstring injuries are regarded as the most common injuries in the United States with millions visiting the doctor each year. 

Southern California Hip Institute (SCHI), led by outstanding board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan, provides orthopedic surgery to patients in Los Angeles, Century City, Beverly Hills, CA, and surrounding communities. 

What are Hamstring Tears?

The hamstrings comprise of three muscle groups:

• the biceps femoris
• the semitendinosus
• the semimembranosus

Complete tears affect all three muscles while partial tears affect one or two tears. Hamstring muscles extend all the way to below the knee from under the buttocks. These muscles join the bones through the hamstring tendons. The muscles and tendons help your knees bend and flex promoting balance and mobility. 

Hamstring tears usually occur when the muscles are overloaded or overstretched. Risk factors include:

• muscle weakness
• muscle tightness
• old age
• muscle strength imbalance
• improper training or poor conditioning

Signs of a Hamstring Tear

Sharp pain

Hamstring tears are usually accompanied by acute sharp pain in the back of the thigh near the muscle attachment to buttocks. The pain is often preceded by a popping or snapping sound at the moment of injury.

Bruising or swelling

Significant tissue damage is caused by hamstring tears resulting in significant bruising and swelling. Bruises may take a few days to appear while swelling may become apparent within a few hours of the injury.

Leg weakness

Hamstrings are responsible for the movement of the knees and hips when you run, walk, squat, or bend. Most people with torn hamstrings find these movements difficult.

Weight bearing problems

Hamstring tears make it difficult to bear weight on the leg in addition to finding moving and bending difficult. Most people experience a leg buckling feeling. They feel that their legs will give way if they attempt to place any weight on it. 

Treating Hamstring Tears

Treatment depends on a wide array of factors. This includes the physical goals and condition of the patient and the extent of the hamstring tear. Whether you have a partial or a full hamstring tear, it may not heal on its own. This means that surgery is most often the recommended route for restoring normal function by repairing the tear in almost every instance. 

You should consider working with a skilled endoscopic surgeon that has a high success rate. In general, small incisions are preferable to the traditional open surgery that requires larger incisions. You should not miss out on the period of physical therapy following the surgery for restoring strength and function in your legs. 

You should speak with a skilled orthopedic specialist as soon as possible if you believe that you may have torn your hamstring or have some other symptom of an injury. Considerate board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan receives patients from Los Angeles, Century City, Beverly Hills, CA, and nearby areas for orthopedic surgery.

Contact the Southern California Hip Institute

Dr. Tigran Garabekyan is a board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip preservation. To learn more about Southern California Hip Institute or to schedule a consultation, click here to contact us or call:

Century City / Los Angeles: 310.595.1030

Serving patients in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Century City, West Hollywood, North Hollywood Encino, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Burbank, Glendale and other neighboring cities in the greater Los Angeles, California area.

Also visit http://www.drgorthopedics.com/

Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) was developed by Prof. Reinhold Ganz, a Swiss orthopedic surgeon. This surgical hip treatment is used for treating hip dysplasia as a result of an acetabulum deformity. Acetabulum is the pelvis’s curved part that forms the hip joint socket. People with this form of hip dysplasia exhibit symptoms from birth. With that said, it’s only in adolescence and adulthood when the symptoms become more noticeable. 

Typical symptoms include limited movement in the area and pain in the hip. If left untreated, this can cause painful osteoarthritis. Southern California Hip Institute (SCHI), led by committed board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan, provides orthopedic surgery to patients in Los Angeles, Century City, Beverly Hills, CA, and surrounding locations.

Causes of Hip Dysplasia of the Acetabulum

The acetabulum doesn’t develop fully in some people. This causes a fit that is misaligned in the socket or too shallow. The acetabulum cannot properly support the femoral head. Misalignment places increasing strain on the labrum soft tissue and cartilage lining the hip socket. This causes wear and tear and further degeneration. Hip dysplasia is a leading cause of arthritis and hip pain in men and women under the age of 50 years. 

Benefits of PAO Surgery

Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) hip preservation surgery allows for the following in patients with hip dysplasia that hasn’t led to advanced articular cartilage damage:

• Preserves natural hip joint
• Pain relief
• Enhanced movement following the treatment 
• Return to regular vigorous activities, such as sports and other activities
• Doesn’t affect natural vaginal childbirth in women

Ideal Candidates for PAO

Typically, candidates for periacetabular osteotomy are 40 years old or younger. You should have a mild to moderate condition that cannot be treated by using other surgical and non-surgical procedures. The patient should not have arthritis or advanced dysplasia. Total hip replacement is the best option in patients older than 50 years of age. It reduces pain and restores mobility. PAO won’t provide successful results if the hip joint is completely worn. 

PAO Hip Surgery Process

Your surgeon will reposition the hip socket by cutting the bone around the acetabulum. Typically, hip replacement procedure lasts for 2.5 to 3.5 hours. You would need to stay for initial recovery in the hospital for 3 to 5 days. You may be given compression socks for preventing blood clots during the procedure. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia in most cases. 

An incision of about 6 to 7 inches in length will be made over the hip crest to allow surgeons access to the pelvic bone. Three bones surrounding the acetabulum are cut using special cutting tools. Thereafter, the surgeon will shift and reorient the acetabulum to ensure the femoral head has a proper fit. About 2 to 3 long screws may be placed firmly for reattaching the acetabulum to the pelvis. This will ensure that everything stays in place. 

You should be able to walk using a walker or crutches after 4 – 5 days of the surgery. Bruising, numbness, tingling, and popping sound should be expected following the procedure. Diligent board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan receives patients from Los Angeles, Century City, Beverly Hills, CA, and nearby areas for orthopedic surgery.

Contact the Southern California Hip Institute

Dr. Tigran Garabekyan is a board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip preservation. To learn more about Southern California Hip Institute or to schedule a consultation, click here to contact us or call:

Century City / Los Angeles: 310.595.1030

Serving patients in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Century City, West Hollywood, North Hollywood Encino, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Burbank, Glendale and other neighboring cities in the greater Los Angeles, California area.

Also visit http://www.drgorthopedics.com/

Choosing the right surgeon is vital when planning a hip replacement procedure. In fact, this is probably the most crucial decision in the entire procedure. The surgeon’s training and experience will have a major impact on your recovery and the results. 

Southern California Hip Institute (SCHI), led by seasoned board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan, provides orthopedic surgery to patients in Los Angeles, Century City, Beverly Hills, CA, and surrounding communities. 

Here are a few necessary aspects to consider while picking an orthopedic surgeon for hip replacement:

Verify Surgeon’s Credentials

There are certain ways to verify the surgeon’s credentials before you make an appointment. Most of these details are usually available online. 

Medical licensing

Every medical doctor has to be certified by their state’s medical board. Certain states have websites that list individual doctor’s credentials. You can check the credentials of your surgeon on Federation of State Medical Boards website DocInfo.org as well.

Fellowship training

Surgeons with fellowship training in hip replacement have learned the right technique of performing the surgery under highly experienced orthopedic surgeons. These kinds of fellowships will say orthopedic reconstructions, total joint reconstruction, hip surgery, hip replacement, or something similar in their names. 

Professional affiliations

Typically, qualified hip replacement surgeons are members of professional organizations, such as the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons and American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

Prioritize Experience Over Cost

Choosing an experienced surgeon has a major impact on the success of a hip replacement surgery. A study examined data from 20,000 surgical procedures to observe that surgeons with experience provided results that mostly did not need any revision surgery. 

• Revision surgery is required only 0.7% times when the surgery is performed by experienced surgeon that do more than 50 hip replacements in a year
• Revision surgery is required 1.3% times when the surgery is done by a surgeon that performs 6 – 25 hip replacement procedures in a year

Surgeons that perform more than 50 hip replacements in a year have a better chance at successful outcomes. The surgeon’s website should indicate that they specialize in hip replacement procedure. You can ask about this during the initial consultation as well. 

Ask Questions

You are entitled to assess a surgeon before choosing them. Don’t refrain from asking the surgeon questions such as:

• How many times in the past year have you performed a hip replacement surgery?
• Can you share any testimonials from patients that underwent this surgery? Can I talk to these patients?
• What is your success rate in hip replacement procedures?

Get a Second Opinion

This is not always necessary. Pertaining to this, you may want to seek a second opinion from another orthopedic surgeon if the first surgeon:

• Lacks qualifications or experience
• Doesn’t explain the procedure or recovery process in detail
• Doesn’t answer your questions completely

Dr. Garabekyan is a Leading Hip Surgeon

Dr. Garabekyan specializes in treating knee, shoulder, and hip problems. He completed a general surgery internship at the University of California at San Francisco, before earning his medical degree from the University of California at San Diego. He has also completed fellowship in Sports Medicine and Hip Preservation Surgery at the University of Colorado, School of Medicine.

Reliable and proven board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan receives patients from Los Angeles, Century City, Beverly Hills, CA, and nearby areas for orthopedic surgery.

Contact the Southern California Hip Institute

Dr. Tigran Garabekyan is a board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip preservation. To learn more about Southern California Hip Institute or to schedule a consultation, click here to contact us or call:

Century City / Los Angeles: 310.595.1030

Serving patients in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Century City, West Hollywood, North Hollywood Encino, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Burbank, Glendale and other neighboring cities in the greater Los Angeles, California area.

Also visit http://www.drgorthopedics.com/

For people with complicated or irreversible hip problems, a successful hip replacement procedure can be the right solution. This procedure can increase mobility, eliminate pain, and reduce the worry of falling as you age. 

This is probably one of the reasons why a large number of patients have elected to get the procedure performed. In fact, between 2000 and 2010, the number of patients doubled. Each year, more than 310,000 Americans choose to get a hip replacement procedure. 

The recovery process has become easier with modern medicine and tech allowing patients to combat hip arthritis, osteoporosis, and other conditions at a young age. Taking this into account, the procedure is only successful if the surgeon is experienced and capable. 

Southern California Hip Institute (SCHI), led by committed and seasoned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan provides hip replacement and other orthopedic surgery to patients in Los Angeles, Century City, Beverly Hills, CA, and surrounding communities. 

Here are a few key questions you should ask the hip replacement surgeon before selecting them. 

Is Hip Replacement the Best Treatment for Me Right Now? Should I Think About Any Other Treatments?

• Does this surgery work well for someone of my age and with my medical problems?
• Will I still have pain while walking?
• Will I be able to resume golfing, swimming, hiking, tennis, or any other activities?

Is There Anything I Can Do for Successful Results?

• Are there any exercises for making my muscles stronger?
• Do I need to learn how to use a walker or crutches before having the surgery?
• Should I lose weight before the procedure?

What Preparations Do I Need to Make at Home to Go to the Hospital?

• Will I need any help when I come back home?

• Will I be on bed rest?

• How can I make my home more comfortable?

• How do I make it easier for me to shower and use the bathroom?

• What supplies will I need during recovery?
• Should I rearrange the furniture?
• Will I be able to climb the steps leading to my bedroom or bathroom?
• Should I go to a rehabilitation facility?
• Will I need to sleep on a hospital or medical bed?

What are the Common Complications and Risks of the Hip Surgery?

• What steps do I take for reducing the risk of complications?
• Do I need to see my regular physicians before getting the hip surgery?
• Will I need blood transfusion after or during the procedure? Is there no way of keeping my blood so that it can be used during an emergency?

What Should I Expect During the Surgery?

• How long will the procedure last for?
• Will you use anesthesia? Do I have any choices?
• Will I have a lot of pain and discomfort following the procedure?
• Will you prescribe any medications for relieving the pain?
• How soon before I can get up and move around?
• How will I use the bathroom following the surgery?
• Will there be a catheter placed in my bladder?
• Who will take care of my physical therapy?

Reliable orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan receives patients from Los Angeles, Century City, Beverly Hills, CA, and nearby areas for hip replacement and other orthopedic surgery procedures. 

Contact the Southern California Hip Institute

Dr. Tigran Garabekyan is a board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip preservation. To learn more about Southern California Hip Institute or to schedule a consultation, click here to contact us or call:

Century City / Los Angeles: 310.595.1030

Serving patients in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Century City, West Hollywood, North Hollywood Encino, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Burbank, Glendale and other neighboring cities in the greater Los Angeles, California area.

Also visit http://www.drgorthopedics.com/

Your primary care physician will recommend an orthopedic surgeon if they think that hip replacement surgery is the best available option for you. The orthopedic surgeon will complete a full physical exam and evaluate your hip joint. They will order x-ray tests to develop a customized surgical plan. 

Southern California Hip Institute (SCHI), led by board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan, provides orthopedic surgery to patients in Los Angeles, Century City, Beverly Hills, CA, and surrounding communities. 

Preparing For Hip Replacement Procedure

Your plastic surgeon will schedule a series of appointments for testing and clearance as part of preparing for the surgery. Studies may be performed during these appointments, such as EKG, urine analysis, lab testing, and x-rays. 

The surgeon will assess medical risk before the surgery. The healthcare provider will check your body weight and review your medical history. They will evaluate your lower extremities before the surgery. These are a few actions that will be taken by the healthcare provider:

• Muscle testing: Strength of the hip extensors, flexors, adductors, and abductors. They will also check limb strength from below the hip. 
• Vascular status and nerve testing: Perineal and sciatic nerve function testing, assessment of arterial pulses, and sensory examination will be performed. They will check for severe vascular disease. 
• Palpation testing: Palpation helps in ruling out other causes of pain that are not emanating from the joint
• Range of motion testing: Hip abduction/adduction, flexion/extension, and internal/external rotation
• Trendelenburg sign: Tests the function and strength of the hip abductor muscles
• Measurement of leg length

X-rays of the pelvis and hips will be taken for assessing the structure and status of the hip joint.

Preparation Steps

You may be required to take certain steps for ensuring a safer and easier recovery following the surgery. You should consider making a few simple changes in your space so that things are within your reach. Arrange for a friend or family to take care of you following the surgery. Cut down or quit smoking to improve recovery rate. 

You may find it helpful to lose weight (if needed), get an obstructive sleep apnea screening, and resolve any other conditions you may have. Don’t eat or drink after midnight if you are getting the surgery performed early morning. 

Taking Medications

You should inform your surgeon of all medications you are on, including prescription and over-the-counter medications. Certain medications are not recommended to be used with anesthesia, such as blood thinners, ibuprofen, and aspirin. You may have to stop taking medications before you can get your hip replacement. 

Visiting the Dentist

Consider having your teeth cleaned and cavities filled. This will ensure that you don’t need to visit a dentist in the first few months of surgery. It is better to not have any routine dental work performed for at least 3 months after a hip replacement surgery since the blood supply to hips is increased. Dental work may impact your healing.

Board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan of the Southern California Hip Institute (SCHI) receives patients from Los Angeles, Century City, Beverly Hills, CA, and nearby areas for orthopedic surgery.

Contact the Southern California Hip Institute

Dr. Tigran Garabekyan is a board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip preservation. To learn more about Southern California Hip Institute or to schedule a consultation, click here to contact us or call:

Century City / Los Angeles: 310.595.1030

Serving patients in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Century City, West Hollywood, North Hollywood Encino, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Burbank, Glendale and other neighboring cities in the greater Los Angeles, California area.

Also visit http://www.drgorthopedics.com/

Your orthopedic surgeon may ask you to get a complete physical exam before the surgical procedure if you decide to have a hip replacement surgery performed. This is required for assessing your overall health and whether you can successfully complete the recovery process. 

Southern California Hip Institute (SCHI), led by board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan, provides orthopedic surgery to patients in Los Angeles, Century City, Beverly Hills, CA, and surrounding locations.

Hip Replacement Orthopedic Evaluation

There are several components to having an evaluation with an orthopedic surgeon:

• Medical history: Your orthopedic surgeon will gather necessary information regarding your general health. They will ask questions regarding the extent of hip pain and how it compromises your ability to perform daily activities. 
• Physical exam: This will assess hip strength, mobility, and alignment.
• X-rays: X-ray images helps in determining the extent of deformity and damage in your hips.
• Other tests: MRI scans and other tests may be required for determining the condition of soft tissues and bone of the hips.

Surgical Steps

You may be admitted to the hospital on the day of the surgical procedure. Or, you may be asked to go home the same day. You should discuss this with your surgeon before the operation. 

Type of Anesthesia

A member of the anesthesia team will evaluate you on arrival at the surgery center. General anesthesia (you will be under sleep) and epidural, spinal, or regional nerve block anesthesia (your body is numb from waist down, but you are awake) are common types of anesthesia. 

Components of Implant

There are several different types of materials and designs used in artificial hip joints. Two basic components include:

• Socket component: This is a durable cup made of metal, ceramic, or plastic that may have an outer metal shell
• Ball component: This is made of highly polished ceramic or strong metal

Prosthetic components are usually ‘press fit’ into the bone. This allows he bone to grow around the components. Or, it may be cemented using bone cement. Several factors determine which approach to use. Your surgeon may also use a combination of non-cemented socket and cemented stem. The orthopedic surgeon will understand your expectations and concerns to determine the best type of prosthesis that meets your needs. 

Actual Surgical Procedure

The actual surgical procedure doesn’t usually take more than 1 – 2 hours. The orthopedic surgeon will remove the damaged bone and cartilage and position the new plastic, metal, or ceramic implants for restoring the function and alignment of the hips. 

You will be moved into the recovery room following the surgery where you will be kept for several hours. You will be monitored while you recover from the effects of anesthesia. You will be discharged or taken to a hospital room after you wake up. 

Recovery Process

The success of the hip replacement surgery will largely depend on whether you follow the orthopedic surgeon’s instructions regarding care in the initial few weeks. Board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan of the Southern California Hip Institute (SCHI) receives patients from Los Angeles, Century City, Beverly Hills, CA, and nearby areas for orthopedic surgery.

Contact the Southern California Hip Institute

Dr. Tigran Garabekyan is a board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip preservation. To learn more about Southern California Hip Institute or to schedule a consultation, click here to contact us or call:

Century City / Los Angeles: 310.595.1030

Serving patients in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Century City, West Hollywood, North Hollywood Encino, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Burbank, Glendale and other neighboring cities in the greater Los Angeles, California area.

Also visit http://www.drgorthopedics.com/