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Author Archives: Tigran Garabekyan, M.D.

Lumbar Disc Herniation

Lumbar Disc Herniation - What Is A Lumbar Disc Herniation?Disc herniation symptoms may begin for no apparent reason. In most cases, it occurs because of lifting something heavy or twists the lower back. These motions tend to add stress to discs. Lumbar herniated discs are widespread medical concerns that affect people between the age groups 35 to 50.

Southern California Hip Institute (SCHI), led by board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan, provides orthopedic surgery as well as non-surgical orthopedic treatments to patients in Los Angeles, Century City, CA, and surrounding locations.

Lumbar Disc Herniation

Spinal discs may lose some fluid because of general wear and tear and aging, making them spongy and pliable. The discs may become harder and flatter as a result. This is known as disc degermation, a process that may begin early in life. The issue shows up in imaging tests performed in early adulthood.

The outer ring of the disc may crack, bulge, or tear because of stress or pressure on the spine. If this takes place in the lower spine, it will send shooting pains to the buttocks and down the leg.

Non-Surgical Treatments

The following therapy is helpful for long-term pain relief in most cases:

  • Physical therapy is focused on teaching patients exercises on rehabilitation and targeted stretching
  • Epidural injections containing steroid medications can offer pain relief

Surgery for Lumbar Disc Herniation

Surgery is generally considered when the pain and other symptoms of lumbar herniated disc continue after six weeks. Lumbar herniated discs are a common reason for spine surgery in adults aged 35 – 60.

Your treatment provider may recommend surgery if:

  • You suffer from severe pain and have difficulty performing reasonable daily functions, such as walking or standing
  • You are experiencing progressive neurological symptoms, such as numbness, or leg weakness
  • You suffer from loss of bladder and bowel functions
  • Physical therapy, medication, and other neurosurgical treatments have not been able to ease symptoms
  • Surgery may be required in some cases even if the patient has not had six weeks of noninvasive care

Microdiscectomy Procedures

Microdiscectomy and endoscopic microdiscectomy are minimally invasive in nature. They are usually recommended for lumbar herniated discs. The procedures take the pressure off the nerve root for providing better healing.

Generally, the small portion pushing against the nerve root requires to be removed. The majority of disc is left untouched in most cases. Microdiscectomy makes use of small incisions. Instruments are inserted in endoscopic microdiscectomy surgery by way of a thin tube or tubes. This minimizes disruption to surrounding tissues. Tiny camera will be inserted through the tube to allow surgeons better visibility.

Both surgeries are performed as outpatient procedures or with an overnight stay. You should be able to resume your regular work routine in 1 – 3 weeks.

Success Rates

Lumbar herniated disc surgery has a high success rate. An extensive medical study reported 84% patients with microdiscectomy to have good or excellent results. The same results were reported by 80% patients having endoscopic microdiscectomy.

Board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan receives patients from Los Angeles, Century City, CA, and nearby areas for orthopedic surgery and non-surgical orthopedic treatments.

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/

Hip Bone Cancer

Types of Rare Hip Bone Cancers Tumors 300x197 - Types of Rare Hip Bone Cancers / TumorsBone cancer can be of several different types. Most types of bone cancers are in the sarcomas category. This is a kind of cancer that affects soft tissues, muscles, nerves, and bones. Sarcomas has a diverse range of features at cellular and molecular level. This is one of the reasons why all bone sarcomas don’t respond to the same type of treatment.

Bone sarcoma is a form of rare cancer that accounts for less than 1% of all cancers diagnosed in the US. Southern California Hip Institute (SCHI), led by board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan, provides orthopedic surgery as well as non-surgical orthopedic treatments to patients in Los Angeles, Century City, CA, and surrounding communities.

Diagnosis of Bone Cancer

Non-cancerous bone tumors, bone infections and other conditions can cause symptoms, which may be confused with bone cancer. Your doctor would need to know where the bone cancer is located within the body to accurately diagnose it. They would also need to know how it appears on imaging studies and the way it looks under a microscope.

Types of Bone Cancer

These are a few types of bone cancer:

Osteosarcoma

This is one of the most common types of primary bone cancer. It affects more than a third of all cases. The cancer primarily affects young adults and children between the age group of 10 and 25. Osteosarcoma generally begins at the end of the bones where new tissues are formed in children.

Chondrosarcoma

This is a common type of primary bone cancer in people above the age of 50. The cancer forms in the cartilage, generally around the knees, pelvis, upper thighs, and shoulders. This type of cancer makes up a fourth of all primary bone cancer cases.

Ewing Sarcoma

Ewing sarcoma generally occurs in the middle part of the upper arm, rib, hip or thigh bone. This cancer mostly affects young adults and children between the age group of 10 and 25. Ewing sarcoma is responsible for almost 15% bone cancer cases.

Rare Types of Bone Cancers

These are a few rare forms of bone cancer that occur majorly in adults:

  • Fibrosarcoma occurs in the hips and knees, mostly in older patient following radiation therapy
  • Giant cell tumors can begin in the knees affecting young adults in most cases
  • Adamantinoma occurs in the shin bone and accounts for less than 1% of bone sarcomas
  • Chordoma is a rare form of cancer occurring in the base of the spine and skull. It affects roughly 300 people each year in the United States.

Malignant Vascular Tumor of Bone

These are rare and can occur in any location. These are a few types of malignant vascular tumor:

  • Angiosarcoma
  • Hemangiopericytoma
  • Hemangioendothelioma
  • Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma (MFH) or Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma (UPS)

MFH or UPS is a type of sarcoma that is generally found in the soft tissue or bone. It is a common soft tissue sarcoma occurring in later life. Board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan receives patients from Los Angeles, Century City, CA, and nearby areas for orthopedic surgery and non-surgical orthopedic treatments.

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/

Labral Tear 

Labral Hip Tear Treatment Los Angeles Beverly Hills Santa Monica CA 300x156 - Labral Hip Tear TreatmentLabrum tear is of several forms and can be easily confused. It’s vital that you discuss all your symptoms with your physician so they can ascertain the type of tear you have. Southern California Hip Institute (SCHI), led by board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan, provides orthopedic surgery as well as non-surgical orthopedic treatments to patients in Los Angeles, Century City, CA, and surrounding locations.

Types of Labrum Tear

There are three types of labrum tears:

  1. The labrum will be completely torn away from the bone
  2. There will be tearing within the labrum
  3. The tear would be present in the area where the tendon of the bicep gets attached to the upper end of the socket

Diagnosing Labral Tear

There are two tests to diagnose a labral tear:

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
  • CT-arthrogram (this is a type of CAT scan that is preceded by an arthrogram in which a special dye is injected within the shoulder)

Arthroscopy of the shoulder is the best way for diagnosing labrum tearing. Unfortunately, this is an operative procedure and requires anesthesia. Your surgeon will need to be experienced to make the right diagnosis since the shoulder’s anatomy is quite complex.

Treating Labrum Tears

The treatment greatly depends on the kind of the tear in the labrum. Tears because of instability within the shoulder require surgery to reattach the labrum to the rim of the socket. This tear may occur because of dislocation or subluxation.

Your surgeon will create an incision in the front of the shoulder. It can also be performed using smaller incisions through an arthroscopic technique. There are benefits and limitations to each approach. Generally, treatment is not required if the frayed labrum doesn’t cause any symptoms. However, in case there is a large tear, the torn part would need to be trimmed or cut out.

The treatment used depends on the where the tear is located and the size of the tear. Labrum tears near the biceps tendon attachment (SLAP lesions) generally only require trimming. In some cases, they may need to be attached back to the top of the socket. The best way to carry out this procedure is using arthroscopic surgery. This is because the area is difficult to reach by way of an open surgery using a large incision. The labrum can easily be reattached to the socket’s rim during an arthroscope through tacks or sutures.

Post-Operative Management Steps

Your surgeon may ask you to take care of these post-operative management steps:

  • Sling would be used in the first several weeks post-surgery. Your physician may prescribe mild exercises as well.
  • Exercises would need to be performed for gaining flexibility and motion. Shoulder strengthening exercises may be added over time.
  • Generally, athletes that are involved in throwing sports may begin interval throwing after 3 – 4 months of surgery.

Most patients gain full use of their shoulder following a labral surgery. However, it may take up to 6 months for the shoulder to completely recover. Board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan receives patients from Los Angeles, Century City, CA, and nearby areas for orthopedic surgery and non-surgical orthopedic treatments.

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/

Spondylolisthesis

Hip Impingement 300x200 - What Is Spondylolisthesis?Spondylolisthesis involves spine instability that means the vertebra moves more than it should. The vertebra may slip out of place on the vertebra positioned below placing pressure on nerves that may cause leg pain or lower back pain. Because spinal stenosis with spondylolisthesis can cause significant hip or knee pain, the presence of degenerative arthritis at these joints must be considered. A thorough physical exam should include hip range of motion and assessment of internal and external rotation.

Southern California Hip Institute (SCHI), led by board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan, provides orthopedic surgery as well as non-surgical orthopedic treatments to patients in Los Angeles, Century City, CA, and surrounding communities.

Types of Spondylolisthesis

These are a few common types of spondylolisthesis:

  • Congenital spondylolisthesis occurs when the spine of a baby is not formed properly before birth. The misaligned vertebra may place the person at risk for a slippage later on.
  • Isthmic spondylolisthesis is the result of spondylolisthesis, which refers to a fracture or crack that may weaken the bone.
  • Degenerative spondylolisthesis is a common type of spondylolisthesis that occurs because of aging. The discs cushioning the vertebra lose water and become thin over time.

These are a few rare types of spondylolisthesis:

  • Traumatic spondylolisthesis occurs when an injury causes the slip
  • Pathological spondylolisthesis is the result of osteoporosis, tumor or any other disease causing the condition
  • Post-surgical spondylolisthesis refers to the slippage because of spinal surgery

Noninvasive Treatments for Spondylolisthesis

These are a few non-surgical treatment options for spondylolisthesis:

  • Rest: Taking a break from sports and strenuous activities usually helps
  • Medication: You can get relief from over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Injections: Your healthcare provider may recommend steroid injection in the affected area
  • Physical therapy: Physical therapists can teach targeted exercises for strengthening the back and the abdomen. Daily exercise can help in reliving the pain in the long run.
  • Bracing: Braces can stabilize the spine and allow a fracture to heal. These are not used in adults.

Surgery For Spondylolisthesis

A surgery may be recommended in the following instances:

  • Severe pain
  • High-grade spondylolisthesis
  • No improvement from nonsurgical treatments

What to Expect During Spondylolisthesis Surgery?

Spondylolisthesis surgery to relieve back pain generally involves spinal decompression. This can be with or without fusion. Decompression is usually not done on its own in the case of isthmic spondylolisthesis. According to studies, decompression along with fusion provides better results.

Your surgeon will remove the disk and bone from the spine during decompression surgery. This will give your nerves space within the spinal canal to relieve pain.

During a fusion surgery, the surgeon will connect two affected vertebrae. They will form a single bone as they heal eliminating movement between the vertebrae. The surgery may result in limited spinal flexibility.

Spondylolisthesis Outlook

Spondylolisthesis surgery has a high success rate and people often return to active life within a few months. You would require rehabilitation post-surgery to get back to full function.

What to Do about Spondylolisthesis Pain?

You would first need to take a break from strenuous exercises and activities. You should try over the counter medications for relieving inflammation and pain. Make sure to visit a healthcare provider to figure out your next steps. Board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan receives patients from Los Angeles, Century City, CA, and nearby areas for orthopedic surgery and non-surgical orthopedic treatments.

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/

Back Pain 

shutterstock 732789853 300x209 - Back Pain TreatmentThere are several treatment options for taking care of lower back pain that can be customized as per patient needs. Treatments include medicinal remedies, care provided at home, alternative care, or surgery. Combination of treatments is thought to be the best.

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

Nonsurgical Options

Muscle relaxants

Muscle relaxants act as central nervous system depressants. They increase mobility of tense muscles, which helps in relieving pain from the spasm or muscle tightness. Muscle relaxants should not be confused with chronic pain management medications.

Back braces

Back braces can be used for providing comfort and reducing pain. There is some evidence suggesting that wearing of inelastic corset-style brace in combination with appropriate physical therapy exercise program can help in reducing pain and speeding healing.

Epidural steroid injections

These are injections that can be administered directly into the outer portion of the dural sac. This sac surrounds the spinal cord. Fluoroscopy, or a live x-ray, can be used for guiding the needle to the correct area. The goal of this injection is to relieve pain temporarily by reducing swelling and inflammation around the compressed nerve root.

Surgical Options

Decompression Surgeries

Decompression surgery helps in removing whatever may be pressing on the nerve root from the spinal column. This may include a bone spur or a herniated portion of the spinal disc.

Decompression surgery can be of two types for treating lower back pain:

  • Microdiscectomy is used for treating lumbar herniated disc that may cause radicular leg pain (sciatica).
  • Laminectomy removes a portion of the soft tissue or bone compressing the nerve roots.

Decompression surgery can either be performed with minimally invasive or open techniques.

Lumbar Spinal Fusion Options

Fusion surgery refers to removing soft tissue around two or more vertebral bones and replacing them with metal or bone. This procedure allows for bones to grow together over a period of time. Typically, in 6 – 12 months the bones will fuse into one long bone. This stabilizes and eliminates motion at spinal segments.

Fusion, in the lumbar spine, can be done using side (lateral approach), front (anterior approach), back (posterior approach), or a combined technique. Modern navigation, implants, techniques, and biologics has made this type of surgery increasingly predictable with a quicker and easier recovery period.

Other Surgical Options

These are a few newer and more advanced surgical options for taking care of low back pain:

Lumbar artificial disc

Disc replacement, in some patients, is a potential alternative to fusion surgery for taking care of symptomatic degenerative disc disease. The procedure allows for quicker recovery and provides more spinal motion as compared to lumbar fusion.

Posterior motion device

The Coflex inter-laminar device is useful in patients with stenosis and mild degenerative spondylolisthesis. The approach results in similar goals as fusion surgery with faster recovery and smaller surgery. Southern California Hip Institute (SCHI), headed by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan, receives patients from Los Angeles, Century City, 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/

Hernia 

Hernia Causes And Treatment - Hernia Causes And TreatmentHernia takes place when an organ pushes through an opening in the tissue or muscle holding it in place. For instance, the intestines can break through the abdominal wall if there is a weakened area. Typically, hernia occurs in the abdomen between the hips and the chest. However, it can also occur in the groin and upper thigh area.

Hernia is not immediately life-threatening. However, they don’t go away on their own. You may require surgery for preventing dangerous complications. Southern California Hip Institute (SCHI), led by board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan, provides orthopedic surgery to patients in Los Angeles, Century City, CA, and surrounding communities.

Causes of Hernia

Hernia is caused because of a combination of muscle strain and weakness. Depending on the cause, this condition can either develop quickly or over a long period of time. Common causes of muscle strain or weakness leading to hernia include:

  •  Aging
  • Congenital condition taking place during fetus development in the womb
  • Damage from surgery and injury
  • Strenuous exercise
  • Lifting heavy weight
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
  • Chronic coughing
  • Multiple pregnancies
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Constipation or placing strain on bowel movement
  • Fluid in abdomen

The following increases the likelihood of suffering from hernia:

  • Genetics
  • Personal history of hernia
  • Pregnancy
  • Age
  • Chronic constipation
  • Being obese or overweight
  • Chronic cough
  • Smoking
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Premature birth

Surgery for Hernia

In case your hernia is causing pain or growing larger, your surgeon will make a decision to operate on it. They may sew the hole in your abdominal wall to repair the hernia. A surgical mesh is used for patching the hole.

Hernia can be repaired through both laparoscopic and open surgery. Laparoscopic surgery makes use of miniaturized surgical equipment and a tiny camera for repairing the hernia. Only a few small incisions are used in this case. This type of surgery is less damaging to surrounding tissues.

The surgeon will make an incision near the hernia site during open surgery. They will push the bulging tissue back in the abdomen. The area will be sewed shut. In some cases, the surgeon may reinforce the area with surgical mesh before closing the incision.

You should know that all forms of hernia are not suitable for laparoscopic surgery. Your surgeon will recommend the best type of surgery depending on your particular condition.

Recovery and Results

Pain is to be expected around the surgical site after the surgery. Your surgeon will provide you with appropriate medications for helping ease the discomfort while you recover. You should be sure to follow all instructions carefully regarding wound care. You should contact your surgeon promptly if there is any sign of infection, such as redness, drainage, fever, or worsening pain at the site.

You should be able to move around after a few weeks following the hernia repair. However, you will have to avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks. Southern California Hip Institute (SCHI), headed by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan, receives patients from Los Angeles, Century City, 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/

SI Joint

SI Joint Problems And Treatment 300x250 - SI Joint Problems And TreatmentYou may experience pain the lower back or your legs if you suffer from dysfunction in the SI joint or the sacroiliac joint. Aggravation of the SI joint can cause inflammation, also known as sacroiliitis. The condition is a major cause of stiffness, pain, and other symptoms.

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

Types of SI Joint Pain

  • SI joint dysfunction can result in lower back pain that may feel like a dull ache. It can range from mild to severe. Lower back pain is usually felt only on one side. However, in some severe cases it may be felt on both sides.
  • You may find the pain spreads to buttocks, hips, and groin. Upper back or side of the thigh and buttocks are common areas for SI joint paint. The pain is usually felt on one side, but may affect both sides.
  • You may experience sciatic like pain in the back of the thighs or the buttocks. This may feel like a sharp, hot, stabbing pain. It may include tingling and numbness.
  • Reduced range of motion and stiffness in the lower hips, back, groin, and pelvis may cause difficult in movement, such as bending at the waist or walking up the stairs
  • The pain may worsen because of added pressure on the sacroiliac joint. This can be during running, jogging, climbing stairs, and putting weight on one side.
  • Instability in the lower back or pelvis may cause the pelvis to feel like will give way when walking, standing or moving from sitting to standing.

What is involved in Sacroiliac Joint Fusion Surgery?

Sacroiliac joint fusion is the standard surgery used for addressing SI joint pain. The goal of this procedure is to completely eliminate the movement of the sacroiliac joint by grafting the sacrum and ilium together.

Use of implanted rods and screws are involved in sacroiliac fusion. In recent years, minimally invasive procedure has been developed for improving the symptoms and reducing recovery time. Your surgeon may recommend sacroiliac joint fusion only when all other non-surgical treatment options have been exhausted.

Procedure of Sacroiliac Joint Fusion

There are two types of surgical systems involved in a sacroiliac joint fusion – the implants that fuse the joint and the tools required for performing the surgery. Minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion procedures include the following:

  • A small incision will be made under general anesthesia on your lower back. This will be used for gently moving the muscles to one side.
  • Small hole will be drilled through the ilium for accessing the joint using a special device
  • Ligaments and muscles will be removed from the sacroiliac joint. Surgical implants and bone graft will be put in place across the joint for encouraging bone growth.
  • Surgical site will be closed using standard sutures after putting the muscles back in place

Southern California Hip Institute (SCHI), headed by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan, receives patients from Los Angeles, Century City, 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/

Pelvis Problems

best hip surgeon 300x200 - Pelvis Problems And TreatmentsYour hips and pelvis help you bend, twist, and walk. They are responsible for providing you with a full range of motion that helps in performing daily activities. Proven hip surgeons can offer a broad array of options for helping you deal with stiffness and pain in the area.

Pelvic surgery may be recommended by cosmetic surgeons if conservative modalities fail to acquire a satisfactory result. Your surgeon will create an individualized treatment plan if you are suffering from discomfort or reduced functionality because of your pelvis or hip condition.

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

Treatment for Hip and Pelvic Conditions

Hip Arthritis

Hip arthritis symptoms include aching, discomfort, and stiffness in the buttock, groin, and thigh area after prolonged sitting. Patients experience pain when active. There are different types of arthritis. Your surgeon will choose the right treatment option based on the one affecting your joints.

Braces, injections, anti-inflammatory medications, and other noninvasive treatments may be sufficient for relieving your concerns and improving your quality of life. Minimally invasive techniques are preferred over traditional open surgery if surgery is absolutely necessary.

Injuries in Thigh Muscles

Athletes and active individuals are prone to thigh injuries, such as tear or strains. These can often occur because of high-intensity activity or a forceful blow to the muscle. There are three major muscles in the thigh – quadriceps, adductor, and hamstring. Quadriceps and hamstring are located on the front and back.

These muscles are prone to injuries since they cross the knee and hip joints. Recommended treatment will be determined by the surgeon based on the severity of the injury. Thigh muscle injuries in most cases don’t require surgery.

Snapping Hip Syndrome

Snapping or popping sound in most cases occur when you flex the hip or pelvis or bend it. This is usually a benign condition. Strengthening and stretching exercises can help in protecting the joint from potential damage. Your condition may be more severe if the sound is accompanied by discomfort or pain as well.

This is usually the case in iliotibial band snap, iliopsoas tendon snap, or a hip labral tear. During the initial consultation, your surgeon will determine the cause of your symptoms. Based on the symptoms, they will create a personalized treatment plan for addressing your unique anatomical needs and concerns.

Hip Labral Tears

Labrum refers to a piece of cartilage found on the outside rim of the hip joint. It is responsible for keeping the top of your thighbone securely positioned in the hip socket. You may notice a clicking, locking, or catching sensation during movement. You may experience stiffness and pain that may limit your mobility as well.

Physical therapy, rest, and anti-inflammatory medicines among other conservative methods can provide relief. Your surgeon may perform a minimally invasive procedure for helping you resume regular activities if none of the options work.

Board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan receives patients from Los Angeles, Century City, CA, and nearby areas for highly advanced 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/

Sciatica Pain

What Can You Do To Treat Sciatica Pain 300x169 - What Can You Do To Treat Sciatica Pain?Experts recommend treating sciatica as quickly as possible to prevent further progression of symptoms. Sciatica treatment may involve both surgical and noninvasive methods. Typically, noninvasive methods are employed before going in for a surgery. Your doctor may recommend a surgery only when the underlying cause is progressive or results in severe neurological deficit.

Board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan provides hip surgery to patients in Los Angeles, Century City, CA, and surrounding locations.

Noninvasive Treatment for Sciatica

Typically, a combination of medications, physical therapy, alternative therapies, and therapeutic injections is used as the first line of sciatica treatment. Acute sciatica doesn’t take more than 4 – 6 weeks to get better with noninvasive treatment. Chronic sciatica that involves pain for over 8 weeks may require a longer treatment time.

Sciatica Physical Therapy

A combination of stretching, strengthening, and aerobic conditioning is employed as a central component of sciatica physical therapy. The physical therapy program may also involve therapeutic exercises.

Sciatica Pain Medications

Both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications are used for relieving sciatica pain. These are a few medications generally prescribed for pain management:

  • Anticonvulsant medications, such as gabapentin
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen or naproxen
  • Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline
  • Oral steroids, such as prednisone
  • Opioid analgesics, such as tramadol or oxycodone

Sciatica Lumbar Therapeutic Injections

Pain from sciatica and its symptoms may be managed with lumbar therapeutic injections. Injections are used in this to provide pain relief and allow the patients to benefit and participate fully in a physical therapy program. Injections play an integral role in diagnosing the pain source and identifying target nerves.

Epidural steroid injection is the most common type of sciatica injections used for pain relief.

Microdiscectomy

This is a common surgical procedure used for treating sciatica caused by lumbar disc herniation. A very small part of the disc material protruding under the bone or nerve root is removed in this surgery. This is an open surgery, but it employs minimally invasive techniques. It can be performed with minimal tissue damage and a relatively small incision.

Lumbar Decompression Surgeries

Nerve root compression or irritation can be relieved by a wide variety of surgical approaches. Few of them are:

Laminectomy

All or part of the lamina is taken out in this procedure for providing more room to the spinal nerves. This surgery is usually performed for sciatica caused due to lumbar spinal stenosis. 75 to 90% patients experience pain relief after getting this procedure performed.

Foraminotomy

The neuroforamen in this procedure is enlarged by removing overgrowth in the bone. This results in more room for the nerve roots.

Facetectomy

Compression or pinched nerves are relieved in this surgical procedure that may be the result of degenerated facet joints. The facet joints are undercut, trimmed, and removed for relieving nerve pressure. An estimated 85% patients are expected to experience pain relief following this surgery.

A specialist in orthopedic surgery of the hip, Dr. Garabekyan receives patients from Los Angeles, Century City, CA, and nearby areas for safe and proven hip 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/

Sciatica Pain

Sciatic neuralgia, sciatic neuropathy, or simply sciatica refers to a condition in which mild to intense lower back pain travels in the right or left leg. The pain may become worse with bending, coughing, twisting, or other types of movement. Ten to forty percent of people are affected by sciatica.

Disc herniation is one of the most common causes even though several things can trigger sciatica pain. Some research studies have shown that in up to ninety percent of the cases, sciatica pain may occur because of a herniated disc within the lumbar spine. Board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan provides hip surgery to patients in Los Angeles, Century City, CA, and surrounding communities.

What Can You Do To Treat Sciatica Pain - What Triggers Sciatica Pain?Common Causes of Sciatica Pain

  1. Herniated Disc or Lumbar Bulging Disc

Spinal discs serve several functions, such as acting as vertebrae cushions, offering flexibility in the spine, and transferring any spinal load evenly from one disc to the next. Herniation or disc bulge is common in the lumbar spine because it supports the entire weight of the upper body. It also supports the weight of any object you may pick up.

  1. Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Spinal nerve roots branch out from the spinal cord through bone and ligament passageways called neural foramina. Nerve roots passing through these openings will join each other to become nerves and extend outwards to the rest of the body. Foramina become clogged or narrow when spinal stenosis occurs. The nerves in this case get compressed.

  1. Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is a condition affecting the lumbar spine. It takes place when one vertebra slips over another and is displaced. When the vertebra gets displaced, it compresses the nerve roots or nerves below it. This results in symptoms similar to sciatica.

Developmental spondylolisthesis may either occur during birth or develop as one gets older. Acquired spondylolisthesis on the other hand may occur because of:

  • Trauma
  • Physical stress
  • Spinal degeneration
  1. Trauma

Trauma may directly result in sciatica after a fall, contact sports or motor vehicle accidents. The impact can either injure the nerves directly. Or, they may result in broken bone fragments that compresses the nerves. There are several types of trauma that can cause sciatica like symptoms. This includes hip dislocation, pelvic fracture, and other similar injuries.

Traction-induced sciatica may result in the nearby hamstrings to irritate the sciatica nerve after tearing.

  1. Piriformis Syndrome

This syndrome is named after the piriformis muscle. Pain is caused when the sciatica nerve gets irritated by the muscle. This particular muscle is present in the lower area of the spine. Piriformis muscle connects to the thighbone and helps with hip rotation. The sciatica nerve runs right under the piriformis muscle.

Sciatica is caused by piriformis syndrome when the muscle becomes inflamed and start spasming. Inflammation causes the sciatica nerve to get compressed. Muscle spasms may also directly affect the sciatica nerve running through the muscles causing contractions.

A specialist in orthopedic surgery of the hip, Dr. Garabekyan receives patients from Los Angeles, Century City, CA, and nearby areas for safe and proven hip 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/

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Dr. Garabekyan Associations | North Hollywood | Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon | Glendale Burbank | Encino | Sherman Oaks | Van Nuys Dr. Garabekyan Associations | North Hollywood | Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon | Glendale Burbank | Encino | Sherman Oaks | Van Nuys

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Century City

2080 Century Park East Suite 1204
Los Angeles, CA 90067
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Tel: 310.595.1030 Fax: 310.582.5619