Dr. Kevin J. Lawson, M.D.

A discogram involves a procedure done with full sterile technique and local anesthetic. Sterile dye or X-ray contrast is injected into a disc that is suspected of causing pain. Usually, at least one disc thought to be less involved is also injected. The patients response to the pressure on the disc and the X-ray and sometimes CT images are then saved and correlated with the symptoms produced by pressurizing the disc. To understand the exact procedure as there are variations in how it is done and differences in the disc levels evaluated, you really need to speak to the surgeon or his nurse. Usually, antibiotics are also given. In most situations it is an out patient procedure. It should not be done unless surgical treatment is planned as the test is designed to determine surgical treatment levels. I hope this was helpful.

Kevin Jon Lawson, MD

Skateboard participants are at risk for knee injuries as a consequence of falling off or landing awkwardly when coming off the board. Riding the board is pretty safe itself. However, as the saying goes it the sudden stop at the end of a fall that hurts. More important than knee and orthopedic injuries is head protection. Just as with bicycling and skiing people who skate board should wear a helmet.
I hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Kevin Jon Lawson MD

If you are having pain in your leg a year after a sports injury you ought to have it checked out. Either a sports medicine or orthopedic surgeon could exam you and get you some understanding and specific therapy. If it is not significant the injury should have achieved good healing in a year.
Kevin Jon Lawson MD

Tipped Pelvis is a general term. If you are referring to pelvic obliquity, the causes are centered around differences in leg length or a major muscle imbalance. Prior trauma or abnormalities of the spine or sacroiliac joints can also contribute to obliquity of the pelvis. Small asymmetry or obliquity is not in itself serious. However, the conditions contributing can be painful and alter gait, sitting balance and make standing straight an issue. A thorough exam with an orthopedic surgeon or spine surgeon may be appropriate.

Sincerely,

Kevin Jon Lawson, MD

Arterial injury is a limb threatening situation. You need a thorough medical assessment for this promptly. Laser therapies have no documented benefit for arterial causes of pain.

Kevin Jon Lawson, MD

Repetitive strain Injuries include problems with a number of structures. Arthroscopic interventions are most effective for injuries that are within the knee, shoulder or elbow joints. You did not say where you were experiencing symptoms-what joint or structures were involved. What has been tried previously is important and how certain is the specific diagnosis? Non-operative and injection treatments are usually indicated for repetitive strain injuries before any type of surgery.

Kevin Jon Lawson, MD

From what you say there is definitely something different and not right when your knee hurts frequently. You should seek care with a sports med or orthopedic specialist. You may have a correctable injury or a condition requiring modification of your activities.
Sincerely,
Kevin Jon Lawson MD

In addition to ice and rest, several days of ibuprofen dosed for his age may help. Then gradual return to activity and possible physical therapy can help recover function. Occasionally, a plica will require surgical resection arthroscopically, but simple measures should be pursed first.

Kevin Jon Lawson, MD

Spondylolysis is a bone defect related to a single very high load injury or over use repetitive injury in a teenager. The symptoms you are describing are unlikely to be related to that particular diagnosis. If you are not getting better with some rest from the soccer quickly then you should seek medical attention.
Kevin Jon Lawson MD

The answer depends on the magnitude. Small malalignments less that 20 degrees are unlikely to change much as an adult. However, there is strong evidence that curves greater than 50-60 degrees will progress on average 1 degree per year. Ask your treating provider what the measurements are. If it is 40 degrees or more, talking to a spine surgeon who treats deformities would be appropriate. You might not need anything done for a long time, but your curve should be monitored and so you have it fully documented.

Kevin Jon Lawson, MD

The general principle is that pain following trauma should trend down or decrease with time if the body can heal the injury naturally. Pain that increases over time is concerning that the injury involves a structure that has been damaged beyond the joints healing capabilities. So, I would definitely recommend evaluation with a musculoskeletal specialist - sports med, ortho or physical med and rehab specialist concerning your elbow.

Kevin Jon Lawson, MD