Kyphosis is a spinal disorder in which an excessively curved spine results in an abnormal rounding of the upper back. A normal spine, when viewed from the side, is not a straight line. The thoracic portion of the spine has a normal forward curvature with a range of 20 to 50 degrees. The forward curvature of the spine is matched by reverse curvatures (called “sway”) in the neck (cervical spine) and lower back (lumbar spine), and this combination of forward and reverse curves allows people to sit and stand. The term “kyphosis,” drawn from the Greek term “kyphos” meaning “hump”, most commonly refers to excess curvature - greater than 50 degrees - of the upper back. Kyphosis can be identified in those with a noticeable, stooped-forward posture.

At MidAmerica Orthopaedics, we are committed to providing the highest quality personal care for all of our patients. Our Orthopaedic Immediate Care facility offers timely diagnosis and cost-effective treatment for acute orthopaedic injuries. Why choose our immediate care facility over a visit to the ER or traditional immediate care facilities? We’ve listed the reasons below to help you decide for yourself or a loved one.

With the cost of workers’ compensation claims continuously on the rise, employers have an important decision to make: where do I send my employees when an injury occurs? In this blog, we will compare the benefits of seeking Direct to Specialist care versus the standard approach to managing injured employees.

Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which a bone in the back, called a “vertebra,” slides forward over the bone below it. This condition, Treatable at MidAmerica’s Palos Hills and Mokena clinics, most often occurs in the lumbar spine, or lower back, and can result in nerve root damage leading to back pain, numbness, weakness in the legs, or in some rare cases, loss of control over bladder and bowels. Occasionally, this condition may exhibit no symptoms at all.

Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease (LCPD) is a hip disorder caused by a disruption of blood flow to the femoral head. Lack of an adequate blood supply causes the head of the femur to die. This condition is rare and affects only children. This condition is rare and affects only children and is treatable at MidAmerica’s Pediatric Clinics located in Palos Hills and Mokena.

Avascular necrosis, or osteonecrosis, is a condition where bone tissue dies from lack of blood supply. Without enough blood, small breaks begin to form in the bone and potentially cause disintegration. While anyone can develop this condition, it typically occurs in middle-aged adults between the ages of thirty and sixty. If treated early enough at MidAmerica’s Palos Hills or Mokena clinics, further bone damage can usually be minimized through home treatment and therapy; surgery is a last resort. (Mayo Clinic)

While most people who have hip dysplasia are born with the condition, it is possible to develop later in life. In most cases, patients of hip dysplasia experience relief after a few months of at-home treatment and therapy.

Causes, Symptoms, & Risk Factors

Hip dysplasia is most commonly a result of the ball joint of the hip being moved out of place while in the womb. Even during the early stages of development, the ball and the socket rely on each other in order to form correctly. During the final trimester, the womb may become so cramped that the ball joint shifts from the socket, causing dysplasia. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons)

Thus far, we’ve discussed Rotator Cuff Tears and knee injuries, but the knee and elbow aren’t the only joints vulnerable to injury for baseball players. The elbow is also commonly subject to distress, especially when it comes to throwing athletes, such as pitchers and infielders. Elbow injuries typically result from repeated, high-stress motion, which leads to overuse of the joint and can be very painful. Luckily, this condition is treatable at MidAmerica’s Sports Medicine Clinic located in Palos Hills and Mokena.