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St. John's orthopedic physicians specialize in diagnosing, treating and preventing injuries and diseases of the body's musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles.

Common conditions that are treated include:

• Fractures and dislocations
• Torn ligaments, sprains and strains
• Back conditions including ruptured disks, sciatica and lower back pain
• Arthritis and osteoporosis
• Bone tumors
• Muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy

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MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is one of the most accurate methods of diagnostic imaging, allowing the physician to look inside the body from any angle. Using MRI, doctors can identify torn muscles, ligaments and cartilage as well as herniated disks.

Bone scans are used to check for several possible diagnoses. A bone density scan can determine the density of the bone to diagnosis osteoporosis. A second type of bone scan will identify areas with unusually active bone formation to locate stress fractures or arthritis.

A CT Scan produces cross-sectional images of selected body parts, giving physicians an unobstructed look at bones and joint structures not seen clearly on conventional X-rays. St. John's Diagnostic Centers, at St. John's Regional Medical Center and St. John's Pleasant Valley Hospital, have 16-slice CT scanning available. This revolutionary technology increases the speed and image resolution, allowing doctors to see fine anatomical details that could not previously be seen without surgery.

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Depending on the location and type of injury, you may be recommended to exercise and undergo physical therapy to help alleviate discomfort and restore range of motion and independent functioning. You may also be prescribed prescription medications to help treat orthopedic conditions and prevent the onset of osteoporosis.

Except for total knee and hip replacements, many orthopedic surgeries are performed arthroscopically by making small incisions and using a camera to guide the surgeon in repairing torn ligaments, muscle, and cartilage.

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A leading surgery called Kyphoplasty, performed at St. John's Regional Medical Center and St. John's Pleasant Valley Hospital, treats compression fractures caused by osteoporosis in elderly patients. During this minimally invasive procedure, the orthopedic surgeon inserts and inflates a balloon into the fractured vertebrae. A cement-like material is injected directly into the bone to stabilize the fracture.

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After orthopedic surgery, patients will require varying levels of rehabilitation. Many can return home and go to outpatient centers for physical and occupational therapy. Other patients may require more extensive rehabilitation or may not have anyone at home who can help care for them.

St. John's Rehabilitation Center, a 23-bed unit located at St. John's Regional Medical Center in Oxnard, is the only acute care rehab center in west Ventura County. The Rehabilitation Center's team of physical and occupational therapists work together to evaluate each patient's needs, establish treatment goals, and coordinate an optimum treatment program.

Jogging, biking, and climbing stairs are all ordinary activities that people everywhere perform every day. Although they are common movements, we rarely think about the bones and joints used to perform them. It isn't until injury, strain, or discomfort occur that you realize how crucial these body parts are to keeping your body in motion.

St. John's Outpatient Therapy Centers are located in Camarillo, Oxnard, and Port Hueneme.

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For more information about St. John's orthopedic and physical therapy services, call (805) 389-5153 .

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