Welcome to the Patient Education Library of Tucson Orthopaedic Institute
We invite you to explore our comprehensive list of resources and educational materials designed to inform you about any orthopaedic condition you may face, or treatment you may undergo. To view the topics, hover your mouse over the appropriate body part and click. Choose the body part, then click on the topic on the right to see the video or read more about the condition/treatment.
This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation, examination, or the medical advice of your physician. This information should not be relied upon to determine a diagnosis or course of treatment.
Ankle
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Ankle Fractures
Also known as a broken ankle, ankle fractures refer to a break in one or more bones that make up the ankle joint. Fractures in the ankle can range from less serious avulsion injuries (a fragment of the bone is pulled away) to severe fractures, which may involve shattering-type breaks of the tibia, fibula, or both.
See More
Back
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Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition characterized by curvature of the spine. It usually occurs during growth spurt years, just before the puberty.
See More -
Sciatica
Sciatica refers to pain felt in the lower extremity resulting from irritation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body, running from each side of the lower spine down the back of each leg.
See More -
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Lumbar spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spaces within the lumbar spine (lower back). It's the most common form of spinal stenosis.
See More -
Low Back Pain
The low back pain is a common complaint experienced by almost everyone at some point. The pain is felt in the lumbar region, the area that starts below the ribcage. The pain can be mild to severe and may last for days to months.
See More -
Herniated Disk
A herniated disk is a medical condition that involves the disks between the individual bones (vertebrae) that make up the spine. A disk is like a jelly donut. It has a softer center encased in a tougher exterior comprised of connective tissues. A disk can be found between each pair of vertebrae. They are responsible for absorbing shock and providing flexibility within the spine.
See More -
Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve)
Cervical radiculopathy is a medical condition characterized by pain and/or neurological symptoms following a condition that irritates or compresses a nerve in the cervical spine (neck).
See More -
Cerival Spondylosis (arthritis of the neck)
Cervical spondylosis is a common age-related condition affecting the joints and discs of the neck. Also known as arthritis of the neck, cervical spondylosis affects over 85 percent of adults age 60 and above.
See More
Elbow
-
Tennis Elbow
Also known as lateral epicondylitis, tennis elbow is a condition that occurs when the tendons of the elbows are overused. It's a painful condition that usually occurs as a result of repetitive motions of the wrist and the arm.
See More -
Osteoarthritis of the Elbow
There are two types of elbow osteoarthritis: the primary and the post-traumatic osteoarthritis. In primary elbow osteoarthritis, the degenerative changes in the joint occur without a specific cause. It's different with the post-traumatic type wherein arthritis occurs as a result of injury, which may have happened years ago.
See More -
Elbow Fracture
An elbow fracture or a broken elbow is a common injury in both adults and children. It may occur as a result of overuse (a common cause among athletes), high-energy trauma such as a motorcycle collision, a sideswipe injury, or any other direct injury to the elbow, shoulder, hand, or wrist.
See More
Foot
-
Bursitis
Bursitis is the inflammation of the fluid-filled sac called bursa. This sac cushions the area between tissues such as bones and tendons, reducing the friction between the moving parts of the body.
See More -
Bunions
A bunion is a bony, often painful bump that develops at the base of the big toe. Also known as hallux valgus, bunions often develop slowly.
See More
Hand
-
Trigger Finger
Trigger finger, which is also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a painful condition in which the finger gets stuck in a bent position. It occurs when an inflammation narrows the space within the sheath (the tissue that covers the tendon) that surrounds the tendon of the affected finger.
See More -
Thumb Fracture
A thumb fracture is a common injury that happens when the bones of the thumb break. The break can happen in either of the two bones of the thumb.
See More -
Hand Fracture
The 27 bones of the hand serve as its framework, supporting the muscles that make the fingers and wrist move. When one of these bones is broken or fractured, it can be hard for one to use his/her hand, wrist, and fingers.
See More -
Fingertip Injuries
Fingertip injuries are one of the most common injuries of the hand. This can be a crushing injury, tearing injury, a sharp cut, or a combination of these.
See More -
Finger Fracture
A broken or fractured finger can occur when any of the phalanges (the bones in the fingers) break. This is usually brought by a hand injury, which can be a result of a fall, slamming the fingers in a door, or carelessness in using tools like drills and power saws.
See More -
Carpal Tunnel
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that can cause numbness, tingling sensation, weakness, and other symptoms in the hand. It occurs when the median nerve, one of the major nerves to the hand, is compressed or squeezed. This can be a result of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, pregnancy, and repetitive movements of the same hand especially if the wrist is bent.
See More
Head
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Concussions
A concussion is a type of temporary brain injury that results in temporary loss of normal brain function. In many cases, people who suffer from a concussion don't show external signs of head trauma. And in many cases, those who suffer from this brain injury never lose consciousness.
See More
Hip
-
Snapping Hip Syndrome
A snapping hip syndrome (also known as the dancer's hip) is a condition in which one hears a snapping sound or feels a snapping sensation in the hip when one walks, runs, or moves the legs around.
See More -
Pelvic Fracture
A pelvic fracture is a break in the bony structure of the pelvis. This includes the hip bone, sacrum, and coccyx. A fracture in the pelvis can either be stable or unstable, depending on the extent of hip damage.
See More -
Osteoarthritis of the Hip
Arthritis is a general term used to pertain to joint inflammation. It's a condition that causes pain and swelling in the body's joints.
See More -
Hip Fracture
A hip fracture is a break in the bones of the hip. While anyone can suffer from a hip fracture, older people are at higher risk due to the weakening of the bones as a result of aging. Couple that with poor vision, balance problems, and taking multiple medications, older people are more likely to trip and fall, the most common cause of hip fractures.
See More -
Hip Dislocation
A hip dislocation occurs when the ball-shaped head of the thigh bone moves out of its socket in the pelvis. It's a serious medical injury that requires immediate treatment.
See More -
Broken Hip
A broken hip or hip fracture refers to a break in the upper quarter of the thigh bone. It's a serious injury that can lead to life-threatening complications.
See More
Knee
-
Meniscus Tear
A meniscus tear is a common knee injury. The meniscus refers to the rubbery, C-shaped disc the provides cushion between the thigh and shin bones. Each knee joint has two menisci.
See More
Neck
-
Neck Sprain
Neck sprain happens when one or more of the neck muscles, tendons, or ligaments of the neck are injured. It occurs when the fibers in a neck muscle or tendon are stretched out too far and torn. It can occur without any obvious injury but at times, can be caused by a sudden impact with an object. An example of it is a whiplash injury, a type of neck injury that can occur when the head suddenly moves backward and then forward
See More -
Neck Pain
Neck or cervical pain is a common medical complaint. It is not a condition in itself but rather, a symptom of an underlying health problem. It can be due to straining from poor posture, degenerative disease, and other abnormalities in the soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, and nerves) and in the bones and disks of the spine.
See More -
Broken Neck
A broken neck (also known as a neck fracture) refers to a break or fracture on one of the seven cervical vertebrae between the skull and the upper back and shoulders. It's a potentially serious condition as the spinal cord passes through this region and any damage to the spinal cord can result in permanent disability.
See More
Shoulder
-
Throwing Injury
Throwing injuries are common in athletes who participate in sports that often require repetitive overhead throwing. These include baseball, volleyball, tennis, and track and field.
See More -
Shoulder Sprain
A shoulder sprain occurs when the shoulder ligaments are torn. Ligaments are the fibrous connective tissues that connect the four bones that are important to the shoulders function. These bones are the triangular shoulder blade, the bony knob at the top of the scapula, the collarbone (also known as the clavicle), and the breastbone (also known as the sternum).
See More -
Shoulder Separation
Shoulder separation is not really an injury to the shoulder joint. It is a condition that involves the acromioclavicular joint (also known as the AC joint), the joint at the top of the shoulder.
See More -
Rotator Cuff Tear
A rotator cuff tear is a common injury especially in sports. It's one of the most common causes of disability and pain among adults. In fact, in 2013, over 2 million adults in the United States sought medical help for their rotator cuff tear.
See More -
Frozen Shoulder
A frozen shoulder is a common shoulder condition that causes the shoulder to stiffen, making it very hard to move. Also known as adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder affects about 2 percent of the general population. It commonly affects people between the ages 40 and 60 and occurs more in women than in men.
See More -
Elbow Dislocation
Elbow dislocation is a common joint dislocation, second to the shoulder. It occurs when the bones of the forearm (also known as the radius and the ulna) move out of place compared with the bone of the upper arm (also known as the humerus).
See More -
Dislocated Shoulder
As the body's most mobile joint, the shoulder joint can be turned in different directions. However, it's also its mobility that makes it more susceptible to injuries like dislocation.
See More -
Clavicle Fracture
A clavicle fracture (also known as a broken collarbone) is a common shoulder injury. It accounts for about 5 to 10 percent of fractures in adults. It can be very painful and can make it difficult for a person to move his/her hand.
See More -
Chronic shoulder instability
The shoulder is the most mobile joint of the body. Instability to this joint can happen when the head of the upper arm bone is forced out of the shoulder socket.
See More -
Arthritis of the shoulder
Shoulder arthritis is a debilitating condition, making it difficult to do activities like throwing a ball or lifting an object from a high cupboard.
See More
Wrist
-
Wrist Sprains
A sprain refers to an injury to a ligament. Ligaments are bands of tough elastic tissue surrounding the joints. They play an important role in the musculoskeletal system. They provide joint support and connect one bone to another.
See More -
Wrist Cyst
A ganglion cyst is the most common lump that develops along the tendons or joints of the wrist or hand. This benign (noncancerous) lump, which may also occur in the ankles and feet, is usually round or oval and filled with a jelly-like fluid.
See More -
Ulnar Tunnel Syndrome
Ulnar tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects the wrist. It occurs when the ulnar nerve is compressed.
See More -
Broken Wrist
A broken wrist refers to a break or crack in one or more of the bones of the wrist or hand. Also known as distal radius fracture, a broken wrist is a common hand injury. In fact, in the United States, 1 out of 10 broken bones is a broken wrist.
See More -
Arthritis of the Wrist
Arthritis of the wrist is a condition that affects various tissues of the wrist joint. It may be a short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) inflammation in the joint and its surrounding tissues.
See More
Ankle
-
Ankle Fractures
Also known as a broken ankle, ankle fractures refer to a break in one or more bones that make up the ankle joint. Fractures in the ankle can range from less serious avulsion injuries (a fragment of the bone is pulled away) to severe fractures, which may involve shattering-type breaks of the tibia, fibula, or both.
See More
Back
-
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition characterized by curvature of the spine. It usually occurs during growth spurt years, just before the puberty.
See More -
Sciatica
Sciatica refers to pain felt in the lower extremity resulting from irritation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body, running from each side of the lower spine down the back of each leg.
See More -
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Lumbar spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spaces within the lumbar spine (lower back). It's the most common form of spinal stenosis.
See More -
Low Back Pain
The low back pain is a common complaint experienced by almost everyone at some point. The pain is felt in the lumbar region, the area that starts below the ribcage. The pain can be mild to severe and may last for days to months.
See More -
Herniated Disk
A herniated disk is a medical condition that involves the disks between the individual bones (vertebrae) that make up the spine. A disk is like a jelly donut. It has a softer center encased in a tougher exterior comprised of connective tissues. A disk can be found between each pair of vertebrae. They are responsible for absorbing shock and providing flexibility within the spine.
See More -
Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve)
Cervical radiculopathy is a medical condition characterized by pain and/or neurological symptoms following a condition that irritates or compresses a nerve in the cervical spine (neck).
See More -
Cerival Spondylosis (arthritis of the neck)
Cervical spondylosis is a common age-related condition affecting the joints and discs of the neck. Also known as arthritis of the neck, cervical spondylosis affects over 85 percent of adults age 60 and above.
See More
Elbow
-
Tennis Elbow
Also known as lateral epicondylitis, tennis elbow is a condition that occurs when the tendons of the elbows are overused. It's a painful condition that usually occurs as a result of repetitive motions of the wrist and the arm.
See More -
Osteoarthritis of the Elbow
There are two types of elbow osteoarthritis: the primary and the post-traumatic osteoarthritis. In primary elbow osteoarthritis, the degenerative changes in the joint occur without a specific cause. It's different with the post-traumatic type wherein arthritis occurs as a result of injury, which may have happened years ago.
See More -
Elbow Fracture
An elbow fracture or a broken elbow is a common injury in both adults and children. It may occur as a result of overuse (a common cause among athletes), high-energy trauma such as a motorcycle collision, a sideswipe injury, or any other direct injury to the elbow, shoulder, hand, or wrist.
See More
Foot
-
Bursitis
Bursitis is the inflammation of the fluid-filled sac called bursa. This sac cushions the area between tissues such as bones and tendons, reducing the friction between the moving parts of the body.
See More -
Bunions
A bunion is a bony, often painful bump that develops at the base of the big toe. Also known as hallux valgus, bunions often develop slowly.
See More
Hand
-
Trigger Finger
Trigger finger, which is also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a painful condition in which the finger gets stuck in a bent position. It occurs when an inflammation narrows the space within the sheath (the tissue that covers the tendon) that surrounds the tendon of the affected finger.
See More -
Thumb Fracture
A thumb fracture is a common injury that happens when the bones of the thumb break. The break can happen in either of the two bones of the thumb.
See More -
Hand Fracture
The 27 bones of the hand serve as its framework, supporting the muscles that make the fingers and wrist move. When one of these bones is broken or fractured, it can be hard for one to use his/her hand, wrist, and fingers.
See More -
Fingertip Injuries
Fingertip injuries are one of the most common injuries of the hand. This can be a crushing injury, tearing injury, a sharp cut, or a combination of these.
See More -
Finger Fracture
A broken or fractured finger can occur when any of the phalanges (the bones in the fingers) break. This is usually brought by a hand injury, which can be a result of a fall, slamming the fingers in a door, or carelessness in using tools like drills and power saws.
See More -
Carpal Tunnel
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that can cause numbness, tingling sensation, weakness, and other symptoms in the hand. It occurs when the median nerve, one of the major nerves to the hand, is compressed or squeezed. This can be a result of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, pregnancy, and repetitive movements of the same hand especially if the wrist is bent.
See More
Head
-
Concussions
A concussion is a type of temporary brain injury that results in temporary loss of normal brain function. In many cases, people who suffer from a concussion don't show external signs of head trauma. And in many cases, those who suffer from this brain injury never lose consciousness.
See More
Hip
-
Snapping Hip Syndrome
A snapping hip syndrome (also known as the dancer's hip) is a condition in which one hears a snapping sound or feels a snapping sensation in the hip when one walks, runs, or moves the legs around.
See More -
Pelvic Fracture
A pelvic fracture is a break in the bony structure of the pelvis. This includes the hip bone, sacrum, and coccyx. A fracture in the pelvis can either be stable or unstable, depending on the extent of hip damage.
See More -
Osteoarthritis of the Hip
Arthritis is a general term used to pertain to joint inflammation. It's a condition that causes pain and swelling in the body's joints.
See More -
Hip Fracture
A hip fracture is a break in the bones of the hip. While anyone can suffer from a hip fracture, older people are at higher risk due to the weakening of the bones as a result of aging. Couple that with poor vision, balance problems, and taking multiple medications, older people are more likely to trip and fall, the most common cause of hip fractures.
See More -
Hip Dislocation
A hip dislocation occurs when the ball-shaped head of the thigh bone moves out of its socket in the pelvis. It's a serious medical injury that requires immediate treatment.
See More -
Broken Hip
A broken hip or hip fracture refers to a break in the upper quarter of the thigh bone. It's a serious injury that can lead to life-threatening complications.
See More
Knee
-
Meniscus Tear
A meniscus tear is a common knee injury. The meniscus refers to the rubbery, C-shaped disc the provides cushion between the thigh and shin bones. Each knee joint has two menisci.
See More
Neck
-
Neck Sprain
Neck sprain happens when one or more of the neck muscles, tendons, or ligaments of the neck are injured. It occurs when the fibers in a neck muscle or tendon are stretched out too far and torn. It can occur without any obvious injury but at times, can be caused by a sudden impact with an object. An example of it is a whiplash injury, a type of neck injury that can occur when the head suddenly moves backward and then forward
See More -
Neck Pain
Neck or cervical pain is a common medical complaint. It is not a condition in itself but rather, a symptom of an underlying health problem. It can be due to straining from poor posture, degenerative disease, and other abnormalities in the soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, and nerves) and in the bones and disks of the spine.
See More -
Broken Neck
A broken neck (also known as a neck fracture) refers to a break or fracture on one of the seven cervical vertebrae between the skull and the upper back and shoulders. It's a potentially serious condition as the spinal cord passes through this region and any damage to the spinal cord can result in permanent disability.
See More
Shoulder
-
Throwing Injury
Throwing injuries are common in athletes who participate in sports that often require repetitive overhead throwing. These include baseball, volleyball, tennis, and track and field.
See More -
Shoulder Sprain
A shoulder sprain occurs when the shoulder ligaments are torn. Ligaments are the fibrous connective tissues that connect the four bones that are important to the shoulders function. These bones are the triangular shoulder blade, the bony knob at the top of the scapula, the collarbone (also known as the clavicle), and the breastbone (also known as the sternum).
See More -
Shoulder Separation
Shoulder separation is not really an injury to the shoulder joint. It is a condition that involves the acromioclavicular joint (also known as the AC joint), the joint at the top of the shoulder.
See More -
Rotator Cuff Tear
A rotator cuff tear is a common injury especially in sports. It's one of the most common causes of disability and pain among adults. In fact, in 2013, over 2 million adults in the United States sought medical help for their rotator cuff tear.
See More -
Frozen Shoulder
A frozen shoulder is a common shoulder condition that causes the shoulder to stiffen, making it very hard to move. Also known as adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder affects about 2 percent of the general population. It commonly affects people between the ages 40 and 60 and occurs more in women than in men.
See More -
Elbow Dislocation
Elbow dislocation is a common joint dislocation, second to the shoulder. It occurs when the bones of the forearm (also known as the radius and the ulna) move out of place compared with the bone of the upper arm (also known as the humerus).
See More -
Dislocated Shoulder
As the body's most mobile joint, the shoulder joint can be turned in different directions. However, it's also its mobility that makes it more susceptible to injuries like dislocation.
See More -
Clavicle Fracture
A clavicle fracture (also known as a broken collarbone) is a common shoulder injury. It accounts for about 5 to 10 percent of fractures in adults. It can be very painful and can make it difficult for a person to move his/her hand.
See More -
Chronic shoulder instability
The shoulder is the most mobile joint of the body. Instability to this joint can happen when the head of the upper arm bone is forced out of the shoulder socket.
See More -
Arthritis of the shoulder
Shoulder arthritis is a debilitating condition, making it difficult to do activities like throwing a ball or lifting an object from a high cupboard.
See More
Wrist
-
Wrist Sprains
A sprain refers to an injury to a ligament. Ligaments are bands of tough elastic tissue surrounding the joints. They play an important role in the musculoskeletal system. They provide joint support and connect one bone to another.
See More -
Wrist Cyst
A ganglion cyst is the most common lump that develops along the tendons or joints of the wrist or hand. This benign (noncancerous) lump, which may also occur in the ankles and feet, is usually round or oval and filled with a jelly-like fluid.
See More -
Ulnar Tunnel Syndrome
Ulnar tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects the wrist. It occurs when the ulnar nerve is compressed.
See More -
Broken Wrist
A broken wrist refers to a break or crack in one or more of the bones of the wrist or hand. Also known as distal radius fracture, a broken wrist is a common hand injury. In fact, in the United States, 1 out of 10 broken bones is a broken wrist.
See More -
Arthritis of the Wrist
Arthritis of the wrist is a condition that affects various tissues of the wrist joint. It may be a short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) inflammation in the joint and its surrounding tissues.
See More
Patient Education Library
Ankle
Back
Head
Hip
Knee
Shoulder
Resources
At Tucson Orthopaedic Institute, we want you to feel equipped to take control of your treatment and care. Our team has prepared detailed tools and resources to assist you in your return to good health. Our resources will continue to grow and be available for you to use before, during and after your visit.
TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT
Below are some instructional videos you can use for how to get around using a walker.
Learn how to maneuver from the sitting position to a standing position using a walker.
Learn how to go from a standing position to a seated position using a walker.
Learn the step by step process of how to properly use a walker.
Learn how to properly elevate and ice you new joint after a surgery.
Learn step by step instructions on how to elevate your own surgical leg allowing someone to put pillows or quilts beneath.
Step by step instructions on getting into a car using a walker.
The video will review how to get out of a car using a walker.
A detailed step-by-step video of how to go up the stairs using a walker.
Some helpful tips on making your way down stairs using a walker.
How to go up a curb using a walker.
How to easily go down a curb using a walker.
HIP AND KNEE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM
CLICK HERE to download a brochure on your Total Joint Replacement procedure. Â This will cover topics such as:
- Where your surgery will be performed
- Getting your home ready
- Scheduling your physical therapy
- What to bring the day of surgery
- What to expect the day of surgery
- Post-operative care
- Dressing and showering
- Pain control
- Common complaints and recommendations
- and more!