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Summer Shootout Barrel Racing at OKC
Summer Shootout Barrel Racing beckons all horse lovers to the Oklahoma City State Fair Park from the 19th to the 21st of August, 2011. The event will be held from 8 AM to 8 PM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the State Fair Arena and SuperBarn. It is sure to be a weekend of fun, and Oklahoma City is full of natural and urban attractions not least of which is the Bricktown entertainment district. Hotels at Bricktown offer you affordable hospitality, beckoning one and all.
Cost-effective but Unforgettable Hospitality
With the cost-effective packages offered by hotels in Bricktown, you can expect comprehensive features to make each day a memorable one, right from the creature comforts at the rooms to the 24-hour shuttle services that chauffeur you to your destination and also take you through the many must-visit attractions of the city. Here’s what you can expect:
Exquisitely comfortable mattresses
Free high speed wireless Internet
Complimentary breakfast
Stainless steel fridges & microwaves
Personal voicemail
Complimentary shuttle service
Business center
Iron & ironing boards
Coffee makers
Digital cable TV
Hair-dryers
Working desks with plug-ins
Extra pillows for comfort
Sensory & spa products
The rooms are exquisitely designed and the complimentary breakfast is sumptuous. Guess there’s nothing more you could ask for to have an unbelievably marvelous time at Oklahoma City.
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Loads of Fun at the OKC State Fair Park
The OKC State Fair is a hugely popular annual competition and entertainment extravaganza held at Oklahoma City every year at the State Fair Park. The 2011 OKC State Fair features live music, family-friendly and kids’ events, competitive events and lots more from the 15th to the 25th of September, 2011.
Non-stop Entertainment at the OKC State Fair
The Chesapeake Energy Stage features great entertainment with live bands, while Disney On Ice has entertainment for kids including the staging of Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 3 from the 15th to the 20th. You can experience the vibrancy of color during the 60th Annual Oklahoma State Fair Band Day as mid-high, junior and high school bands from around the state compete on September 19, 2011. Competitive events are conducted in the categories of Livestock/ FFA/ 4-H, Horse, Creative Arts, Wine Contest and Band Day Competition. There are plenty of other events taking place as well including a beauty contest, so please visit okstatefair.com for tickets (not all events require tickets) and more information.
Southern Hospitality Affordably
The hotels at Bricktown provide you with excellent hospitality to make any visit worth remembering and coming back to. Family-friendly Southern hospitality blends with world class service to offer guests a very memorable experience in an affordable manner. Enjoy features such as:
Exquisitely comfortable mattresses
Free high speed wireless Internet
Complimentary breakfast
Stainless steel fridges & microwaves
Personal voicemail
Complimentary shuttle service
Business center
Iron & ironing boards
Coffee makers
Digital cable TV
Hair-dryers
Working desks with plug-ins
Extra pillows for comfort
Sensory & spa products
With unforgettable hospitality and tons and fun, there’s nothing keeping you from checking out OKC.
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Oklahoma State Fair Is Waiting for You
From September 15 to 25, 2011 Oklahoma City will erupt with excitement and fun thanks to the Oklahoma State Fair. It is an annual event containing competitive and entertaining events at the OKC State Fair Park.
Great excitement in Store at Oklahoma State Fair
This year’s edition is no different, with competitive events in the Horse, Livestock/FFA/4-H, Wine Contest, Band Day Competition and Creative Arts classifications raising the competition fever. There are entertainment shows such as live music at the Chesapeake Energy Stage and the staging of the Disney Pixar Toy Story 3 from the 15th through the 20th of September. On the 19th, the 60th Annual Oklahoma State Fair Band Day will entertain with high school, mid-high and junior high school bands adding a splash of color. Many events are free while some have tickets. Visit okstatefair.com for more details.
More Than the State Fair to Entertain you – the Hospitality
It isn’t only the State Fair that will entertain you, but a host of other vibrant attractions Oklahoma City and its Bricktown entertainment district are known for. But you need affordable but fine hospitality to make your experience memorable. Hotels at Bricktown are known for their affordable but fine Southern hospitality. The experience is completed by comprehensive features such as:
Exquisitely comfortable mattresses
Free high speed wireless Internet
Complimentary breakfast
Stainless steel fridges & microwaves
Personal voicemail
Complimentary shuttle service
Business center
Iron & ironing boards
Coffee makers
Digital cable TV
Hair-dryers
Working desks with plug-ins
Extra pillows for comfort
Sensory & spa products
Oklahoma City beckons you to fun and more. And with great hospitality, you don’t need to think twice.
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Five New Strategies for Revenue Cycle Management
In the evolving healthcare landscape, hospitals and medical practices need new revenue cycle management (RCM) strategies. Choosing an experienced, technologically savvy medical billing service provider will ensure valuable support to optimize reimbursement. However, as the business of healthcare has become very complex, medical billing is no longer a simple administrative function. In a recent Beckers Hospital Review report, industry experts recommend specific new strategies to ensure that hospitals’ RCM efforts are focused and financially stable.
- Tracking claim denial rate: Following up on claims and denials is a critical aspect to enhance revenue generation. The claims tracking process involves reviewing accounts receivable (AR) and measuring the average number of days it takes to collect the payments due to the healthcare provider, and identifying patterns in payment by insurance companies. Automating key revenue cycle workflows, finding more efficient ways to submit clean claims, and improving collection efforts,and focusing on the appeals process can reduce days in AR and boost cash flow. In fact, AR management is an important element of the RCM solutions provided by medical billing companies.
- Review of chargemaster: Experts recommend that hospitals conduct a comprehensive review of their chargemaster and ensure price transparency for patients. This is an important requirement to prepare for the CMS’ price transparency rule coming into force Jan. 1, 2019. Under CMS’ annual Inpatient Prospective Payment System rule, hospitals need to publish a list of their standard charges online in order to help patients understand the cost of care and prepare for any out-of-pocket costs. CMS also requires providers to update that information every year. A recent report from the National Association of Healthcare Revenue Integrity, an expert recommends that hospitals take the following steps to prepare to post their chargesmaters online:
- Review existing state hospital pricing and price transparency requirements
- Review the chargemaster for consistent pricing
- Inform all stakeholders about the new requirements, including IT personnel responsible for the online posting of the chargemaster
- Fix a date for post the chargemaster
- Create customer service scripts to deal with patients’ questions about the chargemaster and pricing
- Price transparency is critical to boost patient satisfaction and collection of patient financial responsibility.
- Reduce operating room delays and last-minute cancellations:Operating rooms are a very costly area of hospital operations.Depending upon the complexity of the procedure, last-minute cancellations or delays can prove very costly for hospitals. When planned surgical procedures are cancelled, it leads to considerable loss of revenue and waste of resources,and also results in significant psychological, social and financial consequences for patients and their families.Experts say that, to improve financial performance, hospitals should review their OR operations for avoidable costs and focus on minimizing cancellations and delays in procedures.
Strategies to improve OR operations include focusing on same-day cancellations, on-time procedure starts, equipment availability and parallel processing to increase efficiency.
- Blocking OR time by the day rather than stints of hourly blocks
- Adjusting block times based on the balance between under- and overutilization of the OR
- Avoiding potential delays and gaps for missing equipment by assessing the risk of potential problems in advance
- Avoiding tardiness in the OR by starting cases on time
- Turnover time reductions:
However, as ORs differ considerably based on patient population, type of hospital and type of surgery and anesthesia, it is difficult to set universal benchmarks for all Ors.
- Using online estimator tools to help patients understand their potential out-of-pocket costs: In an era of regulation, high-deductible plans and increased patient responsibility for bills, using a customer-friendly online estimator can ensure that patients get the information they want. Experian’s price-estimator tool, for instance, calculates patients’ out-of-pocket cost based on the hospital’s chargemaster price, its claims history for providing that service, its contract terms with the patient’s insurer, and the patient’s benefit structure and deductible status. It also estimates out-of-pocket costs for self-pay patient. Using a price estimator tool can boost patient satisfaction and attract more patients. Experts advise that when using the tool, hospitals should also post a disclaimer with standard charges, so patients know that the price list they are viewing may not indicate their actual out-of-pocket costs.
- Include both clinical interactions and nonclinical interactions when considering net promoter scores: Net promoter scores reflect how likely patients are likely to recommend the organization to another person. Patient care involves both clinical and nonclinical support services. Even the best clinical services cannot be truly optimal without dedicated nonclinical and clinical-support staff.Experts recommend that hospitals include both clinical interactions and nonclinical interactions when considering net promoter scores. Healthcare providers need to use the same approach as retail businesses and tap into what the patient not only wants but also expects by examining how every nonclinical touchpoint is interacting with the patient. Net promotion scores will provide hospitals with a more accurate picture of patient satisfaction.
Medical billing is the core of healthcare RCM. The medical billing process is complex and difficult to manage, but with the right processes, proactive strategies, and the support of an experienced medical billing and coding company, providers canoptimize RCM and reduce days in accounts receivable.
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Thermo Scientific Indiko™ Plus Clinical and Specialty Chemistry System
A leading supplier of high-quality lab equipment, Block Scientific offers the Indiko™ Plus Clinical and Specialty Chemistry System from Thermo Scientific. This fully-automated random access benchtop system offers optimal operational excellence for clinical and specialty chemistry testing. A reliable, fully supported solution integrating analyzer, reagents and consumables, this system offers laboratories ease of use and time-saving automation to supports routine daily work. It is an ideal option for small and medium sized laboratories.
In addition to offering true operational reliability and walk-away convenience, this analyzer is self-contained with no need for external water or drainage connections, which makes it quick and easy to install.
Indiko™ Plus Analyzer – Reliable and User-friendly
The Indiko Plus is a flexible system with uncompromised level of performance. Three different sample racks are available for user convenience:
- Two 9-position racks can be adjusted for different aspiration heights and used for 0.5 and 2.0 ml cups and 5, 7 or 10 ml tubes
- The 18-position for non-barcoded 7 ml tubes can be used either for 0.5 and 2.0 ml cups or for non-barcoded 7 ml tubes
The system’s reagent disk can accommodate 42 reagents. Its unique, low-volume cuvette design guarantees small reagent volumes, minimal amount of reagent waste, and thus secure low reagent cost. As it enables users to work with disposable cuvettes, this analyzer helps lower the risk of contamination and shortens the time of analysis. The simple and clear user interface eases patient sample handling and also allows control of the reagent levels in real-time during work.
Key Features
- Minimal maintenance, maximized analyzer uptime
- Optimized, liquid system reagents
- Automated clot detection
- Built-in real-time QC program
- Automated real-time monitoring of the reagent usage and expiry date
- Ready-to-use, maintenance-free electrodes
- Bi-directional LIS connection
Specifications
Operating Principle: Fully automated, sample oriented, random access analyzer
- Capacity: photometric tests/hr: up to 350; ISE tests/hr: up to 135
- On-board capacity: up to 108 sample positions and 42 reagent positions
- Sample volume: 2 to 120μL
- Reagent volume: 2 to 240μL (1 to 4 reagent additions/test)
- Reaction volume: 120 to 300μL
- Incubator: 9 x 10-position single-use cuvettes, totally 90 cuvette positions
- Photometer: 12 filter positions
- Absorbance range: 0 to 3.5A
- Water consumption: 2.5L/hr.
- Workstation: separate PC
- Bi-directional LIS-connection
- Power consumption: 300w
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 27.6 x 37 x 24.4in. (70 x 94 x 62cm)
- Weight: 242 lb. (110kg)
Block Scientific offers the Thermo Scientific Indiko Plus, NEW, including Installation, Training, Validation, 1 year warranty, and Shipping.
Contact Us
To place an order for the Thermo Scientific Indiko™ Plus Clinical and Specialty Chemistry System or to check out other chemistry analyzers we offer, visit our online store – http://www.blockscientificstore.com. To contact us, call 631-589-1118 or send an email to info@blockscientific.com.
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Food Service Products
Aluminum Foil Sandwich Wrap – Silver
The Silver Aluminum Foil Sandwich Wrap is made of exclusive foil/paper lamination to retain heat, absorb steam and resist curl. Its honeycomb design creates air pockets for superior heat retention. The moisture-absorbing paper layer helps to keep food fresh.
Product Features
- Dimensions – 14 X 16
- Excellent deadfold capability
- Case: 1000
- Case Weight – 16#
Blue Foil Sheets – 10.5 in. x 13 inch
The Blue Foil Sheets are foil insulated wraps that come with a honeycomb design for superior heat retention, moisture/grease resistance and holding times. Their superior dead-fold design helps to hold the shape of the wrapped food items. A moisture-absorbing paper layer helps to maintain the freshness of crispy breads and buns longer.
Product Features
- Dimensions 10.5 in. x 13 inch
- Case Pack – 4@500
- Surpasses rigid clamshells in raw-material waste reduction and heat retention
D Vour Absorbent Powder
The D Vour Absorbent Powder absorbs and coagulates spilled liquids and bodily fluids, as well as eliminates all the repellent odors. D Vour deodorant powder, made of special polymer, ensures effective results in short time. When sprinkled lightly on liquid, the powder converts it into an odorless, semi-solid mass within seconds, enabling easy and fast clean-up. D Vour is the perfect choice for removing spills and unpleasant odors in restaurants, schools, healthcare facilities and grocery stores. Its quick absorbent formula sets spills of all free-flowing liquids, except oils and strong oxidizing materials such as acids.
Product Features
- Volume: 16 oz.
- Lemon fragrance
- Absorbs spills 100 times its weight
- Sets liquids and remove repulsive odors within seconds
- Weight: 7
- Pack: 6 cans per case
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Round Eye Supply
Conex Rolled Rim Graduated Medicine 1.25 oz. Clear Cup
Made of durable, crack-resistant polypropylene, Conex Rolled Rim Graduated Medicine cups are ideal for many diverse applications. These 1.25 oz. clear cups are suitable for dry and liquid medications, household, dining, and carryout applications. For dining, these Conex clear polypropylene cups can serve anything from small side dishes to salad dressing and whipped butter. For carryout, when coupled with a secure fitting clear lid, they safely transport side sauces such as ranch dressing, marinara, salsa, and more.
Features
- Covers all market needs
- Durable polypropylene construction
- Polypropylene increases product visibility
- Secure lid fit
- Rolled rim
- Lids Sold Separately
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Fresh, Fun Contemporary Area Rugs
Decorating with fresh, fun contemporary area rugs is a stylish and fantastic way to add a bright splash of color to the décor of any room. These area rugs can be the focal point of the room, giving the entire room an inviting, modern look.
Area Rugs in Contemporary Style to Fit Any Room Décor
From the vast selections of area rugs available in the market, you can select those that are perfect for your purpose. Nowadays, contemporary area rugs can easily and harmoniously fit into any room of your home, including doorways, bedrooms, family rooms, kid’s rooms and kitchens. Machine-made or hand-knotted museum pieces, big or small rugs, square or round rugs, discrete or fun rugs, you can find these in a variety of different styles and patterns for every walk of life – from the leading name brands you know and love. To brighten your kid’s room, you can find rugs detailed with bright, fun designs in attractive colors.
Fine Choice of Materials and Colors
A variety of rugs ranging from those made from traditional materials to multi-functional area rugs can be found in a variety of striking colors and at all price points. Wool, cotton, polypropylene, faux silk, and olefin are just a few of the materials that work well with striking and trendy contemporary touches. One can also avail of these in sizes such as 6’x 9′, 4’x 6′, 8’x 10′, 9’x12′, and 10’x14′. While making a choice, you have to take into account factors such as the size of the room, the feel you want to create, and more.
Purchasing online is considered the most cost-effective way to find high quality and durable contemporary area rugs. You will find hundreds of online vendors offering the finest quality area rugs in contemporary designs. Whether you need looped, shag, woven, or outdoor rugs – all can be purchased online in just a few minutes.
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Floral Area Rugs - Add a Warm Welcome
Use floral area rugs to add a warm welcome to your home or office space. It is a good choice for those who want to beautify their homes in a creative and cost-effective manner. By decorating with floral area rugs, you can bring the beauty of nature into your home.
Wide Selections, Great Choices
Apart from protecting high-traffic areas like hallways or sitting areas, these are sure to bring a touch of elegance to your interiors in entryways, guest room, dining room, bed room, kitchen, or any other place where you would like to add brightness and charm. In today’s market, floral area rugs in all modes, from traditional to modern in a variety of sizes ranging from small sized 4’x 6′ to large to 10’x 14′ and every size in-between. These also come in a variety of styles, designs, shapes, and vivid colors to liven up a household.
Online floor covering stores offer a wide variety of new and striking floral rugs in fresh patterns and designs, including begonia, cala lily, orchid, sunflower, tulip, and more. Machine-made rugs, hand-knotted museum pieces, big or small rugs, and square or round floral rugs from leading brand names are available in the stores. Area rugs in floral designs made from polypropylene, silk, or wool can be purchased.
Floral Rug Options
As it can list the prices, styles, and sizes of branded collections, online shopping is considered the best and cost-effective way to shop for these products. Most of the online vendors who are engaged in providing exceptionally beautiful rugs, offer a fine line of floral area rugs that are chosen to complement any decor.
Always take your time when making a choice. A good dealer can provide customers with a great selection of floral rugs, superior product knowledge, excellent service and expert installation – all at reasonable rates.
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Medical Coding for Skin Biopsies - Use the Correct CPT Codes
Biopsies are used to obtain a sample of your tissue or cells for diagnostic histopathologic examination performed independently or unrelated/distinct from other procedures/services. The removal of tissue or cells for analysis is called a biopsy. A skin biopsy is a procedure in which a physician cuts and removes small samples of skin or cells from the surface of your body to get it tested. The sample obtained from a skin biopsy is further examined to diagnose certain skin conditions such as skin tumors, infections and other types of growth or skin conditions. A biopsy of a lesion of the skin can help physicians report the difference between a skin cancer and a benign or noncancerous lesion. The skin sample obtained during a biopsy is further sent for laboratory analysis under a microscope.Dermatology medical coding involves several difficult aspects for coders to memorize unique termsrelated to sizing wounds and lesions. As skin procedure codes take into account the type of removal, the size and location of the lesion (such as length, depth, width, and circumference), the provider’s intent and pathologic results, documenting the service and selecting the right medical codes can be confusing. Outsourcing the task to a reliable and experienced medical billing and coding company is a feasible strategy that helps physicians simplify their documentation process. Coders must be familiar with terminology related to benign and malignant masses along with actions such as shaving, destruction, and performing biopsies.
Why Is a Skin Lesion Biopsy Done?
Generally, a skin biopsy is performed to determine the cause of a growth, sore or rash and could include –
- Skin cancer including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma
- Rashes or blistering skin conditions
- Pre-cancerous cells
- Non-cancerous growths
- Chronic bacterial or fungal skin infection
- Changing moles
- Actinic keratosis
- Warts
The potential risk factors associated with this procedure include – excessive bleeding from the biopsy site, pain, skin infections, local reaction to the anesthetic, scarring and other healing problems.
Types of Skin Biopsies
There are four main types of skin biopsies which include –
- Shave biopsy – Physicians will remove only a small section of the top layers of skin (epidermis and a portion of the dermis) using a special razor blade or scalpel.
- Punch biopsy – Physicians use a circular tool to remove a small section of skin including deeper layers (epidermis, dermis and superficial fat).
- Excisional biopsy – This type is used to remove the entire lesion/abnormal skin, including a portion of normal skin down to or through the fatty layer of skin.
- Incisional biopsy – This is used to remove a small part of a larger lesion.
After the biopsy, the wound will be covered with gauze and other bandaging. Patients will be able to go home once the sample has been taken.
Undergoing Skin Biopsy – Preparations Required
Generally performed in the doctor’s office, patients undergoing skin biopsy will be asked to change into a hospital gown so that the area of suspect skin can be more easily seen and removed. Before undergoing the procedure, patients must disclose information about – current medicines consumed (including over-the-counter drugs, street drugs, or herbal or nutritional supplements), any allergies/reactions to medications (especially to local anesthetics, such as lidocaine or novocaine, or to iodine cleaning solutions, such as Betadine), pregnancy and bleeding problems if any.
The physician will first cleanse the biopsy site (with a sterile soap solution) and then numb the skin by using a local anesthetic (pain-relieving) injection, usually lidocaine. Patients will experience a brief prick and stinging sensation as and when the medicine is injected. After the skin is numb, the physicianwill perform the biopsy and the tissue will be removed. The removed portion of tissue will be sent to the laboratory for analysis by a pathologist. After the procedure, the wound will be covered with gauze and other bandaging. A skin biopsy typically takes about 15-20 minutes, including the preparation time, dressing the wound and instructions for at-home care.
CPT Codes for Skin Biopsies
Dermatology medical codinginvolves the use of specific CPT codes to document different types of skin biopsies. The CPT codes for skin biopsies include –
For the first biopsy, submit code 11100 – Biopsy of skin, subcutaneous tissue and/or mucous membrane [including simple closure], unless otherwise listed; single lesion). For each separate biopsy after the first one, use the add-on code 11101 – Biopsy of skin, subcutaneous tissue and/or mucous membrane [including simple closure], unless otherwise listed separate procedure; each separate/additional lesion [List separately in addition to the code for primary procedure].
For instance, if three lesions are biopsied, codes 11100, 11101 and 11101 should be submitted. If skin biopsy is performed more than the maximum number of times, it is important to submit supporting documentation to avoid denials. If the removal is simply for diagnosis, the procedure is coded as a biopsy. If the entire lesion is removed, the excision codes should be used.
The new CPT codes that range from 11102 – 11107 are reported on the basis of method of removal, which offers greater specificity. The new CPT codes are as follows –
- 11102 – Tangential biopsy of skin (e.g., shave, scoop, saucerize, curette) single lesion
- +11103 – Each separate/additional lesion (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
- 11104 – Punch biopsy of skin (including simple closure, when performed) single lesion
- +11105 – Each separate/additional lesion (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure
- 11106 – Incisional biopsy of skin (including simple closure, when performed) single lesion
- +11107 – Each separate/additional lesion (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure
Prior to the above new CPT codes, biopsies were reported with CPT code 11100 for the first lesion and 11101 for each additional lesion biopsied regardless of method of removal. However, the new biopsy codes are reported based on method of removal including –
- Tangential biopsy (Codes – 11102 and 11103)
Tangential biopsy includes removal via shave, scoop, saucerization or curette. The procedure is performed with a sharp blade like a flexible biopsy blade, obliquely oriented scalpel or curette. A sample of epidermal tissues is removed with or without portions of the underlying dermis. This type of biopsy does not involve the full thickness of the dermis. When the full thickness of the dermis is involved, the procedure is reported using the codes – 11300-11313 (removal of epidermal or dermal lesions).
- Punch biopsy (Codes -11104 and 11105)
Performed using a punch tool, the purpose of this biopsy is to remove a sample of a cutaneous lesion for a diagnostic pathologic examination. Simple closure is included and cannot be billed separately.
- Incisional biopsy (Codes -11106 and 11107)
An incisional biopsy requires a sharp blade (not a punch tool) to remove a full-thickness sample of tissue via a vertical incision or wedge, penetrating deep into the dermis, into the subcutaneous space. An incisional biopsy may sample subcutaneous fat. When the entire lesion is excised, it is important report the excision codes – 11400-11646 (depending on type of lesion – benign or malignant).
- Multiple Biopsies
If more than one biopsy is performed on the same date, report only one primary biopsy code. When more than one biopsy is performed using the same technique, the appropriate primary biopsy code is reported for the first biopsy and the add-on code is reported for each additional lesion.
Recovery after the Procedure
Once the skin biopsy is complete, patients may experience some soreness around the biopsied site for a few days. Physicians will either put a bandage or stitches (in some cases) over the biopsy site. In most cases, physicians may instruct patients to keep the bandage over the biopsy site until the next day. They may be advised to change the bandage daily, wash the wound and apply antibacterial ointment. Tylenol is usually sufficient to relieve discomfort. However, patients who have stitches around the biopsy site need to keep the area as clean and dry as possible. Healing of the wound can take several weeks, but is usually complete within two months. Wounds on the legs and feet tend to heal slower than those on other areas of the body.
Medical billing and coding can be complex and requires knowledge regarding appropriate coding, modifiers and payer-specific medical billing for correct and on-time reimbursement. With all the complexities, the support of an experienced medical coding serviceprovider could be useful to report skin biopsy procedures correctly for optimal reimbursement. Professional coders in reliable medical billing and coding companies can ensure accurate reporting of diagnostic and procedure details.
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Common Knee Injuries and Treatment Options
The knee is a fragile and sensitive joint which plays a vital role in the body’s stability and motion. The knee is made up of many structures and these can be severely injured by a traumatic event or disease. Injuries generally occur due to twisting or bending force applied to the knee or a direct blow suffered while playing sports, or by a sudden fall or accident. In addition to sudden injury, repetitive overuse and underlying medical conditions like osteoporosis can cause knee pain. There are different types of knee injuries all of which involve various symptoms including pain, swelling, and stiffness. Injury to the knee can cause instability and become debilitating if not treated quickly. Fortunately, effective nonsurgical knee injury treatment is available in established pain management and rehabilitation centers in Brooklyn, NYC.
Common Injuries of the Knee — Symptoms and Causes
Injuries to the knee are mainly defined by the affected anatomy of the knee and the mechanism that caused the injury. Let’s take a look at some common knee injuries –
- Sprains – A sprain is an injury to the ligaments that hold the knee together. Sprains are graded by the amount of stretching or tearing of the ligament fibers and how much instability it causes. Ligament tears include – injuries to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL). ACL injuries occur as a result of a twisting or pivoting movement. PCL injuries are the result of a powerful force such as a football player falling on a knee that is bent. The LCL runs along the outside of the knee joint and stabilizes the knee so that the bones do not slide from side to side. A common injury among athletes, MCL sprain occurs due to a blow to the outside of the knee, which forces the knee inward.
- Strains – Strains occur when the tendons or muscles surrounding the knee are stretched, usually due to hyperflexion or hyperextension of the knee. Strains can cause pain outside the joint as well as dysfunction of the normal range of motion of the knee.
- Tendinitis – Tendinitis refers to inflammation or irritation of a tendon (the thick fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone) that connects the kneecap to the shinbone. Also known as jumper’s knee, tendonitis is common among athletes who frequently jump. However, any physically active person can be at risk of developing this condition.
- Bursitis – This is a painful condition that affects the bursae – small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons and muscles near your joints. Bursitis occurs when bursae swells and become inflamed with overuse or repeated pressure from kneeling. Most cases of bursitis respond well to self-care measures. However, in some instances, antibiotics or aspiration (a procedure that uses a needle to withdraw excess fluid) may be required.
- Runner’s knee – Patellofemoral pain syndrome or runner’s knee is one of the most common causes of knee pain in young athletes. It is caused by overuse of the patellofemoral joint (the joint between the kneecap (patella) and thighbone) — causing pain in the front of the knee.
- Meniscal tears – One of the most frequently occurring cartilage injuries of the knee, meniscal tears generally occur when the knee twists or pivots. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, locking, and decreased range of motion. This type of knee injury is common in contact sports like football as well as noncontact sports requiring jumping and cutting such as volleyball and soccer.
- Fractures and dislocations – Knee fractures are usually the result of trauma such as falling directly on the knee, repetitive stress injuries, osteoporosis and tumors. Dislocation is the displacement of a joint from its normal position, which is usually caused by a blow, fall or other trauma. Symptoms include loss of motion, swelling and pain and sometimes, a visibly out of place joint.
- Cartilage injuries – Cartilage, the tough, flexible tissue which covers the surface of joints, can get damaged as a result of a sudden injury, such as a sports injury, or gradual wear and tear (osteoarthritis). Symptoms include – knee joint pain, swelling, stiffness and clicking or grinding sensation.
- Chondromalacia patellae – This condition occurs when the cartilage on the undersurface of the patella (kneecap) deteriorates and softens. It is the result of repetitive wear and tear of the kneecap that can occur due to acute injury to the patella or due to aging. A work or sports activity that puts great stress on the knee increases the risk of developing chondromalacia patella.
Knee Injury Diagnosis, Treatment and Rehabilitation
Diagnosis will typically begin with a detailed physical examination of the joint, wherein the physician will examine the bones and check whether any of the joints are out of place. Diagnostic imaging tests such as x-ray and MRI scan may be conducted to examine the condition of the bones, cartilage, muscles, ligaments and tendons and the extent of injury. Once the diagnosis is established, a team of pain management professionals will collaborate to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Knee injuries that are not severe can be effectively treated without surgery. The first course of action is rest, application of ice packs and a compression bandage. Most minor injuries improve with rest (after two to three weeks). However, if the pain persists beyond three weeks despite these measures, medical treatment will be necessary.
Multispecialty pain management centers in Brooklyn, NYC offer effective nonsurgical treatment modalities to address chronic pain symptoms. Nonsurgical modalities used in knee injury treatment include – physical therapy, injections, anti-inflammation medications, TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), and Game Ready Cold Therapy.
Exercises to Strengthen the Knee Joint
Physical therapy for knee injury will include exercises to strengthen the muscles and improve flexibility. Strengthening exercises help build up the muscles around the joints. Strengthening the muscles around the knee such as the quadriceps and hamstrings will reduce stress on the joint and help it absorb shock. Gentle stretching or flexibility exercises stretch the muscles in order to restore range of motion, reduce muscle soreness, and prevent injury. In addition, patients will be educated on how to manage injury when it occurs and how to prevent re-injury. This will help prevent potential damage and disability in the long-term.
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