Breakthrough in Pain Relief: Dr. DeLuca’s Lumbar Fusion Surgery

At the Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania (OIP), we are dedicated to improving the lives of our patients through advanced medical techniques and compassionate, extraordinary care. We are thrilled to share a recent success story from Dr. Steven DeLuca, who performed a groundbreaking minimally invasive lumbar fusion surgery in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. This innovative procedure not only alleviated chronic back and leg pain for one patient but exemplifies the state-of-the-art treatments available at OIP.

Chronic Pain, a Persistent Challenge

Chronic pain can be debilitating, affecting every aspect of a person’s life. This was the reality for a 59-year-old female patient who suffered from severe chronic pain in her right thigh, which spread from her hip to her knee. Despite multiple surgeries, her pain persisted, severely diminishing her quality of life. 

A Revoluationary Solution

Enter Dr. Steven Deluca, a seasoned orthopedic surgeon at OIP, known for his expertise in minimally invasive procedures. Utilizing the advanced FlareHawk7™ Interbody Fusion System, Dr. Deluca addressed the patient’s condition with a less invasive approach that promises to be transformative for others facing similar issues. This innovative system is designed to provide optimal fusion and stability, allowing surgeons to perform complex procedures through smaller incisions. As a result, patients experience less bodily disruption during surgery, leading to reduced pain and faster recovery times.

This procedure’s minimally invasive nature allowed for the precise implant placement through a small incision. To ensure stability and success, Dr. DeLuca also employed the LineSider® Spinal System, which provides robust structural support. This enhancement of the fusion process ensures proper spinal alignment during healing, ultimately allowing patients to return to their daily lives more quickly and comfortably.

Remarkable Results

The outcome of the surgery was nothing short of remarkable. The patient experienced a significant reduction in pain almost immediately after the surgery. Following a one-night stay in the hospital for observation, she was able to return home the next day, relieved and on the path to a better quality of life.

Dr. DeLuca was particularly pleased with the height restoration and positioning achieved with the FlareHawk7™ implant, noting its favorable comparison to more invasive surgical techniques.

The Expertise Behind the Success

Dr. Steven DeLuca has been a vital part of OIP since 2007, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience in orthopedic and spine surgery. He is board-certified and has been recognized for his contributions to the field, including performing the first TOPS™ surgery in the United States. His practice encompasses a wide range of procedures, from minimally invasive spine surgeries to robotic-assisted joint replacements. Additionally, Dr. DeLuca is the only surgeon in the region who performs the “bikini” technique, a variation of the standard anterior approach to hip replacement that minimizes scarring and speeds up recovery.

A Commitment to Extraordinary Patient Care

At OIP, we are committed to providing our patients with the highest level of care using the latest advancements in medical technology. Dr. DeLuca’s success story is a testament to our dedication to improving patient outcomes through innovative treatments that address chronic pain at its source. We are proud to offer such advanced procedures that can significantly enhance the quality of life for our patients.

OIP Expands Non-Opioid Pain Management Services with Dr. David Weiss

Orthopedic Institute Pennsylvania (OIP) is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. David Weiss to our team of expert physicians, effective August 5th, 2024. Dr. Weiss, a fellowship-trained interventional pain physician, will strengthen OIP’s commitment to providing non-opioid pain management solutions in Central Pennsylvania.

Addressing the Growing Need for Non-Opioid Pain Management

As the opioid epidemic continues to impact communities nationwide, the demand for effective, non-addictive pain treatments has never been greater. Dr. Weiss’s expertise in non-opioid, non-surgical pain management aligns perfectly with OIP’s mission to provide the highest quality care to our patients.

“With the addition of a highly-skilled physician like Dr. Weiss, we are well positioned to provide relief to even more patients needing effective, non-addictive pain treatments,” said Tim Duffy, CEO of OIP.

Dr. Weiss’s Comprehensive Pain Management Background

Dr. Weiss completed his Pain Medicine Fellowship at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where he was recognized for his outstanding communication skills and collaborative care approach. His specialties include:

• Non-opioid, non-surgical acute and chronic pain treatments
• Non-surgical neck, back, and spine pain management
• Non-invasive joint pain management
• Advanced interventional techniques such as neuromodulation and spinal cord stimulation

A Patient-Centered Approach

Dr. Weiss is known for his patient-centric approach to pain management. He works closely with patients to design personalized care plans that address their unique needs and help them return to the activities they love.

“Dr. Weiss’s expertise in non-opioid, non-addictive therapies, including injections and neuromodulation, makes him a valuable addition to our team,” said Dr. Taryn Reichard, DO of OIP.

Expanding Access to Advanced Pain Management

With Dr. Weiss joining the team, OIP continues strengthening its position as Central Pennsylvania’s leading orthopedic and pain management care provider. Hershey, Harrisburg, and Carlisle patients will now have increased access to non-opioid pain management solutions.

Take the First Step Towards Lasting Relief

If you’re struggling with chronic pain, don’t wait to seek help. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Weiss or another OIP pain management specialist by calling 717.761.5530.

2024 Free PIAA Sports Physicals from OIP!

Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania Nominated for Five “Simply the Best” Awards!

We’re thrilled to announce that the Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania has been nominated in five categories for Harrisburg Magazine’s “Simply the Best” 2024 Awards!

Our Nominations:

• Pain Specialist Clinic: Recognized for our innovative and successful approaches to pain management.
• Place to Work (101+ Employees): Honored for fostering a supportive and engaging workplace.
• Customer Values (Large Business): Acknowledged for prioritizing patient-centric care, transparency, and integrity.
• Physical Therapist: Celebrating our therapists’ expertise, empathy, and dedication to patient outcomes.
• Walk-In Urgent Care Facility: Recognized for providing accessible and efficient top-tier medical attention.

What These Nominations Mean to Us

These nominations are a testament to the trust our community places in us and the hard work of our dedicated staff. They inspire us to continue pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve in providing healthcare excellence.

A Big Thank You

We owe this honor to our exceptional team, as well as our patients. Your support and trust in our mission have made these nominations possible. Thank you for your unwavering support.

Nominations Encourage Improvement and Innovation

These nominations motivate us to keep improving and innovating in all aspects of our services. Whether you seek treatment, a rewarding career, or trustworthy healthcare advice, the Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania is dedicated to being simply the best.

Vote to Share Your Experience!

We appreciate your support and invite you to celebrate with us. If you have experienced our care firsthand, please vote for us!

VOTE – Walk-In Urgent Care Facility
VOTE – Pain Specialist Clinic
VOTE – Physical Therapist
VOTE – Customer Values (Large Business)
VOTE – Place to Work (101+ Employees)

The voting period goes live on April 15th, 2024, through June 15th, 2024, at midnight.

Dr. Tyson Maugle to Give Talk on Low Back and Neck Pain – What are Your Options?

Date: Sunday, October 15th 

Location: Holiday Essex House – 20 n 12th st Lemoyne PA 17043

Time: 2:00 pm EST

RSVP to Wendy Crecelius at wcrecelius@oip.com or 717-980-3593.

OIP Wins Simply the Best 2023 Award in 3 Categories!

OIP is proud to announce that we have won the 2023 Simply the Best awards in the following 3 categories: 

Thank you for your support and to everyone that voted for OIP in Harrisburg Magazine’s Simply the Best in the past!

Dr. Nathan Angerett to Give Talk on Arthritis of the Knee & Hip

Date: Wednesday, August 9th 2023

Location: 125 State Road Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

Time: 6:00 pm EST

RSVP to Wendy Crecelius at wcrecelius@oip.com or 717-980-3593.

Guide to Hip Pain Relief and Treatment Options

Hip pain and discomfort might be caused by a minor strain or could be due to a chronic condition. Whatever the cause, hip pain can impact your quality of life and keep you from doing the activities you love. To effectively treat your hip pain, you’ll want to know its causes. From there, you can work out how to address the pain and decide if it’s necessary to see a doctor.

This guide to causes and hip pain solutions can help you determine how to get the relief you need.

Causes and Symptoms of Hip Pain

Hip pain can result from the following conditions and causes:

Arthritis

Different kinds of arthritis can cause hip pain. For example, osteoarthritis, common in older adults, is the result of wear and tear. Inflammatory arthritis can affect people of any age and cause a wide range of symptoms, including hip pain.

The symptoms of arthritis affecting the hips can vary. Some people experience a dull aching pain that spreads to other areas of the body, such as the groin, buttocks or thighs. Other people may experience severe pain that limits their range of motion and makes it difficult to walk.

Bursitis

Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs located in various areas of the body, including the hip. Their job is to reduce friction, but sometimes these sacs become inflamed in the case of a condition called bursitis. Bursitis typically causes pain in the hip, but over time it can cause a dull, aching pain to spread to the thigh.

Tendonitis

Tendons are tough fibers that connect muscles to bones throughout your body. When these tendons become inflamed, the condition is referred to as tendonitis. Tendonitis in the hip can cause swelling, affect movement and create a grating sensation when you walk.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the bones of the hip joint are misaligned, leading to the joints wearing out faster than they would if properly aligned. The condition can affect children, adolescents and adults. As the joint wears out, you can experience stiffness and pain.

Injury

Injuries to the hip can also result in pain. A fracture, dislocation or labral tear are among the potential injuries to the hip point. A fracture might be the result of a fall and is common among older people. Hip dislocation occurs when the femur slips out of the hip socket, which may happen as the result of a fall or a car accident. The labrum is a ring of cartilage that helps to cushion the hip joint. A labral tear is a common sports injury.

Pain Treatments and Remedies for Hip Pain

Some conditions causing hip pain can be treated and resolved at home, while others require medical intervention. Some of the common remedies for hip joint pain include:

• Over-the-counter medication: Minor hip injuries, such as a strain, can benefit from over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or aspirin.
• Ice and heat: You may also find relief from hip pain by using ice and heat. Apply an ice pack to the affected area for short intervals. You can also soak in a hot bath or use a heating pad to ease the discomfort.
• Stretching and low-impact exercises: Stretching and low-impact exercise, such as yoga, can help strengthen hip muscles, reduce pain and prevent future pain. Exercise as an approach to pain relief is ideal for minor discomfort and injury. If you are experiencing severe pain or you aren’t sure of the cause of your hip pain, it is best to consult a doctor before trying stretches and exercise at home.
• Physical therapy: A doctor may decide that you could benefit from physical therapy. A trained physical therapist will show you how to engage in stretches and exercises to address and reduce your pain.
• Cortisone injections: Some conditions require more intervention. Your doctor may suggest cortisone injections to reduce pain and swelling in the hip joint. Injections can be a treatment option for conditions like bursitis and osteoarthritis.
• Surgery: Some hip conditions require surgical intervention. For example, a labral tear may need to be repaired via minimally invasive surgery. Osteotomy is another example of hip surgery, usually done to treat hip dysplasia.

When You Should See a Doctor

Hip pain might be a minor inconvenience that resolves over time, or it could be the result of a more serious condition that requires treatment. It might be time to see a doctor if you experience:

• Intense, sudden pain after an injury: Injuries sometimes happen while you are playing a sport or after you have fallen, and it is always a good idea to be checked by a doctor if you experience sudden pain. A hip dislocation, fracture or labral tear requires prompt medical attention. If it turns out to be a less serious injury, a doctor can still recommend appropriate care.
• Chronic pain: Some hip pain may feel like a dull ache that developed over time. If that pain stubbornly consists over weeks or months, it may require medical attention. A doctor will be able to discuss your symptoms and order appropriate diagnostic tests to find the cause of your chronic hip pain.
• Swelling: Some minor hip conditions, such as tendonitis, may cause swelling, but swelling can also be a sign of something more serious. If you notice swelling or discoloration at the site of pain, it is a good idea to have the injury evaluated by a doctor.
• Signs of infection: Pain accompanied by warmth, redness and swelling could indicate an infection in the joint, which can have serious consequences if left untreated.
• Difficulty moving: If your pain impedes your ability to move the joint or walk, it is time to make a doctor’s appointment. Pain that interferes with your day-to-day life requires treatment.

Receive Care for Your Hip Pain at OIP

If it is time to seek treatment for severe hip pain, where do you start? Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania (OIP) has a Hip and Knee Medical Center that specializes in the care of those two vital joints. Our providers offer conservative treatment for hip pain, including medication, physical therapy and injections. If you do need surgery to address the source of your pain, our team is here to offer rehabilitation services to get you back on your feet.

Contact us today so we can determine the best way to get you the hip pain relief you need.

Dr. Steve DeLuca and Dr. John Kelleher Performs the First 2 GoPLF Surgeries at Penn State Health

Causes of Ankle Popping and Clicking

No matter your age, you might have heard a crackle or pop in your joints when sitting down, standing up or simply walking. Luckily most popping cases are not detrimental to your physical health. However, if left untreated, they could cause mobility complications.

Medically, popping in your joints is known as crepitus. If you’re experiencing a bout of crepitus, it could be from overworking your joints through exercise or stiffness in the joints after a long period of inactivity. While these causes may sound contradictory, it’s how our bodies adapt to certain stimuli — or lack thereof.

At the Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania, we can treat foot and ankle pain. Learn more about our services below.

Why Does My Ankle Keep Popping?

Ankle popping on its own is very common. If your popping ankle isn’t painful, it is likely caused by a gas release or tendon rubbing. However, if it is accompanied by pain or swelling, there may be an underlying cause. 

The most common causes of ankle clicking or popping include:

• Gas release: Every time your ankle moves, the joint capsule filled with lubrication fluid is stretched. The fluid in the capsule can contain bubbles of nitrogen that can pop when you move, causing a loud popping sound — similar to when you pop your knuckles in your hand. Tight muscles can also contribute to gas buildup in the fluid, especially after inactivity like sleeping or binging a TV show. This is normal and does not signify an underlying cause.
• Tendon slip: The peroneal tendons in the lower outside of your leg work to stabilize the ankle joint. Sometimes, these tendons slip from the muscle surrounding them, resulting in a snapping sound or feeling. A recent ankle injury could increase the ankle popping frequency. This is also common and not a cause of concern unless it is painful.

Less common reasons that may signify an underlying health condition include:

• Tendon dislocation: The peroneal muscles surrounding the tendons can be pushed from their usual location, causing popping and snapping sounds in your ankle every time you move. This can happen during an ankle sprain. The inflammation, swelling and pain that occurs will need medical attention.
• Osteochondritis dissecans: This condition causes a small segment of bone to separate and causes the cartilage in the ankle joint to wear away. This cracking sound could be painful after a lot of movement, like walking or running.
• Osteochondral lesion: Lesions can form on the cartilage on the ends of your joint bones. Clicking and locking the ankle can occur, limiting the range of motion and causing swelling.
• Ankle osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis refers to a joint deterioration similar to osteochondritis with the wearing down of joint cartilage over time. While most common in the knees, it can also occur in the ankle.
• Peroneal tendon injury: The peroneal tendons that may slip to make a cracking noise can also become injured.

Prevention and Remedies of Ankle Popping and Cracking

You can do several exercises at home to strengthen your popping ankles. These stretches both prevent ankle popping and reduce cracking sounds that already exist. 

Ankle Circles

Performing ankle circles can warm up your joints and increase mobility. You can do this exercise from a seated or lying position:

1. Sit or lay with your legs stretched out front. Prop your leg on a stable surface with the ankle hanging off the edge.
2. Rotate your foot in clockwise circles 10 times with your ankle.
3. Switch to counterclockwise circles 10 more times.
4. Swap feet and repeat with the other ankle.

Towel Stretches

Relieve tight ankles with these simple towel stretches you can do at home:

1. Sit on a flat surface with your legs straight out in front of the body.
2. Loop a towel horizontally around the sole.
3. Gently pull the towel ends toward the body, stretching the foot.
4. Hold this position for 20 seconds.
5. Repeat as needed.

Calf Raises

Strengthen your calf muscles to reduce pressure on the ankles in motion.

1. Stand on the edge of a platform or the bottom stair step with the heels hanging off.
2. Slowly rise onto the toes, driving the body fully upward with the calves.
3. Let the heels gently fall, stretching slightly below the ledge.
4. Repeat 10 times.

When to See a Doctor

When your ankle popping begins to cause discomfort or pain, consider getting a proper diagnosis from a doctor. They may order tests like an MRI or CT scan to look inwardly at the bone and cartilage.

If you recently had an ankle injury, rest is a major proponent of healing. A doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory medications to help with the pain and swelling.

A doctor can stabilize the ankle with a brace or orthotic to promote faster healing for more serious conditions. Physical therapy also works alongside any stabilization devices to slowly get your ankle back to regular functioning. If necessary, surgical options are available, including arthroscopy and total joint replacements.

Visit the Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania Today

At the Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania, our ankle and foot care center is committed to helping you regain full mobility. For more information on how our services can benefit you, contact us today!