Our Blog
The North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists blog provides the latest information on orthopaedic conditions, injuries and procedures. Search our articles below by keyword category as well as author.
Featured Articles
Treating Pain with Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
Chronic pain management continues to be a challenge for those looking for an effective non-opioid analgesia option. At North Florida Bone and Joint Specialists, Dr. Erik Nilssen and Dr. Josh Hackel provide patients with several alternatives, including Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS). Performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis, PNS is an extremely safe procedure that is noted to be effective in most individuals selected for treatment. PNS involves two steps. During the initial testing phase, the electrode is connected to an external device. If the trial is successful with pain relief, then a small lead or wire is implanted into the patient’s body under the skin.
Fireworks Injury Prevention
While fireworks can be the highlight of your Fourth of July celebration, they pose significant risks, particularly to the hands and arms. In fact, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission 2022 Fireworks Report, the hands and fingers account for 29% of the body parts injured, the highest percentage of any body part. The same report also indicated that 73% of all fireworks-related injuries occurred in the weeks leading up to and after the July 4th holiday. Understanding these dangers and taking preventive measures can help ensure your Independence Day remains fun and injury-free.
Smith Named OsteoStrong Medical Director
Recently, fellowship-trained Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Brett Smith was appointed as the new Medical Director for OsteoStrong® Gulf Breeze and OsteoStrong® Cordova Pensacola, marking a significant milestone for the brand locally. As a global wellness franchise, OsteoStrong® provides a unique, science-backed system for strengthening bones, joints, and muscles using cutting-edge technology and personalized care for its members.
Knee Osteoarthritis Study Participants Needed
Knee osteoarthritis is typically the result of progressive wear and tear on the joint as we age and is one of the leading causes of disability. It can be hard when the pain, swelling, and stiffness from knee osteoarthritis prevent you from enjoying your life. Patients suffering from knee OA often have difficulty performing daily activities such as sleeping, walking, using stairs, bending down, caring for their family, working, and doing their favorite activities.
Orthopaedic Injury Care Anytime
North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists is excited to announce the availability of the Hurt! smartphone app and the web-based version, accessible on a desktop device. This revolutionary new resource uses human-to-human interaction to connect patients with acute orthopaedic injuries to an expert Hurt! Care Navigator in real-time, 24/7, 365 days a year.
RED-S and the Evolving Female Athlete
The Personal Impact
Osteoporosis Management
We see our share of broken bones as an orthopaedic and sports medicine practice. From the high school baseball player who collided with first base a little too hard to the avid DIY’er who took a tumble from an unsecured ladder and everything in between, we’ve seen it all. As we age, we also gradually lose bone mass, which occurs as small amounts of healthy bone are absorbed into your body as small amounts are replaced. When more bone is absorbed than is replaced, the density (bone mass) is reduced. Osteoporosis develops when the bone is no longer replaced as quickly as it is removed, and over time, it causes the bone to become progressively weaker, increasing the risk that it may break.
Healthy Aging & Bone Health
Observing Healthy Aging Month in September is an opportunity to emphasize the physical well-being of older adults. At North Florida Bone & Joint, our focus is on identifying proactive health practices that reduce the risk of orthopaedic injury and conditions and promote an overall active lifestyle. Three primary areas we look to include fall prevention measures, osteoporosis management and establishing a routine exercise program.
Flip Flop Red Flags
Flip-flops are a familiar sign that beach season has arrived here in Northwest Florida. While that can start as early as spring and extend well into the fall, by July, the goal is typically to slip on the most breathable option possible when venturing outdoors.
Orthopaedic Occupational Health
In today's dynamic work environment, ensuring the health and safety of employees is paramount for any responsible employer. From minor sprains to more severe injuries, orthopaedic-related incidents can significantly impact both the employee's well-being and the company's productivity. As an orthopaedic occupational healthcare provider, Dr. Erik Nilssen focuses on bridging the gap between companies and the healthcare system for orthopaedic and musculoskeletal injuries.
In-Office Hand Surgery
In-office surgery of the hand and upper extremities offers patients the best of both worlds – innovation and accessibility with safety top of mind. At North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists, our fellowship-trained hand surgeons, Dr. Alex Coleman, Dr. Steven Kronlage and Dr. James Piorkowski, perform various procedures efficiently while maintaining the highest standard of care at our Gulf Breeze and Pensacola locations.
Youth Sports Injuries
Youth sports participation promotes physical health and leadership skills and is a positive outlet for children within our communities. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 3.5 million youth sports injuries occur each year in the U.S. Of those injuries, one in three participants seeks medical attention, resulting in lost sports and school time. Fortunately, the CDC also concluded that more than 50 percent of these injuries are preventable.
Prioritizing Patient Safety
At North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists, our entire team is tirelessly focused on the consistent delivery of safe and effective patient care. To sustain the year-round efforts of our healthcare providers, professionals, and support staff, NFBJS sets aside time from March 10-16 to highlight important patient safety issues and to recognize ongoing initiatives that illustrate our collaborative team-centered approach during Patient Safety Awareness Week and beyond.
Safe Toys & Gifts Month
December is National Safe Toys & Gifts Month, and as we go about our holiday shopping, it's important to remember the impact those presents can have on the well-being of the children in our lives. A recently released report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) indicated that nearly 210,000 children were treated in hospital emergency rooms for a toy-related injury in 2022. The annual CPSC report also provided the following illuminating statistics:
Turkey Carving Safety
The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that more than 46 million turkeys will be consumed on Thanksgiving. While the centerpiece of tomorrow’s holiday celebration makes for a delicious meal along with standard accompaniments such as stuffing, cranberry sauce and gravy, it must be safely served. According to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, too many people severely cut their hands while carving a turkey, and as the American Society of Hand Therapists points out, it’s one of the top five most common Thanksgiving injuries.
Diagnosing & Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or CTS for short, is a medical condition characterized by the compression of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel located in the wrist. When compressed, the outer covering of the nerve (myelin sheath) is injured due to a lack of blood flow, which reduces its ability to conduct signals up and down the nerve fiber. Unfortunately, if left untreated, the degeneration of the nerve will progress, and symptoms will worsen over time. Below, we discuss the symptoms of CTS more broadly and the methods for diagnosing and treating this common condition.