Dr. Traske Muir, Orthopedic Surgeon

05/10/2018

Have you ever had a cast?
What was your experience?

Any advice for our doctor who applies them or for our patients who wear them?

Today we launch a short series of stories that Dr. Traske Muir has shared with us about casts.

Here in the clinic we’ve found some real interesting items in the casts we’ve removed. These include: broken chopsticks, small change (pennies and nickels), matchbox cars, and chocolate snacks.

Boots like this one have largely replaced the use of casts in the lower extremity.
They provide convenience for bathing and most importantly access for that hot itchy ankle!!

But they are pretty boring. Some patients do their best to liven them up.
We once had a carpenter patient build his own out of wood!!

28/09/2018

Got Hardware?
.. if so, chances are you’ve got Q’s.
Here are a few of the common questions patients ask about their implants, and answers from Dr. Muir.

Is it causing pain?
Will it come loose?
Should it be removed?
Will it set off metal detectors?
Do I need a special card to travel?
Can I get better television reception?

Most surgeries in the world of orthopedics require some type of implant, usually metal screws and plates and rods.

These implants can be a source of pain If they are prominent and can be felt through the skin.

If the fracture or fusion has healed, it’s extremely unlikely that they would ever become loose or migrate.

Sometimes hardware is removed if it seems to be a source of pain. Sometimes patients request that implants be removed just for the peace of mind.

Most metal implants deep in the body will not set off metal detectors. Airport security wands, on the other hand, will often pick up the signal.

There are special cards explaining orthopedic implants to airport security. However, it is our experience that the surgical scar offers an adequate explanation. 😵
Furthermore, these cards will usually get you sent for additional screening, slowing down the process.
For this reason alone, we don’t commonly recommend them.

As for better reception…
Maybe the discount on your cable bill will make the whole ordeal worth it.

One last thought,
Did you know that if two different kinds of metal are placed close together in the human body, The fluids and electrolytes of our body could theoretically create an environment like a Duracell battery around the metal?

23/09/2018

Today we say goodbye to this bright young star. 🤩
Nick Ashton has been a big part of Dr. Muir’s clinic for the past couple of years working as a Medical Assistant and teaching Dr. Muir what Facebook is!! 🤣

Many of you might have seen him in the office rolling around on this laptop buggy or perhaps he removed your stitches!

As he moves on to complete his nursing training we wish him success. He has served our patients well and has made this a fun place to work.
Join us in thanking him and sending our best wishes.

14/09/2018

The word “Orthopedics” comes from the Greek “Ortho” (meaning STRAIGHT) and “Pedi” (meaning CHILD).
This is Dr. Traske Muir’s son trying to play it “straight” in the hotel hallway.

Many Orthopedic problems are caused by alignment problems.
Sometimes serious long term problems can be avoided through realignment.
Usually this can be improved with therapy or inserts. Occasionally surgery is required to correct serious deformities.

One telltale sign of alignment problems can be calluses on your feet. Keep an eye on those tootsies!

07/09/2018

Another view for perspective.
Dr Muir at the base, 5’8” (first thing in the morning).
Waterfall, approximately 400 ft.

07/09/2018

One of Dr. Muir‘s favorite things to do is explore new places.
He just returned from a vacation with his wife this week.Here’s a picture from one of their hikes.

If anyone can name this waterfall, we reward your geographic knowledge with a gift card to Village Baker!!

Any guesses?

24/08/2018

HAGLUND DEFORMITY

Know anybody with a bump on the back of their heel?
Chances are they have one of these.

Usually called a “Haglund Deformity” (pretty name, huh?) or a “Pump Bump” ( for the pretty shoes that can cause the problem).

Typically patients have a bony prominence on the back of the heel bone. A tight Achilles tendon can become irritated and sustain micro tears. This, in turn causes the bump to get bigger and can be extremely painful.

There are a few treatment options: some surgical, some non-surgical.

Here are a couple of the more creative options I’ve seen patients try:

1) My aunt uses a utility knife to cut the back off of all her shoes!

2) The wife of one patient was convinced that the tender bump was a cyst. After making her husband lie face down on the bed, she raised a heavy dictionary overhead and smashed it down on his heel to “pop” the cyst. When it didn’t pop, she repeated the process until the bone cracked. When I saw him in the office, I had good news and bad news for them.

17/08/2018

29/06/2018

27/06/2018

Here’s the weekly schedule for the World Cup! Who are you cheering for?

2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ - Matches

25/06/2018

Whether it’s the result of a simple strain or something more serious, swollen feet aren’t fun.

Swollen feet and ankles may be associated with conditions like pregnancy, injury, heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, chronic venous insufficiency, and lymphedema. Treatment may include home remedies, exercise, magnesium, and certain medications.

22/06/2018

Weight-bearing exercise doesn’t mean just weight lifting. Exercises like running, walking, hiking, tennis, and dancing are all considered weight-bearing activities and help to build stronger bones. Always consult with your orthopedic surgeon before starting a new exercise program.