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Howard Marans MD: Questions to Ask When Choosing an Orthopedic Specialist

Orthopedic Specialist

 

The need to see an orthopedic specialist varies with each individual. From fractures to joint degeneration, each year millions of people develop issues dealing with the musculoskeletal system. An orthopedic specialist has extensive training in the issues, diseases and injuries of the joints, ligaments, tendons and all others pertaining to the musculoskeletal system.

 

Why Go to an Orthopedic Specialist?

 

The main reason to visit an orthopedic specialist is to find the cause of the pain and other symptoms. The various symptoms may occur in the shoulders, back, hips, ankles, knees, hands or wrists. Depending on the area, the symptoms may include:

 

- A limiting range of movement which affects daily living routines

- Continuous pain or a dull ache lasting over a week

- Stiffness, swelling, bruising of the joint area

- Deformity of the joint

- Inflammation, tender to the touch, fever

 

In most cases, the orthopedic specialist will begin with a complete medical history, physical examination, and testing to determine the cause of the symptoms.

 

Questions to Ask

 

The best orthopedic specialist will take the time to answer and explain the recommendations for treating the musculoskeletal issue. When finding the right orthopedic specialist, research and ask questions.

 

- What are the orthopedic specialist credentials? Specialized training? Board certification?

- How long has the doctor been practicing? Is the practice consistent?

- Does the doctor have experience with high risk patients? For example, a patient with diabetes may need different care options.

- How many procedures similar to the patient’s problem has the doctor performed?

- What the risks or complications involved with this type of procedure?

- Does the specialist use nonsurgical methods? Will these methods be implemented first before surgery?

- What is the desired outcome after the procedure?

- What hospitals does the doctor have an ongoing affiliation with?

- What is the recovery time for the procedure?

- Does the orthopedic surgeon provide material on the procedure for reading or direct the patient to a website for researching?

- Will the patient need physical therapy after the procedure?

- Is the medical team assisting in the procedure experienced?

- How many times will a patient need to return for follow up care?

- Is the procedure covered under the health insurance plan? What types of payment plans are being offered?

 

Write out questions or concerns prior to the first visit to get the most out of the appointment. As a potential patient, each subject should be addressed in full details to give peace of mind. If the answers are not satisfying, get a second opinion.

 

In California, Dr. Howard Marans strives to see each patient in a timely manner. He understands the need to eliminate pain to continue with normal daily activities. Dr. Marans begins with an individualized, accurate diagnosis prior to deciding on a treatment plan. After diagnosis, he will go over each of the treatment options and the expected outcome for both surgical and nonsurgical approaches.

 

California Orthopedic Specialist

 

The chosen treatment option will be reviewed, giving the patient time to ask questions and address all concerns prior to continuing with the plan. With over 20 years’ experience in a consistent practice, Dr. Marans and his courteous staff gladly accept PPO insurance and will work with other health care insurance providers to provide quality care without a financial burden. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981

Dr Howard Marans: Orthopedic Surgeons and Sport Medicine – City of Orange’s Orthopedic Specialist

The human body is a complex network consisting of a variety of joints, muscles, and bones. The orthopedic surgeon should be specialized in treating the entire musculoskeletal system. During times of injuries, trauma, or degenerative disease, a patient will need to utilize the best treatment options available to get back to the simplest of daily activities. Finding the best orthopedic surgeon in the City of Orange may depend on a variety of factors.

 

How Can an Orthopedic Surgeon Help?

 

A qualified orthopedic surgeon in the City of Orange can help by addressing the musculoskeletal problem creating the pain or limiting range of motion.

- Consultation is the first step in the treatment process. The consultation will begin with a face to face meeting with the surgeon. The specialist will begin by asking questions and discussing medical history.

- Accurate diagnosis will be the next step. An accurate diagnosis is needed to provide an optimal outcome in the treatment program. In order to achieve an accurate diagnosis, further testing may need to be implemented. The tests can include X-rays, MRI’s, and other imaging devices to give an overview of the troubled area.

- The treatment process will depend on the type of injury or degenerative disease. In some situations, non-surgical treatments may be implemented. The non-surgical options can include rest, ice packs, pain medication, bracing, and physical therapy. When the non-surgical options do not help the situation, surgery will be the next step in the treatment program process.

- Rehabilitation through the use of physical therapy is usually followed after a surgery. The program is designed to work toward regaining flexibility and strength. With a sports related injury, physical therapy is a must to prevent further damage to the injured area. Following all the instructions of the physical therapist are vital for success and the ability to return to the sport.

- Follow up care is vital in the treatment process. Finding an orthopedic surgeon in the City of Orange to offer follow up care should be a priority in achieving the optimal outcome of the entire treatment process. A follow up visit can focus on the healing of the injured area, ways to prevent injuries, and overall care of the musculoskeletal system while returning to normal activities. In sports, prevention of a reoccurring injury can help keep a player on the field and out of surgery.

 

An experienced orthopedic surgeon in the City of Orange can help with all orthopedic and sport’s medicine needs. Dr. Howard Marans has a consistent, 20 year practice. Dr. Marans is willing to work with a patient to provide the best outcome through accurate diagnosis and the precise implementation of a treatment program designed for each individual.

 

Whether a patient is looking to regain movement to participate in the simplest daily activities or return to playing sports, Dr. Marans can help every step of the way. Accepting PPO and the willingness to work with other insurance companies, Dr. Marans and his staff will do their best to give a patient the best treatment without causing financial hardship. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981.

 

ABOUT HOWARD J MARANS, MD

 

Board certification

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, 1993

Recertified, 2003

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, 1989

 

Education

Pre-Medical Education

University of Toronto, Toronto Canada

1976/78

 

Masters Degree

University of Toronto, Toronto Canada

MSc, Orthopaedic Research 1983/85

 

Medical School

University of Toronto, Toronto Canada

MD 1978/82

 

Orthopaedic Residency

Gallie Surgical Program - University of Toronto, Toronto Canada

FRCS(C), Orthopaedic Surgery 1984/89

 

 

Knee/Shoulder Fellowship

Orthopaedic & Arthritic Hospital, Toronto Canada

Arthroscopic Surgery of the Knee & Shoulder 1989/90

 

Knee/Shoulder Fellowship

Sportsmed.SA & the Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide South Australia

Sports Medicine/Arthroscopic Surgery 1990/91

 

Hospital/academic affiliations

Hospital

  • Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center | Fountain Valley, CA
  • Orange Coast Memorial Hospital | Fountain Valley, CA

 

Surgical Center

  • Newport Plaza Surgical Center | Costa Mesa, CA
  • Orange County Multi-Specialty Surgical Center | Tustin, CA

 

Society memberships

State Society Memberships

  • State Medical Society

 

Specialty Society Memberships

  • Arthroscopy Association of North America

 

Additional Society Memberships

  • Orange County Medical Association
  • Royal College of Surgeons of Canada

 

Achievements

J.C. Kennedy Award for Excellency in Sports Medicine

 

Excellence in Research Award (Sport Sciences) American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine

 

Community activities

I have provided volunteer medical assistance/coverage to several High Schools/Colleges over the past 19 years.

 

Presently I am the Team Physician for Orange Lutheran High School and Tustin High School. In the past I have taken care of Irvine and Northwood High Schools, Concordia University, and was a medical officer for the Special Olympics.

 

I continue to provide medical coverage at many Local, National, and International Cycling Events.

Howard J Marans, MD and Orthopaedic Surgeons

Specialties

Anatomical

Arm, Elbow, Foot and Ankle, Hand and Wrist, Knee, Shoulder

 

Treatment

Arthritis, Arthroscopic Surgery, Sports Medicine, Trauma/Fractures

 

My approach to treating patients

Our mission is to treat all patients in a professional, timely manner. Optimal outcomes depend on accurate diagnosis, a complete explanation of treatment options and expectations and finally precise execution of the chosen treatment whether non-surgical or surgical.

 

I have maintained a busy practice for over 20 years in the same locations by striving for and fulfilling the goals described above.