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MEDICAL ANIMATION TRANSCRIPT: Bones provide support for the body and aid in its movement. The place where two or more bones meet is called a joint. Joints may be immovable, slightly movable, or freely movable. A synovial membrane surrounds movable joints. Inside the membrane, synovial fluid lubricates and nourishes joint tissue such as cartilage. Articular cartilage is a tough, slippery covering on the ends of the bones which allows smooth joint movement. Joints give the body flexibility, precision of movement, and help in supporting the body's weight. Arthritis is any disorder that affects joints. It can cause pain and inflammation. Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis. It's usually seen in older people. The joints most commonly affected are in the hands, knees, hips, and spine. Often the cause of osteoarthritis is unknown. But it may be due to a combination of the following risk factors-- a family tendency for this condition, being overweight, a joint injury such as a fracture, repetitive strain from activities such as sports, and problems with the bones and a joint not lining up properly. Over many years, these factors can wear away the articular cartilage. The exposed bony surfaces rub together. This, along with the growth of bony projections called bone spurs, causes swelling, pain, and limited movement of the joints. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but a combination of treatment options control the symptoms. For example, medications can reduce joint inflammation and pain. Common medications include Acetaminophen, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS. An ice pack may also reduce joint pain. Lifestyle changes, such as resting the affected joint and losing weight if necessary may help slow down the progression of osteoarthritis. Other lifestyle changes include physical therapy exercises and education to manage osteoarthritis on your own. Physical therapy exercises along with low impact exercise such as walking and swimming increases muscle strength and keeps joints limber. Braces can help with joint support and alignment to reduce joint pain. Another treatment option is the injection of hyaluronic acid into the joint. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the joint's synovial fluid. It helps lubricate the joint and allows the bones to slide over each other more easily. For severe osteoarthritis a doctor may recommend a surgical procedure such as joint resurfacing to remove loose bone or cartilage and bone spurs, or an osteotomy, or bone removal, may be recommended to realign deformed joints. In some cases the arthritic joint may need to be replaced with an artificial joint. For more information, talk to a health care provider.
"Thank you very much for the great work on the medical exhibits. Our trial
resulted in a $16 million verdict for a 9 year old boy with catastrophic
injuries, and the medical illustrations definitely played key role in the
trial."
David Cutt
Brayton Purcell
Salt Lake City, UT
"I wanted to take some time out to let you know what a wonderful job you did
with the 'collapsed lung/fractured rib' illustrations. They were both
detailed and accurate. My medical expert was comfortable working with them
and he spent at least an hour explaining to the jury the anatomy of the
lungs, the ribs and the injuries depicted in the illustrations. Needless to
say, the jury was riveted to the doctor during his testimony.
The jury returned a verdict for $800,000.00 and I'm sure we would not have
done so well if not for the visualizations we were able to put forth with
your assistance. Lastly, my special thanks to Alice [Senior Medical
Illustrator] who stayed late on Friday night and patiently dealt with my
last minute revisions."
Daniel J. Costello
Proner & Proner
New York, NY
"I just wanted to let you know that after several days on trial, I settled
[my client's] construction accident case for $4.5 million. Immediately after
the jury was discharged, I spoke with several jurors who told me that they
really appreciated the medical illustrations for their clarity in dealing
with [my client's] devastating injuries. They also expressed their gratitude
in being able to read from a distance all of the notations without
difficulty. Obviously, the boards were visually persuasive. I am certain
that this contributed to our successful result."
Michael Gunzburg, Esq.
Attorney at Law.
New York, NY
"I thought you might want to know that after we sent a copy of your
illustration to the defendants, with a copy to
the insurance company, they increased their offer by an additional million
dollars and the case was settled for $1,900,000.00.
I appreciate your help!"
O. Fayrell Furr, Jr.
Furr, Henshaw & Ohanesian
Myrtle Beach, SC
www.scmedicalmalpractice.com
Medical Legal Art creates medical demonstrative evidence (medical
illustrations, drawings, pictures, graphics, charts, medical animations,
anatomical models, and interactive presentations) for use during legal
proceedings, including research, demand letters, client conferences,
depositions, arbitrations, mediations, settlement conferences, mock jury
trials and for use in the courtroom. We do not provide legal or medical
advice. If you have legal questions, you should find a lawyer with whom you
can discuss your case issues. If you have medical questions, you should seek the advice of a healthcare provider.
