ROBERT MERRILL RUTH MD
NPI 1730273681
Orthopaedic Surgery - Hand Surgery in Santa Barbara, CA

This is a routine check-up for patients who have previously visited our clinic. It involves a comprehensive review of your health and any ongoing treatments. The consultation lasts between 30-39 minutes, allowing enough time to discuss any concerns.

This service involves a follow-up appointment for existing patients, lasting between 40 to 54 minutes. During this time, your healthcare provider will assess your current health status, discuss any changes or concerns, review your treatment plan, and answer any questions you may have.

This is a procedure where a needle is guided by ultrasound into a medium-sized joint, like a knee or shoulder. The needle can be used to remove fluid, which can relieve pressure and pain, or to inject medication to help with inflammation and discomfort.

This is a first-time office or outpatient visit lasting between 45-59 minutes. The healthcare provider evaluates your health, discusses your medical history, and may suggest further tests or treatments. It's an opportunity to ask questions and understand your health better.

The application of a non-moveable forearm to hand splint is a procedure where a rigid support is placed on your forearm and hand. This is done to stabilize the area, promote healing, and prevent further injury. It restricts movement, providing rest to the injured part.

An X-ray of the hand, minimum of 3 views, is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses a small amount of radiation to produce images of the bones in your hand from different angles. This helps in diagnosing fractures, infections, arthritis, or other abnormalities. It's quick and painless.

This procedure involves fixing damaged tendons in your finger or palm. Tendons connect muscles to bones, enabling movement. When injured, they require surgical repair to restore function. You'll be under anesthesia, and a surgeon will make small incisions to access and mend the tendon.

This is a routine check-up for patients who have previously seen the doctor. During this 10-19 minute visit, the doctor will review your health status, discuss any concerns, and manage ongoing treatments or medications. It's a chance to ensure your health is on track.

This is a first-time patient visit where a healthcare professional spends 60-74 minutes with you. It involves a comprehensive evaluation, including your medical history and current health condition. They'll also advise on preventive health measures and formulate a treatment plan if needed.

This procedure involves using a small camera, called an endoscope, to view and treat a tight wrist ligament. The endoscope is inserted through a tiny incision, reducing recovery time and scarring. It helps to relieve pain and improve wrist function.

The application of a hand and lower forearm cast involves placing a supportive structure around the hand and lower arm. This is done to stabilize and protect the area after an injury, allowing for proper healing. The cast is typically made of plaster or fiberglass.

A gauntlet cast is a supportive device applied to your lower forearm and hand. Being an adult version, it's suitable for individuals aged 11 years and above. Made from fiberglass, it's lightweight yet strong, providing optimal support while your injury heals.

The application of a non-moveable forearm to hand splint is a procedure where a rigid support is placed on your forearm and hand. This is done to stabilize the area, promote healing, and prevent further injury. It restricts movement, providing rest to the injured part.

A complete ultrasound scan of a joint is a non-invasive procedure using sound waves to create images of your joint. It helps identify problems like inflammation, injury, or disease. It's painless, safe, and doesn't involve radiation.

Imaging guidance is a procedure where real-time images are used to direct medical tools during a treatment. This technique helps to improve accuracy and safety. The procedure typically lasts 60 minutes or less.

An application of a non-moveable finger splint involves placing a rigid support on your finger to keep it stable and prevent movement. This aids in healing by reducing pain and swelling, and ensuring proper alignment during recovery. It's commonly used for fractures or sprains.

An injection for carpal tunnel is a treatment to reduce inflammation and swelling in your wrist, which can alleviate pain and numbness. The doctor injects a steroid medication into your wrist area to provide relief.

A transfer of tendon to the back of the hand is a surgical procedure aimed at improving hand function. It involves moving a healthy tendon from one area to another to replace a damaged or non-functioning one, helping to restore movement and strength.

This procedure involves the surgical removal of bone joints between your wrist and fingers. It's typically done to relieve pain or restore function due to conditions like arthritis. After removal, the space may be filled with a graft or artificial joint.

This service involves an initial visit to the doctor's office or other outpatient setting. It typically lasts between 15-29 minutes. The doctor will review your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and discuss your health concerns. It's a chance to establish your health baseline and address any immediate medical issues.

A static finger splint is a device used to immobilize your finger, keeping it in a fixed position. This aids in healing by preventing movement that could cause further injury. It's often used for conditions like fractures, dislocations, or sprains.

This procedure involves adjusting or moving a nerve in your hand to alleviate discomfort or improve function. The nerve may be compressed, causing pain or numbness. By releasing or relocating the nerve, these symptoms can be reduced, enhancing hand usage.