Norman K. Poppen, MD: First aid for broken bones

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Orthopedic surgeons, such as Norman K. Poppen, M.D., always emphasize that bone fracture is a serious matter that requires immediate medical attention. In cases when you are with someone suffering from a broken bone caused by a major trauma or injury, Mayo Clinic suggests taking the following steps:

• Call 911.

• If the victim is not perspiring or if he has no heartbeat, begin performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

• Apply pressure on the wound using a sterile bandage or a clean cloth to stop the bleeding.

• Do not realign or push the bone that’s sticking out back in. If you are trained in how to splint, apply a splint to the area above and below the affected sites.

• Norman K. Poppen, M.D., and other orthopedic experts highly recommend applying ice packs to the fracture to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Keep doing this until the emergency personnel arrive. Be sure to wrap the ice in a towel or some other material and don’t apply it directly to the skin. A little water in the ice pack will help it conform to the shape of the injury.

• Have the victim lay down flat on his back and elevate his feet if he feels faint or is breathing in short, rapid breaths.

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The most important thing to remember when attending to a victim of broken bones is helping them remain calm and keeping the affected area still to prevent further tissue damage. By learning these first aid basics, you can help save a life.

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Norman K. Poppen, M.D., is affiliated with Sutter General Hospital and HealthSouth Alhambra Surgery Center. Follow this Twitter page for more.

Funny Bone: Norman K. Poppen, M.D., explains that Humerus sensation

You’ve felt it before: the inexplicable tingling sensation that accompanies the dull pain from accidentally bumping an elbow. Orthopedic surgeon Norman K. Poppen, M.D., explains to surprised patients that this phenomenon, known commonly as hitting the “funny bone,” actually isn’t caused by any bone at all.


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There is a nerve known as the “ulnar nerve” which runs alongside the ulna bone— one of the two slim bones that connect the elbow to the wrist. Studies of the human anatomy have found that the ulnar nerve is the longest nerve in the entire human body that is naturally unprotected by either muscle or bone. As such, the body tends to feel impact or injury on this nerve more often and more intensely than on any other.


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To help curious patients understand further, Norman K. Poppen, M.D., demonstrates that the ulnar nerve is directly connected from the elbow to the pinky, or little finger, and even connects to the ring finger. This explains why, although only the elbow has been struck, the tickling sensation we feel seems to run up our arms and all the way to our fingertips.

The “funny bone” reference is a pun based on the homophonic resemblance of the word “humorous” to the upper arm bone called the Humerus. It is the impact to the elbow joint connected to the Humerus bone that creates the prickly sensation most people would describe as unpleasant. Knowing this, perhaps the occurrence should be renamed, and be referred to bumping one’s “not-so-funny bone” instead.


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Read more about Norman K. Poppen, M.D., on this website.

Norman K. Poppen, M.D., on avoiding gymnastics injuries

The outstanding performance of the US gymnastics team in the 2012 Olympics is, undoubtedly, inspiring for many young gymnasts all over the country today. Orthopedic surgeons such as Norman K. Poppen, M.D., support the dreams of these young athletes by sharing advice whenever they can on how to continue engaging in the sport while avoiding unnecessary injuries.

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Gymnastics is a difficult sport and to be proficient at it, the athlete needs to dedicate many long hours to practice. The athlete’s body needs to get accustomed to performing the complex physical movements involved because all the weight-bearing routines and the various gymnastic moves place great strain on the body and put the gymnasts at risk for injury.

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Common injuries for this sport include tears of the tendons, elbow dislocations, wrist sprains in the upper body, and fractures, sprains, and strains that frequently occur in the lower body. Norman K. Poppen, M.D., advises young athletes and their guardians to create and follow strategies to prevent injuries. These strategies may range from vigilant spotting to ensuring that all pieces of equipment are properly maintained.

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The athletes are thus advised to ensure that their bodies are always in optimum shape. To do this, they only need to stick to a balanced fitness program which includes aerobic exercise, strength training, and flexibility. Apart from these, stretching before and after sessions and keeping oneself well-hydrated are also highly recommended.

Using proper equipment is also important. For instance, securing proper gymnastics shoes which are geared toward a specific event is necessary to avoid injury and to ensure maximum performance.

More orthopedic advice from Norman K. Poppen, M.D., can be found on this Facebook page.

Norman K. Poppen, MD: Bone health and calcium's role in overall health

Norman K. Poppen, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon. He specializes in treating bone defects caused by genetics, poor nutrition, and physical injury. Although he is highly qualified in treating such conditions and can perform even the most complicated procedures to restore broken or damaged bones back to their top form, he believes that prevention is still better than cure.

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Dr. Poppen is a strong advocate of bone health and always stresses the importance of calcium intake in maintaining healthy bones. Calcium is important for transmitting nerve impulses. Actions such as heartbeats and muscle contraction also require calcium. It is also essential for functions such as hormone and enzyme secretion. The body removes calcium from the bones, and when excessive amounts of calcium are extracted, bones become dense.

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Experts such as Norman K. Poppen, MD, recommend getting sufficient amounts of calcium, along with doing weight-bearing exercise to build strong bones, thus reducing the risk of developing osteoporosis. The body does not produce calcium, which is why it is important that the food one eats is rich in calcium. Dark, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and dairy products (cheese, milk, and yogurt), are excellent sources of calcium. Vitamin D supplements should also be taken, because it is necessary for the body to be able to absorb and use calcium.

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Find more tips on bone health on this Norman K. Poppen, MD, Facebook page.

Norman K. Poppen, MD: The importance of calcium and its role in preventing osteoporosis

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Norman K. Poppen, MD, is a leading orthopedic surgeon with years of experience dealing with various orthopedic issues. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the New York Hospital of the Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, the Visiting Scholar Surgery of the Shoulder and Elbow, and the Presbyterian Hospital. He is also a member of the American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, American Society for Surgery of the Hand, and the Orthopedic Research Society.

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Calcium and osteoporosis 
Dr. Poppen highlights the importance of calcium in order to maintain bone health. Calcium is a naturally occurring mineral that is shed from the body in skin, nails, hair, sweat, urine, and feces. When a person suffers from an inadequate calcium supply, Norman K. Poppen, MD, says that the body breaks down bone to obtain the mineral, leading to osteoporosis.

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Osteoporosis refers to the thinning of the bones, more common among women than among men. Decreasing hormone levels, too little calcium in the diet early in life, and lack of exercise are the main causes of osteoporosis. In order to prevent osteoporosis later in life, women are advised to consume adequate amounts of calcium. Calcium-rich food include yogurt, milk and dairy products, almonds, broccoli, tofu, kidney beans, tapioca pudding, and kale, among many others.

Norman K. Poppen, MD, believes that osteoporosis can definitely be prevented with proper diet and exercise. More information about his medical expertise can be found on this Facebook page.