Musculoskeletal System

Diseases and traumas impacting the musculoskeletal system are abundant and result in numerous findings of eligibility for Social Security Disability. Social Security Disability Attorney Randy Zeldin, Esq., has represented many claimants with musculoskeletal disabilities.

There are many, many causes of musculoskeletal disabilities. These include genetic or inherited disorders; acquired pathological problems and congenital issues. That means impairments can be the result of various traumas; accidents; cancers; toxic disease or old age.

In order to prevail at a Social Security Disability hearing, a musculoskeletal problem must cause a loss of function. Examples given under the Social Security listings specify bone or joint deformity; disorders of the spine; amputation; fractures requiring long convalescence.

Following are some typical musculoskeletal disabilities, for which Randy Zeldin, Esq. can represent individuals in Palm Beach and Broward Counties:

1. Fractures of the Upper Extremity: These conditions involve a situation when a fracture does not heal, in medical terms known as a "non-union." The fracture involves non-union of a fracture of the shaft of the humerus, radius or ulna. Further, a finding of disability requires continuing surgical management and loss of a major function.
2. Fracture of the Femur, Tibia, Pelvis or One or More of the Tarsal Bones: Many of these types of fractures are the result of either workers' compensation accidents or motor vehicle accidents. The most important issue Social Security Attorney Randy Zeldin, Esq. ascertains in fracture cases of this kind is the ability to ambulate and resulting functional capacity.
3. Traumatic Damage to Joints: These injuries include damage to knee ligaments; lower extremity joint dysfunction (particularly resulting osteoarthritis) and upper extremity joint dysfunction (particularly the hands and arms, with limitations of fine manipulation, pushing, pulling, etc.).
4. Disorders of the Spine: Establishing eligibility for Social Security Disability may require finding of nerve root compression; limitation of motion of the spine; motor loss and muscle weakness. Spinal arachnoiditis and lumbar spinal stenosis are 2 other spine disorders which can lead to Social Security Disability Benefits.
5. Major Dysfunction of a Joint: This condition is characterized by gross anatomical deformity (e.g. subluxation, contracture, bony or fibrous ankylosis, instability) and chronic joint pain and stiffness with signs of limitation of motion or other abnormal motion of the affected joint(s) and findings on appropriate medically acceptable imaging of joint space narrowing, bony destruction or ankylosis of the affected joint(s).
6. Amputation: This involves one or both lower extremities at or above the tarsal region, with stump complications resulting in medical inability to use a prosthetic device to ambulate effectively and has lasted or expected to last at least 12 months.
7. Soft Tissue Injuries: Examples of soft tissue injuries include nerve injuries, injuries to tendons and ligaments; injuries to arteries and veins; injuries to the lymphatic system; injuries to muscle and injuries to skin.

   Some of the most common orthopedic injuries seen in Social Security Disability cases include carpal tunnel syndrome; DeQuervain’s syndrome; ruptured or herniated discs; degenerative disc disease; rotator cuff injuries; tendinitis; trigger finger; epicondylitis; radial tunnel syndrome and fractures of many types.

   Treatment for musculoskeletal injuries also encompasses a broad range of options. The most common medical provider is an orthopedist, who is trained to treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal problems. Orthopedists are above all else, trained as surgeons and that is the focus of their treatment. Surgical options vary widely, but include lumbar fusions; knee, hip and shoulder replacements; arthroscopic repair of the knee and shoulder; laser surgery; laminectomy; discectomy; carpal tunnel release; arthroplasty; repair of the distal radius and many others.

   Non-surgical treatment of musculoskeletal injuries includes biofeedback; acupuncture and acupressure; deep tissue massage; relaxation and meditation techniques; exercise and strength training; chiropractic and osteopathic manipulation; physical therapy; TENS unit and a wide range of prescription and non-prescription medications.

Social Security Attorney and Attorney Randy Zeldin, Esq., represents individuals in Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Lake Worth and Pompano Beach, for various musculoskeletal disabilities.