Dr. Gregory Gramstad
Orthopedic Surgery
Portland, OR
26 years experience male
Locations
Office
Portland, OR
Practice website
Insurances accepted
BlueCross BlueShield
Medicare
Regence
Aetna
Cigna
Great West Healthcare
PacifiCare
Premera Blue Cross
Providence Health Plans
SAIF Corporation
UnitedHealthcare
Office
Vancouver, WA
About
Bio
When I'm not working, I'm enjoying my family and the outdoors. Moving from the Midwest, we still appreciate the opportunities afforded to us in the Pacific Northwest and prefer the rain to the bitter cold of the Midwest. We enjoy the water in the summer and the mountains in the winter. I enjoy fatherhood most of all. But when I can get the time, you might catch me cycling, skiing or whitewater kayaking.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Orthopedic Surgery
Sports Medicine
Doctor Q&A
3 Answers
0 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A male asked:
Dr. Gregory Gramstadanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 26 years experience
First, : First, i think you should find a nearby orthopaedic surgeon who can monitor and care for you locally. The fracture, as you describe, may have been a "hairline" fracture when you were first seen, but could become a displaced fracture with time and/or use of he shoulder. That is probably why a sling and immobilization was recommended. To limit swelling in the hand, move your fingers frequently and make a fist or squeeze a soft ball or ball of socks throughout the day.
Follow-up x-rays are important to help determine that the fracture remains "in place". You can expect that stretching and physical therapy will be advised when the fracture is "stable", or unlikely to displace. The injury you sustained can lead to ongoing problems, even if it is cared for appropriately. To minimize this risk, find a trusted local orthopaedic surgeon, preferably one that cares for shoulders and/or sports injuries, and follow their advice as this is a common injury. If you let their office know you have a fracture, many orthopaedic surgeons will make efforts to get you a quick access appointment. Though it has been 20 days since your post, it is not too late to make sure it is healing in good position. Good luck!
A member asked:
Dr. Gregory Gramstadanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 26 years experience
Injuries : Injuries described as "stingers" can encompass a variety of conditions. Typically, though, what these injuries have in common is they involve trauma to a nerve or a set of nerves. Your bicep weakness is likely a result of trauma to the nerve that relays information to the bicep. There may very well be injury to other local nerves as well.
Your post was 13 days ago. It is possible that you are already improving. I believe strongly that this injury should still be evaluated by an orthopaedic or spine doctor. You may have herniated a disc in your neck or have another anatomical difference that will predispose you to further injuries of this nature. Subsequent injury can cause further damage and increases the likelihood of more lasting problems.
While surgery is not usually recommended for true "stinger" injuries, it will be important that you undergo evaluation and examination before determining that it was nothing else potentially more severe. Do not return to football or other contact sports until you have this evaluated to limit the risk of further damage. Good luck!
A 66-year-old female asked:
Dr. Gregory Gramstadanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 26 years experience
One : One of the best ways to do this is to just ask the surgeon who did your knees for a referral, or two. Let him know what you are looking for and, chances are, he will know someone who does a good number of shoulder replacements.
Look for someone with specialty training in shoulder conditions, and shoulder replacements in particular. You can also ask local physical therapists who they might recommend.
For another resource, look to the american shoulder and elbow surgeons for a list of surgeon members in your area.
http://spec.ases-assn.org/members/public/memdir.cfm
listen to your gut, as well. You will need to be comfortable that your surgeon is someone you will be able to trust and form a good relationship with.
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions, provide medical advice, write prescriptions, and more.
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
2
Recommendations
HealthTap member
Dec 16, 2012
I sprained my wrist and shoulder and break my radial head in a bike accident. As an elbow specialist, Dr. Gramstad caught the break that a doctor in another clinic missed entirely. He was very thoroug...Read More
HealthTap member
Dec 16, 2012
Great doc. Explains things very well so that I could understand. Spend a good ammount of time with me with my complet problem
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Medical College of Wisconsin
Graduated 1999MD
Medical/Graduate school
Arizona State University
Graduated 1995MD
Residency
Loyola University Medical Center
Residency
Loyola University Medical Center
Awards
Top Doctors, Portland Monthly Magazine
Best Doctors in America, Best Doctors
Top Doctors, US News and World Report
Affiliations
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Washington State Medical Association
North Pacific Orthopaedic Society
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions, provide medical advice, write prescriptions, and more.
Answer emailed
in 24 hours or less