Orthopedic surgeon Steven Hindman, MD has bee appointed Director of Orthopedics at Greenwich Hospital.

Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Steven Hindman has been named Director of Orthopedic Surgery at Greenwich Hospital. Dr. Hindman has been on staff at Greenwich Hospital since 1987 when he began his practice with Greenwich Orthopedic Associates on Lake Avenue. In 1992, the group moved into Greenwich Office Park on Valley Drive. They later merged with Orthopaedic Associates and formed ONS (Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery Specialists).

Dr. Hindman treats the full spectrum of orthopedic conditions and injuries from ankle sprains to ACL ruptures to degenerative joint disease. He is also actively involved in injury prevention on behalf of the ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education, and speaks to community groups on fall prevention, skiing injuries and osteoporosis.  

Dr. Hindman was born in Newtown, MA and graduated from University of Rochester, New York. He received his medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York in 1982 and did his residency in Orthopedic Surgery at Montefiore Hospital, Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York from 1982 to 1987. Dr. Hindman is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and is a former Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He is included in the list of Castle Connolly New York Area Top Doctors.

What should I eat before a ride? Why does my saddle hurt? I think I want to race but how do I get started?  Cycling can be an intimidating activity for many women, but Signature Cycles, a local bike studio located at 14 Railroad Avenue, will provide answers these and many other questions during its special women’s-only “Ladies Night: Women in the Know” information panel and networking event on April 4 at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Signature Cycles Panelist Dr. Gloria Cohen.

Women of all levels of experience and abilities are invited to attend the event. Topics will include women’s health, injury prevention, gear, competitive racing, and more.

ONS sports medicine physician, Gloria Cohen, MD has been invited to participate on the panel. Dr. Cohen is a specialist in non-operative sports medicine. She serves as a primary care team physician for the Columbia University varsity athletic teams and lecturer in the Department of Orthopaedics at Columbia University. She served as team physician to the Canadian National Olympic Cycling Team for 14 years and was a member of the Canadian Medical Team for the Olympic Games in Seoul, Atlanta, and Sydney.

Dr. Cohen believes in taking an integrative approach to medical management by considering a patients’ bio-mechanics, cardio-vascular and pulmonary function as it relates to athletic performance. She is a competitive runner who has qualified twice for the New York Marathon and is also an off-road and road cyclist.

“Ladies Night: Women in the Know” panelists :

Ann Ivan – USAT Level 1 Coach, Rye YMCA Fitness Center Director, Age Group Triathlete, 2-Time Ironman Finisher, Cancer Survivor

Carrie Goldkopf – Personal Trainer, Certified Massage Therapist, Nutrition Counselor, Avid Mountain Bike Enthusiast

Clare Zecher – USAT Level 1 Certified Coach, Personal Trainer, USAT Team USA Qualification, Multi time Marathon Competitor

Genevieve X. Boulanger –Owner and Founder of GXB Yoga and Pilates. Certified Pilates and Yoga Instructor

Gloria C. Cohen, MD – Specialist in Non-Operative Sports Medicine. Team Physician for Columbia University Varsity Athletic Teams. Former Team Physician to the Canadian National Cycling Team and Canadian Olympic Games Medical Team

Lucia Deng – Co-Captain of the Rockstar/ Signature Cycles Womens Racing Team,Board of Directors of Century Road Club Association

Madeleine Marecki – Member of Rockstar/Signature Cycles Womens Racing Team, Former Division 1 Cross Country and Track Athlete

Melissa Moo Harkins – Founder of MooMotion Apparel, 3-Time Ironman Finisher, Alumni of Parsons School of Design

The event will include food, drink, and great giveaways. This is an evening not to be missed! Reservations can be made by emailing lori@signaturecycles.com.

Signature Cycles (www.signaturecycles.com) is a high-end bicycle studio with locations in Greenwich, New York City, and Central Valley, NY. Our client experience is focused on discovering the specific needs, goals and limitations of each individual athlete, thereby creating a path to fulfill their cycling dreams.

Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine specialist Dr. Katie Vadasdi.

On Wednesday, April 3, 2013 from 12-1:30 PM, Katie Vadasdi, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine Specialist from ONS  (Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery Specialists) on Valley Drive will be the featured speaker at a Greenwich Hospital Women’s Health Initiative lunchtime event on gender differences in sports injuries. The talk will take place in the Noble Conference Center at Greenwich Hospital at 5 Perryridge Road.

Did you know that women are more at risk for some injuries than men when engaged in running, skiing, swimming and soccer among other sports? Dr. Vadasdi will share her unique, firsthand perspective as an athlete and a physician who treats amateur, student and professional athletes on a daily basis. She’ll address concerns such as how differences in anatomy, physiology and training habits may contribute to the tendency for women to suffer more stress fractures and ACL tears than men and the role of factors such as age and hormonal changes may play in injury. She’ll offer practical tips for keeping women athletically active and healthy at any age. To register for the talk, call 203-863-4277 or 888-305-9253, or register online at http://www.greenwichhospital.org. A box lunch is available for $10 person.

Dr. Vadasdi is a graduate of Dartmouth College and earned her medical degree at Dartmouth Medical School. She performed a residency in orthopedics at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York and completed fellowship training in shoulder, elbow and sports medicine at Columbia University Medical Center, Department of Orthopedics.

Orthopaedic surgeon Paul Sethi, MD

On Wednesday, March 13 at 6:30-7:30 p.m., Greenwich Hospital will begin a new Mini-Med Seminar series. The first program, Let’s talk about Joints: Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD); Causes, symptoms and treatments, will be presented by ONS orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Paul Sethi in Hospital’s Noble Conference Center at 5 Perryridge Road. Attendance is free. To register, call 203-863-4277 or 888-305-9253, or register online.

Also known as osteoarthritis, DJD affects over 30 percent of the US population over age 65 and is characterized by joint pain and stiffness and a progressive loss of mobility. DJD occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joint breaks down and begins to wear away. By 2030, a projected 67 million people will have been diagnosed with DJD. Understanding the latest research on the causes of the disease and the surgical and non-surgical treatment options will be the focus of this seminar. Dr. Paul Sethi, who is also President of the ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education, will lead this educational and interactive program.

Greenwich Hospital Mini-Med seminars offers tuition-free monthly programs that focus on basic anatomy and physiology, common disease conditions, and possible cures and treatment options. The series aims to introduce the public to the science of human health and the groundbreaking changes taking place in the field of medicine today. The audience will gain a greater awareness of significant health issues, and about the role of medical research in advancing healthcare. The seminars are presented by Greenwich Hospital staff physicians and are designed to be causal and highly informative. No science or medical background required! Ample time will be given to a question and answer period. Whether you’re a student, teacher, caregiver, healthcare provider, or someone with an interest in research and medicine, you will gain a better understanding of basic terms and medical concepts from the seminars.

Hand and wrist surgeon Dr Mark Vitale.

The hand and wrist are comprised of multiple small joints that work together to produce many intricate motions from threading a needle to turning a key in a door. When joints become affected with arthritis, the activities of daily living can be very difficult. In arthritic joints the cartilage has worn away so the bones no longer function glide easily over each other. Movement is painful and range of motion is reduced.

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two main types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis, the most common form is wear and tear arthritis that comes with aging. Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic form of the disease that causes significant inflammation that can damage cartilage and bone.

Another form of arthritis is traumatic arthritis which can affect people of any age and may occur as a result of an injury or trauma. A joint that has sustained an injury is more likely to become arthritic, even if the injury has been properly treated. Fractures that damage the cartilage or joint surface and dislocations are the most common injuries that lead to arthritis.

In his interview on February 21, Dr. Vitale will talk about various treament options and the best ways to manage arthritis.

A meniscus tear is one of the most common sports-related injuries to the knee.

Knee model

The meniscus is the C-shaped rubbery cushion of cartilage that serves as a shock absorber between the bottom of the thigh bone and the top of the shin bone. The meniscus helps to evenly distribute the body’s weight over the knee joint and allows the joint to move and turn smoothly.

Meniscal tears often occur in combination with other injuries such as a ligament tear to the ACL or MCL. Tennis players commonly run, twist and pivot as they play. Likewise, a golfer’s swing relies heavily on a twisting motion through the body. A sudden twist too far or a stumble can strain the knee beyond its normal range, causing injury to the cartilage. Although this injury often occurs to athletes who play high energy and contact sports, you don’t have to be playing a sport to tear your meniscus. The act of simply stepping out of your car may cause a tear.

Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

The most common symptoms of a torn meniscus include pain and swelling, persistent soreness on one side of the knee and sometimes a tendency for the knee to lock or have difficulty straightening. Diagnosis is usually made by taking an x-ray and MRI. Unfortunately, the meniscus cannot heal itself due to the lack of blood supply in that area. Some patients achieve relief from a steroidal injection into the affected area however if the problem returns, surgery may be needed.

If surgery is recommended, it will most likely involve a 20 to 30 minute arthroscopic procedure performed through two or three tiny incisions in the knee. A small camera or scope is inserted through one incision for the surgeon to examine the interior of the joint as well as guide the procedure. Through the other incision(s), the surgeon will use specially designed instruments to trim and fashion the rough and frayed edges of the damaged cartilage into a smooth shape.  In some cases, it may be possible to repair a tear in the cartilage by sewing it back together. Most of the time patients are able to resume their normal sports activities within four weeks.

Dr. Greene completed fellowship training at the Steadman Hawkins Clinic in Vail, Colorado under the direction of Dr. Marc Philippon. While there, he served as associate team physician for the U.S. Ski Team.

What are the most common ski injuries?

Orthopedic Surgeon and skier Dr. Tim Greene, has served as team physician to the US Ski Team.

Although skiing might appear to be a high risk sport, the incidence of ski injuries has actually been declining for the past 20 years. This is partially attributed to better boot and binding technology and may partially be due to the raising awareness of common ski injuries and what can be done to prevent them. The risk of sustaining a fracture is now minimal since the advent of breakaway bindings.

Today, the knee is the most vulnerable body part for a skier. The most common injury is a tear to the MCL, the Medial Collateral Ligament that supports the inside of the knee, and in second place is a tear to the ACL (Anterior Crutiate Ligament), which runs through the center of the knee and is important for stability. In skiing, the knees serve as shock absorbers. They undergo a lot of stress, absorbing the bumps and turns as you navigate the mountain. Beginning skiers may be susceptible to a torn MCL due to the mechanics of the “snowplow” technique, ironically often the first method taught. When in the snowplow position with the skis forming an arrow and the knees bent inward, there is a lot of stress put on the inside of the knee. Falling in this position can result in a sprain or strain of the MCL.

The ACL is at greater risk during skiing because the ankle is locked into position by the boot and the knee is absorbing much of the turning motion. If a skier is thrown off balance and leans back, his skis will sometimes shoot out in front of him or her creating extra torque on the knees that may rupture the ACL. The ACL can also be torn by impact to the knee or severe stress from bouncing down hard on a bump.  This can also happen when turning hard and “catching an edge”. A quick jolt and rotation can also cause an injury. 

Do you see the same kinds of injuries with snowboarders?

Generally the injuries are different. You don’t have the twisting motions in snowboarding that you have in skiing, so we don’t see nearly as many knee injuries as we see in skiing. Snowboarders do however tend suffer more upper extremity injuries like the shoulder or hand, which occur when they try to catch themselves during a fall.

Who is most susceptible to these injuries?

There are two sets of people who tend to get ski injuries; very beginning skiers who are not supervised on the slopes, and very experienced skiers who tend to take more risks with speed and terrain.

Why do they happen?

Many injuries, whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier, are related to weather conditions. It is important to realize that as visibility and surface conditions deteriorate, the slope or trail level goes up. If the conditions are difficult, ski down a level. In other words, In poor visibility or icy conditions, a beginner trail becomes an intermediate, an intermediate slope becomes advanced and on and on.

Another reason injuries occur is fatigue. Most people only take one or two ski vacations a year, so they try to cram the most into each day. Their bodies aren’t accustomed to exercising of 6-8 straight hours and they get tired and weak. Most injuries happen at the end of the day and that’s because the light is poor and skiers are fatigued. The combination can be very bad.

What is the best way to prevent those kinds of injuries before hitting the slopes?

Starting a conditioning and strengthening program a few months before your first trip up the mountain is a very good way to help prevent injuries. By developing good core strength your body will be in better shape to handle the stress and strength needed in skiing. Leg strengthening and balance should also be central to a conditioning program. Aerobic training will help build stamina which will help prevent fatigue which is the cause of many injuries.  

Are there any other precautions to take, once on the slopes?

Ski in control. Loss of control can lead to a crash, which is the cause of the most serious accidents.

Recognize the condition of the terrain you’re on and of your own condition. Pay vigilant attention to your own level of fatigue and rest when you feel tired or weak. Weakened muscles can lead to a loss of control that can lead to a fall or a crash into another skier or stationary object like a tree or lift tower. If you are tired, take a break, if it’s icy or the snow is extra heavy, ski down a level and if you are inexperienced, take a lesson. You’ll have more fun, and the instructor will help you avoid mistakes that can lead to injury.

In addition to your own mindfulness, pay attention to weather conditions. When I was in Vail working at the Steadman Hawkins Clinic, we could tell from the weather what kinds of injuries we would see that day. If the snow was soft and powdery, you would typically see more ligament injuries from skis getting stuck in a bank. If the snow conditions were harder, you would have more fractures.

If someone is injured, what kind of treatment is involved?

Treatment depends greatly on what type of injury you sustain. Unless an injury requires emergency treatment, if you think you’ve been injured, have it evaluated by the ski patrol.  Many sprains and strains can be addressed by applying the RICE principle; Rest, Ice, Compress the area and Elevate. It is always best to follow up with an orthopedic surgeon once you get back home, who will most likely access your injury by physical exam and sometimes x-rays or an MRI. Your doctor will make a determination of the best course of treatment depending upon the severity of the injury and your general physical condition. In the case of a ligament tear, surgery may be an option but that depends on how bad the tear is, your general health and your normal level of activity.

When you need the name of a good doctor, ask another doctor.  As a means to that end each year Moffly Media asks Castle Connolly, the physician-led medical research team that vets doctors nationwide, to provide a list of top physicians in Fairfield County for their annual Top Doctors list. The January 2013 Top Doctors issue of Greenwich, Stamford, New Canaan/ Darien and Westport Magazines contains information on over 323 doctors in 48 medical specialties.  This year’s list includes 13 doctors from Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery Specialists, PC (ONS) in Greenwich Office Park:  neurosurgeons- Paul Apostolides, MD, Mark Camel, MD, Amory Fiore, MD and Scott Simon, MD; orthopedic surgeons- Michael Clain, MD; John Crowe, MD; James Cunningham, MD; Frank Ennis, MD; Steven Hindman, MD; Brian Kavanagh, MD; Seth Miller, MD; and Paul Sethi, MD; and physiatrist- Jeffrey Heftler, MD.

“We are proud to have so many of our skilled physicians recognized in this year’s Top Doctors lists,” said Dr. Seth Miller.  “The doctors at ONS are among the very finest in the country, and have been hand-picked for their superior credentials and experience.” Featured in the lead article is Dr. Michael Clain, a foot and ankle surgeon who has been in practice with ONS since it was established in 2001. Dr. Clain was asked questions about common myths regarding feet, whether sneaker styles matter and the relationship of diabetes and foot problems.

Each year Castle Connolly’s experts ask medical leaders across the country to identify physicians they believe to be the best in their respective fields. The nominees’ credentials, including educational and professional experience, are then carefully screened and the list compiled.

Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery Specialists PC (ONS) physicians provide expertise in the full spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries, sports medicine, minimally invasive orthopedic, spine and brain surgery, joint replacement and trauma. The main office is located at 6 Greenwich Office Park on Valley Road, Greenwich, CT.

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Physiatrist Tamar Kessel, MD

When physical therapy and oral anti-inflammatory medications fail to resolve a spine-related problem, some patients achieve significant relief from a spinal injection. Injection therapy is a way of delivering anti-inflammatory medication directly to the injured area of the spine. ONS physiatrist Dr. Tamar Kessel uses steroidal and non-steroidal injections to help patients return to their normal lifestyle. Learn how these treatments are given, who is benefited most and what to expect from interventional therapy.

Tamar Kessel, MD graduated from Cornell University and earned her medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. After completing a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at New York Presbyterian Hospital of Columbia and Cornell, she received fellowship training in spine and sports medicine at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.

Registration required. Please call (203) 863-4277 or (888) 305-9253, or register on-line at www.greenhosp.org.