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It has become well known that an active lifestyle plays an important role in a person’s health and well-being.  But is one physical activity more beneficial than another? A group of Danish  researchers conducted a study to find out. The answer was yes.

The study was based on 25 years of data collected from 8,577 participants in the Copenhagen City Heart Study, sponsored by the Danish Heart Foundation.  Among the study group, 12 percent reported a sedentary lifestyle with no physical activity, while 66 percent participated in at least one type of physical activity.

When compared to the sedentary group, sports that were associated with the greatest gains in life expectancy involved interval bursts of exercise that engaged large muscle groups along with full body movements, according to study author and cardiologist Peter Schnohr, MD, DMSc of Frederiksberg Hospital in Copenhagen. Dr. Schnohr and six co-authors published the report in Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

Activities associated with the longest life expectancy were racket sports. On average tennis players lived 9.7 years longer than the sedentary group and badminton players gained 6.2 years. Following was soccer (4.7 years), cycling (3.7 years), swimming (3.4 years), jogging (3.2 years), strength and toning or calisthenics (3.1 years) and health club activities (1.5 years.)

Interestingly, length of time engaged in an activity didn’t increase life expectancy.  For example, people who used gym equipment like treadmills, stair climbers and stationary bikes had the shortest lifespan benefit even though they worked out an average of 2.5 hours per week. In contrast, tennis players who played an average 1.7 hours per week had the greatest gains.  Moreover, sports that involved social interaction, whether team sports or sports with partners and opponents, were associated with the greatest improvements in longevity. However, because this is an observational study, the authors caution that the relationship between certain sports and longevity warrants further investigation.  People who don’t play tennis or badminton shouldn’t lost heart, though.  Noted Sports ONS Medicine Specialist, Dr. Marc Kowalsky, “The best exercise is the one you actually do.”

If you’ve ever experienced a long wait in an emergency department when you’ve suffered a sudden sprain or broken bone, you will appreciate the new orthopedic urgent care service that ONS launched on Monday, June 18.

ONS Urgent Ortho Care offers after-hours emergency orthopedic care at the ONS Greenwich office at 6 Greenwich Office Park, between the hours of 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm, Monday through Friday and Saturday from 12 – 4:00 pm.  No appointment is necessary.

“Orthopedic injuries can happen to anyone at any time,” said Seth Miller, MD, president of ONS. “ONS Urgent Ortho Care gives patients a fast, convenient and less costly alternative to a visit to an emergency room.  Patients can walk in and be seen right away by a professional orthopedic team who are trained to deliver state-of-the-art-care for musculoskeletal injuries.”   Studies show that sprains and fractures rank among the top ten reasons for a visit to an emergency department.

“ONS Urgent Ortho Care is a continuation of our mission to provide our surrounding communities with the highest standard of specialized orthopedic and spine care,” Dr. Miller said.  ONS is in network with all major insurances.

ONS currently offers same day appointments during business hours for patients who experience a sudden, acute musculoskeletal injury between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.  Patients can request same day appointments by calling 203-869-1145.

With 25 sub-specialty trained physicians in orthopedics, neurosurgery, sports medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation, ONS has been the one of the most comprehensive and advanced practice of its kind in the region for more than 20 years. ONS has offices in Greenwich and Stamford, CT and Harrison, NY which offer a state-of the-art medical facility, onsite physical therapy centers, digital x-ray and MRI.  Note: ONS Urgent Ortho Care is currently available at the Greenwich office only.

When Greenwich High School senior, Alex Mozian, accepts his diploma in June, he will be celebrating the culmination of a remarkable year as Greenwich High School’s hockey star.  After leading the Cardinals to the finals of the state championship, the 18-year senior was awarded team MVP as well as the Division 1 MVP and 1^st Team All State by the CT State Hockey Coaches Association, among many other honors.  What’s even more impressive about the young athlete’s accomplishments during his final year on the ice as a Cardinal is the fact that he was sidelined during his junior year for the entire season after sustaining consecutive injuries, any one of which could have ended his career.

“Before the injuries, Alex was getting noticed by college scouts.  He was also selected for the USA hockey regional showcase camp, where college recruiters check out the talent,” explained Joe Mozian, Alex’s father. “Junior year should have been his year.”

Instead, Alex faced the daunting task of recovering and rebuilding his strength to get back on the ice as quickly as he could, working with a team of ONS specialists and physical therapists to help get him there.

Alex’s troubles began in December, 2016, when the skate of an opposing player lacerated Alex’s lower right leg.  Alex collapsed on the ice and was taken to the nearest hospital emergency department where the injury was stitched up. Once at home, the pain and swelling increased hourly. It became apparent to parents and player that something more serious had occurred.  Alex was able to see ONS foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon, Sean Peden, MD, the next morning.

Based on the nature of the cut and Alex’s inability to lift up his leg, Dr. Peden determined that a critical tendon had ruptured – the anterior tibial tendon. This tendon is responsible for lifting the foot during activities. A prompt MRI was obtained which confirmed the diagnosis.

“The tendon was completely severed and had retracted, meaning the cut edges had separated from each other significantly,” said Dr. Peden. Knowing how important return to play was to Alex, Dr. Peden performed a procedure that would allow him to maintain strength as much as possible to support a quicker recovery. He was in a cast for just 2 weeks.

Alex showed the same determination off the ice as he so regularly did on the ice.  When he wasn’t working on post-surgical rehabilitation with his ONS physical therapist, Courtney Kirellis, to regain strength and mobility in his lower leg, Alex focused on building his upper body and core strength.

Remarkably, Alex was back on the ice by mid-March, and scored a hat trick and an assist at his first game in April, which was a national championship game.  The family’s excitement was short lived, however. During his third game back, Alex suffered a knee-on-knee collision with an opponent that resulted in a lateral meniscus tear to his left knee.  Once again, the Mozian family turned to ONS.

“After the fantastic experience we had with Alex’s first surgery, Alex insisted that he wanted to go back to ONS,” said Joe. “We had every confidence he would get the best care there.”

“Everyone at ONS made me feel like I was their most important patient.  I felt like they were working with me so I could achieve my goals,” Alex explained.

Sports medicine physician and knee specialist, Dr. Katherine Vadasdi, surgically repaired the injury.  The procedure went without a hitch, but Alex was in for the long haul with physical therapy rehabilitation. Not only did he miss the rest of the Nationals tournament, he had to sit out the US hockey showcase, and all the spring and summer showcase tournaments for colleges.

Understandably, the second injury took an emotional toll on the young athlete, as he watched his peers get accepted to college teams. But with Courtney’s help, Alex regained his strength and determination to stay active and ready to play. On his own, Alex lifted weights in his basement and practiced shooting 100 pucks a day while standing on one leg – the leg Dr. Peden had repaired.

“Alex was an ideal patient,” said Dr. Vadasdi, “He did everything in his power to stay strong and positive throughout a tough healing process.

Alex was cleared to skate in August, and when the school year began that fall, he was ready to reach out to recruiters.  Then, the unthinkable happened.  A freak collision with an opponent brought Alex crashing to the ice with the hockey stick still in his hand.  The injury?  A broken scaphoid bone in his right wrist, a particularly difficult bone to repair.  While most upper extremity fractures take about 6 weeks to heal, scaphoid fractures typically take at least 12 weeks and sometimes as long as 6 months to heal.

This time Alex trusted the skilled hands of ONS’s Dr. Mark Vitale, an award-winning hand and wrist surgeon. Dr. Vitale understood how desperately Alex wanted to get back on the ice, and surgically inserted a tiny compression screw to stimulate healing.

“The surgery was personalized to Alex to allow for early range of motion and durable protection to the bone in the earlier healing periods, which is much more important to a high level athlete looking for rapid return to play,” explained Dr. Vitale.

Alex returned to the ice in October stronger and better than ever, scoring a season high 60 goals and assists to lead the Greenwich Cardinals to the state finals for the first time since 2014. And while Alex is sad to leave behind his Cardinals teammates when he graduates in June, his career will continue. Alex’s story and his post-surgical successes of the past season caught the attention of a number of coaches from elite prep schools. As a result he will pursue a post-graduate year at The Hotchkiss School, starting in the fall and his dream of playing NCAA hockey still alive.

Annual survey of best Fairfield physicians published by Moffly Media.

Fifteen orthopedic and neurosurgical specialists from Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists (ONS) were named among Fairfield County’s Top Doctors for 2018, according Moffly Media, which this month published the annual survey compiled by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., a respected national medical data research group.  ONS has the most physicians ranked in their categories than any other practice.

The Castle Connolly Top Doctors are nominated by their peers for talent and expertise in their medical specialties. Credentials of each nominee are reviewed by the Castle Connolly physician-directed research team, with special scrutiny given to medical education, training, board certification, hospital appointments, administrative posts, and professional achievements, according to the organization’s website.

In the field of Orthopedic Surgery, the following physicians were singled out as the best specialists in our region: Michael Clain, MD, foot and ankle specialist; James Cunningham, MD, a sports medicine physician specializing in knee and shoulder; Frank Ennis, MD, hip and knee replacement specialist, Steven Hindman, MD, general orthopedics and trauma; Brian Kavanagh, MD, hip and knee replacement specialist; Seth Miller, MD, shoulder specialist; David Nocek, MD, general orthopedics and trauma; Paul Sethi, MD, a sports medicine physician specializing in shoulder, elbow, knee and shoulder replacement; and Katherine B. Vadasdi, MD, director of the ONS Women’s Sports Medicine Center specializing in shoulder, elbow, knee and shoulder replacement. Dr. Mark Vitale was recognized as a top Hand Surgeon.

The entire ONS Spine Center team was recognized as the best in their area of specialty. Neurosurgeons Paul Apostolides, MD; Mark Camel, MD; Amory Fiore, MD, and Scott Simon, MD, were honored for their outstanding skill and high quality patient care, as was physiatrist Jeffrey Heftler, MD, a specialist in interventional pain management at the ONS Interventional Sports and Spine Center.

The entire Fairfield County Top Doctors 2018 list for all medical specialists can be found in Moffly Media publications including Greenwich Magazine, New Canaan/Darien Magazine, Stamford Magazine and Westport Magazine.

ONS physicians are board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, the American Board of Neurological Surgery or the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The physicians are trained at the most respected medical institutions in the country and most have undergone additional fellowship training in their sub-specialties. All surgeries are performed by ONS surgeons, not by hospital residents or fellows. Their focus is on exceeding patients’ expectations by providing the highest quality of care and customer service in a comfortable, stress-free environment. Although it is a surgical practice, ONS surgeons take a conservative approach to patient care. Only ten percent of ONS patients require surgery.

The holidays are great times for friends and family to get together, but nothing ruins the fun faster than a mishap or injury that lands a loved one in the emergency room. The hazards of choking on food, house fires from unattended candles and faulty strings of decorative lights are well-known, but other less publicized dangers can threaten the joy of the season as well.

Dr. Steven Hindman has been the orthopedic specialist on call at Greenwich Hospital for numerous holiday seasons. He recently shared with the Greenwich Sentinel his list of simple precautions to have holidays full of good cheer and avoid emergency trips to the hospital.

Take Care When Climbing:

When preparing for the holidays, take particular care about what you are climbing on to decorate or to retrieve a special serving bowl from a high shelf. I have seen horrible injuries from people climbing on unsafe things at this time of the year. Tall ladders with handles and step ladders are a safer bet when objects are beyond your reach than a kitchen counter, a swivel chair, or a wobbly old ladder you pull out of the garage once a year.

Keep Your Home Clear and Bright:

House guests may be unaccustomed to having pets, children and their toys underfoot. They can easily trip over the dog and break a wrist, or twist an ankle stepping on a toy. Older family members are particularly vulnerable to falls if they try to find their way for a drink of water in unlit, unfamiliar hallways. One wrong step could send them tumbling down the stairs, or crashing into a table or door jamb. Change of routine and medication schedules could further disorient elderly guests, who might experience dizziness and fluctuations in their blood pressure.

Steady as You Go:

Distractions and alcoholic beverages can also pose physical perils. In the kitchen, divided attention can lead to hand injuries, burns and severe lacerations. We typically see an increase in the number of cut tendons and nerves in the hand from accidents involving knives and slicers.

Reckless Youth:

Young people home from college can become impetuous with the excitement of reuniting with old hometown friends. Playing contact sports without the proper equipment, late night partying, and careless driving are common reasons young people end up in the ER.

The holidays are a time to be thankful for friends and family. Taking the proper precautions to make sure everyone stays safe during this time of year can be the greatest gift of all.

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Paul Sethi was featured in an article in the Sunday, December 3 editions of Heart Media newspapers including the Greenwich Time and Stamford Advocate.  Dr. Sethi was highlighted for his efforts to combat the opioid epidemic by greatly reducing, and in some cases, eliminating severe post-surgical pain.  Dr. Sethi and other surgeons at ONS have been using a new local analgesic called Exparel®, which injected directly to the surgical site during the procedure.  The analgesic allows the area to remain numb for as long as four days, the period of most intense post-surgical pain.  As a result, physicians are prescribing far fewer opioids to patients.

You can read the entire article, written by Paul Schott here.

Dr. Sethi has appeared in a number of publications on this topic, including  The Daily Mail,  The Lily,  Aol.com News,  Bustle,  and Shape ,  as well as radio and  televised news programs about the breakthrough advances at ONS.  On May 19 of this year, he appeared on Channel 7 Eyewitness News on the same topic.

Marc Kowalsky, MD, discussed Sports Medicine on the White Plains Public Television show, Healthy Frontiers with host Dr. Lou Bisogni. Healthy Frontiers airs on Cablevision White Plains Channel 76 and Verizon Channel 45 on Thursdays at 6:30 pm and Fridays at 10:30 am.

ONS Puts Golfer on Path for the Shot of a Lifetime.

Sinking a hole-in-one would give any golfer cause to celebrate. For James Dean, 73, achieving golf’s ultimate shot was particularly gratifying, considering it happened nearly a year to the day after a total shoulder replacement surgery.

“I’ve been a golfer for 35 years and have played more than 2,000 rounds of golf and never came close to a hole-in-one,” said Dean, a longtime Greenwich resident. “If you had seen me before my surgery, you wouldn’t believe it would be possible.”

For more than 10 years, Dean suffered from shoulder pain which steadily restricted his range of motion and affected his golf swing. On the recommendation of a friend, he consulted with shoulder specialist Dr. Seth Miller. When conservative measures failed to provide Dean with any relief, Miller recommended total shoulder replacement.

According to Miller, Dean was a perfect candidate for shoulder replacement because severe arthritis had worn away part of his shoulder socket. He had developed an advanced condition that affects less than 5 percent of people receiving shoulder replacement surgery, and required a specialized prosthetic called an augmented glenoid .

“Dr. Miller assured me that a shoulder replacement would improve my quality of life,” said Dean. “I had the surgery in September, 2016 when the golf season came to a close because I wanted to be able to play the following February in Jamaica.”

The procedure went according to plan, and following a physical therapy program, Dean was lightly swinging a club by December and achieved his goal by playing ten rounds of golf two months later in Jamaica.

“I recommend this surgery to guys like me who think they can deal with the pain,” he said. “I wish I had done it six or seven years ago.” Since the surgery, Dean has seen his handicap has improved by 4 points to an enviable 15. “The whole experience has been terrific,” he said.

This story originally appeared in the Daily Voice.
Photograph by Jeffery A. Blutstein