Tag: Sports Medicine Specialists

An Added Level of Safety to Young Athletes

Posted on April 19, 2016

THE ORTHO ACCESS PROGRAM AT ONS OFFERS AN ADDED LEVEL OF SAFETY TO YOUNG ATHLETES WHO ARE INJURED ON THE FIELD. 

If you missed yesterday’s  Well column in The New York Times, it focused on the lack of national safety standards to protect student athletes from crippling or fatal injuries.  Individual states and theinjured on the field schools within them, for the most part, haven’t yet adopted injury prevention and treatment policies or procedures for children who play organized or league sports either. The responsibility is all too often left to coaches and parents to assess what measures to take when a young athlete is injured and when they can return to play. 500 student athletes died last year due to poor decisions made immediately following injury, according to the article. The ORTHO ACCESS program at ONS is designed to add an extra layer of medical support and injury prevention education for coaches, athletes, and parents. During the first critical moments after a player is hurt,  ONS ORTHO ACCESS sports medicine physicians helps to determine the best immediate course of action to take. Read  more.

 

 

PRP: A step forward in regenerative medicine

Posted on February 19, 2015
Dr Kessel
Dr. Tamar Kessel, physiatrist, with a C-arm

Dr. Kessel is a physiatrist who specializes in non-operative treatments of musculoskeletal injuries and has an interest in the use of ultrasound to target medications to the precise location of tissue damage. One procedure that optimizes on ultrasound technology is the new and progressive treatment in regenerative medicine, PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma). Utilizing therapeutic injections, like PRP, has been shown to be safer and to greatly improve treatment results.  The treatment has even received significant attention from the media and has been used by members of the New York Giants along with other NFL players and elite athletes. Dr. Kessel is committed to providing the highest quality medical care and achieving the best outcomes for her patients.

PRP is a new treatment in regenerative medicine that uses the patient’s own blood and platelets to promote healing and helps the body optimize on its own natural processes. The patient’s own blood is drawn then placed in a centrifuge machine that separates the blood, leaving the platelet rich plasma ready to be removed. Afterwards, the PRP is placed right into the area of damage using ultrasound. Most people benefit from one injection but depending on the severity of the damage, it could take up to three. This method can help heal injuries including tendon/ligament injuries (Achilles Tendonitis), tennis elbow, cartilage loss, arthritis, and small tears (rotator cuff tears and meniscal injuries).

Note: Because PRP is given in the hopes of optimizing the initial inflammatory response of healing, anti-inflammatory medications should likely be stopped at the time of PRP treatment. Please consult your physician before any procedure.

“Maximizing Your Child’s Athletic Potential” Success

Posted on January 30, 2015
Delos_Houston_
Dr. Delos with Allan Houston

Last Thursday’s talk on “Maximizing Your Child’s Athletic Potential” was a success. A big thank you goes out to the Junior League of Greenwich for making it possible with their focus on improving the community and empowering others to further health and education! Ultimately they brought together the perfect combination of experts to inform the public about the youth and the sports they love.

Dr. Delos, of ONS and Greenwich Hospital, was a panel speaker at this event. He specializes in sports medicine and arthroscopic treatment of knee and shoulder disorders. Before ONS, Dr. Delos was the Assistant NFL Team Physician for the New York Giants and was team physician for a number of local high school and college athletes.

Other panel members consisted of Andy Barr, Director of Performance and Rehab for the New York Knicks, Mubarak “Bar” Malik, Head of Strength and Conditioning for the New York Knicks, and Allan Houston, one of NBA’s all-time greatest long range shooters and Olympic gold medalist, as the moderator. Each participant reinforced the importance of parents taking interest in the development of their young athlete and properly guiding them to the path of success. Parents attending this event were very attentive, and came prepared with questions.

Conversations covered the fundamental topics, like proper sleep habits and nutrition. For example, a young athlete’s nutrition should increase in relation to the amount of activity they experience daily. This may be common knowledge to an adult but for an adolescent, proper amounts of sleep and good nutrition that balances the amount of activity should be added to their routine.

Aside from the basic topics of discussion, there was a myth to be busted as well; to find out the details of the myth and for more information about the questions that were asked at the event, please read the article written by the Greenwich Freepress.

Delos_Group_2
Photography credit goes to the Delos family, thank you!

ONS Success Story: William McHale

Posted on January 12, 2015

William McHale TestimonialWilliam McHale started off as many other athletes did, full of energy and feeling invincible. As we all know, that feeling of invincibility is only a feeling. In the 7th grade, young William broke his ankle playing football; fortunately he was then referred to Dr. Paul Sethi.

Dr. Sethi considers all of the athlete’s needs which helps set the stage for a successful and timely recovery period and translates into an ideal patient-doctor experience.  When McHale got older, he started as a linebacker in 30 consecutive games between his sophomore and senior years at  Yale University. During his senior year though, the labrums in both of his shoulders tore. Time was of the essence if he wanted to recover in time for his Pro Day in front of NFL Scouts. Who did he contact? None other than our very own Dr. Sethi.

The MRIs originally taken of the injury did not reveal the full extent of the damage but Dr. Sethi corrected all issues encountered during the surgery. After the procedure, William was scheduled to go to physical therapy multiple times a week and overall, it took about six to seven months for a full recovery. Since then, William has not had any other issues regarding his shoulders.

Where is William McHale now? He played to his full potential on Pro Day, was invited to Minicamp with the New Orleans Saints, and just returned from playing football in France; congratulations!

ONS Sports Medicine Specialists and Orthopedic Surgeons awarded 2nd place at The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine Meeting for “Incidence of Culture Positive Propionibacterium Acnes in Shoulder Arthroscopy”

Posted on August 11, 2014

UNDERSTANDING AND PREVENTING SURGICAL SITE INFECTION

The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) was founded primarily as a forum for research and education for orthopedic surgeons, physicians and health care professionals in the field of sports medicine. Each year the AOSSM holds a conference to highlight areas of recent research, surgical techniques and to debate and share clinical insights about hot topics in the field of sports medicine. Physicians are recognized and awarded for their efforts in research and presentations about sports medicine conditions.

At the annual AOSSM meeting held in Seattle, Washington this July 10th-13th, ONS orthopedic surgeons Timothy Greene, MD, Katie Vadasdi, MD, director of the ONS Women’s Sports Medicine Center and Paul Sethi, MD, President of the ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education, were awarded 2nd place for research presented on “Incidence of Culture Positive Propionibacterium Acnes in Shoulder Arthroscopy.” This research is best described in a statement below from Dr. Paul Sethi:

“As the field of shoulder surgery and, particularly, shoulder replacement grows, the risk of developing shoulder infection increases. When treated imperfectly, infection may cause devastating complications. Our goal is to help develop a universal measure to absolutely minimize post-surgical infection. Reducing complications adds value to patient experience and avoids the costly road of infection eradication. The bacterium (Proprionibacter Acnes) most commonly attributed to shoulder infection is a very unusual organism. Until recently, it was not properly recognized because it was so difficult to identify.

Now that one of the greatest bacterial offenders (in the shoulder) has been more clearly identified, we are looking for ways to prevent it from infecting patients. In our last study we took over three hundred cultures and studied them. After careful analysis, we were able to identify when (during surgery) patients are most susceptible to this bacterial infection and were able to determine just how frequently this bacteria is present. Now that we know when this bacterium may gain its access to patients, we are developing ways to attack it at the patient’s point of vulnerability.”

Paul Sethi, MD
Paul Sethi, MD
Katie Vadasdi, MD
Katie Vadasdi, MD
Timothy Greene, MD
Timothy Greene, MD

Sethi PM, Greene T, Vadasdi K, Miller S.  Incidence of P. Acnes Culture after Primary Shoulder Arthroscopy.  AOSSM Annual Meeting. Seattle, WA. July 2014

Posters are judged by the AOSSM Education Program Committee. With just three poster awards available, we congratulate our physicians on their research and 2nd place award.

ONS Foundation Awarded 2nd Place in AOSSM Poster Contest
ONS Foundation Awarded 2nd Place in AOSSM Poster Contest

For more information on the AOSSM Annual Meeting, please click here: http://www.sportsmed.org/Education/Meetings/Annual_Meeting_2014/2014_Annual_Meeting/

Program:
http://www.sportsmed.org/uploadedFiles/Content2/Education/Meetings/Annual_Meeting_2014/AOSSM%202014%20Final%20Program.pdf

Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery Specialists PC (ONS) is an advanced multi-specialty orthopedic and neurosurgery practice in Greenwich, CT. ONS physicians provide expertise in sports medicine, minimally invasive orthopaedic, spine and brain surgery, joint replacement and trauma. For more information, please visit www.onsmd.com.

 

 

ONS Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine Specialist, Timothy Greene, MD Gives Insight on Paul George Injury

Posted on August 5, 2014

Time Greene, MDTeam USA’s scrimmage this past Friday night was definitely one to remember; and not in a good way. ONS Orthopedic Surgeon and fellowship trained Sports Medicine Specialist, Timothy Greene, MD, gives us some insight on NBA Super Star, Paul George’s gruesome injury that caused jaws to drop and made an entire arena become strikingly silent.

“NBA star Paul George sustained a gruesome leg injury during Friday night’s Team USA basketball game in Las Vegas. While trying to contest a layup, George’s leg hit the basketball stanchion causing an open tibia/fibular fracture. The injury consists of a complete break of the shin bone and small bone in the lowerleg that penetrates through the skin. When the bone penetrates the skin, there is an increased risk of infection and thus an urgent surgery was preformed the night of the incident to clean and repair the ends of the bone and skin and place a rod in the shin bone.

The road to recovery will most likely be a long one for the NBA superstar. When the bone penetrates the skin, it increases the time for healing. Studies examining these types of injury show that it can take up to 6 months to get complete healing of the bone. Although we often see our professional athlete’s recover and return to a high level of play in a surprisingly rapid timeframe, it is not unreasonable to expect that Paul George may take an entire year to return to elite level basketball.”

To learn more about the incident, read this article by The Huffington Post.

Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery Specialists PC (ONS) is an advanced multi-specialty orthopedic and neurosurgery practice in Greenwich, CT. ONS physicians provide expertise in sports medicine, minimally invasive orthopaedic, spine and brain surgery, joint replacement and trauma. For more information, please visit www.onsmd.com. 

Don’t Miss Out! Hurry and Sign Up for The ONS Foundation PLAY Strong, PLAY Safe 5K Race/Walk!

Posted on September 10, 2013

 

ONS_5K_Logo

On Sunday, September 22, the ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education PLAY Strong PLAY Safe 5K Run/Walk will take place in Old Greenwich. Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Katie Vadasdi and Joseph “Casey” McKee will serve as event Co-chairs. “It seems only fitting that the ONS Foundation host a 5K race to benefit the organization’s research and education around treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries,” said Dr. Vadasdi. “What better venue for highlighting the importance of mobility and physical health at any age than a 5K walk/run aimed at the whole family.” Proceeds from the PLAY Strong PLAY Safe 5K will benefit the Foundation’s education initiatives as well as the youth sports programs of the OGRCC. Details about the event and registration are available online at http://www.onsf.org/. Registration packets may be picked up on Saturday, September 21, at OGRCC between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. or on race day between 6 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. Same day registrations are accepted.

The race will begin in front of the OGRCC (Old Greenwich Riverside Community Center) on Harding Road at 8 a.m. on Sunday. The USATF certified 5K course travels through scenic residential areas of Old Greenwich. The course goes south past the Innis Arden Club and is relatively flat for the first 2 miles. Bypassing downtown Old Greenwich, runners and walkers will encounter a hill as they leave the Binney Park area and enter Summit Road. Then, the course runs adjacent to the Riverside School before turning onto Owenoke Way and on to the finish line at the OGRCC.

“The course is designed for all athletic abilities whether you are a serious runner or a power walker,” said Dr. Vadasdi who is also an accomplished triathlete. “We invite elite runners, corporate challenge teams, joggers, student athletes, weekend warriors, power walkers and families to participate.

ONS Foundation 5K Run/Walk Facts

What: ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education Play Strong, Play Safe 5k Run/Walk

When: Sunday, September 22, 2013
Packet Pick Up/Race Day Registration 6 – 7:30 a.m.
5K Start 8 a.m.
Kids 0.5 Mile Costume Run/Walk 9 a.m.

Where: Meet at (OGRCC) Old Greenwich-Riverside Community Center
90 Harding Road, Old Greenwich, CT 06870

Registration details: Register and pick up packets -Saturday, September 21, at OGRCC from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Includes a Race T-Shirt)

Fees:
Adults: $40
Students (12-18 years): $25
Child (8-11 years): $15
Child (7 & younger): FREE

In addition to the race, the event will feature a Health Expo located at the OGRCC where participants and their families will be able to learn more about nutrition, training, injury prevention and running equipment. “We are fortunate to have exhibits from ONS Physical Therapy, EHS PT, Greenwich Running Company and Green and Tonic,” said “Casey” McKee. “ONS doctors will also be on hand to host clinics on injury prevention and management”.

Sponsors for the ONS Foundation 5K include Greenwich Hospital Fairway Market, Elite Health Services, Greenwich Running Co., Jeep, Green and Tonic, Johnnie-O, and the Greenwich United Way. For information and online registration, go to http://www.ons-foundation.org/

The ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education, a Greenwich Hospital alliance, works to develop, validate, formalize and disseminate the latest advances in surgical techniques, rehabilitation protocols and clinical outcomes in orthopedics and neurosurgery to improve patient care on regional and national levels.

 

 

 

Get in the know! ONS Physician Dr. Gloria Cohen discusses Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS).

Posted on July 31, 2013

What is it? How do you get it? How do you treat it?

What exactly is Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness?
DOMS, as it is also known, is the sensation of Cohenpain, soreness, and stiffness in exercised muscles after unaccustomed or strenuous exercise. This can occur from several hours to three days post exercise. Though the actual mechanism is not completely understood, Dr. Cohen says “studies suggest that symptoms develop as a result of microscopic damage to the muscle fibers involved in certain exercises, particularly in muscle cell membranes and the bands that connect muscle cells”.

After a workout, your body automatically begins the process of repairing the damage to muscle fibers causing low-grade pain. The saying “no pain, no gain” is actually accurate because although your overall fitness is improving, you will experience aches and pains along the way. Certain types of movement or exercise, known as eccentric muscle contractions where the muscle lengthens as it contracts, can cause low-grade pain. According to Dr. Cohen, an example of this is what happens as the quadriceps or thigh muscle engages while walking or running downhill.

NYRC Dash-SplashCan DOMS be prevented?? Dr. Cohen suggests “when starting a new exercise program, it is advisable to gradually increase the intensity of the program.” In other words, don’t overdo it! She also cautions, “beware of overstretching which can also result in sore muscles, especially if you haven’t warmed up adequately before exercising”. If these precautions don’t help, there are treatment approaches. “Increasing blood flow to the muscle and immersion in cool or icy water has shown to be effective in some studies”. According to Dr. Cohen, who also suggests refraining from the activity if symptoms occur, “if pain increases and becomes more severe- if there is swelling of the limb- or if you notice your urine color darken- seek medical attention. Muscle breakdown can put excess stress on the kidneys. When in doubt, see your doctor.”

 

Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair

Posted on January 31, 2013

 

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

Knee model
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.

Girls’ Sports Injury Prevention Workshop will Focus on ACL Injury and Stress Fractures

Posted on October 5, 2010
ONS Foundation Sports Injuries
Girl’s Sports Injury Prevention

 

On Tuesday, October 12, from 7-9 p.m., the ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education will present a free workshop on girls’ sports injuries with a focus on ACL injury and stress fractures at the OGRCC, Eastern Greenwich Civic Center, 90 Harding Road, Old Greenwich.  Primary care sports medicine physician Gloria Cohen, MD and orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist Katherine Vadasdi, MD will discuss why girls have certain risks for potentially serious sports injuries.  The hands-on workshop is open to girls, ages 11 to 19, parents, youth sports coaches and athletic trainers. Physical therapists from ONS Physical Therapy will work with participants in small groups on effective conditioning techniques for injury prevention.  The seminar is free, however registration is required. Call (203) 637 3659 or email ogrcc.execasst@yahoo.com.

Integrative Approach to Medical Management

“One of the most important ways to prevent sports injuries in girls is to recognize the signs and symptoms of minor conditions,” says Dr. Cohen, whose practice takes an integrative approach to medical management, considering a patient’s biomechanics, cardiovascular, and pulmonary function as it relates to athletic performance. “Continuing to play after a seemingly ‘minor injury’ can make the condition more serious. For example, shin pain might not be from shin splints or muscle strain, but could be a symptom of a hairline or more serious fracture.” Both doctors recommend a team approach to keep athletes safe. The athlete, parents and coaches need to work together.

Seminar Topics Include:

  • Why some injuries are unique to girls
  • How girls’ biomechanics and nutritional needs differ from boys’
  • Danger signs and symptoms of injury
  • Common overuse injuries. Know of the risk factors and warning signs
  • What can be done to keep girls on the playing field and out of the operating room?

About Dr. Cohen

Dr. Cohen serves as primary-care team physician for the Columbia University Varsity athletic teams and lectures for the Columbia Department of Orthopedics. She has served as team physician for the Canadian National Olympic Cycling Team for more than 14 years and as team physician for the Canadian fencing team. She has been a member of the Canadian medical team for four Olympic Games.

About Dr. Vadasdi

Dr. Vadasdi is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine, and the shoulder and elbow. 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.  In addition to their practices, both physicians are accomplished athletes. Dr. Cohen is a competitive runner and cyclist. Dr. Vadasdi is an experienced triathlete and has completed several Ironman competitions.  She is also an alpine climber.

A Collaborative Program

The workshop is a collaborative program of the OGRCC (Old Greenwich-Riverside Community Center) and the ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education.

Keeping Summer Sports Fun and Injury Free

Posted on July 12, 2010

Sports Medicine Specialist advises conditioning, moderation and a focus on core strength

ACCORDING TO TIM GREENE, MD, SPORTS MEDICINE SPECIALIST AT ONS (Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery Specialists), most athletic injuries are not the result of accidents but are due to inadequate preparation for a sports activity, overuse of joints or muscles and missing the early warning signs of injury. “Most sports injuries are preventable,” he says.  “Many sports-related injuries can be traced to a lack of core body strength– which is the strength of the muscles of the torso that keep your stomach strong and support your back. Think of the body as a tree that has strong branches but a weak trunk. That imbalance of strength can cause strain, cracking and even collapse the trunk.  If your core is not strong and you engage in a running or jumping activity, you’re risk for injury is increased.” Dr. Greene recommends varying your activities so your body doesn’t become unevenly strengthened and conditioned. “Incorporating programs like yoga, Pilates, and strength training can be very effective for developing the body core and reducing the risk for injury.”

“Many people are more active in the summer than during the rest of the year,” says Dr. Greene.  “When returning to a sports activity after taking time off, moderation is the key to avoiding injury.  Your body is conditioned to do what it does most, so if you work seated in an office and take regular walks on weekends, the muscles you use in those activities are most conditioned.  Whether you play tennis, golf, go bicycling or running, when you first return to a sport that you haven’t done for some time, you need to retrain those unconditioned muscles.  Sports-specific muscle groups have to become stronger in order to support the balance and flexibility that are required for that activity. By gradually working into a new activity, you condition your muscles without damaging them and your body will adjust to the new demands.”

Injury may also occur when people think they can “push through pain”. But pain may be a symptom of inflammation in the muscle, bone or even a hairline fracture.  If you experience pain, it is safest to consult your physician or a sports medicine specialist to make sure you’re not over stressing a muscle or bone, which could develop into a more serious injury like a muscle tear or bone fracture. “If you listen to your body, don’t ignore early warning signs of overuse and develop your core strength, you’ll have a great summer of outdoor exercise and fun,” says Dr. Greene.

Tips for Preventing Injuries

 

  • Listen to your body and know your risks.
  • Warm-up and stretch at the start of every workout or sports activity.
  • Women should be sure they are getting adequate calcium in their diet.
  • Wear appropriate footgear and don’t wear worn out running or tennis shoes. Find a store where knowledgeable salespeople can advise you on appropriate footgear designed for women.
  • If you feel persistent pain in your muscles or joints, stop exercising and have the pain evaluated.
  • When beginning a new sport or fitness program, start slowly and build up over time.
  • Avoid sudden changes in intensity or type of exercise.
  • Vary your fitness routine.

Physicians from ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education will give Sports Injury Prevention Program at Greenwich Academy Tonight

Posted on January 28, 2010

There is currently an unprecedented level of youth sports injuries, particularly in girls. Most alarming is the incidence of torn ACLs. Girls suffer two-to-ten times greater number of ACL injuries than boys. Most girls who play sports have either had a sports injury or have had a friend suffer a sports injury. Research shows ACL injury rates improve significantly when athletes participate in sports-specific conditioning and strengthening programs.

The Greenwich Academy Athletic Department has invited Greenwich Academy parents and students to attend a presentation tonight about adolescent sports injuries by the ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education. ONS orthopedic surgeons Dr. Michael Clain and Dr. Katie Vadasdi will discuss the risk for and prevention of injuries to the lower leg, knee, shin and ankle.

The speakers will talk about injury prevention and about the latest treatments for the most common sports injuries. The audience will be encouraged to ask questions.

The ONS Foundation provides expertise and evidence-based guidelines for sports-related injury prevention for athletes, coaches, as well as the aging population. The goal of the Foundation is to help raise the health status of all people to the highest possible level by decreasing the incidence of injuries through prevention.

ONS is Connecticut’s premier center for orthopedic and neurosurgery specialists. ONS physicians are trained at the top universities and hospitals in the country and have expertise and vast experience in diagnosing and treating sports-related injuries. ONS physicians serve as consultants for professional sports teams as well as college and high school programs.

Doctor Invited to be on XXI Olympic Winter Games Medical Team

Posted on December 29, 2009

ONS physician Gloria Cohen, MD was recently selected to be a member of the host medical staff for the XXI Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The Games take place from February 12 to 28. Dr. Cohen, who has served on prior Olympics medical teams, has been assigned as a primary care sports medicine physician for the Olympic long track speedskating events. She joins a multidisciplinary sports medicine team that includes orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, primary care physicians and athletic trainers.

As a member of the Winter Olympics host medical team, Dr. Cohen will provide healthcare and on-site emergency services to athletes during pre-Game and Games times from February 7 through the final medal competitions. Her duties will include emergency and first responder care on the ice for the athletes from any country. She will be working with some of the most qualified sports medicine physicians, physical therapists, and paramedics in the medical field. Continue reading “Doctor Invited to be on XXI Olympic Winter Games Medical Team” →

Ski Binding Technology to be Presented

Posted on December 21, 2009

Skip Beitzel of Hickory and Tweed in Armonk, New York will be joining the ONS ski seminar crew again for the ONS annual free ski injury prevention seminar this year. Skip will bring along a selection of examples of the latest skis, ski bindings and snowboard equipment.  He has just signed on to distribute the new “KneeBinding” which the manufacturer claims is designed to prevent ACL injuries. Skip plans to try the binding out himself so he can speak about it from experience but, with reservations, he says it certainly sounds promising.

He also said he was excited about the re-release of the Look Pivot ski binding that was such a popular binding many years ago. According to the manufacturer, the Look Pivot 14 features a metal pivot heel which rotates with the boot directly under the tibia. The Turntable Heel ensures that the binding releases when it should and holds the boot in when it should for more reliable binding performance in stressful situations.

Come to the ONS Ski Injury Prevention Seminar at 7 PM on January 26th to see these new bindings and hear more about them and lots of other useful information on how not to get injured on the slopes this season. Admission is free but registration is requested. Call 203-869-3470 to register. For more information visit www.onsmd.com.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections: Promising treatment for Soft Tissue Injuries

Posted on November 24, 2009

In the world of sports, when a player is injured and unable to play, championships may be lost.  One treatment currently being used to get players back to their sport is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections. Athletes including Hines Ward of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Chris Canty of the New York Giants have been treated with PRP to accelerate healing and return to play faster.

Jeffery Heftler, MD; Gloria Cohen, MD; Halina Snowball, MD and the ONS Foundation are currently studying the use of PRP injections to enhance tissue  recovery for various soft tissue problems such as tennis elbow, hamstring strains, MCL strains and patellar tendonitis.

The procedure is fairly straightforward and quick. A syringe of the patient’s own blood is spun in a centrifuge separating out the platelets, which are rich in the body’s own growth factors. When injected back into the patient, these growth factors may help to accelerate healing and can be useful in repairing soft tissue injuries that would otherwise take longer to heal. While it is a new treatment and considered experimental and not FDA approved, it is a very low risk procedure. PRP Treatment has been used for a few years with good anecdotal success and very few downsides.

By closely monitoring each patient who receives PRP, physicians are able to identify which conditions will benefit most from the treatment. Since the material comes from the patient’s own body, there are no side effects from the injections. The treatment carries none of the risks of weakening surrounding tissue or increasing blood sugars that steroid injections have.

Eric Joyner

“… after my knee injury, the coach and I thought I was out for the wholeseason. After PRP treatment, I was back playing an entire game in 2½ weeks. Go docs!”

Eric Joyner, Varsity football player at King & Low-Heywood Thomas School