Casp travels with U.S. Alpine Ski Team, offers coverage to athletes at Stifel Palisades Tahoe Cup
Aaron Casp, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, recently traveled with the United States Alpine Ski Team to the 2024 Stifel Palisades Tahoe Cup.Read more
Gould showcases equestrian concussion research at IOC Sports Conference
Pioneering research on advancements in equestrian sports medicine was on display at one of sports medicine’s greatest stages. With a focus on enhancing athlete performance and well-being, recent contributions from a research team led by Associate Professor Sara Gould, M.D.,M.P.H., marked significant strides in the equestrian community.
Read moreMedical students match into the UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery residency program
We are excited to announce the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery’s incoming residents! Six exceptional medical students from throughout the country recently matched with our department for their upcoming residencies.
Read moreMomaya joins Convergence Medical's team to build an arthroscopic revolution
Amit Momaya, M.D., section chief of the Sports Medicine Section and associate professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, recently joined the Convergence Medical Advisory Board, marking a significant collaboration in the realm of orthopaedic innovation. Convergence Medical, a 2022-founded pre-clinical start-up, brings together a unique synergy of medical expertise and engineering prowess, focusing on pushing the boundaries of arthroscopy.
Read moreJohnson published in Journal of the AAOS on pelvic ring injuries
Joseph P. Johnson, M.D., assistant professor in the Trauma Section of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, was an author of a recently published article titled “Pelvic Ring Injuries: Stable or Not?”
Read moreOrthopaedic Surgery Sports and Exercise Medicine providers recently published in notable journals regarding rotator cuff and meniscal repairs
Drs. Eugene Brabston, Aaron Casp, and Amit Momaya, faculty members in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery’s Sports and Exercise Medicine Section, are co-authors of articles that were recently published by notable medical journals.
Read moreBrabston, Casp, Evely, Momaya, and Campbell published in Arthroscopy Techniques
Drs. Eugene Brabston, Aaron Casp, Thomas Evely, and Amit Momaya, faculty members in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, and current UAB Orthopaedic Surgery resident Dr. Collier Campbell are authors of a recently published article titled “Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Quadriceps Tendon Autograft: Surgical Technique Using Augmentation With a Biocomposite Scaffold.”
Read moreMeet the Faculty: Dr. Joseph P. Johnson
The UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is home to some of the best orthopaedic surgeons in the state, specializing in the areas of foot and ankle, hand and upper extremity, joint, oncology, pediatrics, spine, sports medicine, and trauma. The department is dedicated to unmatched education under leading faculty, groundbreaking research efforts, and maintaining excellence in patient care–making UAB Orthopaedic Surgery a preferred orthopaedic provider.
In our Meet the Faculty series, we get to know more about our leading faculty members–their medical backgrounds, current research, clinical interests, and what they believe makes UAB Orthopaedic Surgery one of the best places for orthopaedic services.
Meet Joseph P. Johnson, M.D.
Assistant Professor, Trauma Section
Joseph P. Johnson, M.D., received his medical doctorate from the Emory University School of Medicine. He then attended Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, where he completed both his residency and an orthopedic trauma fellowship. After graduating, he completed an AO short-term fellowship in orthopaedic trauma at Leeds General Infirmary in Leeds, United Kingdom.
Read moreBrabston, Casp, Evely, Momaya, and DeBell published in Journal of Orthopaedics
Drs. Eugene Brabston, Aaron Casp, Thomas Evely, and Amit Momaya, faculty members in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, and current UAB Orthopaedic Surgery resident Dr. Hank DeBell are authors of a recently published article titled “Posterior lateral meniscal overhang is associated with ACL tears: A retrospective case-control study.”
This study, done in conjunction with members of the UAB Department of Radiology, looked at imaging findings related to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Investigators noted a higher occurrence of the lateral meniscus extending beyond the posterior border of the tibia in patients with ACL tears. This study aimed to compare the frequency and extent of posterior lateral meniscal overhang (LMO) in patients with ACL tears to patients without ACL tears.
Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), researchers analyzed and compared 117 knees with ACL tears and a control group of 89 knees without tears. Overall, the study found that patients with ACL tears show a higher prevalence of LMO compared to uninjured patients.
Other co-authors of the study include former department members Dr. Joseph Elphingstone and Dr. Matt Hargreaves.
UAB Orthopaedic Surgery celebrates the holidays
The UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery held its annual department-wide holiday party on Monday, Dec. 11, at Back Forty Birmingham.
At the end of each year, the department invites all its employees and their families to come together to celebrate the winter holidays and spend time with colleagues outside of the office. Attendees enjoyed southern-inspired food, live music, and a photo booth to remember the night!
Check out some of the event photos below!
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Siegel to serve on panel and as co-director of Complex Hip & Knee Revision Symposium
Herrick J. Siegel, M.D., professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, is serving as co-director of the Complex Hip & Knee Revision Symposium, held Feb. 3 in Phoenix, Arizona.
The symposium, held by Depuy Synthes, allows attendees to gain hands-on experience in a cadaveric lab. The event also features a panel of orthopaedic surgeons with fellowship training in trauma and adult reconstruction. In addition to serving as co-director of the symposium, Siegel will also be one of the panelists.
Participants can expect discussions on various cases and topics, including revision hip surgery, periprosthetic fractures, and more.
To learn more about the upcoming symposium, click here.
Brabston, Casp, Evely, Momaya, and Lane published in Arthroscopy Techniques
Drs. Eugene Brabston, Aaron Casp, Thomas Evely, and Amit Momaya, faculty members in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, and Dr. Pearce Lane, Orthopaedic Surgery resident, are authors of a recently published article titled “Repair of a Radial Tear of the Meniscus Augmented With a Biocomposite Scaffold.”
While meniscal tears are common in the United States, and surgery is required for certain tear patterns, radial meniscus tears do not always completely heal. In fact, 38% of radial meniscus tears fail to heal because of tear characteristics, biology, surgical technique, and inadequate rehabilitation. To address this, there have been recent efforts to incorporate biological augmentation to increase the potential for full healing of the meniscus.
This article specifically describes and shows an all-inside, meniscal radial tear repair augmented with BioBrace– a biocomposite scaffold designed to mechanically reinforce tissue and biologically enhance healing.
According to the article, “The rationale for biologic augmentation is that it has the potential to improve the biologic integration and vascular regenerative capabilities of the native meniscus while also offering initial mechanical reinforcement at time zero.”
The article discusses the steps of repairing a radial tear of the meniscus augmented with BioBrace and has accompanying videos and figures for readers to reference. It also discusses the advantages and disadvantages to using BioBrace. In conclusion, the article finds that the use of BioBrace augmentation for repairing radial tears in the meniscus shows promise in enhancing healing capabilities while providing initial mechanical reinforcement.
Momaya selected for Convergence Medical Advisory Board
Amit Momaya, M.D., chief of Sports Medicine and associate professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, was recently selected to join the Convergence Medical Advisory Board as they build the world’s first arthroscopic robot.
Founded in 2022, Convergence Medical is a pre-clinical start-up comprised of doctors and engineers focused on advancing arthroscopy, specifically in orthopaedics, and specializing in robotics and medical device innovation.
Convergence Medical recently developed the V01-Arthroscopic Surgical Robot–the first arthroscopic robot in the world–to “make minimally invasive surgery better.” The robot meets the entire suite of operative requirements and has a vast range of innovative features.
The robot “supports concurrent control through both a user console and VR headset. Designed to place the surgeon in the joint and support their full potential by supporting untethered control with their own hands. Whilst the surgeon is operating other healthcare staff can assist, facilitated by the paired console.”
UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery celebrates Thanksgiving
On Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, Steven Theiss, M.D., professor and John D. Sherrill Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery, and the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery hosted a Thanksgiving luncheon for all department members. Faculty, residents, fellows, and staff all came together to visit and enjoy a catered meal of traditional Thanksgiving food, including turkey, dressing, and additional sides, before the holiday break.
Additionally, the department offered a giving opportunity to accompany the luncheon. Those attending could donate canned goods and/or toys that the department would donate to Jessie’s Place – a place of refuge for women and children in need.
We had a wonderful time visiting with colleagues right before the busy holiday season. We are thankful for all that make up our UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery team!
Brabston, Casp, Evely, Momaya, and others published in Journal of Orthopaedics
Drs. Eugene Brabston, Aaron Casp, Thomas Evely, and Amit Momaya, faculty members in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, are authors of a recently published article titled “Patients with operative gluteus medius tears often present with a concomitant history of lumbar pathology.”
According to the study, “literature investigating the relationship between the prevalence of lumbar pathology in patients with gluteus medius tears is lacking.” However, some studies have shown correlations between decreased gluteus medius function in patients that also have a history of lumbar pathology. The study, which was accepted for publication in the Journal of Orthopaedics’ January 2024 issue, aims to determine if patients needing repairs for gluteus medius tears have accompanying lumbar pathology.
Researchers focused on patients between the ages of 18 and 80 who underwent endoscopic gluteus medius repairs between May 2016 and May 2020, and outcomes between patients with and without a history of lumbar pathology were compared.
The study determined a high percentage of lumbar pathology in patients with operative gluteus medius tears. Specifically, 82.6% of cases reviewed showed a prior history of lumbar pathology in the patient. Additionally, 20 of the 23 cases were female patients. Overall, the study suggests a possible association between lumbar disease and gluteus medius weakness and tears.
Multiple current and former department members were also involved in this study, including Dr. Matt Hargreaves, Dr. Anna Crawford, Brett Cooke, and John N. Manfredi.
Gould published in The Physician and Sportsmedicine for equestrian helmet study testing helmet liner performance
Sara Gould, M.D., MPH, associate professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, is an author of a recently published article titled “A novel equestrian helmet testing method: helmet liner performance in highly realistic simulation.”
The study, which was published in The Physician and Sportsmedicine, evaluated Multi Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) helmet technology on rotational velocity and acceleration during head impact.
Using an anthropomorphic test device (ATD)–also known as a crash dummy–a track, and a moving sled, researchers recreated a fall from a specific height to test the effectiveness of various helmets. A tripping mechanism also caused the ATD to rotate while falling to the ground. Specific items were then measured, including how fast the head rotated, the force of impact, and how long it lasted.
Helmets used in the study included expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) and two types of MIPS helmets, MIPS 1 and MIPS 2. Results determined that there was not a considerable difference when comparing the EPS helmet individually with the MPS 1 or MPS 2 helmets. However, according to the study, “when MIPS helmet data were pooled, and the EPS helmet data were compared, a statistically significant difference in the duration of acceleration was found.”
Overall, researchers did not see major differences between helmets when it came to reducing rotational forces on the brain. However, data suggested that MIPS liners may decrease impact duration, potentially reducing strain on the neck by absorbing these forces.
UAB Orthopaedic Surgery research on ‘gender disparities in professional sports team physicians’ highlighted on Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine podcast
Amit Momaya, M.D., chief of Sports Medicine and associate professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, was recently featured on the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine’s podcast regarding gender disparities in professional sports team physicians and related research from the department.
The episode specifically highlights a recent study from the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, titled “Gender Disparities Among Professional Team Sports Medicine Physicians.” The study, which was co-authored by multiple members of the department, including faculty members Drs. Thomas Evely, Aaron Casp, Eugene Brabston, and senior author Amit Momaya, found that female representation is low among orthopaedic surgeons and primary care physicians that provide sports medicine care to professional teams. Additionally, teams that include female athletes are more likely to have more female physicians.
Other co-authors of the study include current or former department members Dr. Sam Schick, Dr. Kelly Chandler, Sarah Kasprow, Morgan Sisk, Dr. Joseph Elphingstone, and Judson Wing.
The podcast episode also features South African team physician Dr. Phatho Zondi, who talks about her experience covering professional sports teams, and a discussion on ways to improve the inclusion of female sports medicine physicians in professional teams.
Williams selected for UAB CMA Career Ladder Program
Patriece Williams, a certified medical assistant (CMA) with UAB Orthopaedic Surgery, recently completed UAB Medicine’s CMA Career Ladder Program and advanced from certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA) to CCMA II.
The CMA Career Ladder Program provides opportunities for current staff to start or advance their career as a CMA at UAB Medicine. Each step in the ladder includes inclusion criteria, training and educational experience requirements, additional job responsibilities, and minimum performance requirements. Each stage of advancement offers staff an increase in compensation and a one-time bonus awarded at the time of advancement.
Congratulations, Patriece, and thank you for your commitment to UAB Orthopaedic Surgery and, most importantly, to providing our patients the best care possible.
Article authored by Siegel, Hess, and Andrews published in Surgical Oncology
Herrick J. Siegel, M.D., professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Matthew Hess, M.D., former chief resident in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, and Nicholas Andrews, M.D., current resident in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, are authors of a recently published article titled “Intravenous tranexamic acid decreases intraoperative transfusion requirements and does not increase incidence of symptomatic venous thromboembolic events in musculoskeletal sarcoma surgery.”
Being that tranexamic acid (TXA) has a perceived increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), it is poorly studied in patients with bone and musculoskeletal sarcoma. This study, which was published in the October issue of Surgical Oncology, aims to “assess the safety and efficacy of intravenous (IV) TXA for patients undergoing surgical resection of primary bone or soft-tissue sarcoma.”
The study looked at 39 patients who did not receive TXA and 59 patients who did. Among those who did not receive TXA, two experienced pulmonary embolisms, but none of the TXA patients did. Giving TXA through an IV during surgery significantly reduced the chances of needing a blood transfusion during the operation and the amount of blood required if a transfusion was needed. Surgeries were also faster for TXA patients. Additionally, for a specific group of patients who had a particular type of surgery, TXA also reduced the need for blood transfusions and made the surgeries shorter.
In conclusion, giving at least 1 gram of TXA through an IV during sarcoma surgery can safely reduce the need for blood transfusions during the operation and decrease the amount of blood used if a transfusion is required.
Hiatt attends NASS Annual Meeting
Luke Hiatt, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, recently attended the North American Spine Society (NASS) Annual Meeting.
The meeting included an exhibition hall with numerous vendors demonstrating upcoming technology in the spine specialty, including new innovations in biomaterials, technologies, and techniques.
“New biomaterials on the horizon include more sophisticated methods for printing both Titanium and PEEK spacers, with the goal of improving fusion rates and patient outcomes,” said Hiatt.
Attendees saw innovations in arthroplasty techniques with the goal of limiting how many spines need to undergo fusions in the future. Additionally, evolving techniques in spinal endoscopy were presented, including expanding indications to both fusions and decompressions.
The meeting also included didactic sessions, which featured research presentations by leading authors in academia from all over the country. Presented research covered a wide range of topics, encompassing the entire realm of both degenerative spine conditions and adult/pediatric spinal deformity conditions. These topics also included discussions on trauma, infections, tumors, and complications.
“Staying up to date with the latest techniques and technology can help to deliver the best care to our patients by offering the latest innovation in the market,” said Hiatt. “Additionally, these conferences are important in order to continue academic collegiality with our colleagues around the country.”
Conference attendance by our physicians is a vital part of ensuring we provide unmatched patient care and remain the preferred provider when it comes to the orthopaedic specialty.