New Procedure Gets "Overhead" Sports Players Back to the Courses & Courts - Golf, Tennis, Swimming Enthusiasts With Shoulder Injury Can Benefit From Fully-Arthroscopic Repair
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons about 4 million people in the U.S. seek medical care each year for shoulder injuries. Many of these injuries are from playing "overhead" sports such as tennis, baseball, volleyball, swimming and golf. Learn more about the latest medical advance in fixing shoulder injuries using a fully arthroscopic knotless technique.
Greenwich, CT; New York, NY (PRWEB) December 17, 2004 -- The shoulder is one of the most overused -- and underappreciated -- areas of the body. As the joint with the greatest range of motion, it is relied upon in nearly every sport, but most heavily in overhead" sports such as tennis, baseball, volleyball, swimming, weight-lifting and even golf. Yet, few of us pay the shoulder much attention until its plagued with an injury. It then becomes impossible to ignore.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that about 4 million people in the United States seek medical care each year for shoulder injuries, many of which have been sustained during participation in overhead sports. These injuries can lead to debilitating pain, as well as a reduction or -- in the case of a severe injury -- elimination of the patients ability to perform routine tasks or to continue playing their favorite sport.
Now, according to Kevin Plancher, M.D., a leading sports orthopaedist in the New York metropolitan area and official orthopaedic surgeon for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard teams, patients whose shoulder injuries require surgery may benefit from a new, fully-arthroscopic technique that can result in a shorter hospital stay and a quicker, fuller recovery.
The fully-arthoscopic knotless technique is the latest advance in repairing tears to the tendons and muscles of the rotator cuff, which is the part of the shoulder joint where these muscles and tendons meet," Dr. Plancher explains. While many shoulder injuries sustained during overhead sports involve only straining of these muscles and tendons, in the most severe cases, they are actually torn away from the rotator cuff. This is where surgery is required," he notes.
The fully-arthroscopic knotless approach is a boon to young and old athletes, Dr. Plancher adds. Previously, rotator cuff repairs were done in an open surgical procedure. But the technique often resulted in a lengthy hospital stay, heavy scarring, and limited pain relief or recovery of pre-injury mobility," he says. A generation ago, a rotator cuff tear would often spell the end of a sports career for athletes in either their late teens, early twenties, or for mature adults" Dr. Plancher recalls.
The mini-open" surgical technique, which combines the use of arthroscopy to guide surgeons during a less invasive open procedure, has all but replaced the fully-open procedure over the past decade, and offered a vastly improved recovery rate when compared to the original technique. However, Dr. Plancher notes that the fully-arthroscopic knotless approach can further reduce the duration of recovery and enhance the return to pre-injury activity levels even more.
The new minimally invasive technique also offers a new lease on life for active adults who participate in golf, tennis or swimming. Naturally, as we age, our muscles and tendons become less flexible, more susceptible to tearing, and slower to heal when injured," Dr. Plancher says. Not only can this combination of factors lead to a higher risk of injury, it also can result in a less-than-full recovery from open rotator cuff repair surgery. On the other hand, the fully-arthroscopic procedure provides better odds for a return to regular activity," he confirms.
Yet, Dr. Plancher points out that the first twinge of discomfort shouldnt send athletes racing for the surgical table. Remember, the majority of shoulder injuries involve only strains of the tendons and muscles attached to the rotator cuff," he cautions. Athletes who experience pain or discomfort in the shoulder area should see a certified sports orthopedist for a full evaluation," he advises. A full history, physical examination and MRI can determine whether the injury is a strain, requiring non-invasive care such as rest, rehabilitation and physical therapy, or a tear that needs surgery. www.plancherortho.com
Bio:
Kevin D. Plancher, M.D., M.S., F.A.C.S., F.A.A.O.S, is a leading orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine expert with extensive practice in knee, shoulder, elbow and hand injuries. Dr.Plancher is an Associate Clinical Professor in Orthopaedics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in NY. He is on the Editorial Review Board of the Journal of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Journal of Sports Medicine, and is a reviewer for the Arthroscopy Journal.
A graduate of Georgetown University School of Medicine, Dr.Plancher received an M.S. in Physiology and an M.D. from their school of medicine (cum laude). He did his residency at Harvard's combined Orthopaedic program and a Fellowship at the Steadman-Hawkins clinic in Vail, Colorado where he studied shoulder and knee reconstruction. Dr.Plancher continued his relationship with the Clinic for the next six years as a Consultant. Dr. Plancher has been a team physician for over 15 athletic teams, including high school, college and national championship teams. Dr.Plancher is an attending physician at Beth Israel Hospital in New York City and The Stamford Hospital in Stamford, CT and has offices in Manhattan and Greenwich, Connecticut.
Dr.Plancher lectures extensively domestically and internationally on issues related to Orthopaedic procedures and injury management. During 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 Dr.Plancher was named among the Top Doctors in the New York Metro area and was the New York State Representative for the Council of Delegates to the American Academy of Orthopaedic surgeons. For the past six years Dr.Plancher has received the Order of Merit (Magnum Cum Laude) for distinguished Philanthropy in the Advancement of Orthopaedic Surgery by the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation. In 2001, he founded "The Orthopaedic Foundation for Active Lifestyles", a non-profit foundation focused on maintaining and enhancing the physical well-being of active individuals through the development and promotion of research and supporting technologies. www.plancherortho.com.
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