Message from the Chair, Stanford University School of Medicine – Orthopaedic Surgery
While we are all navigating these challenging times, we want to continue to find ways to share the latest research and innovative endeavors in the field with our peers. I am excited to introduce a series of faculty articles from Stanford Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine department. This issue features articles on clinical research of a promising FDA approved drug to prevent osteoarthrosis for ACL injuries, advanced rapid imaging to aid in diagnosis of trauma patients, and an innovative non-invasive procedure for orthopaedic spine.
I’d also recommend reviewing the new Spine Care Landmark Reading List from North American Spine Society (NASS). This just-released list includes 19 surgical and 20 medical spine care articles that NASS deems essential to the education of residents and fellows in orthopaedic surgery, neurosurgery, physiatry, anesthesia, and pain management. Of note, nearly a quarter of the articles come directly from the Stanford Medicine Orthopaedic Physicians.
I hope you find these articles of interest, and I encourage you to sign up to receive future colleague communications from Stanford Health Care.
Respectfully,
Professor, Orthopaedic Surgery
Chair, Stanford University School of Medicine - Orthopaedic Surgery
Featured Articles
Preventing Osteoarthritis With Immediate Treatment of ACL Injuries
Stanford Medicine orthopaedic surgeon Constance Chu, MD, is leading a clinical trial testing the effectiveness of early treatments for patients with an ACL injury. Dr. Chu believes treating ACL injuries immediately will help prevent or slow the onset of arthritis.
Almost half of all patients with ACL injuries develop post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Using a new MRI color mapping technique, doctors can now identify pre-osteoarthritis. Dr. Chu hopes to treat these patients and prevent PTOA from occurring.
The Role of White-Light 3D Scanning in Treatment of Clavicle Fracture
Orthopaedic surgeon Michael Gardner, MD, is using new technology to identify shoulder deformity associated with displaced diaphyseal clavicle fracture (DCF). White-light 3D body scanning offers a detailed view of both the injured and uninjured shoulders to discern deformity.
Used in conjunction with radiographic imaging, 3D scanning provides important data that may inform treatment decisions. This technology may also be used to monitor shoulder deformity in both operative and nonoperative patients.
Learn more about the benefits and application of white-light 3D body scanning »
Spinal Decompression Under Conscious Sedation Brings Relief Safely
Stanford Medicine spinal surgeon Todd Alamin, MD, performs spinal decompression under conscious sedation with local anesthetic. Avoiding general anesthesia (GA) and spinal anesthesia (SA) makes decompression surgery possible for higher-risk and older patients.
Select patients and those over the age of 65 are at higher risk for hypotension and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) associated with GA and SA. Yet this subset of patients often suffers from severe spinal stenosis. Dr. Alamin’s technique allows surgical decompression in the safest way possible for those patients.
Stanford Health Care is known worldwide for translating medical breakthroughs into advanced treatments for complex disorders and high-quality patient care. Stanford Health Care continues to be recognized as a top-ranked hospital by U.S. News & World Report, ranking #13 in the U.S. News Best Hospital rankings and among the top hospitals for Orthopedics. Stanford Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine is comprised of many faculty members with expertise in hip, sports medicine, spine, hand, foot and more, and also participates in a multitude of clinical trials.
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