• Female Athlete Triad – Prevention and Diagnosis

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Understanding the Female Athlete Triad

    In 1971, before Title IX had past, it was estimated that 310,000 female athletes were participating in female athlete triad overview
    sports. In 2010 there were approximately 3,373,000 female participants. Over this period of time, a phenomenon described as the Female Athlete Triad has become an increasing concern for female athletes.

    An excellent review article was published regarding the female athlete triad: past, present, and future in the July, 2015 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. The article was written by Dr. Elizabeth Matzkin, Emily Curry, and Kaitlyn Whitlock, PA – C.  Highlights of the article are covered below.

    In 1992, the task force on women’s issues of the American College of sports medicine was assembled, and the term “female athlete triad” was created to define the three components that characterize this condition. The definition of the female athlete triad, at that time, had to include disordered eating, osteoporosis, and amenorrhea.

    Understanding the Female Athlete TriadIt was noted that the athletes that appeared to be at highest at risk were the ones involved in endurance sports that emphasize low body weight, and athletes that were involved in sports that included subjective judging such as figure skating and gymnastics.

    For prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this condition it is very important that people involved with the athletes are aware of the diagnosis. This includes coaches, team physicians, parents, colleagues, and teammates. In 2006 there was a survey of Division I college coaches. Sixty-four percent of 91 respondents were aware that the female athlete triad existed, but only 43% were able to appropriately identify the three components. In a separate study of physicians, physical therapists, coaches and athletic trainers, less than half were able to name the three components of the triad, with only 40% of the 139 physicians surveyed able to identify the components.

    In 2007, the ACSM updated the diagnostic guidelines, and the female athlete triad was defined as a spectrum of abnormalities in energy availability, menstrual function and bone mineral density, looking at the components as part of a spectrum ranging from normal to varying degrees of pathology. The female athlete no longer needs to demonstrate pathology and all three components of the triad in order to be diagnosed with the syndrome. (more…)

    Nick Sarantis ATSC Offers Fitness Training Seminar at YMCA

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Dr. Grossfeld Attends YMCA Lecture on Training Methods by Nick Sarantis ATSC

    Baptist Sports Medicine Nick Sarantis at YMCADr. Grossfeld recently attended a seminar on sports medicine given by Nick Sarantis, ATSC. The seminar was given to the fitness instructors at the Norton Commons YMCA. The purpose of the lecture was to talk about training methods.

    Nick’s lecture was comprehensive and very informative. For example, one section of the lecture focused on giving excellent information on core strengthening. He stressed that the core muscles make up the foundation of the body and assist in injury prevention. He also emphasized that the core needs to be rehabbed after injury treatment. The foundation of our muscle function in sport starts at the core.

    He also talked about certain core exercises that were bad to do such as crunches and Russians, because they put a significant amount of stress on the lumbar spine. He talked about other exercises that are excellent for the core and are safe such as planks.Nick Sarantis talks at YMCA Norton Commons

    The importance of strengthening your gluteus muscles was also emphasized because that also reinforces core strength.

    Nick informed the fitness instructors at the Norton Commons YMCA about the benefits of working unilateral exercises. He also provided medical reasons why intervals are important to the workout regimen. And he offered guidance about how to organize exercises.

    Exercise organization should be a progression, as explained by Nick. For example, it’s easier to do a box jump then jumping over a box. The progression in working out should start with the core, and then go to the upper body and finally, the lower body.

    Dr. Grossfeld is a board member of the Norton Commons YMCA and a very active gym member. She (more…)

    Louisville Orthopedic Team Supports Breast Cancer Awareness

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Louisville orthopedic practice supports breast cancer awarenessThe entire team at Orthopaedic Specialists in Louisville, Kentucky, is dedicated to supporting Breast Cancer Awareness and to finding a CURE for breast cancer and every other type of cancer too. We’ve got some very personal reasons why we are wearing PINK this month that we’d like to share with you…

    Lindsay Rhodus – “I wear pink! I wear pink for ALL the women who have fought and lost, I wear pink for ALL who have fought and won, I wear pink for ALL who will fight, I wear pink for families, friends, moms, dads, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, and co-workers, I wear pink TO FIND A CURE!”

    Angel McDowell – “I wear pink to support the fight against breast cancer. I represent my mother who lost her fight with ovarian cancer 3 years ago, so I will give my all to support the fight to find a cure for cancer.”

    Rhonda King – “I wear PINK in honor of my mom who passed away 12 years ago from Metastatic Breast Cancer at the age of 56.”

    Dr. Stacie Grossfeld – “I wear pink for all my girlfriends that are fighting this disease. It is in support of them and their families, and to promote cancer research.”

    Dorothy Cochran – “I wear Pink for my Grandma Dorothy who passed away 35 years ago after a very long battle. Although I have never had the opportunity to meet her, I know she was a fighter and I’m happy to have been named after her. I support the cure for her!”

    Heather Hardiman – “I wear pink for my very good friend Ginny, she is a 2 time survivor!”

    Angel Porter – “I wear pink for my “sis” Glenda!!”

    Tisha Robison – “I wear pink for my aunts and friends who have gone through and will go through this battle. I wear pink to remind myself and others to do the testing and to never give up on the fight!”

    Marti Spencer – “I wear pink for my very good friend Tammi Poole. She is the bravest woman I have ever met in my life. I watched her during her struggle and the effects it had on her mentally, physically, emotionally as well as the effect it had on her family. She was always positive, upbeat and STRONG!!! She is now in remission and has kicked Cancer’s tail!!! She is my Hero!!!!”

    Jennifer Yocum – “I wear pink to support all women who are fighting this horrific disease and to remind all of us to perform monthly breast exams, get yearly exams by a physician and mammograms.”

    Meghan Dawson – “I wear pink for Aunt Amy & Aunt Bridget who are both Breast Cancer survivors!”

    orthopedic team supports breast cancer awareness

    10 Facts About Your Spine

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    World Spine Day is recognized annually on October 16 as a way to raise awareness about disorders ofFacts about Your Spine the spine and spine health. The spine is a very important part of your body. Learn more about your spine with the following facts.

    10 Facts About Your Spine

    1. Back and neck pain is one of the most common reasons for workplace sick leave.
    2. Your spine is made up of small bones, called vertebrae, which are stacked on top of one another. Your spine also includes various muscles, ligaments and nerves.
    3. There are seven vertebral bodies in your cervical spine, twelve in your thoracic spine and five vertebral bodies in your lumbar spine.
    4. Half of the working population will experience back or neck pain symptoms at least one time per year.
    5. In a recent study, low back pain ranked as one of the most “disabling” conditions and sixth in terms of usage of health funding.
    6. One in three Americans (33 percent) older than age 18 required medical care for a musculoskeletal condition for each year from 2009 to 2011. This represents a 90% increase from the previous decade.
    7. When somebody has a disc herniation, most of their pain is typically down one or both legs with only some of the pain in the low back or buttock area.
    8. Osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine or spinal stenosis typically causes pain that is localized in the low back area and it does not radiate down the legs.
    9. Degenerative disc disease happens when the intervertebral disc begins to wear down. These discs will become smaller in size and provide less cushion between the bones in the back. It can cause the back bones to rub together which leads to stiffness and pain.
    10. Physical therapy and conditioning can significantly help people with low back pain.

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    10 Facts About Osteoarthritis on World Arthritis Day

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    World Arthritis Day 2015louisville orthopedic provides facts about osteoarthritis

    Arthritis affects millions of people around the world. And nearly 40 million Americans have some kind of arthritis including millions of children. Over 20 million people in the U.S. have osteoarthritis.

    Osteoarthritis is a joint disease characterized by the degeneration of joint cartilage in your body. It can affect any of your joints including hands, hips and knees. Follow along to learn more important facts about osteoarthritis from Louisville orthopedic Dr. Stacie Grossfeld.

    Top 10 Facts about Osteoarthritis

    1. Osteoarthritis causes the breakdown of articular cartilage. Articular cartilage covers the ends of the long bones that form a joint.
    2. Osteoarthritis is progressive: it advances with time.
    3. Osteoarthritis is currently irreversible.
    4. Osteoarthritis causes swelling and joint enlargement.
    5. Treatment goals are to control joint swelling and pain, and to maintain range of motion and strength.
    6. Obesity is associated with osteoarthritis.
    7. There are specific exercises that are for osteoarthritis. These exercises help maintain strength and range of motion.
    8. Supplements such a glucosamine may help reduce osteoarthritic symptoms.
    9. Injections that help to reduce osteoarthritic symptoms are cortisone and hyaluronic acid.
    10. Joint replacement is reserved for people with osteoarthritis who have failed non-surgical treatment options.

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    Suffering from Foot Pain? Here’s an Overview of 7 Common Foot Injuries

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Your feet are responsible for many different functions. These flexible, complex structures are comprised of several different components including tendons, muscles, joints, bones and tissue. All of these important pieces work together to help us perform many different physical activities and navigate through life.

    7 Common Medical Conditions That Cause Foot Pain

    Foot health is extremely important for continuing an active and healthy lifestyle. It is easy to take your feet for granted until you experience some type of foot injury. Here are seven types of foot injuries that require special attention and treatment. While there are many different kinds of foot injuries, these tend to be some of the most common.

    1. Gout: This complex form of arthritis brings about sudden severe attacks of pain and tenderness to the joint at the base of the big toe. If you begin to notice redness, swelling and heat around this area, it could be gout. This condition is mostly caused by a buildup of uric crystals in your blood. You should seek medical attention if you are experiencing this type of pain in order to get an accurate diagnosis, and if necessary, get treatment.
    2. Bunions: While this disorder may be caused by wearing tight shoes or through genetics, this bony bump can become a larger issue. Bunions begin to form after prolonged periods of pressure between the big toe and second toe. This condition tends to bring about toe pain and swelling. If this problem persists, it may potentially cause other foot and toe injuries.7 Common Foot Injuries
    3. Morton’s Neuroma: People often complain about the feeling of standing on a pebble when experiencing Morton’s neuroma. This nerve condition causes a buildup of tissues and nerves around your toes and ball of your foot. The pain may leave your toes stinging or going numb without proper treatment. It can become painful to walk if left untreated.
    4. Plantar Fasciitis: This condition is mostly described as intense heel pain. The thick band of tissue, called the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed and produces stabbing pains in your heel and midfoot. The pain associated with plantar fasciitis tends to be more severe in the morning and after sitting for a prolonged period. This can be treated through stretching, wearing proper footwear and other medical remedies.
    5. Hammertoe/ Mallet Toe: While the name might sound frightening, this simple foot injury or deformity is often caused by wearing improper footwear. After wearing shoes with a narrow toe box or high heels, pressure builds up to create an unnatural bend in your toes. Treatment for this condition typically requires a change in footwear and some new stretches.
    6. Achilles Tendinitis: This tends to be an overuse injury caused by continuous movement or activities that engage the calf muscles and heel bone. Runners are most commonly plagued with this injury. The pain associated with achilles tendinitis runs from the back of your calf down into your ankle and foot. While tenderness and stiffness may occur, the best treatment options include stretching and choosing a new shoe.
    7. Bursitis: This common foot injury is a condition that can occur all over the body. Bursitis is caused by continuous overuse in and around joints. These fluid filled sacs tend to become inflamed after performing repetitive motions and have been known to cause severe pain around the big toe. Treatment requires rest and a shift to different types of physical activities to avoid prolonged repetitive pressure on your feet.

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    Common Complications after Total Hip Replacement that Lead to Patient Dissatisfaction 

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    complications after total hip replacementTotal hip replacement is an increasingly popular operation that can significantly improve the quality of the lives of the patients that undergo the procedure. A total hip replacement can significantly reduce pain, improve range of motion of the joint and lead to a more active life.

    On the other hand there are sometimes complications after total hip replacement that can lead to a poor result, and even require revision surgery.  According to research by Drs. Mark Dwyer, Victor Goldberg and Glenn Wera, as reported in the July 2015 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) journal, the most common complications of total hip replacement surgery that can lead to a poor result are: hip dislocation, infection and osteolysis (or the destruction/disappearance of bone tissue).

    According to the researchers, there were approximately 332,000 total hip replacements in 2010 with a 3.9% dislocation rate. Risk factors for complications after total hip replacement can be divided into two major groups: 1) patient-related and 2) surgically-related.

    Risk factors that are associated with complications following a total hip replacement include the following:

    • Female gender
    • Advanced age
    • Obesity
    • Poor compliance
    • Elevated American Society of Anesthesiologists score
    • Previous hip surgery
    • Neuromuscular conditions

    Surgery related risk factors associated with problems following a total hip replacement include the following:

    • Surgical approach
    • Component position
    • Restoration of leg length and offset
    • Implant choice
    • Soft tissue repair

    An Overview of Pediatric Fractures from an Orthopedic Surgeon

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Children are typically naturally active human beings with growing bones that often become susceptible to breaks, bruises, fractures and cuts. Their small, yet sometimes fearless attitudes may cause them to try new and adventurous activities without thinking about the possible repercussions. As a parent, it is often difficult to predict what your child is going to do next. While this job requires you to be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, there are times when accidents happen, despite your very best efforts. During these times, your child may take a fall or tumble, and end up getting hurt.

    Playgrounds are supposed to keep children entertained, active and somewhat safe. However, close to 20,000 kids are sent to the emergency room each year in the United States after having an accident on the playground. These visits are the result of fractures, internal injuries, concussions, dislocations and other injuries.Pediatric Fractures

    As a caregiver you simply cannot observe every moment of your child’s life. That is why it is important to notice signs and symptoms of fractures in children. A partial or complete break in one’s bone can produce growth problems in the future, as well as large amounts of pain. Knowing the symptoms of a pediatric fracture will help your child receive the best care after an accident or injury.

    Pediatric Fractures: Why Are Children More Prone To Certain Injuries?

    The reason children are more susceptible to many types of fractures (greenstick, buckle, growth plate, stress, non-displaced and displaced fractures) is because of the way their bones are developing. Children have growing, flexible bones. However, because of their supple bones, they are often at greater risk for unique fractures that involve bending and buckling.

    Fortunately, children tend to heal quickly, and compared to adults, their bones are easier to mend. But they are at a disadvantage when it comes to growth plate injuries. This area on the end of their long bones can become damaged and create length discrepancies and deformities in their adult years.

    Common Symptoms of Pediatric Fractures or Broken Bones in Children

    As a parent, you can help keep your children safe and growing by recognizing some of the symptoms children show after sustaining a fracture or breaking a bone. There are some obvious physical signs to acknowledge. These include: swelling, redness, warmth, bruising, and a deformation to the affected area. If your child refuses to use the affected limb, this is often an indicator that an injury has occurred.

    Playground InjuriesIf you suspect your child to have sustained a serious injury or fracture, always seek help from a qualified physician. A board-certified orthopedic physician will conduct a physical exam to identify the injury and treatment options. Oftentimes in the case of a broken or fractured bone, your child will need to have x-rays taken to understand the type of break and to complete treatment.

    Dr. Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists in Louisville, Kentucky, is well-qualified in this area and will treat any type of pediatric fracture. She is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine physician. And she’s been identified as one of the top 10 orthopedic doctors in the Louisville-area. For more information about Orthopaedic Specialists, or to make an appointment, call 502-212-2663 today.

     

     

    Physician Assistant Allyson Sweet Gains Valuable Training with Louisville Orthopedic

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Louisville orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine Allyson Sweet Physician Assistant at Orthopaedic Specialists working with Dr. Grossfeldphysician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld enjoys providing training to people in the medical field through her medical practice Orthopaedic Specialists. Over the years, Dr. Grossfeld has offered training opportunities for many physicians interested in learning more about sports medicine, orthopedics and orthopedic surgery. She also mentors college students who are considering pursuing a career in medicine.

    Physician Assistant Training at Orthopaedic Specialists

    Most recently Dr. Grossfeld provided a training opportunity for physician assistant Allyson Sweet. Allyson completed her Physician Assistant (PA) training at Lincoln Physician Assistant Allyson Sweet at Orthopaedic SpecialistsMemorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee. Reflecting on the orthopedic and sports medicine training that she received with Dr. Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists, Allyson states:

    “I was given a great opportunity to rotate with Dr. Grossfeld for 4 weeks. During these weeks, I have learned and experienced more than I could ever have imagined.”

    “This experience has made my love forPhysician Assistant Allyson Sweet orthopedics and sports medicine grow immensely. Dr. Grossfeld is a great doctor, surgeon, teacher and mentor. With the knowledge and skills she has instilled in me, I hope I can continue with a future in orthopedics and provide care for my patients the way that she has taught me.” (more…)