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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.

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.”

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 “Impact of irradiation on load-to-failure in bone-patellar tendon-bone allografts: A systematic review and meta-analysis.”

The study, which was published in Journal of Orthopaedics, aims to “evaluate the impact various levels of irradiation have on bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) allograft load-to-failure.”

Researchers focused on 12 studies that contained 429 BTB allografts in total. The strength of BTB allografts significantly decreased when exposed to intermediate radiation doses (20–49 kGy), but low (≤19 kGy) and high (>50 kGy) doses did not have a significant impact on load-to-failure.

It was concluded that “intermediate doses of radiation may negatively impact the biomechanical integrity of BTB allograft in vitro,” and further research is needed to investigate how different radiation levels may affect clinical results.

Multiple current and former department members were also involved in this study, including Drs. Samuel Schick, Joseph Elphingstone, Kelly Chandler, and Matt Hargreaves.

Saturday, October 21, Amit Momaya, M.D., chief of Sports Medicine and associate professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, traveled to Tampa, Florida, with the Birmingham Legion FC for the first round of playoffs.

In the first playoff round, the Birmingham Legion FC played against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, where they took the win over Tampa in a final score of 3-0.

UAB Orthopaedic Surgery and UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine physicians serve as team doctors for the Birmingham Legion FC.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with the team,” said Momaya.

Drs. Eugene Brabston and Amit Momaya, faculty members in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, are authors of a recently published article titled “A Systematic Review of Screw and Suture Button Glenoid Augmentation Constructs.”

The study, which was published in The Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, aims to “synthesize the literature and compare the biomechanics of screw and suture button constructs for anterior glenoid bony augmentation.”

Researchers studied screws and suture buttons used in the Latarjet procedure in 13 out of 363 studies. They found that both screws and suture buttons had similar strength. The specific characteristics of the screws, such as their size, threading, or material, did not have a substantial impact on the strength of the construct. Additionally, using two screws was better than one, and adding a small plate enhanced strength and reduced complications. Overall, suture buttons were found to be a good alternative to screws in this procedure.

Multiple current and former department members were also involved in this study, including Drs. Brent Ponce, Samuel Schick, Joseph Elphingstone, Megan Lameka, and Kyle Paul.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Orthopaedic Surgery has welcomed three new faculty members–Drs. Ronit Wollstein, Rachel Aliotta, and Shane Strom.

Ronit Wollstein, M.D.

Ronit Wollstein, M.D., joined the department as a professor and head of its Hand and Upper Extremity Section.

Wollstein joins us from the New York University School of Medicine Department of Orthopedic Surgery, where she served as an attending in hand surgery.

Wollstein received her medical degree from Hadassah and Hebrew University Medical School in Jerusalem, Israel, where she remained and completed a multispecialty internship, a residency in orthopedic surgery, and a residency in hand surgery. Wollstein went on to complete clinical fellowships in hand surgery at St. Helier NHS Trust in London; the University of Connecticut, Hartford Hospital; and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School.

Wollstein’s research interests include wrist structure and function relationships, rehabilitation of the wrist, characterizing wrist anatomy as it varies between ethnicities, radiographic guidelines for surgical functional outcome, development of a novel screening tool for osteoporosis, and development of new surgical and conservative tools for treatment of hand conditions.

Rachel Aliotta, M.D.

Rachel Aliotta, M.D., joined the department as an assistant professor in the Hand and Upper Extremity Section and specializes in hand and reconstructive surgery.

Aliotta completed residency training in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio in 2020. Subsequently, she pursued further specialization by undertaking a fellowship in hand and upper extremity surgery at UAB in 2021. In the same year, upon completing her fellowship, she joined UAB and the Birmingham VA Health Care System as an assistant professor with a dual academic appointment in the Departments of Surgery and Orthopaedics.

Her clinical interests include hand and wrist surgery, hand trauma, orthoplastic reconstruction, limb salvage, and post-amputation targeted muscle reinnervation.

Shane Strom, M.D.

Shane Strom, M.D., joined the department as an assistant professor in the Pediatrics Section.

Strom attended medical school at Louisiana State University. He went on to complete his residency with the UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, followed by a one-year fellowship at Scottish Rite for Children in Dallas, Texas, before coming back to UAB and joining the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery as a faculty member.

Welcome to our new Department of Orthopaedic Surgery faculty members! We look forward to the expertise, leadership, and unmatched patient care they will contribute to our department.

Herrick J. Siegel, M.D., professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, was recently featured in Orthopedics Today–an orthopedic news journal of which Siegel is a co-editor.

The article, titled “Surgeons push barriers with 3D printing for bone tumors,” features several renowned orthopaedic oncologists and discusses “technological improvements and novel applications of [3D printing] that may help change the way cancerous tumors are treated.”

In the article, Siegel discusses the benefit of a custom implant’s ability to preserve the joint.

“If a malignant bone tumor is close to a joint but not actually involving the joint, preoperative planning software allows us to execute a plan that can preserve the joint without sacrificing a sufficient tumor margin,” says Siegel. “A 3D custom implant can be made to exactly fit the bone defect created by the tumor resection and still preserve a functional joint. I prefer to avoid replacing the joint if we can still maintain a negative margin; this will more likely restore normal biomechanics of the involved extremity.”

Siegel, the only surgeon at UAB currently offering them, recently completed his 100th 3D-printed acetabular implant. UAB has some of the most extensive experience with these custom implants. 

Siegel also notes that custom pelvic implants are a last resort for patients with massive pelvic bone loss who are unable to have a standard hip replacement procedure.

“They are highly successful; however, they do have about a 20 percent risk of complications that are most commonly due to infection and dislocation,” says Siegel. “We are working on ways of minimizing the complications for these patients, but the 80 percent of patients that do not have these issues are extremely successful.”

The UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is pleased to welcome Shane Strom, M.D., as an assistant professor specializing in pediatric orthopaedics.

Strom, originally from California, attended medical school at Louisiana State University. He went on to complete his residency with the UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, followed by a one-year fellowship at Scottish Rite for Children in Dallas, Texas, before coming back to UAB and joining the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery as a faculty member.

“A big reason I wanted to join an academic medical center like UAB was to be able to teach,” said Strom.” I’m looking forward to educating residents and helping deepen their understanding of pediatric orthopaedics.”

Strom chose pediatric orthopaedics as his specialty for numerous reasons – one being his mentors.

“The mentorship I received from partners was second-to-none,” said Strom. “When working with other pediatric orthopaedic surgeons, I noticed a lot of mutual support. The partnership I saw was something I wanted to be a part of.”

According to Strom, pediatric orthopaedics also provides some opportunities that you don’t always see in other specialties.

“In a lot of cases, this specialty gives you the opportunity to take care of the whole patient instead of just one part,” said Strom. “Not to mention, you usually get to interact closely with your patients’ families. It really makes you feel like you and the family are a part of the same team.”

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is excited to welcome back Dr. Shane Strom and looks forward to his expertise and the unmatched patient care he will contribute to our pediatric section.

Learn more about Dr. Shane Strom, here.

Shawn Gilbert, M.D., attended the 58th annual Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) Annual Meeting in Seattle, Washington, from September 6-9.

SRS is an internationally recognized society focused on providing optimal care for patients with spinal deformities. It was founded in 1966 with 37 members. Today, it boasts more than 1,600 members. Often hailed as one of the premier spine societies globally, SRS contains many of the world’s leading spine surgeons, researchers, and orthotists.

The SRS Annual Meeting is a forum for members to mingle, collaborate, and innovate. Members take this time to reaffirm the society’s mission to improve care for patients with spinal deformities. The 4-day program included faculty-led instructional course lectures, case study discussions, lunchtime symposia, industry workshops, and abstract paper presentations. Presenters discussed topics such as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, minimally invasive surgery, kyphosis, machine learning, and more.

“I particularly enjoyed the Harrington Lecture by Dr. Oheneba Boachie-Adjei who spent much of his career in the United States and has now been given a princely title in his native Ghana,” said Gilbert. “The true benefit and value of attending these meetings are the interactions with colleagues from around the country, and the globe, on topics including spine surgery, leadership, health policy and administration, DEI, and personal lives.”

Pearce Lane, M.D., a third-year resident with UAB Orthopaedic Surgery, received the Patient First Award for going above and beyond in his efforts.

The Patient First Award was presented to Lane by Emily Boohaker, M.D., associate chief medical officer of Quality and Patient Safety at UAB Medicine.

Patient care is a key area of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery’s tripartite mission. It is a top priority to always provide unmatched care to our patients in all that we do. This award not only recognizes Lane’s exceptional efforts and patient care but also represents the department and the emphasis it places on putting patients first.

Congratulations to Dr. Lane on the recognition of your hard work and dedication to our patients!

Herrick J. Siegel, M.D., professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, will be giving an American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) spotlight presentation at a new AAOS continuing medical education (CME) course on October 13, 2023.

This one-day virtual course, titled “Diagnostic and Treatment Dilemmas in Periprosthetic Hip and Knee Infections,” will share current knowledge in periprosthetic infection following total hip and total knee arthroplasty.

Attendees will gain insights through lectures, interactive Q&A sessions, case discussions, and presentations, such as Siegel’s, which is titled “Total Joint Infections and the Role of Functional Spacers in my practice.”

Attendees will also “evaluate diagnostic dilemmas, formulate treatment plans, and gain strategies for medical and social management in the preoperative period.”

Learn more and register here.

Every year, the UAB Office of Patient Experience and Engagement celebrates the highest-scoring ambulatory providers in patient experience. Out of the 393 UAB Medicine providers being recognized, 11 were from the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery for receiving scores of 95 percent or higher.

Congratulations to the following UAB Orthopaedic Surgery providers:

Recognized providers received a minimum score of 95 percent for the exceptional care they delivered to patients during the fiscal year 2023. Scores, based on patient feedback in Medallia, rank those being recognized as some of the top UAB Medicine providers in specific areas, including careful listening, demonstration of care and concern, providing clear explanations, inclusion of the patient in health care decisions, and overall care rating.

This outstanding level of performance demonstrates their dedication to providing exceptional care and compassion to our patients and their families. Congratulations to our recognized providers for having a patient-centered focus in all that they do.

The UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is excited to announce that Ronit Wollstein, M.D., has joined the department as a professor and head of its Hand and Upper Extremity Section.

Wollstein joins us from the New York University School of Medicine Department of Orthopedic Surgery, where she served as an attending in hand surgery.

Wollstein received her medical degree from Hadassah and Hebrew University Medical School in Jerusalem, Israel, where she remained and completed a multispecialty internship, a residency in orthopedic surgery, and a residency in hand surgery. Wollstein went on to complete clinical fellowships in hand surgery at St. Helier NHS Trust in London; the University of Connecticut, Hartford Hospital; and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School.

Wollstein’s major research interests include wrist structure and function relationships, rehabilitation of the wrist, characterizing wrist anatomy as it varies between ethnicities, radiographic guidelines for surgical functional outcome, development of a novel screening tool for osteoporosis, and development of new surgical and conservative tools for treatment of hand conditions.

We look forward to Wollstein’s expertise and the continued success of our Hand and Upper Extremity Section!