Explore UAB

Amit Momaya, M.D., chief of Sports Medicine and associate professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, in collaboration with UAB Physical Therapy and Andrews Sports Medicine, recently co-authored a published article titled “Demographic and Clinical Correlates of Device-Measured Physical Activity Levels in Individuals with Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome.”

The study aimed to “compare physical activity levels between individuals with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and uninjured controls and determine correlates of moderate to vigorous physical activity.”

FAIS, also referred to as hip impingement, occurs when the bones of the hip joint are irregularly shaped, causing them to rub against one another and ultimately resulting in hip and/or groin pain.

Study results showed that people with FAIS engage in less daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), take fewer steps each day, and are less likely to meet recommended physical activity guidelines compared to those without the condition. Lower MVPA is linked to higher body mass index (BMI) and lower HOOS-Quality of Life scores. To mitigate the risk of future health issues associated with reduced physical activity and increased BMI, interventions should be developed to encourage individuals with FAIS to become more physically active.

As the end of summer approaches, adolescents may find themselves drawn to outdoor activities to savor the remaining moments of the season. Amit Momaya, M.D, associate professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the chief of Sports Medicine, notes caution for those attracted to motorized modes of transportation such as e-bikes and e-scooters.

According to Momaya, "The increased availability of e-bikes and e-scooters leads to a heightened probability of people experimenting with them as they encounter these options while navigating urban areas."

While these gadgets often capture the younger generation’s enthusiasm during their summer break, it's important to recognize that the potential for injuries is not limited to them alone. The older population is also susceptible to these risks.

"We observe occurrences of knee ligament injuries, wrist sprains, distal radius fractures, as well as shoulder contusions and AC joint sprains among both middle-aged and younger individuals," Momaya points out, shedding light on the broader age groups affected.

To ensure safety, he advises, "Exercising caution when utilizing these vehicles is essential. These devices can attain considerably higher speeds than people commonly perceive. Thus, it is vital to maintain slower speeds.”

“Additionally, it's crucial to ensure the e-bike/scooter has completely stopped before placing your foot on the ground. Moreover, refraining from using these devices on roads with bustling, high-speed traffic is strongly recommended.”

By following these guidelines, enthusiasts can continue to enjoy their outdoor adventures while minimizing the risk of accidents.

UAB Hospital has been named the best hospital in Alabama in the U.S. News & World Report’s (USNWR) 2023-2023 Best Hospital rankings, and five UAB programs have been classified as high performing, including orthopaedics.

USNWR’s orthopaedics rating is based on various data categories, including patient outcomes such as patient survival, volume of high-risk patients, patient experience, nurse staffing, and advanced clinical technologies. Each hospital is given a score, and the top 10 percent within the specialty are considered high performing.

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is dedicated to maintaining excellence in clinical care, education, and research. With fellowship trained subspecialists in all areas of orthopaedic surgery, we offer state-of-the-art care for patients with the most simple or complex orthopaedic conditions. Our training programs, including programs for students, residents, and fellows, are nationally recognized and focus on developing the future leaders of our profession. Finally, our faculty conducts innovative research that concentrates on developing new knowledge that directly improves the outcomes of our patients.

UAB Orthopaedic Surgery also scored “Excellent” in the areas of Patient services, Advanced technologies, and Nurse staffing.

Our talented physicians offer specialized care in areas such as sports medicine, spine, hand and upper extremity, foot and ankle, joint, oncology, pediatrics, and trauma. Additionally, UAB Orthopaedics Surgery works closely with other medical specialties—including imaging, physical rehabilitation, nutritional therapy and oncology—to develop a comprehensive care plan that offers the greatest chance of restoring or improving mobility and reducing or eliminating pain in the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, back, hips, knees, ankles and feet.

Our patients are our top priority, and we work to ensure that our team is consistently providing unmatched quality and service to those we serve.

Sara Gould, M.D., MPH, associate professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, was a recent guest on UAB Medicine's podcast, UAB MedCast. This podcast series is geared toward medical professionals who wish to learn about new advances in academic medicine and surgery. This on-the-go tool allows listeners to collect continuing medical education credit with each episode.

In Gould’s episode, titled “Hold Your Horses! Equestrian Helmet Facts, Fiction & Future Research,” Gould and Kevin Schrum, Ph.D., discuss their research on equestrian helmets and explain the importance of helmets in mitigating devastating injuries such as traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Their ongoing research investigating how to limit the rotational acceleration of the brain during impact via helmets has suggested that most helmets (even less-expensive ones) do protect the wearer well from many of the worst injuries in the sport.

Subscribe to UAB MedCast and listen to Dr. Gould’s episode anywhere you listen to podcasts. Or listen on their webpage here.

Kelly Border, patient encounter specialist, and Diane Coleman, hand therapist in the UAB Hand Therapy Clinic, recently attended Delrico Gibson’s local exhibition which displayed his works of art created in gratitude of those that helped save his life after a terrible accident – Border and Coleman included.

In 2020, Delrico Gibson was involved in a gasoline explosion that left severe burns to his face and upper body. In recognition of the various health care professionals that played a role in his recovery, Gibson created a work of art for each person.

Gibson’s exhibition, titled “Strings of Gratitude,” is currently being presented by UAB’s Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts (AEIVA). Recently, multiple members of the Heersink School of Medicine Dean’s Office, UAB leadership, and those with dedicated works of art, including Border and Coleman, visited Gibson at his exhibition. Border and Coleman’s dedicated pieces were among the first works Gibson created.

Border and Gibson both work within the UAB Department of Orthopaedics Hand and Upper Extremities Services.

Read more about Gibson’s story and his art, here.

Herrick J. Siegel, M.D., professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, is serving as co-director of the 2023 DisasterPlasty Course, held Sept. 13-16 in Key Largo, Florida.

The event aims to help surgeons deal with complications when they occur by teaching them how to potentially avoid, diagnose, and possibly prevent such complications.

Siegel has served on the faculty for the DisasterPlasyy Course for five years and now serves as co-director. In this role, Siegel invites the presenting faculty and selects the format for lectures, case presentations, and debates.

“The attendees will mostly consistent of orthopaedic surgeons that specialize in complications from joint replacements, limb salvage procedures, and musculoskeletal oncology,” says Siegel. “We have invited faculty from around the world, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany. We expect to have about 150 surgeons in attendance.”

As co-director, Siegel is also involved with choosing the scope of topics for faculty presentations, moderating multiple sessions, and introducing the presenting faculty. Those attending can expect panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and presentations that invite participation from all.

Faculty, residents, and fellows are encouraged to attend.

For more information about event and how to register, click here.

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is pleased to announce that Joseph “Joey” Johnson, M.D., has been promoted to associate professor, and Amit Momaya, M.D., has received tenure.

Johnson is a faculty member in the department’s Trauma Section. His clinical interests include pelvic and acetabular fractures, nonunions and malunions, and peri-articular fracture care. His research interests focus on the management of open fractures, the appropriate treatment of geriatric hip fractures, and the biomechanics of fracture healing.

Momaya is an associate professor and chief of the department’s Sports Medicine Section. His areas of interest include anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, meniscus repair, cartilage restoration, shoulder dislocations, shoulder labral tear, rotator cuff tears, orthobiologics, platelet rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell injections, and sports medicine injuries. He is also actively engaged in clinical trials to help improve patient care and innovation in the field of sports medicine. Additionally, Momaya serves as the team physician for UAB Athletics, Legion FC, Birmingham Bulls Hockey, and multiple high school sports teams.

Dr. Herrick Siegel, professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, will be speaking at the 2023 Orthopaedic Summit Course in Boston, Massachusetts in September. 

Siegel is an invited Faculty Member for the event and will be speaking on “The Treatment of Complex Periprosthetic Fracture Management Augmented with Synthetic Cables.”

The summit, which will take place Sept. 19-23, continues to be the premier gathering of total joint (knee, hip, shoulder); foot and ankle; sports medicine; arthroscopic; spine and trauma surgeons, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, athletic trainers, physical therapists, and occupational therapists from across the globe.

“The course covers all orthopaedic subspecialties with many of the most renowned surgeons in the U.S.,” says Siegel.

Learn more about Dr. Siegel and his scheduled presentation at the event.

Dr. Mohamed Morsy, assistant professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, is an author of a recently published article titled “Treatment of Concomitant Congenital Pseudarthrosis of the Fibula With Propeller Periosteal Flap.”

According to the study, which was published in Annals of Plastic Surgery, “Congenital pseudarthrosis of the fibula is not an uncommon condition to accompany congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia.” The study looks further into the results of a pedicled periosteal propeller flap technique for the treatment of fibular pseudarthrosis.

"This paper demonstrates a novel technique for treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the fibula concomitant with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia, a problematic condition with limited available treatment options,” says Morsy. “This technique allows for vascularized periosteum transfer to treat the fibular pseudarthrosis in combination with a free vascularized fibula flap for the tibial pseudarthrosis without the sacrifice of another leg vessel and no additional microsurgery required. This technique showed promising results in the treatment of this challenging condition.”

On Friday, June 23, 2023, the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery hosted its annual Resident Research Day event, followed by a graduation dinner celebrating its graduating chief residents that evening.

Resident Research Day took place from 8:30 a.m. to noon and featured presentations from graduating chief residents as well as keynote speaker Melvyn Harrington, Jr., M.D.

Harrington visited the department from the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, where he is a professor, residency program director, adult reconstruction fellowship director, and vice chair for Diversity and Inclusion at the Joseph Barnhart Department of Orthopedic Surgery.

Following the research presentations, the event was adjourned for lunch, and a vendor fair immediately followed in the UAB Orthopaedics Clinic.

Friday evening, a dinner was hosted by the department at The Club to honor its graduating residents, Drs. Brent Cone, Yvonne Conway, Matthew Hess, Megan Lameka, Ryan McLynn, and Walt Smith.

Residents were joined by family, friends, and colleagues as they celebrated the residents’ accomplishments and wished them well on their journeys ahead.

“We are proud to graduate our outstanding class of Orthopaedic surgeons,” said Michael D. Johnson, M.D., associate professor and residency director in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. “We are excited to celebrate this accomplishment with the graduates and their families and look forward to following their careers and contributions to orthopaedic surgery.”

Congratulations to our graduated residents! We look forward to your future!

Brent Cone, M.D.

Orthopaedic Centers of Colorado | Arthroplasty

Yvonne Conway, M.D.

University of California-Davis/Reno Orthopaedic Clinic | Foot and Ankle

Matthew Hess, M.D.

University of Chicago/Rush/Northwestern | Orthopaedic Oncology

Megan Lameka, M.D.

Emory University | Foot and Ankle

Ryan McLynn, M.D.

University of California San Diego | Spine

Walt Smith, M.D.

Texas Orthopaedic Hospital | Shoulder and Elbow

Drs. Thomas Evely, Eugene Brabston, and Amit Momaya, faculty members in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, are authors of a recently published article titled “The incidence of shoulder arthroplasty infection presents a substantial economic burden in the United States: a predictive model.”

The study, which was published in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, aimed to “quantify the rise in shoulder periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) and the economic stress they currently place on the American healthcare system as well as the toll they will incur over the coming decade.”

Study results showed the large economic burden that shoulder PJIs pose on the American health care system, which is predicted to reach nearly $500 million in charges annually by 2030. Understanding trends in procedure volume and hospital charges will be a key component in evaluating strategies to reduce shoulder PJIs.

Multiple current and former department members were also involved in this study, including Drs. Brent Ponce, Samuel Schick, Joseph Elphingstone, and William Davis.

Dr. Clay Spitler, associate professor, Dr. Joseph Johnson, assistant professor, and Dr. David Patch, resident, in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, are authors of a recently published article titled “How do surgeons decide when to treat proximal humerus fractures with operative versus nonoperative management?”

The study, published in the European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, aimed to “determine the underlying factors that drive the decision for surgeons to pursue operative versus nonoperative management for proximal humerus fractures (PHF) and if fellowship training had an impact on these decisions.”

An online survey for the study received responses from 250 fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons. Responses led to the conclusion that surgeons decide when to operate primarily on a patient’s comorbidities, age, and the amount of fracture displacement when treating younger patients. Results also showed that, compared to shoulder surgeons, more trauma surgeons chose to proceed with nonoperative management in patients over 70 years old.

Former department fellow, Dr. Logan Reed, was also a co-author on this study.

Drs. Eugene Brabston and Amit Momaya, faculty members in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, are authors of a recently published article titled “Home-Based Physical Therapy Results in Similar Outcomes to Formal Outpatient Physical Therapy after Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty: a Randomized Control Trial.”

The study, which was published in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, compared the outcomes of a home-based physical therapy program to a formal physical therapy program after patients underwent a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). The results found that formal physical therapy and home therapy programs after RTSA produce similar improvements in range of motion, strength, and patient reported outcome scores.

Multiple current and former department members were also involved in this study, including Drs. Brent Ponce, Samuel Schick, Joseph Elphingstone, Kyle Paul, Jun Kit He, and Alexandra Arguello.

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is pleased to welcome Rachel Aliotta, M.D., as assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery. Aliotta will specialize in hand and reconstructive surgery in the hand and upper extremity service.

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 the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 2021. In the same year, upon completion of her fellowship, she joined UAB and the Birmingham VA healthcare 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.

Michael Johnson, M.D., and Clay Spitler, M.D., associate professors in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, are both authors of a recently published article titled “Comparison of Total Ankle Replacement and Ankle Arthrodesis for Ankle Arthropathy in Patients with Bleeding Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.”

The manuscript was published in Foot & Ankle International in May 2023.

According to the article, “There is limited literature comparing the publications on ankle arthrodesis (AA) and total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) in the setting of hemophilic arthropathy.” The study’s objective was to systematically review existing literature and assess ankle arthroplasty as an alternative to ankle arthrodesis in this specific patient population.

Out of 1,226 studies, 21 were included in the authors’ review. 13 studies reviewed outcomes associated with AA in hemophilic arthropathy, 10 studies reviewed outcomes associated with TAA, two studies reviewed outcomes of both AA and TAA, and three studies were prospective.

The study concludes that, while the evidence in the manuscript varies, the current literature suggests similar clinical outcomes and complication rates between TAA and AA in this patient population.

Mohamed Morsy, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, is an author of a recently published article titled “Reconstruction of a Pediatric Lateral Femoral Condyle After Septic Necrosis with a Free Vascularized Fibular Epiphysis.”

The article was published in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Incorporated, in March 2023.

According to the article, “Reconstruction of bony defects associated with loss of articular surface in the skeletally immature patients is a challenging problem.” For this study, a five-year-old female presented with severe valgus deformity of the right knee after septic necrosis of the lateral femoral condyle, and reconstruction was performed using the contralateral proximal fibular epiphysis on the anterior tibial vessels. After 12 weeks, full weight bearing was allowed, and two years of follow-up showed no deformity or length discrepancy as well as 90-degree range of motion.

The study concluded that, while the pattern of one femoral condyle resorption due to osteomyelitis is a rare presentation, the presented method of reconstruction could be implemented as a novel technique to reconstruct the growing knee joint in such a condition.

Kevin Williams, M.D.Summer break is fast approaching, and it is an exciting time for children. Fun activities should be carefully monitored to ensure the prevention of common injuries children may face.

Kevin Williams, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, provides awareness and preventative measures to ensure summer break safety.

Trampoline safety:

Williams shares that, according to the most recent evidence, nearly 250,000 trampoline injuries require medical attention. Many of these injuries affect the legs and arms, while the trunk, head, and neck are less commonly affected.

If using a trampoline, prioritizing safety becomes paramount. This includes setting up the trampoline appropriately by considering its location, providing adequate padding, and ensuring continuous supervision (note that a net does not replace the need for adult supervision).

Only one person older than five years should jump on the trampoline at a time, and it is important to maintain dry and well-supervised conditions for the trampoline.

Playground safety:

Monkey bars and other climbing objects are additional risky activities for children that result in falls–sometimes onto an outstretched hand–leading to wrist, forearm, or elbow injuries.

“Some of the most common injuries we treat are wrist and forearm injuries, often nonoperatively, and elbow injuries, often treated operatively,” said Williams.

Motorized vehicle safety:

“ATV's, lawnmowers, golf carts, and really any motorized vehicles often are responsible for some of the worst pediatric injuries we see–sometimes life-changing injuries,” said Williams.

According to Williams, it is important to follow public and manufacturer recommendations in terms of supervision when using these vehicles and to make sure these are not operated by children under the recommended age, often 14 years.

Dr. Samuel Schick, a research fellow with the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, recently won a $500 poster award at the Mid-America Orthopaedic Association (MAOA) 2023 Annual Meeting for his poster titled “Physical Therapy Following Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty:  A Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing Formal Therapy and a Home Physical Therapy Regimen.”

The MAOA is the regional orthopaedic society for orthopaedic surgeons within the 20 central U.S. states. This organization strives to serve its members through educational and fellowship opportunities, as well as providing value-added services throughout the year.

This year’s MAOA 2023 Annual Meeting took place in April in Miramar Beach, Florida. This annual meeting allows orthopaedic faculty to engage and explore subspecialty education through instructional courses, symposia, ask-the-expert sessions, breakout sessions, and posters.

Amit Momaya, M.D., associate professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, has been appointed to the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) Committee.

AOSSM is a 501c3 medical professional society that cultivates evidence-based knowledge, provides extensive educational programming, and promotes emerging research that advances the science and practice of sports medicine. AOSSM’s mission is to be the premier global, sports medicine organization representing the interests of orthopaedic surgeons and other professionals who provide comprehensive health services for the care of athletes and active people of all ages and abilities.

Since 1972, AOSSM has been an elite society of individuals dedicated to the sports medicine community providing comprehensive care for preventing and treating sports injuries among athletes and active people of all ages and abilities. Today, it continues to be a trusted source among the profession for knowledge, skills, and continuing education and aims to enhance value in sports medicine through the development, promotion, and encouragement of cutting-edge research that improves patient care through grant opportunities focused on biologics, osteoarthritis, return to sport/play, outcomes, youth sports injuries/early sports specialization, sports medicine long-term follow-up/effects, hip arthroscopy, tendinopathy, cartilage, and trending.

Momaya will serve a three-year term on the AOSSM Research Committee, effective August 1, 2023.

The Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) is an international professional organization of orthopaedic surgeons and other medical professionals who are committed to advancing the field of minimally invasive orthopaedic surgery to improve patient outcomes. Representatives from the UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery recently presented at the organization’s annual meeting.

“It was a terrific meeting,” said Associate Professor Amit Momaya, M.D. “It is important for our team to continue presenting at meetings and conferences such as this one to help disseminate the knowledge we are obtaining from our research. Furthermore, it helps elevate the reputation of UAB on a national level.”

The department’s Sports Medicine team was able to display how they are using evidence-based medicine and up-to-date techniques in our practice in their poster presentation.

“This study focuses on the biomechanics of bone fixation,” said Momaya. “The study found that suspensory fixation provided better fixation than screws placed at oblique angles. This is important, as surgeons often have to place screws at oblique angles due to the approach in surgery, but in these cases, perhaps we can use a suspensory fixation device to obtain better fixation.”