NEW Feature in Becker's Orthopedic & Spine Review!

Recently, I was contacted by Chicago medical publication Becker's Orthopedic & Spine Review, an industry-known bimonthly publication offering news and analysis on business and legal issues relating to orthopedic and spine practices.

The editorial staff was seeking top orthopedic and spine surgeons, in order to procure some insight as to whether or not for surgeon-device company relationships in the future. 


I was honored to be featured in this list of thought leaders, and felt even more privileged that an esteemed Midwest publisher contacted me - an orthopedic surgeon in Beverly Hills!


But to summarize, here is my take on the current state of surgeon relationships with device companies and what might be in store for the future...

"Spine and orthopedic surgeons used to have a much closer relationship with device companies, but because of the potential bias these relationships have changed. There have been several issues in regards to these ongoing relationships, including surgeons who have benefitted from using the implants of companies they have a relationship with. We've seen a lot of these relationships dissipate and it's to protect patients.

I think surgeons and device companies will be able to have legitimate relationships in the future and we will get rid of the illegitimate relationships. Even when the relationship is legitimate, it is the surgeon's responsibility to disclose them publicly. The recent scrutiny on these relationships is great in the sense that it is protecting people. It's cleaning up the whole scenario — there are only a few bad seeds who have led to this problem. The surgeons in legitimate relationships with companies don't have anything to worry about."

The full article can be found here on the Becker's Orthopedic & Spine Review website. 

AN EXERCISE IN ORTHOPEDICS: Arnold's "Junior" Injured in Surfing Accident

Christopher Schwarzenegger was released from the hospital Monday evening. 

The son of actor and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and journalist Maria Shriver, 13-year-old Chris was boogie boarding on July 17th when the tide suddenly turned on him. And his turn was for the worst...

His mother Maria witnessed the accident and promptly called for an ambulance. Chris was rushed to the UCLA Medical Center with broken ribs, a few other undisclosed fractures, and a collapsed lung. He remained in the ICU for about a week until he reached a full recovery.  

The Breakdown

Although Chris was treated for several injuries, the broken ribs were no doubt painful, but luckily, the least of his worries. Broken ribs become increasing dangerous when they puncture vital organs or blood vessels.

Most broken ribs, depending on the extent of the fracture, heal within 6 weeks. Chris will have complained of soreness in the rib cage area - and sharp pain when taking deep breaths.

Next Steps - He'll "Be Back!"

Medications such as Tylenol will help with the inflammation and pain. Stronger medications and even nerve blocks can be given for severe pain.

A serious complication of broken ribs is pneumonia and a patient’s symptoms must be monitored closely so that it can be avoided. Junior...will be back! Enjoying the beaches and returning to face the tide.

AN EXERCISE IN ORTHOPEDICS: The Bachelorette's Leg Injury

In its Season 6, ABC’s “The Bachelorette” featured Ali Fedotowsky. 

The show, which premiered in May 2010, featured Ali on the search among 25 unique suitors to find the man of her dreams. She now has wedding plans underway with fiancé Roberto Martinez.

In June 2011, she was seen using crutches after injuring her femur while kickboxing to stay in shape.

She originally thought that a ligament in her knee was torn - and visited a specialist for a detailed examination.  The MRI showed a fracture in her femur as a result of an osteochondral defect in the cartilage. She will most likely have surgery to repair the defect.

The Breakdown

Often caused by repeated injury to the joint, an osteochondral defect (OCD) is an area of damaged cartilage in the joint. The bone underneath it may be involved as well. The knee is the most common location for this defect. 

Ali most likely experienced symptoms such as joint locking, recurrent swelling, and persistent pain.

Walking the Aisle: Next Steps

For smaller lesions, arthroscopic surgery can help to clean up the cartilage. In more severe cases, an open surgical repair may be needed with an implant and autograft.

After surgery, Ali will be back to wedding planning with her fiancé!