Dear Respected Friends & Colleagues,
This season’s Newsletter will focus on Highlights from our Research Department, our 2022 Gala, our New Summer Immersion Program and a fun, tropical recipe. We hope you enjoy!
Research Corner
Our Founder, Dr. Kevin D. Plancher, MD, MPH, and his research team received the Best Sports Medicine Scientific Poster Award at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting for their work:
Bioabsorbable Interference Screw Fixation for ACL Reconstruction Yields No Tunnel Widening with Excellent Outcomes
Over 200,000 anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries occur annually in the United States accounting for over 100,000 ACL reconstructions annually. Bioabsorbable screws can be used for fixation of the graft in ACL reconstruction; however, concerns of higher graft failure, resultant instability, tunnel widening, screw breakage, and inflammatory/foreign body reaction have been raised in recent systematic reviews. The purpose of our study was to report complications, failure rate, tunnel widening, stability, and patient-reported outcomes at mid- to long-term follow-up in patients after ACL reconstruction using bioabsorbable Poly (L-Lactic Acid) interference screw fixation. Our findings demonstrated that utilization of a bioabsorbable Poly L (L-lactic acid) screw can result in excellent mid- to long-term follow-up after transtibial, single bundle, bone-patellar tendon-bone ACL reconstruction without evidence of delayed graft healing, absence of screw breakage, no evidence of tunnel widening, and excellent stability and functional outcomes at 13-year average follow-up.
Our Research Director, Dr. Stephanie C. Petterson, accepted this award on behalf of our research team in March in Chicago. Kudos team!
Dr. Kevin D. Plancher, MD, MPH, in one of his two Instructional Course Lectures – The Business of Medicine – at the AAOS Annual Meeting in Chicago.
Right: Dr. Petterson with our former fellow, Dr. Alberto Rivera. Dr. Rivera is now President of the Puerto Rico Orthopaedic Society.
Left: Dr. Petterson with one of our former research interns and MD candidate Ekene Ezeokoli. He is currently a pediatric orthopaedic research fellow at Baylor Texas Children’s Hospital.
If you are suffering with knee pain and have knee osteoarthritis or a knee cartilage defect, we have several clinical trials that you might be eligible for. Please contact our Research Director, Dr. Stephanie Petterson today – 203-869-2002 ext. 14 or spetterson@ofals.org.
18th Annual Gala
We are looking forward to another fantastic, successful Gala event this year!
Roundtable Discussion
Q: What is the most innovative technology you are using in the operating room?
A: I utilize 3D C-arm-assisted navigation guidance to perform spinal reconstruction and pelvic fixation. The 3D C-arm utilizes the same space as a regular C-arm which works well even in small operating rooms. The imaging assistance helps perform surgery safely and provides real time feedback on the accuracy of the hardware fixation. This is especially helpful in deformities and revision surgeries where accurate placement of the hardware is of paramount importance.
Many thanks to Dr. Harish Kempegowda at Horizon Health, a community hospital in Illinois, for this month’s Roundtable Discussion! Dr. Kempegowda is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in spine surgery and graduated from our sports medicine fellowship in 2019.
OFALS Medical Immersion Camp
The Orthopaedic Foundation’s Inaugural Summer Medical Immersion Camp is accepting applications NOW!
High School students aged 15 to 18 years old are eligible to apply for this unique program will blend real-world medical experience, taught by some of Manhattan’s top doctors, with hands-on surgical experiences. Students will get a chance to explore the fields of general surgery, vascular and plastic surgery, orthopaedics, radiology, and anesthesiology, as well as learn vital skills needed in the field of medicine, such as starting IVs, taking a medical history, and performing physical examinations. Students will also be able to experience the sights and scenery of New York City through group entertainment experiences. This program aims to confirm your student’s wishes to continue in the field of medicine, and also serves as a fantastic social experience.
The Summer Program will take place at our BioSkills Lab in Manhattan this summer, from July 10th through 16th. If you are interested in learning more or applying for your child or student, please visit www.ofals.org/camp, where you can view our brochure and request more information.
Cooking for Spine Health
Proteins that come from plants, such as chia seeds, lentils, and other legumes are essential for spine health and wellness. They are full of essential vitamins and minerals, and unlike animal proteins, they are anti-inflammatory, which is essential for maintaining spine health. The following Caribbean-inspired chickpea recipe, from Ellie Krieger, combines spine-healthy chickpeas and vivid Caribbean spices for a new take on a classic wrap.
[CSI Ortho]
Caribbean Chickpea Curry Wraps
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of canola oil
1-15 ounce can of low-sodium chickpeas
4 cups of cubed butternut squash (about 1 1/4 lbs)
2 teaspoons of ground turmeric
2 teaspoons of ground coriander
1 teaspoon of ground cumin
1 teaspoon of mustard powder
1 teaspoon of ground fennel
1 teaspoon of ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
1 1/4 cups of low sodium vegetable broth
3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
2 green onions, thinly sliced
4 whole-wheat tortillas or wraps of your choice
Instructions:
- First, prepare the chickpeas and squash. Drain the can of chickpeas so it is ready to use and dice the butternut squash into ½-inch cubes.
- Heat the oil in a large, tall-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and jalapeno and cook until softened, then add the garlic.
- After about a minute, add the turmeric, coriander, cumin, mustard, fennel, allspice and cayenne pepper. Stir and cook until fragrant.
- Add the chickpeas and squash to the skillet and cook until the squash starts to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken broth, salt and pepper, then bring the skillet to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium, cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, until half the liquid is absorbed, and the squash is softened.
- Warm the wraps and serve the mixture with the green onions inside the wraps. Enjoy!
Stay safe and healthy. We hope you have a wonderful Spring season!
Warm regards,
Janine Bahar
Executive Director
Orthopaedic Foundation
Ph: 203-869-2002
www.ofals.org