Breakthrough Medicine
Sports Injuries Threaten Active Futures
UHealth – University of Miami Health System and the Miller School of Medicine push the boundaries of medical science every day. Our documentary series Breakthrough Medicine goes inside our university-based health system to demonstrate what sets us apart. Tune in to watch our patients and physicians confront real-life medical challenges and to share in extraordinary triumphs as UHealth’s medical pioneers discover new solutions to improve patients’ lives and give them renewed hope.
Sports Injuries Threaten Active Futures
In this episode of Breakthrough Medicine, UHealth’s television documentary series, we watch as UHealth Sports Medicine experts give a young woman with a severe knee condition the opportunity to live an active, pain-free life by replacing her meniscus with tissue transplanted from a donor knee.
We also follow the story of a young football player as he learns lifesaving lessons about concussions from rough play on the field, and find out tips on how everyday athletes should treat routine sports injuries.
You can read more about UHealth Sports Medicine in the Winter 2009 issue of University of Miami Medicine, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page, or view the post-show Web chat transcripts below. We also invite you to learn more about Dr. Lee Kaplan and Dr. Gillian Hotz, two of the UHealth physicians who were featured in the episode.
“Sports Injuries Threaten Active Futures” will re-air on Saturday, January 30 at 1:30 p.m. on Channel 10 (ABC).
Web Chat Transcripts
| mikethearmyguy(Q) | i have a shooting pain that is on the side of my knee what could this be from? | |
| Dr_Lee_Kaplan(A) | This could be from a meniscal tear, cartilage injury or other source. If you have swelling or locking of your knee you should be seen by a physician. | |
| mattyice1(Q) | how long does rehab last after having surgery on a chronic MCL and how soon after would travelling be ok? | |
| Dr_Lee_Kaplan(A) | These are questions for your surgeon. The rehab goes until you have your motion and strength back. Traveling should be after several weeks. | |
| mikethearmyguy(Q) | my knee will give out randomally and i cant put weight on it | |
| Dr_Lee_Kaplan(A) | I recommend you see a physician. | |
| Elliot_Dennis69(Q) | I work out often and play recreational sports and no matter how much I hydrate, I still get leg cramps. What else besides dehydration could be causing this? | |
| Frank_Sanchez(A) | Good evening, Cramping and dehydration in Miami is a common entity with high temps and humidity. We typically make sure our athletes take in carbs in the form of Gel/Gu or other forms as bars and all.. Sometimes if this fails, an appt. with our Sports Nutritinist Lisa Dorfman is a seasoned marathoner and triathlete like myself and has a wealth of knowledge. We also should check simple blood chemistries with a primary care MD. Frank Sanchez, PA | |
| Jonathan(Q) | Good evening...I was wondering if you could explain what a double bundle ACL reconstruction was and how did differs from a traditional ACL reconstruction. My nephew needs an ACL reconstruction and he's debating which to go with. | |
| Dr_Lee_Kaplan(A) | This is surgeon dependent. Most importantly have them see a surgeon who does a number of acl reconstructions a year. | |
| mikethearmyguy(Q) | ok thank u very much | |
| Joslyn_Cassano(A) | Mike, if you are interested in learning more about UHealth Sports Medicine, please feel free to visit www.uhealthsportsmedicine.com or call 305-243-4000. Thank you for participating. | |
| hilary(Q) | I had ortho surgery on my knee about 20 years ago and whenever I over exert myself my knee swells up. It goes down after a couple of days. Should I have it checked out? | |
| Dr_Lee_Kaplan(A) | Yes, this may be articular damage. This is the cartilage that covers the bone like a chicken bone. | |
| Glenn(Q) | Who is the best candidate for meniscus replacement? | |
| Frank_Sanchez(A) | Good evening, Individuals with a long standing history of meniscal tears and have had a significant amount of meniscus removed who have good cartilage and knee alignment. Age and past medical history also play factors but less than the other reasons stated above. Dr. Kaplan and I can evaluate previous fils and or studies and make better determinations if you'd like. Frank Sanchez, PA | |
| Elisa(Q) | My husband played football most of his life and I know that he had at least one concussion in college. Should I be worried about any long term effects to his health? | |
| Dr_Gillian_Hotz(A) | Typically after one concussion depending on the severity if the right management of resting and returning to play is done properly he should have no worries. However he had multiple concussions and did not have proper management there could be long term problems. | |
| hilary(Q) | Do you think I have done more damage? | |
| Dr_Lee_Kaplan(A) | This needs to be evaluated. Swelling after exercise may be a sign that something is wrong with your knee. If you would like to visit us 305-243-3000. | |
| Sally(Q) | I get a very slight pain in my shoulder when i lift weights....but only during shoulder exercises. I also play golf and after the round i feel it in my shoulder, but it's not too bad. Is this something to worry about? Or can exercise fix it? | |
| Vincent_Scavo(A) | Thank you SALLY, When lifting weights you should avoid any type of activity where you have wide grips. Keep your hands close t the center of the bar which will put less stress on your shoulders. As long as your do not have clicking in the shoulder that causes pain taking stress of the shoulder will help.If the symptoms worsen you should consult one of our Sports Medicine Physicians.Call 305-243-3000 .Thank you. | |
| Sue(Q) | I am in my late 30's, I usually don't exercise but I constantly have popping and crackling at my knee joints. Is this a medical related condition or from not exercising?h | |
| Frank_Sanchez(A) | Based on this information it is difficult to answer definitively. I suggest that you see your Primary Physician for an initial evaluation or you can contact our Primary, Dr. Page and he can evaluate you and if necessary collaborate with us for any necessary opinions. Kindest Regards, Frank Sanchez, PA | |
| Jonathan(Q) | Good evening...I was wondering if you could explain what a double bundle ACL reconstruction was and how did differs from a traditional ACL reconstruction. My nephew needs an ACL reconstruction and he's debating which to go with | |
| Dr_Lee_Kaplan(A) | The important aspect of the acl reconstruction is that the tunnel position is appropriate. The double bundle is when two tissue grafts are used to create the reconstruction. A single bundle is when it is one tissue graft. | |
| Betty(Q) | What are the symptoms of a concussion? | |
| Dr_Gillian_Hotz(A) | The most common are headache, dizziness, trouble concentrating, visual disturbances, sleep disturbances etc. | |
| Fred(Q) | What exactly is a concussion and how dangerous is it? | |
| Dr_Gillian_Hotz(A) | A concussion is a sudden blow to the head. A biomechanical force that causes the brain inside the skull to move forward and backwards which temporarily prevents the brain from functioning normally. | |
| Jonathan(Q) | So...is a double bundle "stronger" than a traditional ACL...maybe able to last longer? | |
| Dr_Lee_Kaplan(A) | Not necessarily. The jury is still out. The theory is that it may prevent more rotation. | |
| Jose_Andreu(Q) | Is a meniscus replacement a last resort procedure? Will the donor meniscus have to be replaced eventually? | |
| Dr_Lee_Kaplan(A) | The last resort would be a knee replacement. The transplant will hopefully prevent this damage from occuring. The donor meniscus will not have to be replaced. | |
| JanetD(Q) | When do i use heat and when do I use ice to treat an injury? | |
| Frank_Sanchez(A) | Janet the best time to use heat is before you work out.This will help you get the area warm so that you can exercise.After exercise that is the best time to use is so that it can decrease any inlamation you may have. | |
| LoriFont(Q) | What are the recommendations if a child falls and bumps their head? When should you contact a physician? | |
| Dr_Gillian_Hotz(A) | Depending on the age of the child, and the height of the fall. If they seem ok not complaining of any headaches or acting differently they are probably ok. However if you are concerned about how they are acting you should see your pediatrician. | |
| Fred(Q) | It amazes me how many people I see cycling without a helmet. Are there any statistics on how often people without helmets are injured vs. those of us who regularly wear a helmet? | |
| Dr_Gillian_Hotz(A) | I know we are doing a better job at educating riders about the importance of wearing a helmet. There is some good studies that have been done looking at those that have been injured helmet vs. no helmet. Always good to protect your head with another layer, make sure the helmet is certified. | |
| Carolina_Suris(Q) | What are the dangers associated with not monitoring a patient after a concussion? | |
| Dr_Gillian_Hotz(A) | Concussions are cumulative, if you have had one you are higher risk to have another. It is important to follow up with a physician if you are having symptoms. Sometimes we see football players that have a concussion and continue to play these athletes are at high risk for a more severe injury. | |
| Jonathan(Q) | Thank you so much for the information, Dr. Kaplan. And congratulations on such a successful sports medicine practice. | |
| Dr_Lee_Kaplan(A) | Thank you very much. We appreciate you watching. | |
| josieMRL(Q) | I was just diagnosed with a calf strain and my MRI was negative for a tear. How long should I hold off on running? I'm a marathoner and anxious to get back but am nervous about causing a tear. | |
| Frank_Sanchez(A) | If your calf is still tender upon doing some short periods of run/walks for about 2-3 miles then you should have it re-evaluated by either a Sports Med Physician or Physical Therapist who specializes in running injuries. Most calf injuroes are related to overtraining or sudden increases in distance or load. Frank Sanchez, PA | |
| DDiaz(Q) | I am a runner. Is running on certain surfaces preferable to avoid? | |
| Frank_Sanchez(A) | Typically, if you have proper footwear, you can run on asphalt regularly. The only reason in Miami to run on grass or the beach is if you can run on packed sand or level running grass fields. Your meniscus can take a load if you all of a sudden start running long miles (4-6 miles) on unleveled grass or beach sand. Hope this helps, and start low miles and increase gradually on grass and feel free to alternate grass/beach and asphalt every other week. | |
| MMarante(Q) | What's the first thing i should do if i think i have an injury? | |
| Vincent_Scavo(A) | if the injury you are having is an othopedic type injury, iI suggest that you consult one of our orthopedic physicians.Anything that keeps you from being active and stops you from doing activities than you need to consult one of our physicians.at 305- 243-3000 Thank you . | |
| Alex_Reyes(Q) | I really enjoyed watching this episode of Breakthrough Medicine...I run a lot and want to make sure I take the best care possible of my knees. What's the best regimen to keep before and after runs to make sure I do my part to take care of my knees? | |
| Frank_Sanchez(A) | Great question. I pesonally like to soak in either a pool or tub with some ice not too cold, it should not be freezing. Other option is to use ice packs on booth knees for 15 minutes as you cool down from a run. Many of the runners do this as they take their recovery drink after all their runs. Safe training, Frank Sanchez, PA | |
| Susan(Q) | Why did the patient have a meniscus tranplant rather than typical meniscus surgery where the doctor trims away the torn meniscus? | |
| Dr_Lee_Kaplan(A) | This had been done previously by another surgeons. She was left with very little of her own meniscus. | |
| Stacey_Green(Q) | I play volleyball on the beach often and notice that after a few games, my knees really ache. Is there anything I can specifically do to help these pains or is this something that will continue happening as long as I play on the beach? | |
| Frank_Sanchez(A) | Beach volleyball is very demanding on the quads and surrounding areas of the knees. The uneven surface on the jumps and landing is stressfull on the meniscus as well. While softer than concrete it canstill be damaging to the knees if you have a previous injury . Generally the aches and pains should be evaluated if you have knee locking, swelling and or popping sensations. I suggest that you strengthen your quads when not playing ball and weight train weekly especially in your off season. You should also ice down your knees for 15 minutes after you play. Keeps the inflamatory process down. Frank Sanchez, PA | |
| mattyice1(Q) | great job tonight, thanks for the insight | |
| Dr_Lee_Kaplan(A) | Thanks for watching. | |
| Gatorbates(Q) | Scavo!!! Loved your class at Gables High, ESPECIALLY the donuts. And for all the TLC you gave me when I got knocked out by Daryll Council and Lee Adams ... | |
| Vincent_Scavo(A) | Great to hear from you, thanks for watching the show.If I can help in any way you can contact me at U sports medicine.Thanks.. | |
| josieMRL(Q) | Thanks, Frank. Do you think old orthotics could have anything to do with my calf strain? I haven't been very good about getting them checked/refurbished. Thanks. | |
| Frank_Sanchez(A) | Typically orthotics need to- be inspected every running season. I t could very possibly be contributing to your calf, but unlikely. I would see a PT that treats runners. I like the offices of Bruce Wilk, PT in Miami or Debbie Leiter at Leiter PT in S. Miami. Feel free to contact me at fsanchez7@med.miami.edu for further questions... FJS | |
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