Article authored by Brabston, Casp, Evely, and Momaya published in Journal of Orthopaedics
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.
Momaya joins Birmingham Legion FC for first round of playoffs
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.
Article authored by Brabston and Momaya published in The Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine
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.
UAB Orthopaedic Surgery welcomes three new faculty members
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.
Siegel featured in Orthopedics Today, discusses 3D printing for bone tumors
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 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery welcomes Strom as assistant professor
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.
The 58th Scoliosis Research Society Annual Meeting
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.”
Lane receives Patient First Award
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!
Siegel to give spotlight presentation at new AAOS CME course
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.
11 UAB Orthopaedic Surgery providers receive recognition for high-rating patient satisfaction scores
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:
Rachel Aliotta, M.D. |
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Lisa Kafchinski, M.D. |
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.
Orthopaedic Surgery welcomes Wollstein as head of Hand and Upper Extremity Section
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!
Momaya collaborates with UAB Physical Therapy, Andrews Sports Medicine, and others to publish article measuring physical activity levels in those with FAIS
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.
Rolling with caution: E-bike and e-scooter safety tips from Momaya
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 Orthopaedics rated high performing by U.S. News and World Report
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.
Gould featured on UAB MedCast
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.
Border and Coleman honored by Birmingham artist at local exhibition
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.
Siegel serves as co-director of upcoming 2023 DisasterPlasty Course
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.
Johnson promoted to associate professor, Momaya receives tenure
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.
Siegel to speak at Orthopaedic Summit Course
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.
Morsy publishes article in Annals of Plastic Surgery
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.”