UAB Orthopaedic Surgery hosts annual Research Day and graduation dinner for residents
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
Evely, Brabston, Momaya publish article in Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery
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.
Spitler, Johnson, Patch publish article in European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology
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.
Brabston and Momaya publish article in Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery
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.
Aliotta joins Department of Orthopaedic Surgery faculty
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.
Johnson and Spitler publish article in Foot & Ankle International
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.
Morsy publishes article on reconstruction of pediatric lateral femoral condyle
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.
Summer safety for children: Tips to prevent pediatric orthopaedic injuries during summer break
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.
Schick receives poster award at MAOA 2023 Annual Meeting
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.
Momaya appointed to AOSSM Committee
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.
UAB Sports Medicine team presents at 2023 AANA Annual Meeting
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.”
Williams and Guy celebrate 25 years of service with UAB
The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is excited to recognize the commendable dedication of two long-standing employees, Tammy Williams and Tiffany Guy, who have been invaluable contributors to the UAB community for over 25 years. Both Tiffany Guy and Tammy Williams are Patient Encounter Specialists in the HSF- Orthopaedic Surgery Department at UAB Highlands.
To celebrate Tiffany and Tammy, we asked them about their years of service and what they enjoyed about UAB.
Tiffany Guy:
Throughout your tenure at UAB, which departments or areas have you gained experience working in?
I have gained experience in various roles across UAB, including working at the Radiology front desk, in the Cardiology Department–specifically in the Heart Failure Area under HSF–as well as part-time positions at the UAB Switchboard and EVS. Currently, I also dedicate my weekends to working at the North Pavilion gift shop.
What is it about the field of health care that captivates and motivates you?
The act of providing aid to others is always a rewarding experience, and I find it truly gratifying.
When you're not at work, what activities or hobbies do you find enjoyable?
Outside of work, I find pleasure in traveling and engaging in shopping activities.
What specifically attracts you to the orthopaedics sector and makes it fulfilling for you to work in that field?
Since the very beginning, the individuals within this department have always been like an extended family to me.
Tammy Williams (not pictured):
Throughout your tenure at UAB, which departments or areas have you gained experience working in?
Exclusively, my professional experience has been focused solely within the field of orthopaedics.
What is it about the field of health care that captivated you?
It was my faith that led me towards pursuing a career in health care.
When you're not at work, what activities or hobbies do you find enjoyable?
I find relaxation and leisure activities important outside of work, as we tend to spend a considerable amount of time at our workplace.
What specifically attracts you to orthopaedics and makes it fulfilling for you to work in that field?
In the orthopaedics department, we foster a strong sense of family. When one person is going through a difficult time, we all feel the impact and come together to support and assist one another.
UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine supports We Love Homewood Day
On Saturday, May 6, 2023, Homewood residents gathered to celebrate We Love Homewood Day 2023 (WLHD) at Homewood Central Park.
The event occurred between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and was filled with various festivities highlighting the community’s love for Homewood.
A cherished highlight of WLHD was the inclusion of various inflatable structures, thrilling rides, and engaging activities suitable for individuals of all ages. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in these delightful attractions and celebrate in the festive spirit.
The presence of the UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine team at the event was well-received, and a substantial number of people made sure to visit our booth.
We distributed an abundance of UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine merchandise while also providing valuable information about the comprehensive health services we extend to the entire greater Birmingham community.
“We had a great turnout from sports medicine employees, and a large number of people stopped by,” said Aaron Casp, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.
The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is honored to participate in events like WLHD that support our local Birmingham communities and its residents.
Hess wins second place in Chestley L. Yelton Resident Essay Competition
Matthew Hess, M.D., a PGY-5 in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, has won second place in the Chestley L. Yelton Resident Essay Competition for his paper, “Intravenous Tranexamic Acid Decreases Intraoperative Transfusion Requirements and Does Not Increase Incidence of Venous Thromboembolic Events in Musculoskeletal Sarcoma Surgery.”
Hess’ paper discusses using tranexamic acid to decrease blood transfusion requirements and decrease operative time in patients with bone or soft tissue sarcomas who undergo wide surgical resection.
“We are one of the early studies to show that intravenous tranexamic acid can be safely used without increasing the risk of venous thromboembolic events in this specific oncologic population of patients,” said Hess. “We started using the medicine routinely in 2012 and thus have a long period of time in which we have examined its use. Dr. Siegel is the senior author on the study and we primarily examined his patients.”
As a second-place winner of the Yelton award, Hess will receive $1,000 and present his paper during the Alabama Orthopaedic Society/Mississippi Orthopaedic Society (AOS/MOS) Joint Annual Meeting. The meeting will take place in Destin, Florida, May 18-20.
Orthopaedic Surgery PGY-4s match into fellowships and enlist in the U.S. Navy
Congratulations to the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery PGY-4 residents on their recent fellowship matches and post-graduation commitments! We are excited to announce where our residents plan to go next.
Read moreDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery hosts Staff Appreciation Luncheon
The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery hosted a luncheon catered by Jim N Nicks BBQ in appreciation of its staff on Wednesday, May 3, from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the OSB 110 conference room. The luncheon was held in celebration of Administrative Professionals Day, Nurses Week, Occupational Therapy Month, Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Week, and Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Day.
The event was hosted by Steven M. Theiss, M.D., John D. Sherrill Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery, Fred Horton, executive administrator, Orthopaedic faculty, and the Orthopaedic management team.
The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery welcomes opportunities to celebrate all members of the department. Our administrative professionals play a key role in supporting our faculty and trainees.
Likewise, our occupational therapists, nurses, APPs, and CMAs support faculty and trainees, in addition to providing unmatched care to our patients. Our staff is vital to the success of our department and our patients’ experience, and we are excited about opportunities to recognize them and their hard work!
UAB Medicine team accompanies Birmingham Bulls to finals
The Birmingham Bulls professional hockey team is participating in the 2023 President’s Cup Finals and is being accompanied by members of the UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.
UAB Medicine is the official medical partner for the Bulls, and the athletes and coaches benefit from the orthopedic and sports medicine programs. They have comprehensive access to providers to address orthopedic issues, concussions, sports cardiology, and primary care concerns.
The Bulls’ UAB Medicine team consists of Amit Momaya, M.D., Aaron Casp, M.D., Mike Johnson, M.D., Irfan Asif, M.D., Ian McKeag, M.D., and Thomas Evely, D.O., in the Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Family and Community Medicine.
The team provides pre-game evaluation and interventions as needed. During the games, they evaluate injuries, repair lacerations, and provide additional orthopaedic care both during and after the games.
“Sometimes we have just a few minutes to treat an injury and get them back in the game. It’s a fast-paced game, so the medical care has to keep up,” Said Casp, Chief Medical Officer for the Bulls and head orthopedic surgeon for the team.
“If their injury extends beyond what we do during the game, we will evaluate them in clinic, get X-rays, and provide in-season interventions for injuries,” said Casp. “Also, if players have a surgical injury during the season, I will perform the surgery and formulate a plan with the team athletic trainer for rehab and return. Overall, it’s a lot of coordination with the team athletic trainer, the primary care sports medicine providers, and the team physical therapist.”
The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is excited to see the team’s success this year and is cheering them on during the championship games.
Smith named 2023 Patient Experience Hero
Ayonna Smith, a patient encounter specialist for the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, has been named a 2023 Patient Experience Hero.
Each year during Patient Experience Week, the UAB Medicine Office of Patient Experience & Engagement recognizes UAB team members considered "Patient Experience Heroes." These individuals are nominated by their peers as heroes that always keep patients their top priority, enhance the patient experience, and exhibit UAB’s core values - do right, work together, always care, own it - on a consistent basis.
A "shining star" in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ayonna consistently goes above and beyond to assist patients. She treats her patients like family, shows compassion, and embodies UAB's core values by taking the initiative to ensure patients are well taken care of and they know they are a top priority.
Kasprow named Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award recipient
Sarah Kasprow, athletic trainer for Orthopaedic Surgery and the Sports Medicine Clinic at UAB Highlands, has been named one of the Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award winners.
The Clinical Excellence in Nursing awards are the highest honors that can be achieved by staff nurses, nurse leaders, and nursing support staff. They are presented annually to those who demonstrate exceptional nursing knowledge, technical skills, and clinical leadership within UAB Medicine. Sarah won one of the 2023 Nursing Support Clinical Excellence Awards. There were 15 winners from all of Ambulatory as well as winners from the inpatient side.
Sarah’s positive attitude, medical knowledge, and leadership skills make her a valuable member of the clinical team. Her peers say she’s always willing and able to teach others and share knowledge for the betterment of the patient. With a focus on patient care, her professionalism and ability always go above and beyond. In addition to her clinical duties, she is also an active member in department community outreach. She assists with covering local sporting events and was very active in assisting with the World Games and the inaugural USFL football season. Sarah has volunteered her time to assist with sports physicals for multiple entities around Birmingham. She is always willing to serve her community and represent UAB.
Congratulations, Sarah!
New UAB MedCast Episode with Dr. Mabry
For patients experiencing knee pain from osteoarthritis on just one side of the knee, a partial knee replacement may be the best option. Scott Mabry, M.D., an orthopaedic surgeon, explains how a partial knee replacement has advantages over a total knee replacement for the right patient. Dr. Mabry discusses computer-assisted navigation, which allows him to customize how implants are fitted, aligning the new components mechanically in real time. Learn more about how a specialist can guide your patients through this outpatient procedure.