Momaya named one of 10 Sports Medicine Leaders to Know
UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Associate Professor Amit Momaya, M.D., was recently listed in Becker's Orthopedic Review's "10 Sports Medicine Leaders to Know."
Momaya is a sports medicine orthopedic surgeon who specializes in shoulder, elbow, and knee injuries. He currently serves as a team physician for UAB Athletics, Legion FC, Birmingham Bulls Hockey, and other surrounding schools. Momaya also engages in clinical trials to help improve patient care and innovate in the growing field of sports medicine.
“It is an honor to be recognized in the 10 Sports Medicine Leaders to Know,” said Momaya. “It is a testament to the work that our team here at UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine has put in over the past several years. We hope to continue providing excellent and comprehensive care to athletes and active patients in order to get them back to their activity. Furthermore, we are actively engaged in clinical research that guides our treatment. We hope that we can elevate UAB not only on the regional level but also on the national level as a leader in sports medicine.”
Momaya publishes study on Traumatic Cartilage Degeneration
UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Associate Professor Amit Momaya, M.D., published a study evaluating if similar inflammatory gene patterns exist between the synovium, hyaline cartilage, and blood of patients with knee joint tissues, seeing if one precedes the other. The work could help researchers and providers better understand the progression of osteoarthritis, among other conditions.
Published in February in the peer-reviewed, musculoskeletal system journal Cartilage, the study is titled “Is the Synovium the First Responder to Posttraumatic Knee Joint Stress? The Molecular Pathogenesis of Traumatic Cartilage Degeneration.”
Traumatic cartilage degeneration occurs when a sudden traumatic event, such as a sports or fitness injury, disturbs the cartilage surface and causes a weak spot in the cartilage lining of the bone. Once a weak spot has developed, the cartilage can break down over time with the normal forces of daily physical activities.
Momaya and the research team reviewed 58 patients who underwent elective knee arthroscopy due to previously diagnosed knee injuries. Procedures were performed on 31 right and 27 left knees. Twenty-eight patients reported knee trauma, averaging 17 months before surgery. On arthroscopic evaluation, 35 patients were diagnosed with cartilage lesions, whereas the other 23 cases were described as normal cartilage. In addition, 34 patients were identified with a medial meniscus lesion, four had lateral menisci lesions, and another eight had ACL tears.
Full blood samples were collected preoperatively from the synovium and cartilage samples were collected intraoperatively. The total RNA of the blood samples was isolated and tested along with the different gene expressions that are found in tissue samples.
The results show a strong and significant correlation between gene expression in synovial fluid – fluid in the knee joint – and systemic blood cells in the body, indicating a more widespread inflammation response to injury or degeneration. The extent of cartilage damage from the patient’s injury also correlated with the specific blood cell expression found in their blood samples.
These results suggest that the synovial tissue is a first responder to knee joint stress factors, and its reaction correlates with the response of blood cells and overall inflammation. The chondrocyte’s genetic response should be further investigated to explain the genetic program of synovial joints, as an organ, during osteoarthritis development and progression.
To read more about the study and its results, click here.
Gould to speak at 2023 AMSSM Conference
UAB Orthopaedic Surgery Associate Professor Sara Gould, M.D. will present at the 2023 American Medical Society for Sports Medicine Annual Meeting in May.
The AMSSM Annual Meetings cover many topics at the forefront of sports medicine, such as health equity, concussion, lifestyle medicine, mental health, the importance of physician support and wellness, and more. This year’s theme is “Rising to the Challenge”, challenging sports medicine providers to apply lessons learned about mentorship, leadership and professional development to their practices.
Gould will present an oral poster entitled “Equestrian Helmet Testing: MIPS Performance On A Novel Testing Approach.” The presentation focuses on her recent study with UAB researchers, examining a standard equestrian helmet made from a polycarbonate shell over expanded polystyrene foam.
The researchers tested and compared this helmet’s effectiveness to helmets designed with a Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS), which is a low-friction layer between the helmet shell and liner. The study specifically compared the amount of rotational velocity during head impact.
Results showed no reduction in rotational velocity with MIPS technology compared to traditional helmets. The team then tested the helmet on different terrain surfaces. Values for testing included rotational velocity and deceleration upon impact with three different surfaces: sod, sand and a sand/fiber mixture.
All surfaces tested similarly in deceleration values. However, sand and sand-plus-fiber surfaces had significantly lower rotational velocities upon contact with the helmet compared to sod.
This year’s meeting will take place in Phoenix, Arizona, from April 27 to May 3. Dr. Gould will present on May 1 at 10:00 AM and 3:15 PM MST.
Momaya attends team physician course at TPC 2023
UAB Orthopaedic Surgery Associate Professor Amit Momaya, M.D., represents UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine at the Arthrex Team Physician Controversies: Team Physician Course last month.
Arthrex is a multi-national medical device company that develops new medical equipment, along with providing medical education in orthopaedics. Their company specializes in the field of arthroscopy and develops more than 1,000 products and procedures each year.
The Arthrex Team Physician Controversies Meetings focus on leading sports medicine orthopedic surgeons in the United States who care for professional and collegiate teams. The meetings allow surgeons to learn about new innovative orthopaedic products and techniques to create a better, minimally invasive surgery experience for their team athletes and clinical patients.
The meeting was held on February 16-18, 2023 at the Arthrex Corporate Headquarters in Naples, Florida.
Orthopaedics Trauma team publishes study on the management of open pelvic ring injuries
UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Associate Professor and Director of the Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship Clay Spitler, M.D., alongside Assistant Professor Joey Johnson, M.D., and current Orthopaedic Surgery residents have published a study reevaluating the treatment outcomes for complex open pelvic ring injuries.
The study was published in February of 2023 in the Injury: International Journal of the Care of the Injured and is titled “Management of open pelvic ring injuries”.
Open pelvic ring injuries are traumatic injuries that majorly disrupt the pelvic ring – such as fractures. Motorcycle collisions, motor vehicle collisions, and pedestrians struck by motor vehicles have been reported to be the most frequent cause of these injuries. Due to the rarity of open ring fractures, these injuries do not provide well-defined treatment plans for orthopaedic surgeons and their patients. Previous studies have shown mortality reaching 50% in open pelvic ring injuries, nearly five times higher than in closed pelvic ring injuries.
Spitler and the research team reviewed 58 scientific studies related to traumatic open pelvic ring injuries and their analyzed outcomes. Literature reviewed from the 1970s and 1980s reported mortality rates as high as 50%, while more recent studies from the 1990s reported mortality rates as low as 4.8%. This is due to the fulfillment of thorough protocols and advancements in the early treatment of open pelvic fractures including pelvic binders, diverting colostomies and emerging angiography.
The results show that individuals with short-term outcomes of open pelvic ring injuries have reported in-hospital mortality rates of 14–23.7%. Individuals with long-term outcomes have been limited to a small number of investigations. Complications seen with open pelvic fractures can be categorized into acute and delayed complications. Severe blood loss and shock are the most common causes of acute mortality while sepsis and multiple organ failure have been associated with delayed mortality.
In conclusion, the study suggests that the immediate recognition of associated injuries, blood loss control and respect for the location of the soft tissue aids in the successful management of short-term open pelvic fractures.
To read more about the study and its results, click here.
Johnson moderates symposium at 2023 AOFAS Winter Meeting
UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Associate Professor and Residency Program Director Michael Johnson, M.D., moderated at the 2023 American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Winter Meeting in January.
The AOFAS winter meetings are designed to give orthopaedic medical staff and students the opportunity to engage in stimulating foot and ankle symposia, analyze critical cases and participate in collaborative discussions.
Johnson moderated the State of the Art in Calcaneus Fractures Symposium in which he facilitated topic-related discussions, reviewed debates and guided interactions between the audience and the presenters.
This year’s meeting was in Big Sky, Montana at the Big Sky Resort. The next AOFAS Winter Meeting will be in Tampa, Florida from January 25-28, 2024.
Department first to pilot first-in-state online scheduling for patients
Patients of UAB Sports & Exercise Medicine and UAB Orthopaedic Services can now easily schedule their appointments online with many providers, adding to the convenience of our services. Our online scheduling system is available for appointments at various locations, including UAB Hospital-Highlands, UAB Medicine Gardendale Specialty Care, and UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine at St. Vincent’s 119.
As a pioneer in healthcare innovation, UAB Medicine is proud to be the first medical center in the state to offer online scheduling for orthopaedic and sports medicine services. New patients can schedule an appointment without a referral. For those who prefer to make an appointment over the phone, please call 205-930-8339.
To schedule an appointment directly from our providers’ profile pages, please visit UAB Sports & Exercise Medicine or UAB Orthopaedics.
Momaya publishes study on Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome
UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Associate Professor Amit Momaya, M.D., published a study comparing physical activity levels between individuals with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome and uninjured controls, determining correlates of moderate to vigorous physical activity.
Published in January in the Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation, the study is titled “Demographic and Clinical Correlates of Device-Measured Physical Activity Levels in Individuals with Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome.”
Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome is a condition where the bone along the femoral head of the hip has an improper shape. Due to the irregularity, the bone and joint will rub against each other during movement. This friction over time can cause damage and pain, limiting physical activity.
Momaya and the research team reviewed 25 femoroacetabular impingement patients, 15 with symptoms of 4 to 7 years and 9 with no symptoms. All individuals wore an accelerometer around the waist during daylight hours for 7 days. They compared demographic, clinical data, and physical activity levels between groups using independent sample tests.
The results show that individuals with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome spent less time in daily moderate to vigorous physical activity, took fewer daily steps, and met recommended physical activity guideline cutoffs at lower proportions compared with uninjured controls.
The researchers suggest that interventions should be developed for individuals with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome to increase physical activity and potentially lessen the risk of future comorbidities.
To read more about the study and its results, click here.
Boohaker invited to speak at AAOHN
UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Andrea Boohaker, CRNP, is invited to speak at the 2023 American Association of Occupational Health Nurses National Conference later this month.
The AAOHN National Conference offers occupational nurses relevant and timely education designed to help them adapt and contribute to the transformation of occupational health — all while earning education credits and growing their professional network.
Boohaker will be a guest speaker at the conference, giving a course lecture to occupational health nurses about common workplace injuries and how to properly recover from them.
This year’s meeting will take place in San Antonio, Texas, from Mar. 13-15, 2023 at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio Hotel.
Knee Replacement Robot joins suite of cutting-edge technology used by UAB Orthopaedics
The VA Orthopaedic Surgery Joint Service recently added a new robotic surgery option for Birmingham VA Medical Center patients needing knee replacement surgery.
The ROSA Knee System, by Zimmer Biomet, is a surgical robot that assists surgeons and provides enhanced accuracy and efficiency of their current surgical approach and technique – while the surgeon maintains full control of the device.
The fairly new procedure known as robotic joint knee replacement allows a surgical robotic assistant, like the ROSA Knee System, to precisely cut away damaged bone and cartilage to the proper thickness, improving implant placement and reducing bleeding. Orthopaedic Surgery Associate Professor Sameer Naranje, M.D., explains why staying abreast of the latest technological advancements is important.
“Robotic joint replacement surgery improves surgical accuracy and patient outcomes and in the future may become the gold standard,” says Naranje. “As science and technology evolve, future surgeons need to be trained and educated on these new technologies which are beneficial to our patients.”
Naranje says the new device benefits the UAB Orthopaedic Residency Program as it expands the educational experience for orthopaedic surgery residents at UAB.
Williams & Padgett awarded POSNA grant
UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Assistant Professor Kevin Williams, M.D., and Research Fellow Anthony Padgett, was awarded a one-year Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America $1,000 micro-grant for their project entitled “Return To Sport In Pediatric Upper Extremity Fractures.”
The purpose of the study is to validate pediatric PROMIS scores as a proxy to predict a safe return to sport following upper extremity fractures.
This study is composed of four online surveys consisting of an initial demographics survey and three subsequent surveys with PROMIS, psychological readiness, and return to sports sections. Patients are identified and enrolled via presentation to a dedicated orthopedic fracture clinic at a freestanding children’s hospital. Patients 8 to 16 years old with an upper extremity fracture who participate in athletics and present within 4 weeks of injury meet the proper criteria for the study.
There are currently 82 patients enrolled in the study. The investigators aim to analyze a cohort of at least 100 patients. All patients will receive standard care treatment for their fractures. Data will be analyzed to determine if an association exists between pediatric upper extremity PROMIS score and psychological and physical readiness to return to sport. The team hypothesizes that the PROMIS score will show good utility in indicating which patients are ready to return to play.
Schick awarded MAOA grant
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Research Fellow Samuel Schick was awarded the Mid-America Orthopaedic Association Education Grant for Senior Residents/Fellows to attend the 2023 Annual Meeting.
The Mid-America Orthopaedic Association is the regional orthopedic society for orthopedic 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.
Schick’s award totals $2,500 and allows him to attend the 40th Mid-America Orthopaedic Association Annual Meeting 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.
Department welcomes Hiatt & Morsy
The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is pleased to welcome Luke Hiatt, M.D., and Mohamed Morsy, M.D., as assistant professors of orthopaedic surgery. Hiatt joins the spine service, while Morsy joins the hand and upper extremity service.
Hiatt received his medical degree from the University of Texas Houston Health Science Center, during which time he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. He completed his residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he developed an interest for treatments of spinal conditions and deformities and elected to pursue subspecialized training in spine surgery.
Before joining the department in 2023, Hiatt completed his fellowship in orthopaedic spine surgery at the University of California, Davis near Sacramento, CA. There, he further researched degenerative spine conditions, as well as complex techniques for treatment of severe spinal deformities.
Morsy received his medical degree from Assiut University in Egypt. He also completed his residency at Assiut University in Egypt, where he was inducted as a member of the Egyptian Orthopaedic Association, AO Trauma Foundation and SICOT-International Society of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology.
Before joining the department in 2023, Morsy completed his fellowship in microsurgery and peripheral nerve surgery at Assiut University in Egypt, as well as completed his research fellowship in the Division of Plastic Surgery at the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine in Rochester, MN. There, he further researched the reconstruction of elbow and hand functions, hand fractures, vascular grafts and arterial perforator flaps.
The Return - Fitzgerald Mofor
The UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine program supports the community and provides care to patients from across the Southeast. Each story is unique and shows the determination and grit our patients possess. We are honored to be a part of their care team and are happy to share their stories. We hope it provides some inspiration to others on their journey to their Return.
Former UAB football player, Fitzgerald Mofor, experienced immense pain in his shoulder prior to the Blazer’s historic 2018 season. Fitz shares his story:
“As a Division I football athlete at UAB, I knew the rigors a season can put on you. However, I started to have pain and discomfort in my shoulder in 2018 and trouble bench pressing the weight I usually do. I knew something was wrong with my shoulder.
That is when our athletic trainer referred me to Dr. Amit Momaya, our team surgeon. He was extremely professional and courteous. We discussed my symptoms in detail, he examined my shoulder, and then felt an MRI was warranted. We obtained the MRI the same day and he called me to let me know it confirmed our suspicion, a posterior labral tear of the shoulder. Next, he discussed treatment options.
I appreciate that he didn’t force me into one treatment plan, but rather presented it as shared decision-making. I chose to pursue surgical repair of my labrum. The surgery went well and my pain was well controlled afterwards. I rehabbed with our football athletic trainer and was fully ready to play the next season. I had a terrific season where I tallied 10 stops in the conference championship victory against Middle Tennessee.
I now work as a Law Apprentice in Maryland, working in the Maryland General Assembly, as well as being a business owner. I have also become a lifting enthusiast. I routinely workout and my shoulder continues to hold up despite lifting heavier than ever! I am so glad I met Dr. Momaya and he took care of my shoulder. UAB Athletics and all the sports teams he takes care of are in good hands!”
Theiss named co-chair of international comprehensive spine course
UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Professor and John D. Sherrill Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery Steven Theiss, M.D., has been named co-chair of the joint North American Spine Society and Arab Spine Society comprehensive spine course. Additionally, Dr. Theiss will be co-chair of the upcoming Dubai International Spine Conference in May.
The comprehensive spine course is set for May 14-16, 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This course is designed for neurosurgeons, orthopedists, spine specialists and spine related physicians to acquire advanced knowledge on the evaluation of spinal disorders, spinal disease process and surgical skills. This event gives health care professionals involved in the spinal treatment spectrum an opportunity to get best practices in the specialty of spine.
The 22nd Dubai International Spine Conference will follow the course on May 17-19, 2023. This conference presents the latest surgical techniques, research and management strategies to current and future spine specialists. The overall goal is to share state-of-the-art technology and techniques to clinicians in an effort to improve patient outcomes.
Momaya selected to AANA Education Committee
The Arthroscopy Association of North America has selected UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Associate Professor Amit Momaya, M.D., as a member of their Educational Committee.
The AANA is an international, non-profit organization of more than 5,000 orthopaedic surgeons who are committed to advancing the field of minimally invasive orthopaedic surgery to improve patient outcomes. The AANA Education Committee provides coordination and oversight of the high-quality continuing medical education (CME) activities the organization provides.
Momaya will serve as a member of the education committee for two years, from 2023 to 2025. His term will officially begin at the 2023 AANA Annual Meeting on May 6, 2023, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Your guide to UAB Ortho at AAOS 2023
UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery faculty and trainees will head to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 2023 Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada from March 7-11.
Read moreSpine Team publishes study on postoperative Ileus risk factors
UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Professor and John D. Sherrill Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery Steven Theiss, M.D., alongside Associate Professor Sakthivel Rajaram Manoharan, M.D. and former Research Fellow Logan Reed, published a study addressing the risk factors of postoperative ileus after spinal fusion surgery.
This study was published in October of 2022 in the World Neurosurgery Journal and is titled “Risk Factors for Postoperative Ileus After Thoracolumbar and Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.”
Postoperative ileus is a common complication, a generalized impairment of gastrointestinal motility found after spine surgery. This specific complication has a reported incident range of 10 to 30 percent among most surgical patients.
The study group conducted a comprehensive search of ten articles compromising a total of 297,809 patients showing ileus symptoms after the surgical treatment of spinal pathologies. Variables including gender, age, body mass index, comorbidities, approach, type of surgery performed, levels fused, anesthesia time and length of stay were considered as the main outcomes of measurement.
Results of the study showed that postoperative ileus after lumbar surgery had a statistically significant association with increased age, surgical time, anesthesia time, estimated blood loss, and length of stay. Furthermore, individuals who underwent spinal fusion had higher odds of postoperative ileus if they were male, if an anterior approach was performed or if less than three vertebral levels were fused. Body mass index did not show any association with postoperative ileus.
The study concludes that risk factors associated with postoperative ileus after spinal fusion surgery include male gender, older age, longer surgical times, higher estimated blood loss, longer lengths of stay, greater numbers of levels of fusion and anterior surgical approach.
You can read more on this study and its results here.
Department presents research at NASS & OTA Conferences in late 2022
UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery presents at both the North American Spine Society (NASS) Conference in Chicago and the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) Conference in Tampa.
UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Professor and John D. Sherrill Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery Steven Theiss, M.D., former Associate Professor Elie Ghanem, M.D., and former Research Fellow Logan Reed displayed their research study entitled "Utility of next-generation sequencing and isothermal microcalorimetry for identification of bacteria in presumed aseptic thoracolumbar revision spine surgery" at the NASS Conference. Reed presented this study, which determined the rate of bacterial presence in revision thoracolumbar spinal instrumentation surgery due to an implant failure.
Associate Professor Clay Spitler, M.D., Associate Professor Jon Quade, M.D., Orthopaedic Surgery Resident David Patch, M.D., and former Research Fellow Logan Reed presented their research study entitled "Bone Marrow Aspirate with Allograft Cancellous Chips Versus Autologous ICBG or RIA in the Treatment of Long Bone Nonunions" at the OTA Conference. Patch presented this study, which assessed union rates between bone marrow aspirate with allograft cancellous chips (BMA-ACC) compared to autologous iliac crest bone grafting (ICBG) and the reamerirrigator-aspirator (RIA) system in the treatment of long bone nonunion.
Associate Professor Clay Spitler, M.D., also presented at the OTA Conference with his own work entitled "The use of Computed Tomography Angiography to predict Complications in Tibia Fractures". This study assessed the ability of CTA findings to predict complications in limbs that do not require vascular surgical intervention.
The North American Spine Society (NASS) Conference was held in October 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. The Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) Conference was also held in October 2022 in Tampa, Florida.
Mabry on UAB MedCast
The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Assistant Professor Scott Mabry, M.D., 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.
Mabry’s episode entitled “Outpatient Total Joint Replacement: The Future is Now”, discusses many advances in anesthesiology, pain management and physical therapy, making total joint replacement a popular outpatient surgery. These interdisciplinary improvements have made same-day total joint replacement preferable for many patients.
He further discusses the importance of proper patient selection, the kind of team that successfully coordinates this outpatient procedure, and how your patients might benefit.
Subscribe to UAB MedCast and listen to Dr. Mabry’s episode anywhere you listen to podcasts. Or listen on their webpage here.