Podcast
The Sports Docs Podcast
Hosted by SportsDocsPod · EN
Sports medicine is a constantly evolving field, with hundreds of new articles published each month on the topic. This ever-growing wealth of information can make it challenging to stay updated on the newest approaches and techniques, and to know which data should actually change your practice. Join orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Catherine Logan and Dr. Ashley Bassett, as they chat about the most recent developments in sports medicine and dissect through all the noise.
On each episode of The Sports Docs podcast, the hosts will tackle a specific injury – from ACL tears to shoulder instability – and review the top research from various high-impact journals that month, including The American Journal of Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Sports Health, Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, and more. The Sports Docs will also be joined by experts in the field of sports medicine – orthopedic surgeons, nonoperative sports medicine specialists, athletes, physical therapists, athletic trainers and others – to provide a fresh and well-rounded perspective based on their unique experiences.
The Sports Docs – Dr. Logan & Dr. Bassett – are friends & former co-residents from the Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program, who went onto esteemed sports medicine fellowships at The Steadman Clinic and The Rothman Institute, respectively. Dr. Logan practices in Denver, CO, and serves as Team Physician for Men's USA Lacrosse & as a Team Physician for U.S. Ski & Snowboard. Dr. Bassett is the director of the Women’s Sports Medicine Center at the Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey and practices across northern NJ, primarily in Morris and Sussex Counties.
Together, they will bring monthly conversations on how to care for athletes of all ages and levels of play, with a healthy mix of cutting-edge science and real-world application.
27episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
183. LIVE (REBOOT) from AOSSM: Challenging Cartilage Injuries (Dr. Sabrina Strickland & Dr. Seth Sherman)
1w ago00:33:58Tap to summarizeDr. Sabrina Strickland is an associate professor of orthopaedic surgery and an attending surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery . She is active member of many societies and research groups, including the International Cartilage Repair Society and the International Patellofemoral Study Group.Dr. Seth Sherman is the Director of the Sports Medicine Fellowship at Stanford University Orthopaedics and is a Stanford University Football team physician. He is Chairman of the AAOS Sports Medicine/Arthroscopy committee and is also a member of the International Patellofemoral Study Group.Both Dr. Strickland and Dr. Sherman publish and lecture extensively on the topic of knee joint preservation, cartilage restoration and specifically patellofemoral cartilage disease - so we’re excited to hear them speak more this topic!We are narrowing the focus of our conversation today to osteotomies. We just did a two-part episode with Dr. Cassandra Lee that tackles all the different cartilage restoration options for the patellofemoral joint. So go check that out if you want to hear more about when to choose OATS vs. OCA vs. MACI. But for today: let’s chat about osteotomies.In this episode, we discuss:What are some key findings to look for on exam and imaging to determine if a realignment osteotomy is needed?We are familiar with the tibial tubercle trochlear groove (TT-TG) measurement, but what is the Sagittal TT-TG (sTT-TG) distance and what does it tell us?How should a tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) be customized to address different areas of cartilage pathology? (Check out our Instagram - @thesportsdocspod - to see different types of TTOs based on location of cartilage lesion and/or presence of instability in the setting of malalignment.)How can the TTO surgical technique be modified to minimize risk of complications when performing a complete tubercle detachment? Image 3 shows four surgical tips for lessening complication risk.There are other osteotomies besides TTO to address patellofemoral pathology — including a derotational distal femoral osteotomy. What are the indications for this procedure?
Transcribe →182: Overtime – Can Exercise Improve PRP? Exploring Exercise-Mobilized Platelet-Rich Plasma
2w ago00:15:40Tap to summarizeCould something as simple as a 20-minute bike ride improve the quality of platelet-rich plasma?In this episode of Overtime with The Sports Docs, Drs. Ashley Bassett and Catherine Logan explore an intriguing laboratory study examining whether exercise performed immediately before a PRP blood draw can enhance the cellular composition of platelet-rich plasma.As biologic therapies continue to expand throughout sports medicine, optimizing PRP has become increasingly important. While most discussions focus on centrifuge systems, platelet concentrations, leukocyte content, and injection techniques, this study introduces another potential variable: the patient.The authors found that a brief bout of vigorous exercise significantly increased platelet concentrations and mobilized hematopoietic progenitor cells, raising the possibility that exercise could serve as a simple, low-cost strategy to optimize biologic treatments.In This Episode, We Discuss: The fundamentals of PRP and how it works Why PRP variability remains one of the biggest challenges in interpreting the literature Conditions with the strongest evidence supporting PRP: Knee osteoarthritis Lateral epicondylitis Patellar tendinopathy Plantar fasciitis The concept of exercise-mobilized PRP Differences between plasma-based and buffy coat PRP systems Whether higher platelet concentrations actually translate into improved clinical outcomes How this research may influence real-world PRP protocols Study BreakdownStudy Design: Prospective laboratory studyParticipants: 20 healthy volunteers (ages 21–45 years)Exercise Protocol: 5-minute warm-up 20 minutes of cycling Target heart rate: 70–85% of predicted maximum Blood samples were obtained before and immediately after exercise and processed using two PRP systems:ACP System (plasma-based PRP) Angel System (buffy coat PRP) Key FindingsWhole Blood Changes After Exercise Platelet count increased approximately 22% White blood cell count increased approximately 50%ACP System Platelet concentration increased from approximately: 457,000/µL → 562,000/µLAngel System Platelet concentration increased from approximately: 2.95 million/µL → 3.77 million/µL PRP volume increased Hematopoietic progenitor cell concentrations increased significantly Why This MattersThe study suggests that patient physiology before blood collection may significantly influence the final biologic product.A brief exercise session may: Increase platelet yield Mobilize progenitor cells Potentially enhance biologic activity Provide a low-cost method to optimize PRP preparation For clinicians performing biologic injections, exercise may become another controllable variable alongside: PRP preparation system Centrifuge settings Leukocyte concentration Injection technique Clinical Pearls✔ PRP is not a single product. Composition varies substantially between systems.✔ Patient factors may influence PRP quality just as much as centrifuge settings.✔ Twenty minutes of exercise increased platelet concentrations in both PRP systems.✔ Buffy coat systems demonstrated increased progenitor cell concentrations.✔ The clinical significance of these changes remains unknown.The Big QuestionDoes exercise-enhanced PRP actually improve patient outcomes?This study demonstrates changes in laboratory measurements, but it does not tell us whether patients: Heal faster Experience less pain Return to sport sooner Demonstrate better tendon or cartilage healing Future studies are needed to determine: Optimal exercise type Ideal exercise intensity Timing before blood draw Which conditions benefit most Dr. Logan's Clinical PerspectiveAt the Joint Preservation Center, this study has prompted discussions about incorporating pre-injection exercise into PRP protocols. A simple 20-minute cycling session before blood collection may represent a practical strategy to optimize a patient's own biology before treatment.While additional evidence is needed, this concept aligns with the broader goal of maximizing the effectiveness of biologic therapies through thoughtful patient preparation.Take-Home Points Exercise before PRP collection significantly increases platelet concentrations. Short bouts of exercise may mobilize progenitor cells. Patient physiology may influence PRP composition. Exercise represents a low-cost, non-pharmacologic optimization strategy. More research is needed to determine whether these laboratory changes improve clinical outcomes. Resources Mentioned Episode #161: Platelet concentration and outcomes following PRP for lateral epicondylitis Recent Sports Docs episode with Dr. Arianna Gianakos discussing PRP for plantar fasciitis 🎤 Stay Connected🎧 Listen & SubscribeIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyFollow us on InstagramOur Hosts:Ashley Bassett, MD & Catherine Logan, MD, MBA / www.cosportsmedicine.com www.cloganmd.com
Transcribe →181: Overtime – Secondary Injury after ACL Reconstruction in Professional Soccer Players
3w ago00:17:19Tap to summarizeThe FIFA World Cup and ACL injuries remain one of the most impactful injuries in professional soccer. While much of the discussion around ACL reconstruction focuses on graft choice, rehabilitation, and return-to-play timelines, a new study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine highlights an often-overlooked challenge: secondary muscle injuries after athletes return to competition.In this episode of Overtime with The Sports Docs, Drs. Ashley Bassett and Catherine Logan review the newly published article, "Secondary Muscle Injuries and Performance Decline After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Professional Soccer." The study examines the incidence, timing, and impact of muscle injuries following ACL reconstruction in elite soccer players and explores how these injuries affect performance, playing time, and even market value.The findings reinforce an important principle in sports medicine: return to play is not the finish line—it is only the next phase of recovery.Key Discussion PointsUnderstanding ACL Injuries in SoccerCommon mechanisms of ACL injury in soccerWhy cutting, pivoting, deceleration, and landing place soccer players at particularly high riskThe career implications of ACL injuries in professional athletesACL Reconstruction Graft OptionsBone-Patellar Tendon-Bone (BTB) autograftHamstring tendon autograftQuadriceps tendon autograftAdvantages and disadvantages of each graft choiceWhy allograft tissue is generally avoided in elite athletesModern Return-to-Play Decision MakingMoving beyond time-based return-to-play criteriaStrength testing and limb symmetryHop testing and movement analysisNeuromuscular control assessmentPsychological readiness for sportOngoing graft maturation and biologic healingStudy Review: Secondary Muscle Injuries After ACL ReconstructionThe authors evaluated professional male soccer players from Europe's top leagues who underwent ACL reconstruction between 2020 and 2023 and compared them with matched healthy controls.Key findings included:32.5% of ACL-reconstructed players sustained a secondary muscle injury within one year of return to playOnly 12.5% of matched controls experienced muscle injuriesACL-reconstructed athletes were more than twice as likely to sustain a muscle injury after returnMost Common Secondary InjuriesHamstring strains (42%)Quadriceps strains (32%)Calf injuries (16%)Adductor injuries (11%)Notably, nearly 70% of injuries occurred on the reconstructed side, suggesting persistent deficits may contribute to injury risk.The Highest-Risk WindowOne of the most important findings:Nearly 58% of all secondary muscle injuries occurred between 3 and 6 months after return to competitionThis period may represent a critical vulnerability window when athletes are increasing match exposure, training volume, and competition demands.The Importance of the 9-Month RuleThe strongest predictor of secondary muscle injury was early return to play:Athletes returning before 9 months after ACL reconstruction had nearly a fivefold increased risk of secondary muscle injuryThis study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting delayed, criteria-based return to sport rather than return based solely on time.Performance and Career ImpactPlayers who sustained secondary muscle injuries experienced:Reduced playing timeFewer minutes on the fieldDecreased participation metricsDeclines in overall performanceThe study also demonstrated significant reductions in player market value among athletes who experienced secondary injuries, highlighting the financial and career implications of incomplete recovery.Strengths and Limitations of the StudyStrengthsMatched-control designFocus on elite professional soccer playersInclusion of performance metrics and market value outcomesReal-world relevance for sports medicine clinicians and team physiciansLimitationsRetrospective study designRelatively small sample sizeNo objective rehabilitation data availableNo information on graft typeLack of strength testing, hop testing, or psychological readiness measuresNo workload or GPS tracking dataClinical TakeawaysACL recovery extends well beyond return to competition.Return to play should be viewed as a milestone, not the endpoint.The first 3–6 months after return may represent the highest-risk period for secondary injury.Continued strength training, neuromuscular training, and workload monitoring remain essential after athletes resume competition.Returning before 9 months after ACL reconstruction may substantially increase the risk of secondary muscle injury.Successful ACL recovery is not simply about returning to sport—it is about staying healthy and performing at a high level after return.Article Discussed"Secondary Muscle Injuries and Performance Decline After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Professional Soccer"Published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine (AJSM), 2026.🎤 Stay Connected🎧 Listen & SubscribeIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyFollow us on InstagramOur Hosts:Ashley Bassett, MD & Catherine Logan, MD, MBA / www.cosportsmedicine.com www.cloganmd.comFollow us on Instagram @thesportsdocspod for the latest updates in sports medicine, injury recovery, and athlete performance.
Transcribe →180: Dr. Arianna Gianakos – Plantar Fasciitis in Athletes (Part II)
Jun 800:28:42Tap to summarize🎧 Episode SummaryIn Part II of our discussion on plantar fasciitis, Dr. Ashley Bassett and Dr. Catherine Logan continue their conversation with Dr. Arianna Gianakos, orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon at Yale University. This episode focuses on treatment options for patients who fail initial conservative management, including injection therapies, biologics, and surgical intervention for recalcitrant plantar fasciitis.The discussion highlights the latest evidence supporting platelet-rich plasma (PRP), compares PRP to corticosteroid injections and other nonoperative treatments, and reviews emerging minimally invasive surgical techniques—including nano-arthroscopic plantar fascia release.HighlightsPlatelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for Plantar FasciitisRecent evidence continues to support the use of PRP for chronic plantar fasciitis.Key findings from a 2024 Level I systematic review and meta-analysis:PRP resulted in significantly greater pain reduction compared to:Corticosteroid injectionsExtracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)Placebo injectionsPRP demonstrated improved functional outcomes as measured by AOFAS scores.Benefits were most apparent in patients with chronic, recalcitrant symptoms.PRP vs Corticosteroid InjectionsCorticosteroid InjectionsAdvantages:Rapid short-term pain reliefWidely availableLow costLimitations:Effects are often temporaryHigher recurrence ratesPotential risks include:Plantar fascia ruptureFat pad atrophyTissue degeneration with repeated injectionsPRPAdvantages:Targets the underlying degenerative processEncourages tissue healing and remodelingMore durable symptom reliefImproved long-term outcomes compared with corticosteroidsChallenges:Higher costLack of standardization in preparation techniquesVariability in platelet concentration and leukocyte contentThe Role of BiologicsA key theme throughout the discussion is that biologics should be viewed as tools to optimize healing rather than miracle cures.Important considerations include:Appropriate patient selectionChronicity of symptomsFailure of structured conservative treatmentRealistic expectations regarding recovery timelinesWhen Is Surgery Appropriate?Fortunately, most patients improve without surgery.Surgical intervention may be considered when:Symptoms persist for 6–12 months or longerConservative treatments have been exhaustedPain continues to significantly limit daily activities, exercise, or athletic participationBefore surgery, patients should typically complete:Stretching and strengthening programsOrthotic managementNight splintsPhysical therapyInjection-based treatments when appropriateNano-Arthroscopic Plantar Fascia ReleaseThe episode concludes with a discussion of a novel nano-arthroscopic plantar fascia release technique recently described in Arthroscopy Techniques.Potential advantages include:Single-portal minimally invasive approachReduced soft tissue disruptionLess postoperative painReduced neurovascular riskEarlier weightbearingFaster return to daily activities and sportSurgical PearlsWhen performing plantar fascia release:Partial release is preferred over complete release.Over-release can alter foot biomechanics and increase lateral column pain.Careful patient selection remains critical.Surgery should be reserved for truly recalcitrant cases.Key TakeawaysPRP demonstrates superior pain relief and functional outcomes compared to corticosteroid injections and placebo in chronic plantar fasciitis.Corticosteroids may provide short-term symptom relief but do not address the underlying degenerative pathology.Most patients improve with nonoperative management and never require surgery.Surgical treatment should be reserved for patients who fail a comprehensive course of conservative care.Nano-arthroscopic plantar fascia release represents an exciting minimally invasive option that may reduce pain, soft tissue injury, and recovery time.Appropriate patient selection and realistic expectations remain essential regardless of treatment choice.Featured GuestDr. Arianna Gianakos – Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon, Yale University; specialist in sports-related foot and ankle injuries, cartilage restoration, and advanced foot and ankle reconstruction.🎤 Stay Connected🎧 Listen & SubscribeIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyFollow us on InstagramOur Hosts:Ashley Bassett, MD & Catherine Logan, MD, MBA / www.cosportsmedicine.com Follow us on Instagram @thesportsdocspod for the latest updates in sports medicine, injury recovery, and athlete performance.
Transcribe →179: Dr. Arianna Gianakos – Plantar Fasciitis in Athletes (Part I)
Jun 200:29:50Tap to summarize🎧 Episode SummaryEpisode Sponsor: BraceLabhttps://bracelab.com/push-med-foot-brace-fp.htmlIn this episode of The Sports Docs Podcast, Dr. Ashley Bassett and Dr. Catherine Logan are joined by Dr. Arianna Gianakos, orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon at Yale University, to discuss one of the most common causes of heel pain in athletes and active adults—plantar fasciitis.The conversation explores the underlying pathology of plantar fasciitis, risk factors that contribute to its development, and the latest evidence supporting conservative treatment strategies. Dr. Gianakos shares practical pearls on patient evaluation, imaging, bracing, orthotics, stretching programs, and physical therapy, helping clinicians navigate an often frustrating condition for both patients and providers.HighlightsUnderstanding Plantar Fasciitis Plantar fasciitis is more accurately described as a degenerative fasciosis rather than an inflammatory condition Histologic studies demonstrate: Collagen disorganization Microtears Minimal inflammatory changes Repetitive overload at the plantar fascia origin leads to structural degeneration and loss of elasticity Why Does Morning Pain Occur? Classic "first-step pain" results from overnight shortening of the plantar fascia Initial weightbearing produces a sudden stretch and reloading of the tissue Pain often improves with activity before worsening again later in the day Clinical Evaluation & Imaging Diagnosis is primarily clinical Key examination findings include: Point tenderness at the medial calcaneal tubercle Pain with plantar fascia stretching Assessment of ankle flexibility and calf tightness Imaging considerations: Ultrasound can demonstrate plantar fascia thickening MRI may be useful in chronic or refractory cases Risk Factors for Plantar FasciitisRecent literature suggests several important risk factors: Higher body mass index (BMI) Increased body mass Increased ankle plantarflexion range of motion Surprisingly, some traditionally cited factors may not be as influential as previously believed: Foot structure Limited ankle dorsiflexion These findings suggest that load-related factors may play a larger role than static foot alignment.Bracing & Orthotic ManagementNight Splints Particularly beneficial in chronic plantar fasciitis (>6 months) Help maintain plantar fascia length overnight Can reduce morning pain and stiffness Daytime Orthotics Heel cushions Arch supports Functional plantar fascia braces Custom vs. Prefabricated Orthotics Both are effective for pain relief and symptom improvement Studies show similar short-term outcomes Prefabricated orthotics are often a cost-effective first-line option Custom orthotics may offer improved durability and individualized support Exercise & Physical TherapyHome Exercise Programs Convenient and cost-effective Can achieve outcomes comparable to formal physical therapy when patients are compliant Physical Therapy Benefits Accountability and supervised progression Access to additional modalities: Manual therapy Dry needling Shockwave therapy Soft tissue mobilization Key Exercises for Plantar FasciitisEvidence-based interventions include: Plantar fascia-specific stretching Gastrocnemius stretching Intrinsic foot muscle strengthening Research suggests plantar fascia-specific stretching may be superior to generalized stretching programs for symptom improvement.Key Takeaways Plantar fasciitis is primarily a degenerative condition rather than an inflammatory process. Morning pain results from overnight shortening and reloading of the plantar fascia. Increased body mass and mechanical loading appear to be major contributors to symptom development. Night splints, heel cushions, and arch supports remain valuable first-line treatments. Prefabricated orthotics often perform as well as custom devices while reducing cost. Both supervised physical therapy and home exercise programs can be effective when patients are compliant. Plantar fascia-specific stretching and calf flexibility remain foundational components of treatment. Featured GuestDr. Arianna Gianakos – Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon, Yale University; specialist in sports-related foot and ankle injuries, serving patients ranging from recreational athletes to elite competitors.🎤 Stay Connected🎧 Listen & SubscribeIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyFollow us on InstagramOur Hosts:Ashley Bassett, MD & Catherine Logan, MD, MBA / www.cosportsmedicine.com Follow us on Instagram @thesportsdocspod for the latest updates in sports medicine, injury recovery, and athlete performance.
Transcribe →178. Candace Townley Cox, DPT: ACL Recovery Tips and Tricks - Part I (REBOOT)
May 2500:43:49Tap to summarizeOn today’s episode we’re focusing on rehabilitation of ACL surgery with Candace Townley Cox, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and body movement expert at Evolution Physical Therapy. Today’s discussion will center around tips and tricks to optimize outcomes and some common pitfalls that may hold patients back from a full recovery.We have some great articles for you that contribute well to our conversation on the surgical treatment of knee cartilage disease. As always, links to all of the papers that we discuss on this show can be found on our podcast website.The first article is a level 3 case-control study published in the October 2020 issue of OJSM, titled Anterior Knee Pain After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. Gustavo Constantino de Campos and his team in Sao Paulo, Brazil retrospectively reviewed the records of 438 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction. Anterior knee pain was reported in 6.2% of cases. Patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with a patellar tendon autograft were 3.4 times more likely to experience anterior knee pain. Also, patients who experienced an extension deficit in the post-op period were also more likely to experience anterior knee pain, with an odds-ratio of 5.3. The authors fund that anterior knee pain was not correlated with patient sex, age or surgical technique.We are joined today by Dr. Candace Townley Cox. Candace is a Colorado native who received her Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training at Nebraska Wesleyan University. Following undergrad Candace returned to Colorado as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer at Regis University in Denver. There, she earned her Master’s degree in Sports Performance while working specifically with the Women’s Volleyball and Softball teams. Candace continued her education at Regis University earning her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Since graduating Candace has spent countless hours in Sport Science Labs assessing movement quality, efficiency, as well as bone and muscle performance. As a movement expert, she is able to address the body’s impairments both from a table assessment and from functional movement assessments.
Transcribe →177: TightRope Tales: The Future of Syndesmosis Repair
May 1800:17:10Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Sports Docs Podcast, Dr. Ashley Bassett and Dr. Catherine Logan sit down LIVE from the Arthrex Team Physician Controversies with foot and ankle expert Dr. Ned Amendola to discuss the modern management of ankle syndesmosis injuries (“high ankle sprains”) in athletes. The conversation focuses on when surgery is indicated, the evolution from rigid screw fixation to dynamic stabilization with TightRope technology, surgical pearls, and accelerated return-to-sport strategies for high-demand athletes.HighlightsWhen Does a Syndesmosis Injury Need Surgery?Most isolated, stable syndesmosis injuries can be treated nonoperativelySurgery is indicated when there is:Mortise wideningInstability on stress imagingAssociated fibula fracturesSignificant ligament disruption (AITFL, PITFL, interosseous membrane)Key principle:Instability—not just diagnosis—drives surgical decision-makingThe Shift from Screws to Dynamic FixationTraditional screw fixation challenges:Screw breakage and looseningFrequent hardware removal surgeriesRestricted physiologic motionLonger non-weight-bearing periodsAdvantages of TightRope fixation:Dynamic stabilization with physiologic micromotionLower risk of malreductionFaster rehabilitationNo routine hardware removalKey insight:Dynamic fixation respects normal syndesmotic biomechanicsTightRope Surgical TechniqueCritical first step:Anatomic reduction of the fibula in the incisuraTechnique highlights:Confirm reduction on AP, mortise, and lateral imagingDrill 2–4 cm above joint line, parallel to plafondPass TightRope across all four corticesCarefully seat medial buttonTension laterally while maintaining reductionPearls:Clamp carefully to avoid malreductionAvoid posterior fibular translationEnsure proper button seating without soft tissue interpositionOne vs Two TightRopesOne construct may suffice for:Lower-demand athletesIsolated injuries without fractureTwo constructs favored for:High-energy injuriesAthletesFibula fracturesRotational instability or Maisonneuve injuriesKey principle:Persistent rotational instability drives the need for additional fixationOutcomes with Dynamic FixationBenefits seen clinically:Lower reoperation ratesLess stiffnessFaster functional progressionEarlier return to sportAthletes tolerate early motion and rehab particularly well with dynamic fixationThe TightRope PRO SystemImprovements include:Smaller drill tunnelsLower-profile buttonsLess soft tissue irritationControlled self-tensioning handlesKey insight:Modern implant design improves precision and preserves boneRehabilitation & Return to SportIsolated injuries:Early ROM within 1–2 weeksProgressive weight-bearing by 4 weeksRunning around 8–10 weeksCutting/pivoting at 10–12 weeksElite athletes may return as early as 6–8 weeks in select casesReturn-to-play criteria:No syndesmotic tendernessSymmetric dorsiflexionNegative stress testingFunctional cutting/acceleration testingPsychological confidence in the ankleKey TakeawaysSurgical treatment is based on instability and biomechanics, not simply imaging findingsDynamic fixation with TightRope technology has transformed syndesmosis management in athletesProper reduction technique remains the most important surgical factorModern fixation allows for earlier rehabilitation and faster return to playReturn-to-sport decisions should incorporate both functional and psychological readinessFeatured GuestDr. Ned Amendola – Duke University, President of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Head Team Physician and Chief Medical Officer for Duke Athletics🎧 Listen & SubscribeIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyFollow us on InstagramArthrex Team Physician Controversies 2026Our Hosts:Ashley Bassett, MD & Catherine Logan, MD, MBA / www.cosportsmedicine.com
Transcribe →176: From Sidelines to Headlines: Reporting Sports Injuries (Stephania Bell)
May 1100:33:02Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Sports Docs Podcast, Dr. Ashley Bassett and Dr. Catherine Logan sit down LIVE from the Arthrex Team Physician Controversies with Stephania Bell to discuss the evolving role of sports injuries in modern media coverage.As a licensed physical therapist and leading injury analyst for ESPN, Stephania shares how fantasy football, sports betting, visual technology, and audience demand have transformed injuries from simple status updates into complex, high-interest storylines centered around athlete performance, recovery, and long-term health.We'll chat about:How Fantasy Football transformed injuries into weekly decision-making currency Fans now want: Probability of performance Risk assessment Recovery expectations Long-term outlook Fantasy Football Changed Injury CoverageSports media shifted from reporting diagnoses to explaining performance implicationsChanging the Media NarrativeEarly injury reporting was binary: Playing vs not playing Modern injury coverage focuses on: Function Limitation Risk Performance impact The Power of Medical AnimationsVisual tools help bridge medicine and storytellingBenefits of animations: Improve anatomy understanding Explain biomechanics and injury mechanisms Clarify recovery expectations Translate complex medicine for broad audiences Notable NFL Injury CoverageJoe Burrow Turf toe and wrist injury breakdowns highlighted how subtle injuries impact quarterback mechanics Visual animations helped explain throwing wrist ligament injuries and recovery Brock Purdy Turf toe animations demonstrated the functional impact on movement and push-off mechanics Patrick Mahomes Discussions emphasized how injury location and position-specific demands alter performance expectations The Future of Injury CoverageCoverage is becoming more nuanced around: Load management Athlete longevity Cumulative wear and tear Concussion awareness Recovery strategy Common Injury MisconceptionsPlaying ≠ fully healthy Recovery timelines are ranges—not exact dates MRI findings are only one piece of the puzzle Position matters enormously when evaluating injury impactFeatured GuestStephania Bell – Licensed Physical Therapist, ESPN NFL Injury Analyst, Co-host of Fantasy Focus Football🎧 Listen & SubscribeIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyFollow us on InstagramArthrex Team Physician Controversies 2026Our Hosts:Ashley Bassett, MD & Catherine Logan, MD, MBA / www.cosportsmedicine.com
Transcribe →175: Orthobiologics in Practice: Bone Marrow Concentrate, the ANGEL System, and the Vortex Needle
May 400:19:03Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Sports Docs Podcast, Dr. Ashley Bassett and Dr. Catherine Logan sit down LIVE from the Arthrex Team Physician Controversies with orthobiologics expert Dr. Spencer Stein to discuss the real-world application of bone marrow concentrate (BMAC) in sports medicine.The conversation focuses on how to effectively integrate orthobiologics into clinical and surgical practice, with a deep dive into the ANGEL System and Vortex Needle, emphasizing consistency, technique, and appropriate patient selection.Where BMAC Fits in PracticeCommon applications: Cartilage restoration procedures Tendon and ligament pathology Nonunions and osteotomies Osteochondral and revision cases Why Bone Marrow Concentrate?Delivers: Progenitor cells Growth factors Cytokines Particularly useful in: Borderline surgical candidates Revision cases Biologically compromised environments The ANGEL SystemClosed, automated centrifuge systemAllows customization of hematocrit and final productBenefits: Consistency and reproducibility Ability to “dial in” biologic composition Reduced variability in outcomes The Vortex NeedleDesigned for controlled, low-volume aspirationAdvantages: Minimizes peripheral blood dilution Improves cell concentration and biologic quality More targeted aspiration technique Closed-tip design: Better consistency Higher quality aspirate Pearls: Focus on proper aspiration technique Use small-volume, targeted draws Integrate BMAC early in surgical workflow Train your team for efficiency Pitfalls: Poor aspirate technique Overpromising outcomes to patients Treating biologics as a cure-all Future of OrthobiologicsMoving toward: Indication-specific protocols Standardized biologic formulations More targeted applications by tissue type Featured GuestDr. Spencer Stein – NYU Grossman School of Medicine, sports medicine surgeon specializing in arthroscopy and joint preservation🎧 Listen & SubscribeIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyFollow us on InstagramArthrex Team Physician Controversies 2026Our Hosts:Ashley Bassett, MD & Catherine Logan, MD, MBA / www.cosportsmedicine.com
Transcribe →174: The Comeback Step: Game-Changing Foot & Ankle Surgery
Apr 2700:30:47Tap to summarizeIn this The Sports Docs Podcast episode, Dr. Ashley Bassett and Dr. Catherine Logan sit down with foot and ankle experts Dr. David Pedowitz and Dr. Josh Metzl.From evolving surgical techniques to implant innovation and accelerated return-to-play timelines, this conversation highlights how modern approaches are reshaping outcomes for high-level athletes.Achilles Tendon InjuriesWho Needs Surgery? Best suited for young, active athletes, especially in explosive or cutting sports While nonoperative care has improved: Tendon elongation remains a key concern Push-off strength deficits can impact performance Surgical repair offers: Faster strength recovery More predictable return to sport Evolution of Surgical Technique Shift from open surgery → minimally invasive (MIS) and percutaneous approaches Benefits: ↓ wound complications Improved cosmesis Faster rehabilitation Double-row fixation restores native footprint and improves gap resistance PARS Technique (Percutaneous Achilles Repair System) Combines precision of open repair with less soft tissue disruption Key features: Small incision with percutaneous suture passage Reproducible jig-guided technique Strong, locking suture construct Ideal for acute midsubstance rupturesPearls: Master jig orientation before live cases Maintain tension during suture passage Protect the sural nervePitfalls: Incisions too small → poor visualization Overtensioning the repair Repair Constructs: PARS vs SpeedBridgeSpeedBridge (double-row, knotless): ↓ tendon elongation Strong biomechanical construct Slight ↑ risk of heel pain PARS: Less invasive Lower wound complication rates Insertional Achilles Pathology Typically treated with open or MIS SpeedBridge techniques MIS FiberTak SpeedBridge advantages: Smaller incisions Less implant material Strong fixation with rip-stop construct Supports early weight-bearing and mobilizationReturn to Play90% return to sport after surgery Typical timeline: Running: progressive, athlete-specific Full return: ~6–9 months 🎧 Listen & SubscribeIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyFollow us on Instagram Arthrex Team Physician Controversies 2026Our Hosts:Ashley Bassett, MD & Catherine Logan, MD, MBA / www.cosportsmedicine.com
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