
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.

In 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

In 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

In 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

In 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

In this episode of The Sports Docs Podcast, Dr. Bassett & Dr. Logan sit down LIVE from the Arthrex Team Physician Controversies with shoulder instability expert Dr. Kevin Farmer to discuss the modern management of traumatic anterior shoulder instability in athletes.The conversation focuses on the instability continuum, including when to operate, how to evaluate bipolar bone loss, and when to add remplissage, with an emphasis on optimizing outcomes in young, high-risk athletes.Who Needs Surgery?Young athletes—especially males less than 20—have 70–80% recurrence rates with nonoperative careHigher risk populations:Collision athletesOverhead athletesMilitary/tactical athletesKey insight:Early surgical stabilization can be career-protective in high-risk athletesMRI evaluates:Bankart lesionsHill-Sachs size and orientationCapsulolabral qualityAdvanced assessment includes:Percent glenoid bone lossHill-Sachs engagementOn-track vs off-track lesionsArthroscopic Bankart RepairRemains the workhorse procedure in absence of critical bone lossModern advances:Knotless anchorsImproved efficiency and reproducibilityBetter capsular tensioningAnchor strategy:Typically 3–4 anchorsStart low (5:30–6 o’clock) and work superiorlyFewer than 3 anchors associated with higher failure ratesCapsular ManagementCapsular shift is critical in:Young patientsHyperlax athletesGoal:Restore anterior stabilityRe-tension IGHL complexKnotless technology allows fine-tuned tensioningRemplissageTraditionally used for off-track Hill-Sachs lesionsNow increasingly used in:Subcritical glenoid bone loss (~10–15%)High-risk athletesBorderline “on-track” lesionsBenefits:Decreases recurrence ratesReduces need for revision surgeryKey insight:Low threshold in young, male contact athletesRemplissage TechniqueTwo anchors placed in Hill-Sachs lesionSutures passed through capsule and infraspinatusSecured in subdeltoid spacePearls:Use knotless anchors for low-profile fixationVisualize subacromial space to avoid soft tissue captureMotion vs StabilityConcern: loss of external rotationReality:Minimal, clinically insignificant loss with modern techniquesStability benefits outweigh small motion tradeoffsPostoperative RehabSling: 3–4 weeksEarly passive motionStrengthening at 6 weeksReturn to sport: ~5–6 monthsReturn to Sport TestingCriteria-based return reduces recurrence (5% vs 22%)Key components:Full ROMGreater/equal to 90% strength vs contralateral sideFunctional testing (CKCUEST, shot-put, plank taps, etc.)Patient-reported outcomes (WOSI greater than 90%, KJOC greater than 88%)Featured GuestDr. Kevin Farmer – University of Florida, Team Physician for the Florida Gators🎤 Stay ConnectedIf 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

Live from the Arthrex Team Physician Controversies ConferenceIn this episode of The Sports Docs Podcast, Dr. Ashley Bassett and Dr. Catherine Logan sit down LIVE from the Arthrex Team Physician Controversies with two leading ACL experts—Dr. Pat Smith and Dr. Aaron Krych—to discuss strategies to reduce failure after ACL reconstruction.The conversation highlights the evolution of ACL surgery, focusing on graft selection, fixation, biologic augmentation, and mechanical protection, with an emphasis on optimizing outcomes in young, high-risk athletes.Graft: Autograft vs AllograftStrong evidence shows higher failure rates with allograft in young athletes MOON data: ~4–6x increased risk of failure in patients <25 years Allograft best for: Older, lower-demand patients Revision or multi-ligament cases Autograft SelectionGraft choice depends on: Age, sex, sport, and anatomy BTB: Preferred for high-level pivoting athletes Strong fixation, less graft elongation Quadriceps tendon: Increasingly utilized Larger graft diameter Less donor-site morbidity vs BTB Particularly useful in younger and female athletes Key insight: Grafts <8 mm are associated with higher failure riskInternal Brace (IB)Indications: Young athletes Hyperlax patients Revision ACL Benefits: Decreased graft elongation and cyclic displacement Reduced postoperative laxity Lower rerupture rates (~1% at 5 years in some studies) Faster return to sport and improved rehab confidence Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis (LET)Strong evidence supports reduced failure rates: Primary ACLR: ~11% → 4% (high-risk patients) Revision ACLR: ~21% → 5% Benefits: Decreased pivot shift Improved return to pre-injury sport Cost-effective in high-risk populations Indications for LET Age ≤25 years High-grade pivot shift Knee hyperextension Return to cutting/pivoting sports Revision ACL reconstruction LET Surgical Technique PearlsIT band graft (7–8 cm x 1 cm) Passed under or near LCL depending on technique Fixation near lateral epicondylePearls: Fix in neutral rotation and ~30–60° flexion Avoid overconstraint Close IT band defect Featured GuestsDr. Pat Smith – Hospital for Special Surgery NaplesDr. Aaron Krych – Mayo Clinic, Team Physician for the Minnesota TimberwolvesStay ConnectedApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeFollow us on Instagram for more insights on cutting-edge sports medicine, athlete recovery, and performancehttps://www.instagram.com/thesportsdocspod/Our Hosts:Catherine Logan, MD, MBAhttps://www.cloganmd.com/Ashley Bassett, MDhttps://orthopedicnj.com/physicians/ashley-bassettwww.thesportsdocspod.com

Live from the Arthrex Team Physician Controversies Conference🎧 Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Sports Docs Podcast, Dr. Ashley Bassett and Dr. Catherine Logan sit down LIVE from the Arthrex Team Physician Controversies with cartilage restoration expert Dr. Travis Maak to discuss the modern surgical management of knee cartilage defects.The conversation focuses on diagnostic workup, surgical decision-making, and cutting-edge cartilage restoration techniques, including Autocart, BioCartilage, and Cartiform.Diagnostic Imaging - MRI is critical for: Defect size and depth Subchondral bone integrity and edema Concomitant meniscal and ligament pathologySurgical Decision-Making Patient age & activity level Lesion size, location, & containment Subchondral bone involvement Prior surgical historyAutocart (Autologous Minced Cartilage)Single-stage autograft cartilage restoration techniqueUses patient’s own cartilage with PRP or BMACKey advantages: Preserves native chondrocytes & extracellular matrix Avoids staged procedures Ideal for small-to-medium contained lesionsOutcomes: Significant improvements in pain & function at ~5 years ~75% achieve clinically meaningful outcomes Low reoperation rates BioCartilageMicronized cartilage extracellular matrix allograft scaffoldUsed in combination with microfracture and biologics (PRP/BMAC)Functions as a biologic bridge to enhance cartilage repairBest for: Small-to-medium, contained, full-thickness defects Well-aligned, stable knees Outcomes: Improved pain and function at 2 years Better repair tissue quality compared to microfracture alone CartiformCryopreserved osteochondral allograft with viable chondrocytes Maintains native cartilage architectureIndicated for: Larger lesions (>2 cm²) Defects with subchondral bone involvement Advantages: Single-stage procedure Conforms to irregular defects Key TakeawaysCartilage restoration success depends on correcting biomechanics first Procedure selection should be lesion-specific and patient-specific Autocart offers a promising autograft solution with strong midterm data BioCartilage fills the gap between microfracture and larger restoration procedures Cartiform is a valuable option for larger defects and requires careful patient selectionFeatured GuestDr. Travis Maak – University of Utah, Head Team Physician for the Utah Jazz, cartilage restoration and joint preservation specialist🎤 Stay ConnectedIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on:Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTubeFollow us on Instagram

Modern Surgical Management of Elbow UCL TearsLive from the Arthrex Team Physician Controversies 🎧 Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Sports Docs Podcast, Dr. Ashley Bassett and Dr. Catherine Logan sit down LIVE from the Arthrex Team Physician Controversies with two leaders in sports medicine—Dr. Neal ElAttrache and Dr. Jeffrey Dugas—to discuss the modern management of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries in throwing athletes.HighlightsChanging UCL Injury Landscape Increasing incidence of UCL injuries and surgeries across all levels of play Notable rise in adolescent and collegiate pitchers Contributing factors include year-round play and high pitch velocity Nonoperative Management & Role of PRP Nonoperative treatment remains appropriate for select partial tears Success varies based on tear grade and locationPRP discussed as an adjunct to rehabIndications for Surgery Complete tears—especially in competitive throwers—often require surgical intervention Tear characteristics (location, tissue quality, chronicity) are critical in decision-making UCL Repair with Internal Brace Increasingly utilized in appropriately selected patients Ideal candidates: Acute injuries Proximal or distal avulsion tears Good tissue quality Advantages: High return-to-play (~90%+) Accelerated recovery timelines (often several months faster) UCL Reconstruction (Tommy John Surgery) Remains the gold standard for: Chronic degeneration Midsubstance tears Revision cases Techniques have evolved over time: Docking technique Figure-of-eight Newer fixation methods (e.g., cortical button techniques) Autograft (commonly palmaris longus) remains preferred in elite throwers Internal Brace Technology Provides added stability and resistance to valgus stress Supports early rehabilitation while protecting healing tissue Increasing use in both repair and, selectively, reconstruction Key Takeaways UCL injuries are increasing, particularly in younger athletes Treatment decisions are increasingly personalized based on tear type and athlete profile UCL repair with Internal Brace is shifting the paradigm for select patients Reconstruction remains essential for more complex or chronic injuries Featured GuestsDr. Neal ElAttrache – Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic, Head Team Physician for the LA Dodgers & LA Rams Dr. Jeffrey Dugas – Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, leading expert in UCL repair and reconstruction 🎤 Stay ConnectedIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on:Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTubeFollow us on Instagram

Live from the 10th Annual Arthrex Team Physician Controversies Conference 🎧 Episode OverviewIn this episode of The Sports Docs Podcast, Dr. Ashley Bassett and Dr. Catherine Logan sit down LIVE from the Arthrex Team Physician Controversies Conference to explore how next-generation arthroscopic imaging is transforming the way orthopaedic surgeons diagnose and treat injuries.Joined by Dr. James Voos—Chairman of Orthopedics at University Hospitals and Head Team Physician for the Cleveland Browns—the conversation dives into the evolution of nano arthroscopy, panoramic visualization, and integrated imaging systems, and what these advancements mean for surgeons, athletes, and patient outcomes.What You’ll Learn1. The Evolution of Nano Arthroscopy From the original Arthrex NanoScope (2019) to NanoNeedle 2.0 Major leap in image resolution (400×400 → 720×720, near 4K) Less invasive approach and improved patient experience 2. Seeing What Imaging Can Miss How in-office diagnostic arthroscopy is reducing reliance on equivocal MRI findings Identifying subtle pathology: Partial-thickness rotator cuff tears Meniscal ramp lesions Early chondral defects 3. The Power of Panoramic Visualization (Panoscope) Expanded field of view compared to traditional arthroscopy Seamless transition between 30°, 70°, and ultra-wide 45° views Reduced “blind spots” in complex anatomy4. Workflow & Efficiency in the OR How the Synergy Vision System integrates NanoNeedle + Panoscope Dual-view capability for enhanced intraoperative decision-making Improved efficiency 5. Adoption & Learning Curve Designed to be intuitive for surgeons Importance of training and mentorship Technology enhances decision-making without adding complexity Featured GuestDr. James Voos Chairman of Orthopedics, University Hospitals Medical Director, UH Drusinsky Sports Medicine Institute Head Team Physician, Cleveland Browns Stay ConnectedIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTubeFollow us on Instagram for more insights on cutting-edge sports medicine, athlete recovery, and performance.

Welcome to another episode of Ask The Sports Docs. We get a lot questions from our listeners each week and they’re great questions, so rather than responding individually we thought we’d do these mini episodes where highlight some of the best questions and our responses. So, let’s get started!Today, we’re tackling the question: “Should I have surgery for my type III AC jointseparation?” If you are a sports medicine or shoulder surgeon, you’ve definitely had this conversation with your patients. And if you are an athlete, you’ve probably googled this after landing on your shoulder snowboarding, playing hockey, playing football etc. And the truth is – the answer isn’t black and white. But to try to answer that question, we’re going to review an article titled “Functional, Radiological, and Scapular Motion Evaluation of Surgical Versus Nonsurgical Treatment of Type 3 Acromioclavicular Dislocations.” This level 1 RCT aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of surgical and nonoperative treatment of type 3 AC separations.So, let's dive in!www.cloganmd.com / www.cosportsmedicine.com / https://orthopedicnj.com/physicians/ashley-bassett