Modern Orthopaedics

In medical practice, the foundation of any successful outcome lies in accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment. This is evident in interventional spine physiatry, where physicians strive to address the intricacies of back problems and alleviate the burden of back pain. As every patient presents with a distinct set of circumstances, addressing back problems and the associated pain requires a comprehensive understanding of individual cases.In this episode, Dr. Faisel Zaman joins Lauren for a conversation about medical care for the spine or other musculoskeletal issues. Dr. Zaman is a fellowship-trained, interventional spine physiatrist. He is an expert at diagnosing and treating medical conditions that cause pain and limit function. Also called physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physician, Dr. Zaman provides a full spectrum of care - from diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation - to restore maximum health and quality of life. Dr. Zaman's goal is to safely return the injured individual, worker, or athlete, back to his or her prior level of function, productivity, or performance.A leader in his field with nearly two decades of experience, Dr. Zaman talks about his procedure for diagnosing and treating back pain. He also discusses his treatment plan after all conservative measures have been taken, how he helps overcome their fear of in-office procedures, and how he values team collaboration when providing patient care.Enjoy!In This Episode00:57 - Backstory of Dr. Faisel Zaman02:28 - What drove Dr. Zaman to specialize in spine physiatry04:11 - Dr. Zaman's patient demographics07:08 - How Dr. Zaman diagnoses and treats back pain10:41 - Dr. Zaman's treatment plan after all conservative measures have been taken15:12 - How Dr. Zaman helps patients overcome their fear of in-office procedures20:19 - How Dr. Zaman values team collaboration when providing patient care22:27 - Dr. Zaman's thoughts on how healthcare has changed over the yearsFavorite Quotes04:46 - "The basis behind any successful medical outcome is making the right diagnosis. You really can't treat back problems or back pain generically." - Dr. Faisel Zaman07:53 - "I like to empower patients with the tools they need to optimize their function and take control of their healthcare and future." - Dr. Faisel Zaman11:44 - "There's a whole host of differential diagnostics that, as physicians, we need to have in the back of our minds to make sure that we are having the correct route of treatment and not end up going down a rabbit hole of stuff that will not help the patient." - Dr. Faisel Zaman15:40 - "The concept of needing sedation or needing to be put to sleep for procedures like the spine is a regional issue. Communicating to patients in a way that they can understand, breaking things down to them in terms that they will understand, is very helpful." - Dr. Faisel ZamanClick HERE to book with Dr. Faisel ZamanLearn more about Orthopaedic Specialists of DallasWebsite

Robotic surgeries introduce a new era of personalized care. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, surgeons can meticulously plan and execute procedures tailored to each patient's specific needs. From the precision of surgical procedures to the comprehensive approach to recovery, the focus has shifted from merely treating injuries to providing personalized care that supports long-term health. As technology advances, this innovative method promises to revolutionize the field, enhancing patient outcomes and pushing the boundaries of physical performance.In this episode, Shannon Peterson talks with Dr. Dan Volpini, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas. With a Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Fellowship under the tutelage of the renowned Dr. Felix H. "Buddy" Savoie, III and Dr. Larry Field at Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center, Dr. Volpini talks about robotic surgery in sports medicine. He also speaks about the importance of physical therapy after surgery or after an injury, what a robotic total joint replacement entails, and the prep and post-op process of a patient who underwent robotic surgery.Dr. Dan Volpini was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil and moved to Dallas, Texas at the age of 17. Growing up, Dr. Volpini had a strong passion for sports, especially for playing soccer from a young age. He earned his medical degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas, all under a full scholarship. After graduating from medical school, Dr. Volpini chose to stay in San Antonio where he completed his Orthopaedic surgery residency.Enjoy!In This Episode00:57 - Backstory of Dr. Dan Volpini02:13 - What motivated Dr. Volpini to become a physician03:10 - Dr. Volpini's role in sports medicine04:40 - What it's like to preserve a young person's joint before replacement06:06 - How stem cell procedures can be performed07:44 - How important is physical therapy after surgery or after an injury09:55 - What a robotic total joint replacement entails12:15 - The preparation process for robotic surgery14:09 - Post-op recovery of a patient who underwent robotic surgery15:59 - Dr. Volpini's work at Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas, Forney 17:29 - How sports medicine has changed over timeQuotes04:22 - "The goal of modern medicine is to preserve the native joints. We move on to joint replacement for those beyond repair." - Dr. Dan Volpini07:58 - "Physical therapy is a crucial part of treatment. You can see very different results from the same surgery depending on the amount of therapy, the type of therapy they're doing, and how compliant those patients are." - Dr. Dan Volpini11:08 - "The difference in robotic-assisted joint replacement is that it is a more precise, custom-made, or custom-planned joint replacement for a specific patient. We replace the damaged joint and keep the patient's normal alignment and normal anatomy in place." - Dr. Dan Volpini20:47 - "Not only that we treat the injuries, but we also educate. During rehab, we also use preventive medicine, where we want to not only treat the injured joint but also strengthen the other joints so they can prevent further injuries in the future." - Dr. Dan VolpiniLearn more about Orthopaedic Specialists of DallasWebsite

Research has become an indispensable cornerstone of advancing medical science, unlocking new possibilities for patient care and treatment. For North Texas Medical Research Institute (NTMRI) and Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas (OSD), the importance of research resonates at the core of their long-term objectives. With an unwavering dedication to enhancing patient outcomes, they recognize that pioneering treatments, cutting-edge techniques, clinical trials, and collaborative partnerships are key to providing the highest level of care.For the second time on the Modern Orthopaedics podcast, Lauren speaks with Jeff Neumann, CEO of the North Texas Medical Research Institute (NTMRI). Dedicated to conducting research studies, both for clinical and benchwork, Jeff speaks about the importance of research at North Texas Medical Research Institute (NTMRI), why NTMRI research studies are incorporated into Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas, and how NTMRI and OSD outcomes affect people.Jeff Neumann has been a clinical coordinator on multiple studies ranging from academic/single investigator studies to NIH-granted studies, including device and drug studies. As one of the Founding Members and CEO of North Texas Medical Research Institute (NTMRI), Jeff hopes that this invaluable experience as a lead coordinator and as a clinical leader in his role as a Physician Assistant (PA) will help guide NTMRI to be a part of something greater and positively contribute to our overall medical knowledge base.Enjoy!In This Episode00:57 - What research is really about at North Texas Medical Research Institute 01:36 - How research is driven02:47 - The long-term goal of NTMRI03:32 - How research studies are developed04:15 - Why research studies at NTMRI are incorporated at OSD06:24 - The critical role physician assistants play in medicine09:52 - How physician assistants' role in healthcare has evolved over time11:04 - How physician assistants can stay up-to-date on their education12:44 - The impact that NTMRI and OSD outcomes have on people18:55 - What Episurf research is about and how it works22:18 - How can patients get in touch with JeffFavorite Quotes02:52 - "Our long-term goal is to help Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas in how we treat our patients. We want to be on the leading edge of changing how we treat and care for our patients." ~ Jeff Neumann03:09 - "Patients to us are not just numbers. They're people. And we want to make them better." ~ Jeff Neumann05:33 - "When I look at someone at their knee, I'm not looking at just their knee. This is someone's knee that affects their life and sometimes affects their back. So, when we look at the patient, we look at them as a whole person." ~ Jeff NeumannLearn more about Orthopaedic Specialists of DallasWebsiteGet in touch with Jeff NeumannNorth Texas Medical Research InstituteNorth Texas Medical Research Institute on LinkedInNorth Texas Medical Research Institute on Facebook

Foot and ankle health should never be taken for granted. The lower extremities endure tremendous stress and strain on a daily basis, carrying individuals through life's journeys. Yet, the significance of early intervention and preventive measures often goes unrecognized. Neglecting foot and ankle health not only jeopardizes one's mobility but can significantly impact overall well-being. The consequences can be especially dire for individuals with conditions such as diabetes or neuropathy. How can our feet be proactively taken care of, and what treatments could restore mobility?In this episode of Modern Orthopaedics, Shannon talks with Dr. Matthew Britt. Focused on evidence-based medicine and reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, Dr. Britt speaks about foot health, the factors that contribute to having Charcot foot, and the role of biologics, such as stem cells, in foot or ankle surgery.Dr. Matthew Britt is a Podiatric Surgeon at the Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas. He is Board Certified in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Britt is a fellow member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and the American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine. He is also actively involved in training and educating residents about foot and ankle surgery. Dr. Britt looks forward to expanding the practice with a community-based approach focused on patient education and understanding.Enjoy!In This Episode01:00 - Backstory of Dr. Matthew Britt02:00 - How Dr. Matthew got into Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas04:02 - What Dr. Matthew has to say about foot care06:27 - Dr. Matthew's specializations beyond general foot care and diabetic foot treatment10:54 - Factors that contribute to Charcot foot11:57 - Recurrence rates of Charcot foot13:11 - Among the other complex procedures Dr. Matthew performs16:26 - Why ankle replacement surgeries are rarely performed19:08 - The role of biologics, such as stem cells, in foot or ankle surgery22:05 - The possibility of biologic injections being covered by insurance in the futureFavorite Quotes03:28 - "It's so important to be aware of foot and ankle health. Many people neglect it, and it takes us to a point where treatment becomes more difficult. Surgery can be prevented by being proactive with your health, especially your feet health." ~ Dr. Matthew Britt07:01 - "Charcot arthropathy is one of the main reasons diabetics or neuropathic type patients lose their legs. The problem is, when you lose portions of your limb, your life expectancy drops considerably." ~ Dr. Matthew Britt20:05 - "Our feet and our ankles are farthest away in our circulation. They're like the borders of our bodies. So naturally, it takes a little bit longer in the foot and ankle realm to heal." ~ Dr. Matthew BrittConnect with Dr. Matthew BrittLearn more about Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas

As healthcare evolves and advances, research plays an increasingly critical role in improving patient outcomes. Clinicians across various medical fields understand that staying on the cutting edge of new discoveries and advancements can be the key to providing the highest quality care to their patients. For them, data is king, and the more they can learn from it, the better equipped they are to tackle new challenges and improve patient outcomes.  In this episode, Lauren shares a conversation with Jeff Neumann. A researcher at heart, Jeff talks about what research means for clinicians, the NTMRI (North Texas Medical Research Institute) research projects, and the importance of data in research and patient care.Jeff Neumann's interests are deep set in research, both for clinical and benchwork. He has been a clinical coordinator on multiple studies ranging from academic/single investigator studies to NIH granted studies, including device and drug studies. As one of the Founding Members and CEO of North Texas Medical Research Institute (NTMRI), Jeff hopes that this invaluable experience as a lead coordinator and as a clinical leader in his role as a PA will help guide NTMRI to be a part of something greater and positively contribute to our overall medical knowledge base.Enjoy!In This Episode01:01 - What North Texas Medical Research Institute (NTMRI) is about.02:15 - What research means to clinicians04:03 - How to get involved in clinical research05:17 - NTMRI's research projects12:18 - How patients are incentivized to participate in research13:37 - The vision of Jeff in the field of research14:51 - The importance of data in research and patient care21:03 - How research and bundle payments can be integrated to provide the best outcomes for patients23:09 - How Jeff assesses patients for knee replacement25:32 - An example of a case in which a patient could be disqualified for surgeryQuotes11:44 - "We're trying to be on the cutting edge of many different things and looking at other investigative studies. So, we're always looking at different things to research and make things better." - Jeff Neumann13:43 - "My vision with research is to push the idea of making us better and not just to Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas. The whole goal is to help our patients, and we want to make sure we're a part of that process. We also know there's so much more we can do to do better for our patients." - Jeff Neumann26:18 - "The North Texas Medical Research Institute was born out of helping our patients and working together with Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas. There's a good synergistic relationship because we want to make things better across the board." - Jeff NeumannLearn more about Orthopaedic Specialists of DallasNorth Texas Medical Research Institute

In orthopaedics, the ultimate goal for both patients and surgeons is achieving the best possible outcome. However, the definition of a successful outcome can vary depending on various factors, including the patient's unique condition, individual goals, and the specific surgical procedure performed. What are some of the latest techniques and technology that improve patient outcomes in the hand, wrist, and elbow areas?In this episode, Shannon talks with Dr. Nilpesh Patel. Dr. Patel shares why he chose to specialize in hand, wrist, and elbow surgery, the complex procedures he performs, and why office-based surgery is beneficial.Dr. Nilpesh M. Patel is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hand, wrist, and elbow surgery. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2000 with a Political Science and Chemistry degree. He continued his education at the University of North Carolina, receiving his medical degree in 2004. He moved to Atlanta, Georgia, and completed a five-year residency in orthopaedic surgery at Emory University. Dr. Patel has a special interest in hand, wrist, and elbow surgery, including sports-related injuries, fracture treatment of the upper extremity, Dupuytren's contracture, traumatic conditions, including tendon repairs and reconstruction, and nerve-related conditions.In this Episode00:15 - Backstory of Dr. Nilpesh Patel01:12 - What motivated Dr. Patel to become a physician03:13 - The reasons Dr. Patel chose to specialize in hand, wrist, and elbow 06:29 - Some of the complex procedures that Dr. Patel performs on hands, wrists, and elbows09:37 - What a Tommy John Surgery is13:46 - What stem cells have to do with surgery on the hands, wrists, and elbows16:55 - The difference between stem cells and PRP18:04 - The procedures Dr. Patel performs in his office20:12 - Why office-based surgery is beneficial22:22 - Some of the complex wrist and hand procedures that Dr. Patel performs25:30 - Why occupational therapy is important after surgeryFavorite Quotes05:01 - "Patient outcome is always something we look to in orthopaedics. That is looking at how patients do, not just from studies, animal models, and biomechanics. It's how patients are satisfied." - Dr. Nilpesh Patel18:12 - "We are moving to a world of trying to help patients get out of the surgery suites and get them back to activity faster. And a big push has been doing things in the office, including surgical procedures." - Dr. Nilpesh Patel26:15 - "Occupational therapy is important after surgery, especially in the hands and wrist. It's always good to have the guidance of an occupational therapist to help patients protect the things that need to be protected before and after surgery in the right way." - Dr. Nilpesh PatelLearn more about Orthopaedic Specialists of DallasWebsite

The healthcare industry is evolving, creating new opportunities and challenges for professionals in the field. For some, that means transitioning from a specialized role within a medical practice to management and leadership roles, steering the organization toward growth and success. While the transition can be exciting, it requires a shift in mindset and skillset.In this episode, Shannon sits with Lauren Podina, CEO of Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas. Passionate about patient care and consumer experience, Lauren talks about her transition from being a physical therapist to the management side, what it is like to be the CEO of a rapidly growing medical practice, and her visions for Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas in five years.For the past ten years, Lauren has served as Director of Therapy at Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas. She is now the CEO of the organization, where she takes care of employees and patients on the front end and providers and the healthcare system on the back end.Enjoy!In This Episode01:16 - Lauren's career history at Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas03:38 - What motivated Lauren to move into management04:54 - What it is like to be the CEO of a rapidly growing medical practice05:47 - The biggest challenge in healthcare over the last few years07:32 - How COVID has changed the healthcare system08:31 - What Lauren envisions for Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas in five years09:08 - What do Lauren's daily activities look like in her role as CEO11:44 - What Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas can bring to the community14:00 - The initiatives Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas will implement in the years to come17:58 - How Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas can give back to the communityFavorite Quotes03:47 - "I love consumerism. I love patient care. I love people, and I find value in them. Customer service is the heartbeat of this organization. Without patients coming in the door, we don't have jobs." - Lauren Podina06:40 - "We're on the cusp of balancing our providers and our staff and providing excellent service while enabling the patient to have excellent care and easy access." - Lauren Podina08:49 - "We provide the best opportunity to see a provider easily, receive top-notch service, and then patients have incredible outcomes. And if we produce good outcomes in a short period of time, it will only allow us to grow." - Lauren Podina20:05 - "If what we can do is service internally through leadership and then externally through the community, that's what will build our organization." - Lauren PodinaConnect with Lauren Podina on LinkedInLearn more about Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas

Healthcare systems across the globe are facing the critical challenge of providing high-quality care that prioritizes the well-being and outcomes of patients. Rather than focusing solely on volume-driven metrics, such as the number of patients seen or procedures performed, healthcare providers are shifting towards a more value-based approach. This shift focuses on providing high-quality services that positively impact patients' lives and requires a fundamental rethinking of healthcare delivery.In this episode, Lauren talks with Dr. Umar Burney. Dedicated to helping patients change their lives, Dr. Burney speaks about his international mission, what inspired him to do non-profit work, and how he can help transform the American healthcare system.Dr. Umar Burney is the Founding and Managing Partner of Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas, North Texas Medical Research Institute, and Complete Operations Management Solutions. Dr. Burney serves on many hospital committees and is the Sports Medicine Director and Joints Program Director for Texas Health Presbyterian of Rockwall. His primary focus is sports medicine and joint replacement. Enjoy!In This Episode01:07 - Backstory of Dr. Umar Burney02:29 - The most dramatic change in healthcare in the last 17 years 04:50 - What Dr. Burney's international mission entails07:36 - What the healthcare system looks like in the future11:39 - How patients can access public-private hospitals13:32 - How Dr. Burney provides patient care in Pakistan16:37 - What inspired Dr. Burney to do non-profit work in Pakistan20:20 - Dr. Burney's perspective on the American healthcare system21:50 - How Dr. Burney can help transform the American healthcare system29:03 - How hip arthroscopy worksFavorite Quotes05:54 - "Being in medicine involves being empathetic to those that I confront on a daily basis. And if my mission work and charity work improve that empathy and continue to fuel that character trait of mine, it's worth it." - Dr. Umar Burney06:37 - "If you don't care for the person you're taking care of, don't be in it. The day you lose the ability to care for the person who just walked in to seek your medical help, that's the day you should hang it up." - Dr. Umar Burney22:47 - "We've got to shift away from volume-driven individuals to quality-based individuals. As opposed to seeing every individual as another number, another statistic, we will be more incentivized and driven to look at what we are giving them and how we are changing their life." - Dr. Umar BurneyLearn more about Orthopaedic Specialists of DallasNorth Texas Medical Research Institute

Many people may need to get in touch with a physical therapist at some point in their lives, whether it's to recover from a sports injury, manage chronic pain, or regain strength and mobility after surgery. While physical therapy is often associated with athletes and sports injuries, it is a versatile form of treatment that can benefit people of all ages and activity levels.In this episode, CEO Lauren Podina shares a conversation with Madison Dillow, Director of Physical Therapy at Orthopaedics Specialists of Dallas. Committed to providing a hands-on treatment approach to optimize patient outcomes, Madison talks about the difference between an occupational therapist and a physical therapist, what drew him to sports medicine-driven therapy practice, and what his TPI program is all about.Enjoy!In This Episode01:23 - How Madison feels about working with Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas02:58 - The first thing to consider when doing physical therapy03:55 - Examples of goals patients want to achieve06:14 - How to get in touch with a physical therapist at Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas07:59 - The difference between an occupational therapist and a physical therapist09:17 - What drew Madison to sports medicine-driven therapy practice10:08 - Why you should see a physical therapist even if you are not in pain12:08 - The most common upper extremity issues among athletes13:23 - What Madison's TPI program is all about15:21 - The approach Madison takes to deal with knee pain21:10 - How often do patients return to therapy after surgery22:29 - What physical therapists do after rotator cuff surgery23:52 - What patients need to know about postoperative care for rotator cuff injuries26:47 - Other medical practices physical therapists and occupational therapists do30:06 - What inspired Madison to pursue a career in therapyFavorite Quotes03:02 - "If a patient has a goal or something they're trying to achieve, they work harder, comply with their exercises, and just do better. Whereas when someone comes in because they were told they needed to go to physical therapy, you need to do a job to identify what they really want. Otherwise, they don't want to do therapy." - Madison Dillow09:24 - "One of the aspects we're trying to incorporate is the return to sports protocol. And we want to make sure that patients have gone through the motions, skills, and everything they'll need to get back into their sport." - Madison Dillow31:01 - "The big thing that I've loved about physical therapy is that you get to know people, talk to them, and be invested in their lives as well. That's a big part of our profession. Their buy-in is a part of us just being good human beings and being able to talk and interact with people." - Madison DillowLearn more about Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas

Orthopedic sports medicine doctors are crucial in keeping athletes and active individuals at the top of their game. They specialize in diagnosing and treating orthopedic problems arising from sports injuries, overuse, or general wear and tear. Having a goal of getting their patients back to their active lifestyles, what are some ways doctors can quickly and safely help athletes regain their range of motion and achieve optimal health and performance?In this episode, Shannon sits with Dr. John Zavala, an Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas. Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic problems, Dr. Zavala speaks about what it means to be a sports medicine doctor, how joint and knee replacements have evolved over the years, and what sets orthopedics surgery apart from other practices.Dr. Zavala earned his medical degree from the University of Texas–Southwestern Medical School, where he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. He subsequently completed his Internship and Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC. While in residency, he served as administrative chief resident and was elected to participate in the American Orthopaedic Association Resident Leadership Forum. Following his residency training, he was awarded a fellowship in Sports Medicine and Shoulder Reconstruction at the Steadman Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas under the direction of renowned shoulder surgeon Richard Hawkins. He then completed a mini-fellowship in Ankle and Foot injuries under Angus McBryde at the American Sports Medicine Institute in Birmingham, Alabama.His research interests have included fixation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions, multimodal analgesia in total knee arthroplasty, and complications of reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Enjoy!In This Episode00:42 - Backstory of Dr. John Zavala01:21 - How Dr. Zavala and Dr. Burney established Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas02:43 - What motivated Dr. Zavala to become a doctor and why he chose orthopedics03:27 - What it means to be a sports medicine doctor06:41 - Additional practice Dr. Zavala performs besides sports medicine07:14 - How joint and knee replacements have evolved over the years10:05 - Cartilage preservation and stem cell therapy11:16 - The difference between PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and stem cell therapy15:42 - What sets orthopedics surgery apart from other practices20:03 - Why being a surgeon is humbling21:33 - The most rewarding part of working with patients. Quotes04:27 - "A lot of sports medicine is just orthopedics. Now, it's tailored more toward treating sports injuries, keeping people active, and keeping people doing the activities they want to do." - Dr. John Zavala07:14 - "Shoulder replacement patients are some of the happiest because they don't experience that much pain postoperatively and are extremely happy with their functional gains and pain relief after surgery." - Dr. John Zavala22:09 - "The biggest reward is when you have patients that you get them functional and they can do things they lost the ability to do, and they don't have pain. And for athletes, it's just taking a potential injury that requires surgery and getting them back to doing the sport and activity they love." - Dr. John ZavalaLearn more about Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas

Welcome to the premier episode of the Modern Orthopaedics podcast, a show about how advancements in technology have transformed the field of orthopaedics. Hosted by Shannon Peterson, director of Marketing at the Orthopaedic Specialist of Dallas, this podcast explores how technology has improved patient outcomes, streamlined surgical procedures, and enhanced diagnostic capabilities.Each episode features interviews with leading orthopaedic surgeons, researchers, and technology innovators who share their insights and experiences. Through engaging conversations and real-life case studies, the podcast highlights how technology has enabled orthopaedic surgeons to provide more precise and personalized patient care, leading to faster recovery times, reduced hospital stays, and improved quality of life.In this episode, Shannon talks with Dr. Bruno Gross. Specializing in the anterior hip, robotic total and partial knee replacement, and revision hip and knee replacement, Dr. Gross talks about how robotics improves knee replacement and patient experience. Dr. Bruno Gross grew up in Denton, Texas. He graduated from the University of North Texas, earning his undergraduate degree. He then went on to earn his medical degree at Texas A&M College of Medicine in College Station, Texas and Round Rock, Texas. Dr. Gross completed his residency training in orthopaedic surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, Texas. Having a particular interest in joint replacement, Dr. Gross elected to complete a fellowship year specializing in joint replacement at the Cleveland Clinic in Florida. Enjoy!Key Takeaways00:14 - Backstory of Dr. Bruno Gross00:57 - What motivated Dr. Gross to become a physician02:28 - Why Dr. Gross chose orthopaedics as a specialty03:37 - What motivated Dr. Gross to serve the Dallas community06:08 - One of the robotic knee replacement experience Dr. Gross had with patients07:42 - Dr. Gross' definition of a complex total knee replacement08:56 - Some of the reasons why surgery may be delayed10:38 - The difference between robotic partial knee surgery and robotic total knee surgery14:27 - How robotics improves knee replacement18:17 - Reasons why joint replacement components fail20:02 - What Dr. Gross hopes to accomplish in the futureFavorite Quotes04:35 - "Coming from a background of doing non-robotic surgery, I saw the big difference robotics has made not only from a technical aspect as a surgeon but also from seeing patients do better and recover quicker." - Br. Bruno Gross14:36 - "You can do knee replacement surgery without the robot, which is manual instrumentation. Now, the robot is a precision tool. What the robot affords you as a surgeon is more information. It allows you to position the components any way you want." - Dr. Bruno Gross16:24 - "If someone comes to me with a really bad deformity, I can tailor how I put their knee replacement in with the robot. That allows me to make each knee replacement specific to the patient. And that translates to less pain, faster recovery for the patient, gaining their range of motion faster, and the knee feels more balanced." - Dr. Bruno Gross Learn more about Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas

The human foot is an incredible biological marvel, containing 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Despite its strength and resilience, the foot is also incredibly vulnerable to injury and discomfort. Whether due to ill-fitting shoes, overuse, or simply neglect, foot problems are all too common and can seriously impact a person's quality of life.In this episode, Shannon sits with Dr. Brandon Mecham. Specializing in the treatment of common to complex foot and ankle disorders, Dr. Mecham talks about what a podiatrist actually does, what causes the majority of foot problems, and why the foot requires special care.Dr. Brandon Mecham is Board Qualified in Foot Surgery as well as Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery with the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. Born and raised in Mesa, he completed his undergraduate studies at Arizona State University and then went on to attend the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine where he graduated at the top of his class. He completed a 3-year surgical residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center where he served as chief resident and received advanced training in trauma and reconstructive surgery, sports medicine, arthroscopy, external fixation and diabetic care, and limb salvage. Dr. Brandon Mecham is committed to achieving the best outcomes for his patients by exploring all treatment options, including non-surgical and minimally invasive approaches. He is well-regarded by patients for his expertise, approachable style, and personalized care and treatment plans.Enjoy!In This Episode00:57 - Backstory of Dr. Brandon Mecham01:34 - What led Dr. Mecham to join Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas02:32 - What inspired Dr. Mecham to become a physician03:59 - What a podiatrist actually does05:04 - The most common issues Dr. Mecham encounters on a daily basis05:43 - Dr. Mecham's approach to treating plantar fasciitis and bunions08:54 - What causes the majority of foot problems10:39 - How to care for diabetic foot12:44 - Why custom orthotics are a huge help for many foot conditions14:01 - What sets podiatrists apart from other orthopedic surgeons17:24 - Why the foot requires special care18:06 - What the ankle joint replacement looks likeFavorite Quotes02:30 - "I was always that kid who was fascinated with how the body healed and how the body could repair itself." - Dr. Brandon Mecham09:07 - "There are so many misconceptions about shoes. The single biggest one is that expensive shoes are good shoes. Good shoes are typically more expensive, but just because they cost a lot of money does not make them good." - Dr. Brandon Mecham09:29 - "Our feet, just like the rest of us, change their size and shape over time. They can get bigger, or they can get smaller. The tendency is that as we age, our feet will get larger and a little bit longer. The arch will flatten, and they'll get a little bit longer and wider." - Dr. Brandon Mecham10:22 - "You should not be able to fold a shoe in half like a taco. You shouldn't be able to wring it out like a sponge. You need something where the shoe's shank is fairly rigid. It gives a ton of support to those metatarsals and the midfoot, and your feet will thank you for it." - Dr. Brandon Mecham19:29 - "One of my favorite procedures is ankle joint replacement because you take someone who's just in a lot of pain and suffering, and you can make them pain-free. It's a massive turnaround." - Dr. Brandon MechamLearn more about Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas

As people age or experience injuries, the cartilage in their joints can become worn down or damaged, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. While treatment options for cartilage injury or damage were limited in the past, advancements in technology and medical techniques have enabled doctors to restore and replace cartilage more innovatively. How can cartilage damage be treated less invasively and provide patients with faster recovery?In this episode, Shannon talks to Dr. Kushal Patel, one of the orthopedic surgeons at Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas. With a professional interest in sports medicine, ACL tears, cartilage repair, and preservation and reconstruction of the shoulder and knee, Dr. Patel speaks about how cartilage preservation works, what OATS (Osteoarticular Transfer System) cartilage repair surgery involves, and how he determines which type of cartilage preservation is best for a patient.Dr. Kushal Patel performed his undergraduate studies at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, majoring in the University Scholars Program. He then matriculated to Texas A&M College of Medicine, graduating with honors, earning acceptance into Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, and was awarded the James A. Knight Leadership in Medicine award. His career path took him to Denver, Colorado, for additional specialization in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery at the University of Colorado. After his fellowship, Dr. Patel moved back to Texas and settled in the Dallas area.Professionally, Dr. Patel's goal as an orthopedic surgeon is to quickly return patients to their active lifestyle by utilizing the latest technology while providing a great experience. His expertise includes minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery, limb realignment, cartilage restoration, ligament/tendon tears, and joint replacement. He views surgery as the final treatment option.Enjoy!In This Episode01:07 - Dr. Kushal Patel's reasons for becoming a physician04:01 - How cartilage preservation works06:39 - What OATS (Osteoarticular Transfer System) cartilage repair surgery involves08:53 - The expected downtime for someone who underwent OATS repair surgery09:35 - Dr. Patel's approach to treating knee pain12:25 - How Dr. Patel determines which type of cartilage preservation is best for a patient14:22 - Dr. Patel's preoperative and postoperative surgery processes17:42 - Dr. Patel's approach to accessing care18:58 - The OATS procedure for the kneeFavorite Quotes04:10 - "Cartilage pathology is one of the top three things we see as orthopedic sports doctors. The more you are active and function, the more you are exposed to cartilage injury or damage." - Dr. Kushal Patel15:23 - "As a surgeon and a sports medicine doctor, I want all my patients to understand why we're doing the surgery and what we're doing exactly." - Dr. Kushal Patel18:42 - "Having a quick diagnosis, quick intervention, and a treatment path helps our clients mentally and physically." - Dr. Kushal PatelLearn more about Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas