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4th Annual ACL Injury Prevention Clinic draws student-athletes from around Arizona

Student-athletes got a lesson in ACL injuries and how to prevent it from happening to them at the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix.

They were attending the fourth annual ACL Injury Prevention Clinic put on by OrthoArizona, Spooner Physical Therapy and the Arizona Rattlers.

Dr. Shelden Martin, who is with OrthoArizona and head team physician for the Rattlers, led a 30 minute presentation discussing causes, treatments and techniques to prevent ACL injuries.

The student-athletes also got a chance to hang out on the Rattlers football field. They were put through a series of exercises by the Spooner Physical Therapy team.

Once the clinic was completed, the athletes got a chance to tour the arena and then watch the Rattlers in action.

If you’re a coach interested in bringing this ACL Injury Prevention Clinic to your school or club organization, contact Dr. Martin.

High school students in Chandler learning about the medical profession

OrthoArizona Dr. Shelden Martin sat down with students at Hamilton High School in Chandler to discuss his journey to becoming an orthopedic surgeon.

Martin talked about why it’s important to get good grades, applying to medical school and getting a job.

Check out the ‘Career Day’ presentation —

Outpatient shoulder replacement surgery seen as safe as inpatient surgery

BOSTON — Shoulder replacement performed in the outpatient setting is as safe as it is performed in the inpatient setting, according to results presented at the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Annual Meeting.

“[I]nitial data suggest that it is safe in comparison to inpatient to perform these surgeries as an outpatient, but we need to refine the indications. Larger cohorts are required and longer time follow-up [is needed] to document efficacy and safety, and we need our payers to accept this,” Nikhil N. Verma, MD, said in his presentation.

Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database between 2005 and 2014, Verma and colleagues identified patients who underwent either inpatient or outpatient primary shoulder replacement.

“We defined the outpatient cohort as length of stay of 0 days with discharge in the same calendar day,” Verma said. Of more than 7,000 patients identified, 173 patients underwent outpatient surgery.

“You can see they tended to be younger patients. They tended to be males, were healthier, had a lower BMI and generally underwent general anesthetic,” Verma said.

He noted a 2.3% rate of overall adverse events and a 1.7% rate of readmission in the outpatient group compared with 7.9% and 2.9%, respectively, in the inpatient group.

“When we performed a multivariate analysis, we found there was a trend toward decreased adverse events in the outpatient group — although it did not quite reach statistical significance — and there was no difference in readmissions between the two groups,” Verma said. “Overall, there was no difference in the rates of adverse events between the outpatient and inpatient setting and we believe that ultimately in the appropriately selected patient that outpatient total shoulder arthroplasty is at least as safe as in the inpatient environment.” – by Casey Tingle, as originally appeared here.

Phoenix Orthopedic Surgeon Shelden Martin Receives ABOS Subspecialty Certificate in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine

The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) has granted the Subspecialty Certificate in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine to Phoenix orthopedic surgeon Shelden Martin, MD, of OrthoArizona – Arizona Orthopaedic Associates.

The certificate is bestowed upon board-certified orthopedic surgeons who have demonstrated qualifications in sports medicine beyond those expected of other board-certified orthopedic surgeons. Those who receive the certificate must have additional training in sports medicine, have a practice characterized by a majority of cases in sports medicine and have contributed to the field.

“Throughout the years, I’ve dedicated my career to sports medicine,” Martin said. “Earning my Subspecialty Certificate in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine is a reflection of my experience and focus in the field. I’m honored to have my work in sports medicine recognized by The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.”

To receive a Subspecialty Certificate in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, orthopedic surgeons must meet specific criteria, including completing a one-year Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) fellowship and submitting a case list of at least 115 operative cases, 75 of which must involve arthroscopy, and 10 non-operative cases.

Those who receive the ABOS Subspecialty Certificate in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine must also pass a four-hour examination that evaluates each surgeon’s cognitive knowledge relevant to sports medicine.

As an experienced OrthoArizona – Arizona Orthopaedic Associates surgeon, Martin has distinguished himself in the field, serving as head team physician for the Arizona Rattlers and associate team physician for the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Arizona Coyotes and the Chicago White Sox. He is also team physician for Desert Vista High School, Veritas Preparatory Academy and Neptune Swim Club.

“We’re happy to congratulate Dr. Martin on this outstanding achievement,” said David Ott, MD, president of OrthoArizona – Arizona Orthopaedic Associates. “He’s a dedicated surgeon whose work in sports medicine brings distinction to our team of experienced orthopedic surgeons.”

Martin graduated from Georgetown University, completed his orthopedic residency at Loyola University and his fellowship in sports medicine at OrthoCarolina. He specializes in complex arthroscopic surgery, including ligament reconstruction, cartilage transplants, shoulder and elbow joint replacements, and reverse shoulder replacements.

Injury prevention tips to keep you out on the pickleball court

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S. It combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong.

Athletes of all ages and skill levels play this game, but like any sport, injuries can occur.

“Those types of injuries tend to be sprains and strains, tendonitis type problems, rotator cuff tendonitis, tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis and a lot of these athletes also have arthritis in their knees and shoulders as well,” said Dr. Shelden Martin with OrthoArizona.

Martin was talking to athletes about injury prevention at the USA Pickleball Association Nationals Tournament in Casa Grande.

“Stretching before you go play a game is a good idea,” Martin said. “Warm up can be up to 15 minutes of just getting your heart rate elevated, breathing rate up, and blood flow into your muscles, so you’re not prone to tearing a muscle or tearing a tendon or ligament.”

Stretching and making sure you go see a doctor when symptoms from an injury don’t go away is key to getting back to your sport.

“If this is an injury, pain or strain that is continuing to give you symptoms up to a week, then it’s probably time to get it checked out,” Martin said “It’s our job to be able to keep these athletes active and hopefully most times they won’t need surgery, but if they do that’s our goal with surgery to try and allow them to continue being active.”

Pickleball player Jan Brannan has had her fair share of injuries since picking up the sport four years ago in Houston, Texas.

“As I tell people, I sprained, strained and broke everything I owned that first year,” Brannan said.

She may have had a lot of aches and pains, but Brannan takes care of her injuries so she can get back on the court.

“I think it’s wonderful he’s willing to give of his time to come out and help people prevent injury and answer the questions we have, because a lot of people don’t have access to medical people,” Brannan said.

“I look at it as education being the main benefit for us going out into the community at these different events,” Martin said.

Importance of sports physicals for young athletes

School is back in session for some students around the Valley. While the rest of the school districts will follow shortly, this also means sports will be starting up again.

Here are four questions answered on the the importance of getting a sports physical for young athletes.

1. Are sports physicals required for young athletes?
-AIA (Arizona Interscholastic Association): – requires for all high school athletes
1. History form
2. Physical examination form
3. Concussion Acknowledgement form

-Most club leagues have their own forms that are required

2. What are the things you check for during a physical?
-Screening for any abnormalities, red flags that could predispose to injury or harm

-Components
Medical Vital signs: height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, vision
Head to toe: E, E, N, T, heart , lungs, abdomen, genitourinary, hernias, vascular and lymph – pulses, skin
Ortho: Neck, back, shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand, hip, knee, ankle and foot

3. Why is a physical so important for young athletes?
-Detect abnormalities or red flags that point to problems that could be exacerbated with activity
-Medical: heart murmur, breathing problems like asthma
-Ortho: scoliosis, joint laxity (shoulder, knee)
-Athlete specific: Baseball — throwing shoulder & elbow
-Most findings do not prevent clearance for participation; although may require further evaluation
-Findings serve as points of focus for parents, coaches, trainers and physicians to pay particular attention throughout season

4. OrthoArizona partners with school districts in the Valley to provide sports medicine services? Why is this an important partnership?
-Eighteen fellowship trained sports medicine orthopedic & primary care physicians
-Professional, University, high school and club sports
-Raise the standard of care for high school athletes to that of Division 1 University or even professional
-Physicians serve as the “quarterback” to coordinate highest quality care for injured athletes

-Examples:
-Scottsdale partnered with Dignity Healthcare in Gilbert school district 2014/2015
-Best trained ATC’s
-Rapid evaluation
-Rapid and latest and proven treatments to get these athletes back to play faster and more safely
-Ancillary services: surgery facilities, imaging, concussion management and physical therapy
-Education
-Physicals

Venus Williams – Athletes and Sjogren’s Syndrome

best orthopedic surgeon in phoenix

Five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams withdrew from this year’s Wimbledon Championships because of back injury directly associated with Sjogren’s Syndrome, and it has many in the orthopedic surgery field talking. Sjogrens’ Syndrome is essentially an autoimmune disorder, often accompanied by rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. It’s a difficult disorder to manage, especially if you’re a world-class athlete.

Rotator Cuff Injuries and Orthopedic Surgery

rotator cuff injury_phoenix orthopedic surgery

One of the most common orthopedic injuries that we operate on here in Phoenix is directly related to the rotator cuff in the shoulder. Phoenix orthopedic surgeons are  very familiar with rotator cuff repair, surgery and recovery, and Dr. Martin is highly trained to not only treat related injuries, but diagnose them properly as well.

Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff consists of the muscles and tendons that make up your shoulder. This region is not only intricate, it is extremely important in shoulder movement, range of motion, and strength. The rotator cuff quite literally is the cuff of ligaments holding the ball of your upper arm bone in your shoulder socket.

Injury to this area is quite common among athletes, specifically those in repetitive motion sports like tennis, and weekend warriors. Rotator cuff tears can be from a bad fall, lifting, or repetitive activities. Pitchers are quite often seen by Phoenix orthopedic surgeons for rotator cuff injuries due to the repetitiveness of that position.

In many cases, nearly 50% of all rotator cuff injuries, treatment involves some good, old R and R. However, there are instances with a Phoenix orthopedic surgeon is needed to repair a tendon or muscle tear.

Rotator Cuff Repairs

Conditions such as tendinitis and/or bursitis, left untreated, can lead to necessary orthopedic surgery, but in most cases you will need to see a Phoenix orthopedic surgeon for tears in the rotator cuff.

Orthopedic surgery on a rotator cuff involves either making more room for the irritated tendons and muscles or sewing torn edges of a ligament tear. Your Phoenix orthopedic surgeon will make an incision 2 inches to 3 inches in the shoulder. Any lose fragments of tendon will be removed and shaving or removing bone spurs might be executed, depending on the condition or injury.

Your Phoenix orthopedic surgeon will sew any torn tendons, repairing the injury.

Recovery involves a short stay in the hospital, followed by immobilization of the arm for a defined period of time to allow for healing. Many times, physical therapy is needed for a full recovery, especially for athletes. 

If you are suffering from chronic shoulder pain, Dr. Martin can help. If you’ve just experienced a recent injury to the shoulder, give Dr. Martin a call today to have the injury and shoulder examined by the best orthopedic surgeon in Arizona. Waiting to have pain in the shoulder properly examined can lead to greater complications and more pain down the road.

Splint Pectoralis Tender Transfer – Pre and Post-Operative: Videos

“I fell off a ladder seven rungs up suffered paralyses of my Long Thoracic Nerve, creating extreme winging of my left scapula…making it extremely difficult (and painful) to lift, grip, or pull anything across my body. This interfered with my daily life and limited my bodily activities and movements. I found Dr. Martin 6 months following my injury, after visiting several other physicians and even being misdiagnosed. Dr. Martin did an extensive analysis of my injury and performed a splint Pectoralis Tender Transfer to solve my problem. The biggest improvement to my life he made was that I didn’t have to go through constant pain – rated 8 out of 10 point scale – on an everyday basis. I am now between no pain and a “two” on my worst days. I had an excellent experience going to Dr. Martin and would recommend him to anyone.”

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