Memorial Hermann Acquires Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic

Memorial Hermann Acquires Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic

Purchase Strengthens Hospital’s Orthopedic Presence in southwest and west corridors

HOUSTON, January 4, 2012

– Memorial Hermann has acquired Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic (RBJ) in a move that further strengthens the organization’s orthopedic network and adds additional specialty clinics to its growing roster, as well as builds on the hospital’s groundbreaking clinical integration initiative to bring medical staff physicians together in a common commitment to quality care and accountability.

 ”As a hospital system, we are preparing for the onset of healthcare reform,” said Dan Wolterman, President and CEO of Memorial Hermann. “A critical component of that process is identifying physician groups that align with Memorial Hermann’s culture of emphasizing safety and providing the high quality care that our patients have come to expect.

 ”Memorial Hermann Medical Group has been strategically leading the way in identifying talented, respected and clinically-integrated physician groups like Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic,” Wolterman continued. “As a result, MHMG is experiencing tremendous growth. We are pleased to have a high-caliber group such as RBJ join the Memorial Hermann family. It represents a win-win for both Memorial Hermann and our patients.”

 RBJ, one of the most highly-regarded orthopedic groups in the Houston region, offers an extensive range of orthopedic specialties such as general orthopedics and sports medicine, pediatric orthopedics, spine surgery, hand and wrist and foot and ankle replacement, pain management, and rehabilitation. The group is comprised of physicians nationally known for contributing to advances in orthopedic medicine through published articles, research studies and innovative new treatments.

 ”This is a mutually-beneficial partnership,” said Juliet Breeze, M.D., CEO of RBJ. “We will bring our extensive clinical expertise and knowledge of orthopedic medicine to Memorial Hermann and help to grow its orthopedic presence, particularly in the southwest region near its Sugar Land and Southwest hospitals. Moreover, we are aligning with one of the most innovative and clinically-integrated healthcare systems in the country. Our network of doctors and patients will benefit greatly being teamed with a system that is so forward-looking when it comes to medicine and quality care.”

 More than 15 physicians at the newly named clinics – Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic at Memorial Hermann – will align with other Memorial Hermann affiliated physician groups like UTHealth’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery to deliver safe, high-quality and results-driven orthopedic care to patients living in and around Richmond, Katy and Sugar Land.

 ”Our patients will receive the same personal and progressive care they’ve come to expect from their trusted physicians and clinical staff,” added Dr. Breeze.

 RBJ is already a member of the Memorial Hermann Information Exchange (MHiE), an innovative program that significantly improves transitions of care, safety and quality by putting patient health data at the fingertips of authorized caregivers. MHiE, the first health information exchange of its kind in Houston, utilizes a secure, encrypted electronic network to integrate and house patients’ digital medical records so they are easily accessible to its members.

Stay Hydrated!

The summer heat is here and with a vengeance! Athletically active people are aware that keeping properly hydrated is important. It is vital that fluids chosen to maintain and replenish water lost during excretion keep you in balance. Let’s start with some choices and how these can benefit you.

Water is the number one option. People at any age and level of activity should maintain hydration using water. This is an easy choice due to availability. There are so many convenient ways to have water at your fingertips. Eco friendly containers, backpack-style camel packs, waist belt holders, and the ever present plastic water bottle! If you drink only when thirsty, you are already behind in rehydration.

Sports drinks are an option during exercise and activity in the heat. These are used to replace electrolytes lost in sweat. Some experts disagree as to the benefits of sports drinks. It is recommended that these products be used in conjunction with water as one method to rehydrate.

A word about caffeine and the hot weather. Remember that caffeine in a diuretic and will draw water out of the body. That visit to your local coffee shop should be followed up with water before any heat-related activity. Iced tea is refreshing but also contains caffeine.

A quick check regarding the level of hydration is to observe the color of your urine. If it is clear, chances you are at a proper level but if it is dark yellow you may need to increase your fluid intake. As with any suggestions regarding your health, please seek medical advice if you have any concerns or questions.

Physical activity is important to lifelong health. Exercising, working, or relaxing in the heat should be done in moderation and safety. Staying hydrated is a major part of good health.

Enjoy!

Mike Vara, M.ED., L.A.T., A.T.C

Dr. Ali Motamedi, Orthopedic Specialist and Sports Medicine Physician of Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic, Receives his Board Certification in Sports Medicine

One of Richmond Bone and Joint Clinic’s recent Sports Medicine physician additions, Dr. Ali Motamedi has obtained his Subspecialty Certification in Sports Medicine.  Dr. Motamedi who joined the practice in October of 2009 came to RBJC by way of California.  He was the team physician for the UCLA baseball and men’s volleyball teams and an associate professor at UCLA. 

Dr. Motamedi joins a select few in the Houston area who have been awarded with the Subspecialty Certification in Sports Medicine.  In order to receive the certification applicants must complete within a 12 month period, 115 surgical cases.  At least 75 of the cases must involve arthroscopy as part of the procedure and ten additional cases need to be completed that were treated non-operatively.  After the requirements have been met applicants must also pass an examination administered by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

“Because of this extensive certification, I have been able to study many other disciplines other than orthopedics.  This allows me to treat the athletes more completely and not just only a specific orthopedic issue,” said Motamedi.

Dr. Motamedi is currently seeing patients at the Richmond Clinic, 1517 Thompson Road and Sugar Land Clinic, 15035 Southwest Freeway and is looking forward to the busy sports season ahead, Texas High School Football.

Knee Injury a Career Ender for Many NFL Players

Knee Injury a Career Ender for Many NFL Players

By Frederik Joelving
NEW YORK | Sat Aug 7, 2010 2:51am IST

(Reuters Health) – Despite surgery, less than two-thirds of National Football League players are able to return to play after knee ligament tears, new research hints.
That number runs counter to the optimism of most team physicians, who said they believed 90 to 100 percent of players would be back on the field, according to an earlier survey.
However, the doctor who led the new study, based on 49 NFL players who had all had surgery to replace the knee’s anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, said he wasn’t surprised.
“At this level and with this much competition I think the lower rates of return were expected,” Dr. Vishal Michael Shah of the Richmond Bone and Joint Clinic in Sugarland, Texas, told Reuters Health in an e-mail.
The average career of an NFL athlete is only 3.5 years, according to the researchers, whose findings were published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine.
Whether or not players returned to compete, Shah said, probably had little to do with the success of surgery and more with “how much money the team has invested in them already and who else is waiting on the sideline to replace them.”
Shah said there wasn’t really much the highly trained NFL players could do to prevent injuries.
“The type of injuries they are sustaining are likely unpreventable,” he said.
Of the 49 players followed by the researchers, 31 went back to play NFL games, on average slightly less than a year after surgery. Age and type of surgery weren’t related to who returned, but those who’d played more games were more likely to go back.
And how many rounds of drafts the athlete had gone through turned out to make a big difference: those who’d been drafted in the first four rounds had 12 times the odds of competing again.
“Higher draft picks have generally been paid more money and the teams have more ‘investment’ in them,” Shah said.
“They are incentivized to give these players more of a chance to return and fight for their job while they may rather ‘cut their losses’ for late draft picks,” he added. “Basically it comes down to the fact that NFL contracts are not guaranteed.”
SOURCE: link.reuters.com/dak73n The American Journal of Sports Medicine, online July 7, 2010.

Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur as a result of repetitive injury to bone and not from a single injury. They usually happen due to marked increase in the load on normal bone during increase in training regimen. They can also occur in normal load situation if there is underlying medical conditions that impairs bone repair and healing such as eating disorders and osteoporosis. Other factors such as poor training techniques, shoe wear, muscle imbalance, or rigid playing surface can contribute to stress fractures. These fractures are typically seen in runners, soccer players, and military recruits, but can happen with any sport.

Symptoms include pain and swelling with activity in the area of injury which improves with rest. Full evaluation is needed to rule out medical conditions that could contribute to bone disease. Imaging evaluation is usually with x-rays and MRI.

Treatment options include, rest, bracing or casting, and modification of training regimen until the pain subsides. This is followed by a course of physical therapy and muscle conditioning and gradual return to full sports. Some stress fractures have poor healing potential and may need surgical intervention.

Dr. Ali Motamedi
Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine

ImPACT Concussion Testing Available at Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic

My son was hit on the head and complains of headaches and has trouble sleeping.  Could he have a concussion?

It is important to recognize symptoms of a concussion when you or your athlete has sustained a head injury.  Symptoms include headaches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, an increased sensitivity to light/sound, difficulty remembering or concentrating, drowsiness, irritability, and nervousness.   Difficulty with balance and dizziness are additional symptoms. 

If these symptoms are present, it is advisable to seek the advice of a trained medical professional.  Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic specializes in treating concussions utilizing the ImPACT Concussion Test and physicians who are credentialed ImPACT consultants.   Along with a full medical evaluation, this computer-based test allows RBJC physicians to establish the level of injury.   ImPACT testing assists in providing data useful to determine when activities can be safely resumed. 

Should you suspect a concussion, don’t delay and schedule ImPACT Concussion Testing today.

Mike Vara, MEd, LAT, ATC

Athletic Trainer/Sports Medicine

Anterior Approach for Total Hip Replacements

Anterior approach for total hip replacement has definite advantages for patients:

• Rehabilitation is simplified and accelerated
• Dislocation risk is reduced
• Leg length is more accurately controlled
• Incision is small

The anterior approach is an approach to the front of the hip joint as opposed to a lateral (side) approach to the hip or posterior (back) approach. Rehabilitation is accelerated and hospital time decreased because the hip is replaced without detachment of muscle from the pelvis or femur. Lack of disturbance of the lateral and posterior soft tissues also accounts for immediate stability of the hip and a low risk of dislocation. X-rays taken during surgery with a fluoroscope ensure correct position, sizing and fit of the artificial hip components, as well as correct leg length.

Dr. Volkan Guzel
Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine

Throwing Injuries in Young Athletes

Shoulder and elbow injuries in young throwing athletes, both male and female, have become an epidemic in our country. The unprecedented popularity of baseball and softball, the prevalence of year-round seasons and events and the high level of competitiveness at all levels have led to a high incidence of stress fractures, ligament injuries and cartilage damage in young arms. Maturing joints need time to heal from the accumulated repetitive microtrauma that results from prolonged throwing. The best way to protect your child from injury is to adhere to clinically-proven pitch count restrictions and rest periods, to teach proper throwing mechanics and body conditioning, and to allow for a yearly “throwing holiday” period of several months followed by gradual return to sport. These simple recommendations can prevent the majority of this spectrum of overuse injuries. If your child does complain of persistent pain, early evaluation and treatment which typically consists of a brief period of throwing rest and/or a physical therapy regimen can prevent minor conditions from becoming serious injuries.

Dr. Vishal Shah

Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine

What exactly is “Sports Medicine?”

Sports Medicine involves the physician and others in determining the course of treatment regarding an injury.   With people maintaining higher levels of athletic activity, injuries are occurring in greater percentages.  Sports Medicine personnel are trained to evaluate, treat, and assist active people with injuries.

Specially trained orthopedic physicians play a large part in Sports Medicine.   The physician, athletic trainer, and physical therapist each have expertise in biomechanics, rehabilitation, fitness and training.  They understand the demands of sport activities.  Younger athletes involved with baseball, soccer, football, and basketball to gymnastics, swimming, tennis and hockey can benefit from Sports Medicine care.  Older athletes who have injuries preventing an active lifestyle experience positive results when consulting members of the Sports Medicine team. 

Sports Medicine is not just for athletes on school teams.  This specialty is available to physically active people of all ages. 

Mike Vara, MEd, LAT, ATC

Athletic Trainer/Sports Medicine

ACL Injuries in Young Athletes “Q & A”

My daughter plays soccer and I’ve heard that girls have a high risk for knee injuries. What is your advice and is it ok for her to play?

Many parents of young female athletes have who play soccer have this concern. A tear of the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is a serious knee injury that is season-ending that generally requires surgery to reconstruct a stable knee. These injuries can lead to an inability to perform athletically, in addition to initiating degenerative changes at the joint level. Current orthopedic literature has found that female athletes are between 2 and 8 times more likely to sustain a noncontact ACL injury than male counterparts. Several of these risk factors have been identified, and there are certain measures in training that can be undertaken to lessen the risk of this complicated injury. It is best if your child’s soccer team implements an ACL Prevention Program which is about 5 minutes and should be a part of their warm-up before practices and games.

Dr. Matthew Mays

Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine