Latest news with #HospitalforSpecialSurgery
New York Times
29-05-2025
- Health
- New York Times
How to Avoid Injuries on the Tennis Court
The first game of tennis after a long break can feel like a revelation. The birds sing, the air is crisp and your serve isn't half bad after three months off. The day after, however, is a different story. If you took the winter off, you can expect some aches and pains when you get back onto the court. But compared with contact sports like soccer and basketball, recreational tennis poses a fairly low risk of acute injury, said Dr. Tiana Woolridge, a sports medicine physician at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City who has worked with collegiate players. Even so, games like tennis and pickleball are full of repetitive and high-impact movements, such as lunging for balls and swinging the racket, and that can put a lot of stress on the body. A five-year analysis of 449 Austrian recreational tennis players found that acute injuries spiked in the summer months, especially in June. The most common involved falls or twisted joints, especially ankle sprains, usually caused by missteps. The spine and upper extremities are also particularly susceptible to chronic wear-and-tear injuries, said Dr. David Dines, the medical director of the Association of Tennis Professionals. Here is an overview of the most common tennis injuries and tips on how to treat and prevent them. Lower Back Injuries During a serve, the back is hyperextended, and every stroke requires rotation. The damage can be subtle. In a small British study from 2007 involving competitive adolescent players, none of the 33 participants complained of back pain, but 28 of them had signs of spinal damage after M.R.I. imaging, a proportion you might expect in people over 60. Back pains and strains become more frequent after 40, when the cushioning tissues between the vertebrae can start to deteriorate, Dr. Dines said. If you feel lower back pain, the first course of action should be rest, he said. If the pain returns, see a physical therapist or have a tennis professional assess your technique. When you hit a tennis ball, most of the force is generated from the legs up. If the body's powerhouse muscles — the core, glutes, hamstrings and quads — are weak, the lower back pays the price. Dr. Dines recommended adopting a routine of core exercises, such as planks, and lower-body exercises, such as Romanian dead lifts and squats. Upper Body Injuries The ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder is secured by the four muscles and tendons of the rotator cuff, which can become irritated, torn or overstretched, particularly when playing overhead sports like tennis. As we age, tissue in the body naturally starts to break down, causing small, often painless microtears, said Dr. Elizabeth Matzkin, an orthopedic surgeon at Mass General Brigham in Boston. But if the rotator cuff muscles are weak, the tears can worsen as you forcibly extend your arm going for a shot, she said. Rotator cuff injuries cause pain when rotating the arm or extending it overhead and a dull ache in the shoulder that worsens at night. Minor irritation usually disappears after one or two days of rest, Dr. Woolridge said. If it persists, see a physical therapist; M.R.I. imaging may be required to rule out a full tear, which can require surgery. Tennis elbow is a repetitive stress injury that affects up to 50 percent of tennis players annually and feels like a persistent pain on the outside of the elbow. It occurs when the muscles and tendons along the forearm that help extend the wrist are taxed from actions such as over-gripping the racket or hitting backhand with poor technique, Dr. Matzkin said. Dr. Woolridge said that shoulder-strengthening exercises, like scapular rows and shoulder extensions with a resistance band, should be a staple in every tennis player's routine. These exercises can also ward off tennis elbow, as can wrist-strengthening drills like wrist curl flexion and extension exercises. For both drills, work up to 30 reps and then add a light dumbbell of no more than five pounds. The grip size of your tennis racket and the tension of its strings can also contribute to tennis elbow and shoulder aches, Dr. Matzkin said. If you play more than once a month, she said, ask a pro to assess your equipment. Lower Body Injuries Ankle sprains are a hazard of any sport with intense side-to-side movement and sudden stopping or pivoting, Dr. Woolridge said. Most ankle sprains do not require surgery. While the standard advice has been rest, ice and compression, many experts now prefer movement and heat. However, research suggests that once you sustain an ankle sprain, you're at greater risk of sustaining another. Calf muscle tears are common enough that many doctors call them 'tennis leg.' 'When players are quickly changing directions, they might feel a pop in the back of the mid-calf,' Dr. Matzkin said. The injury rarely requires surgery, but the calf will be sore and swollen and will require rest. Tight calf muscles can also contribute to Achilles tendinitis, an inflammation of the tendon that connects the calf to the heel. 'If the calf is too tight and unable to contract, the Achilles takes the force and can rupture,' Dr. Matzkin said. 'That is a rough injury with a very long recovery.' The fast-paced cutting and pivoting motions in tennis also put knees, particularly aging ones, at risk for injuries like ACL and meniscus tears. The muscles in your feet and legs play an important role in ankle stability. You can strengthen them with exercises, such as resistance-band foot drills and lunges forward, backward and sideways. Balance drills, such as single-leg toe touches or lunges performed on an unstable surface, like a pillow, can improve proprioception, or body awareness. Protect your knees with a regiment of squats and lunges, which strengthen the muscles that keep the knee stable and firm up the tendons and ligaments around the joint, Dr. Matzkin said. To stretch and strengthen the calves and Achilles' tendon, she recommended calf raises with heels hovering off a step. Playing Smart to Play Strong A pregame dynamic warm-up for tennis or pickleball should be nonnegotiable, Dr. Woolridge said, especially if you're a weekend warrior or you're going from a desk to the court. If pain arises, don't ignore it. Continuing to play can aggravate it or cause you to make compensations that put other joints and muscles at risk, Dr. Matzkin said. Managing pain when it starts can shorten the time it will take to subside. In your 20s and 30s, tennis is the workout, Dr. Woolridge said. But as we age, we start needing to work out to keep playing. Complementing your game with strength and mobility exercises can make tennis a sport you can play for a lifetime.
Business Wire
21-05-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
HSS Achieves 100% Success Rate for Sedation-Free Pediatric MRIs
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A study from Lerner Children's Pavilion at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) of nearly 2,000 children showed that pediatric MRIs were completed with a 0% sedation rate through the support of certified child life specialists (CCLS). The findings, which highlight how this innovative and noninvasive approach eliminated the need for sedation while improving care for young patients, were presented at the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) Annual Meeting. Challenges of Pediatric MRIs A typical MRI is not only loud and confining but also very sensitive to motion, requiring subjects to lie still during the 20- to 80-minute procedure, which is a major challenge for pediatric patients. Consequently, sedation is used in up to 28% of pediatric MRIs, and reports show this number is increasing. While sedation can facilitate successful imaging—and is considered relatively safe—relying on this strategy for young MRI patients poses potential risks, including cardiopulmonary issues and allergic reactions. Additionally, the combination of MRIs and sedation can cause anxiety for children and their parents and prolong recovery. Researchers found that avoiding anesthesia—and post-anesthetic recovery—through CCLS interventions improves the overall efficiency of the MRI process, benefiting both families and care teams. 'Without anesthesia, children can avoid the need for an IV, they don't need to fast prior to the MRI, and they don't need to extend their hospital-related experience to recover,' says lead study author Jessica H. Heyer, MD, pediatric orthopedic and spine surgeon at HSS. 'And from a hospital perspective, it enables children to have an MRI even when an anesthesiologist is not available.' The American Academy of Pediatrics stresses that these types of nonpharmacological interventions 'must be considered as standard procedure in infants, children, and adolescents undergoing MRI,' supporting the approach taken in this study. Benefits of Avoiding Sedation For this retrospective cohort study, HSS researchers looked at 1,936 patients between the ages of 4 and 12 who, in total, received 2,319 MRI scans over an eight-year period. They found that no child who received CCLS intervention prior to and/or during the procedure required IV sedation during MRI. Despite the study's remarkable success rate, Dr. Heyer notes that there are always exceptions: 'Sedation-free MRI may be more difficult for very young children, those who need longer scans, children with cerebral palsy, and for those who need a head, brain, or neck MRI." While all children can greatly benefit from CCLS intervention, Dr. Heyer notes that children between ages 5 and 10 appear to show the strongest results. Study co-author Melissa Collins, MS, senior child life specialist at HSS, adds that this strategy is particularly valuable for children with sensory processing issues or those with a history of negative medical experiences. 'For example, children who've been told a procedure wouldn't hurt and then were held down or experienced pain are less likely to trust medical professionals and medical environments,' she says. Effective Child Life Techniques The researchers examined several CCLS techniques, including guided imagery, distraction strategies, and caregiver involvement, but the most helpful strategy is 'appropriate preparation based on the patient's developmental age,' says Collins. 'MRI anxiety typically stems from uncertainty, so it's important to provide children with accurate expectations, so they're able to prepare and cope more effectively.' Collins suggests showing children a video of an MRI that walks them through each step and what they'll see, hear, and feel during the scan to help take away some of the fear of the unknown. 'It also helps to reiterate that nothing is going to touch them or hurt them,' she says. At the Lerner Children's Pavilion, one or both parents are always encouraged to accompany their child into the MRI suite. Children are also invited to bring a favorite soft, metal-free toy into the MRI unit and are given mirrored glasses so they can see their caregiver or the technologist behind them throughout the MRI. To celebrate their bravery, each child receives a small reward at the end of the exam. Looking Forward 'Our research demonstrates that with proper preparation and support, we can transform a potentially stressful medical procedure into a positive experience for children,' concludes Dr. Heyer. 'By reducing the need for sedation, we're not only reducing medical risks but also empowering children to actively participate in their healthcare journey, potentially making future medical encounters less intimidating.' Reference: Tracey OC, Zucker C, Wisch J, Adhiyaman A, Thakur A, Collins M, Parise J, Denneen J, Jaramillo D, Potter H, Ipp L, Heyer JH. Not Just Fun and Games: Certified Child Life Specialists Improve Success Rates of Young Children Undergoing MRI Studies without Anesthesia. Presented at: Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) Annual Meeting, 2025 Thestrup J, Hybschmann J, Madsen TW, et al. Nonpharmacological interventions to reduce sedation and general anesthesia in pediatric MRI: a meta-analysis. Hosp Pediatr. 2023;13(10):e301-e313. Accessed May 14, 2025, at Uffman JC, Tumin D, Raman V, Thung A, Adler B, Tobias JD. MRI Utilization and the Associated Use of Sedation and Anesthesia in a Pediatric ACO. J Am Coll Radiol. 2017 July;14(7):924-930. Accessed May 14, 2025, at About HSS HSS is the world's leading academic medical center focused on musculoskeletal health. At its core is Hospital for Special Surgery, nationally ranked No. 1 in orthopedics (for the 15th consecutive year), No. 3 in rheumatology by U.S. News & World Report (2024-2025), and the best pediatric orthopedic hospital in NY, NJ and CT by U.S. News & World Report 'Best Children's Hospitals' list (2024-2025). In a survey of medical professionals in more than 20 countries by Newsweek, HSS is ranked world #1 in orthopedics for a fifth consecutive year (2025). Founded in 1863, the Hospital has the lowest readmission rates in the nation for orthopedics, and among the lowest infection and complication rates. HSS was the first in New York State to receive Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Service from the American Nurses Credentialing Center five consecutive times. An affiliate of Weill Cornell Medical College, HSS has a main campus in New York City and facilities in New Jersey, Connecticut and in the Long Island and Westchester County regions of New York State, as well as in Florida. In addition to patient care, HSS leads the field in research, innovation and education. The HSS Research Institute comprises 20 laboratories and 300 staff members focused on leading the advancement of musculoskeletal health through prevention of degeneration, tissue repair and tissue regeneration. In addition, more than 200 HSS clinical investigators are working to improve patient outcomes through better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat orthopedic, rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. The HSS Innovation Institute works to realize the potential of new drugs, therapeutics and devices. The HSS Education Institute is a trusted leader in advancing musculoskeletal knowledge and research for physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, academic trainees, and consumers in more than 165 countries. The institution is collaborating with medical centers and other organizations to advance the quality and value of musculoskeletal care and to make world-class HSS care more widely accessible nationally and internationally.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
HSS Achieves 100% Success Rate for Sedation-Free Pediatric MRIs
LAS VEGAS, May 21, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A study from Lerner Children's Pavilion at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) of nearly 2,000 children showed that pediatric MRIs were completed with a 0% sedation rate through the support of certified child life specialists (CCLS). The findings, which highlight how this innovative and noninvasive approach eliminated the need for sedation while improving care for young patients, were presented at the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) Annual Meeting. Challenges of Pediatric MRIs A typical MRI is not only loud and confining but also very sensitive to motion, requiring subjects to lie still during the 20- to 80-minute procedure, which is a major challenge for pediatric patients. Consequently, sedation is used in up to 28% of pediatric MRIs, and reports show this number is increasing. While sedation can facilitate successful imaging—and is considered relatively safe—relying on this strategy for young MRI patients poses potential risks, including cardiopulmonary issues and allergic reactions. Additionally, the combination of MRIs and sedation can cause anxiety for children and their parents and prolong recovery. Researchers found that avoiding anesthesia—and post-anesthetic recovery—through CCLS interventions improves the overall efficiency of the MRI process, benefiting both families and care teams. "Without anesthesia, children can avoid the need for an IV, they don't need to fast prior to the MRI, and they don't need to extend their hospital-related experience to recover," says lead study author Jessica H. Heyer, MD, pediatric orthopedic and spine surgeon at HSS. "And from a hospital perspective, it enables children to have an MRI even when an anesthesiologist is not available." The American Academy of Pediatrics stresses that these types of nonpharmacological interventions "must be considered as standard procedure in infants, children, and adolescents undergoing MRI," supporting the approach taken in this study. Benefits of Avoiding Sedation For this retrospective cohort study, HSS researchers looked at 1,936 patients between the ages of 4 and 12 who, in total, received 2,319 MRI scans over an eight-year period. They found that no child who received CCLS intervention prior to and/or during the procedure required IV sedation during MRI. Despite the study's remarkable success rate, Dr. Heyer notes that there are always exceptions: "Sedation-free MRI may be more difficult for very young children, those who need longer scans, children with cerebral palsy, and for those who need a head, brain, or neck MRI." While all children can greatly benefit from CCLS intervention, Dr. Heyer notes that children between ages 5 and 10 appear to show the strongest results. Study co-author Melissa Collins, MS, senior child life specialist at HSS, adds that this strategy is particularly valuable for children with sensory processing issues or those with a history of negative medical experiences. "For example, children who've been told a procedure wouldn't hurt and then were held down or experienced pain are less likely to trust medical professionals and medical environments," she says. Effective Child Life Techniques The researchers examined several CCLS techniques, including guided imagery, distraction strategies, and caregiver involvement, but the most helpful strategy is "appropriate preparation based on the patient's developmental age," says Collins. "MRI anxiety typically stems from uncertainty, so it's important to provide children with accurate expectations, so they're able to prepare and cope more effectively." Collins suggests showing children a video of an MRI that walks them through each step and what they'll see, hear, and feel during the scan to help take away some of the fear of the unknown. "It also helps to reiterate that nothing is going to touch them or hurt them," she says. At the Lerner Children's Pavilion, one or both parents are always encouraged to accompany their child into the MRI suite. Children are also invited to bring a favorite soft, metal-free toy into the MRI unit and are given mirrored glasses so they can see their caregiver or the technologist behind them throughout the MRI. To celebrate their bravery, each child receives a small reward at the end of the exam. Looking Forward "Our research demonstrates that with proper preparation and support, we can transform a potentially stressful medical procedure into a positive experience for children," concludes Dr. Heyer. "By reducing the need for sedation, we're not only reducing medical risks but also empowering children to actively participate in their healthcare journey, potentially making future medical encounters less intimidating." Reference: Tracey OC, Zucker C, Wisch J, Adhiyaman A, Thakur A, Collins M, Parise J, Denneen J, Jaramillo D, Potter H, Ipp L, Heyer JH. Not Just Fun and Games: Certified Child Life Specialists Improve Success Rates of Young Children Undergoing MRI Studies without Anesthesia. Presented at: Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) Annual Meeting, 2025 Thestrup J, Hybschmann J, Madsen TW, et al. Nonpharmacological interventions to reduce sedation and general anesthesia in pediatric MRI: a meta-analysis. Hosp Pediatr. 2023;13(10):e301-e313. Accessed May 14, 2025, at Uffman JC, Tumin D, Raman V, Thung A, Adler B, Tobias JD. MRI Utilization and the Associated Use of Sedation and Anesthesia in a Pediatric ACO. J Am Coll Radiol. 2017 July;14(7):924-930. Accessed May 14, 2025, at About HSS HSS is the world's leading academic medical center focused on musculoskeletal health. At its core is Hospital for Special Surgery, nationally ranked No. 1 in orthopedics (for the 15th consecutive year), No. 3 in rheumatology by U.S. News & World Report (2024-2025), and the best pediatric orthopedic hospital in NY, NJ and CT by U.S. News & World Report "Best Children's Hospitals" list (2024-2025). In a survey of medical professionals in more than 20 countries by Newsweek, HSS is ranked world #1 in orthopedics for a fifth consecutive year (2025). Founded in 1863, the Hospital has the lowest readmission rates in the nation for orthopedics, and among the lowest infection and complication rates. HSS was the first in New York State to receive Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Service from the American Nurses Credentialing Center five consecutive times. An affiliate of Weill Cornell Medical College, HSS has a main campus in New York City and facilities in New Jersey, Connecticut and in the Long Island and Westchester County regions of New York State, as well as in Florida. In addition to patient care, HSS leads the field in research, innovation and education. The HSS Research Institute comprises 20 laboratories and 300 staff members focused on leading the advancement of musculoskeletal health through prevention of degeneration, tissue repair and tissue regeneration. In addition, more than 200 HSS clinical investigators are working to improve patient outcomes through better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat orthopedic, rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. The HSS Innovation Institute works to realize the potential of new drugs, therapeutics and devices. The HSS Education Institute is a trusted leader in advancing musculoskeletal knowledge and research for physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, academic trainees, and consumers in more than 165 countries. The institution is collaborating with medical centers and other organizations to advance the quality and value of musculoskeletal care and to make world-class HSS care more widely accessible nationally and internationally. View source version on Contacts Tracy Hickenbottom/Rachael Rennichmediarelations@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Irish Sun
28-04-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Tiger Woods' career hits all-time low as 15-time major winner reaches unwanted golfing milestone
TIGER WOODS' world ranking has taken a nosedive after his latest injury. The 15-time Major winner ruptured his Achilles earlier this year as he plotted a Masters comeback. Advertisement 3 Tiger Woods' world ranking is at its lowest point in his pro career Credit: Getty 3 The 15-time major winner ruptured his Achilles in March Credit: Getty The 49-year-old's newest ranking was revealed over the weekend - and it's grim reading for the golf icon. Woods has slumped to his worst-ever world ranking as he grapples with his latest injury woes. Tiger came in at No.1341, beating his previous low of 1,328th in November 2023. Advertisement READ MORE ON GOLF Woods He required surgery on his knee, ankle and back after the Woods Writing on Instagram, Tiger explained: "As I began to ramp up my own training and practice at home, I felt a sharp pain in my left Achilles, which was deemed to be ruptured. Advertisement Most read in Sport Live Blog Exclusive BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK "This morning, Dr. Charlton Stucken of Hospital for Special Surgery in West Palm Beach, Florida performed a minimally-invasive Achilles tendon repair for a ruptured tendon. "I am back home now and plan to focus on my recovery and rehab, thank you for all the support." Olympic champion and Tiger Woods' ex Lindsey Vonn turns heads in daring outfit while hosting prestigious sports awards Last September, Woods underwent a sixth back operation in the last decade. Advertisement He also had ankle surgery to address lingering issues in 2023. Despite his injury issues, Woods has not packed away his clubs just yet and has shown no indication he will retire. 3 Speaking at The Masters, legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus believes the six-time Augusta champion will eventually return. Advertisement Nicklaus said: "Tiger is hurt. "[But]I think Tiger will get well and Tiger will be back and play."
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
East River path in Manhattan faces detour
MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) — Visitors and neighbors want to know what's happening to a well-known pathway in Manhattan along the East River. A detour redirects pedestrians and cyclists when they arrive at an area between East 71st and 78th streets. People have to travel seven blocks on York Avenue. It has been in place for about four years. More Local News Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) is building a new tower over the FDR Drive at the point of closure. The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation also has to repair sinkholes in the area. Friends of the East River Esplanade have been advocating for two decades to bring attention and improvements to the entire stretch. Jennifer Ratner founded the group, and she wants more from the hospital and city. 'It makes me really angry when I see this. Waterfront parks are contiguous like the West Side and Brooklyn. This has cut it off for four springs and summers. I've asked them many times to do something at the entrance. At night, it's scary,' Ratner said. The parks department is creating new signs to navigate the detour. 'We remain committed to growing greenways: through our Vital Parks for All plan, there is an investment of more than $1 billion by Parks and City agency partners to meet the growing demand for biking and walking connections that link parks to one another and to business districts, improving livability, health, and the environment in disadvantaged communities across the five boroughs,' wrote the spokesperson in an email to PIX11 News. HSS expects to finish construction this fall and open the new facility for patients in the first half of 2026. 'In conjunction with the construction of the Kellen Tower, HSS is planning a beautification project of the East River Esplanade from 72nd to 78th streets, including new pavers, landscaping, and an area for exercise equipment,' wrote Melissa Kiefer, HSS vice president for Project Development, Planning, Design, and Construction. HSS work on the esplanade is scheduled to begin this summer and to be completed in spring of 2026, 'pending the progress of the Parks project that has overlapping areas of improvement work,' Kiefer added. Ratner wants to see improvements this year. 'HSS used the esplanade for free, and it needs to do the work. Parks has said it would do infrastructure work for years, but hasn't. Signage is not enough,' Ratner said. The elevated path runs in sections from Lower Manhattan to Harlem. In 2023, a major new area of parkland opened in Midtown. Parts of the uptown section have been closed for repairs. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
