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"What makes orthopedic medicine stand out is that every patient is different and every moment in time is different. We take into account not only the patient and the injury, but also the situation. We work with patients to achieve the highest levels of performance. We will try to attain their goals despite any injury they may have. We do it safely and make that determination with the patient." — Mark Grossman, M.D., Chief of Sports Medicine at Winthrop-University Hospital and clinical assistant professor at SUNY Stony Brook School of Medicine is an expert in sports injuries and fractures throughout the hand, and he is able to treat these injuries with both conservative and operative measures." Pediatric Orthopedics The growth plates in young athletes are highly vulnerable to fracture. Winthrop-University Hospital is fortunate to have two pediatric orthopedic surgeons, John T. Gaffney, D.O, and Meredith Lazar-Antman, M.D., who are experts in treating active pediatric patients. "While most sports injuries in the mature athlete involve soft tissue or ligaments, in the child, the growth plate is the weak link," Dr. Grossman says. About 15% to 30% of childhood fractures involve growth plates. Children's bones heal faster than adult's bones, and injuries should be treated promptly to avoid growth disturbance John T. Gaffney, D.O., Chief of the Division of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery at Winthrop-University Hospital (right) examines a patient recovering from a sports-related injury as her father looks on. Upper right corner: The needle enters the view of an ultrasound- guided injection. or deformity. Treatment of growth plate injuries involves assessing the fracture through X-rays, CT or MRI. Some fractures can be treated in traditional manners with cast immobilization. For other fractures, internal fixation with surgery may be necessary. Foot and Ankle Injuries and Treatment Bryan Ding, M.D., one of the four recent additions to the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Winthrop-University Hospital, specializes in foot and ankle orthopedic surgery. Like his colleagues, Dr. Ding emphasizes a conservative, incremental approach to treatment. "I try to treat patients nonoperatively when possible, using injec- tions, bracing, physical therapy and various medications," he says. If surgery proves to be the best course of action, however, Dr. Ding is trained in both open and arthroscopic techniques. He enjoys working with a variety of athletes and keeping up with the needs and common injuries of their sports. His current responsibilities include serving as the orthopedic physician to the Adelphi University Dance Program. "Sports injuries often require special consideration for minimiz- ing recovery time, as well as the importance of regaining full function at a high level," Dr. Ding says. "Treatments can range from bracing and physical therapy to surgical procedures such as ankle arthroscopy, complex ligament and tendon reconstructions, and osteochondral grafting procedures." Raising Awareness Bradley Wasserman, M.D., is another accomplished addition to the Winthrop-University Hospital orthopedic team. Specializing in sports medicine orthopedic surgery, he believes in highly individualized treatments and emphasizes the benefits of patient education and rehabilitative care. Dr. Wasserman trained at the University of Pittsburgh and most recently worked as assistant team physician for the Pittsburgh Penguins. "I consider an individual's functional demands, clinical exam, imaging studies and overall goals to optimize his or her treatment," says Dr. Wasserman. "Additionally, physical therapy is an integral part of my algorithm, and I am fortunate to work closely with therapists in the surrounding community." SPECIAL CLINICAL SECTION: ORTHOPEDICS