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John Pinkowski, MD Anthony Kantaras, MD KNEE INJURIES OFTEN occur in high-demand sports, like soccer, football, volleyball and basketball. One of the most common knee injuries, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) website, is an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprain or tear. According to the AAOS, an estimated 200,000 ACL injuries occur every year — about half in combination with damage to the meniscus, articular cartilage or other ligaments. At Cleveland Clinic Akron General, orthopedic surgeons John Pinkowski, MD, and Anthony Kantaras, MD, work together to ožer a unique approach to ACL reconstruction. Dr. Pinkowski is Executive Medical Director of Musculoskeletal Services and Chief of Sports Medicine. Anthony Kantaras, MD, is Associate Chief of Sports Medicine and Medical Director of Akron General Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy. Both physicians are board-certified in orthopedic surgery and fellowship-trained in sports medicine. Both are also Assistant Professors of Orthopedic Surgery at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED). "Our two-surgeon approach results in a more e³cient procedure that significantly reduces surgical time," says Dr. Pinkowski. "In general, this also results in a shorter anesthetic time, faster recovery and improved outcomes." For athletes, this may also mean reduced rehabilitation time and a quicker return to play. Working together, Drs. Pinkowski and Kantaras perform ACL reconstruction arthroscopically using a hamstring tendon or, less often, a patellar tendon when using an autograft (the patient's own tissue). For older patients or for revision ACL reconstruction, an allograft (donor tissue) is occasionally used. Tunnel placement is vital to the kinematic function of the ACL graft. "Using the medial portal for tunnel placement (instead of older transtibial techniques still used by some surgeons today) allows placement of the graft in the more natural and anatomic position during ACL reconstruction," says Dr. Kantaras. With appropriate surgical technique, the graft is remodeled and revascularized similar to the native ACL. A multi-faceted pain management program, coupled with comprehensive sports medicine and physical therapy programs at Akron General, provide additional support for a rapid recovery. The same day as their surgery, patients are up and moving with immediate weight bearing and early range of motion. This increases strength and minimizes stižness. In less than two weeks, most patients are walking without the aid of crutches. "Our team of physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers and strength and conditioning coaches understands that the rehabilitation of orthopedic and musculoskeletal injuries is only part of the recovery process," says Dr. Kantaras. "Because we've been providing medical coverage to area high schools for more than 20 years, we know the special concerns of athletes and the importance of addressing the emotional and mental aspects of recovery, as well as the injury itself." In addition to ACL tears, Dr. Kantaras and Dr. Pinkowski specialize in arthroscopic treatment of other knee injuries, and in shoulder injuries, as well. These include meniscal tears, rotator cuž tears, shoulder dislocations and labral injuries. For more information about Akron General Sports Medicine, visit akrongeneral.org. To refer a patient, call 330-344-BONE (2663). Same-day or next-day appointments are available. ■ M D N E W S . C O M /// M D N E W S C L E V E L A N D /A K R O N / C A N T O N n J A N / F E B 2 016 1 9 ACL P H Y S I C I A N S P O T L I G H T 1 9 A TEAM APPROACH TO ACL occur in high-demand sports, like soccer, football, volleyball and basketball. One of the most common knee injuries, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) website, is an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprain or tear. According to the AAOS, an occur in high-demand sports, like soccer, football, volleyball and basketball. One of the most common knee injuries, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) website, is an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprain or tear. According to the AAOS, an estimated 200,000 ACL injuries occur every year — about half in combination with damage to the At Cleveland Clinic Akron General, orthopedic surgeons John Pinkowski, MD, and Anthony At Cleveland Clinic Akron General, orthopedic surgeons John Pinkowski, MD, and Anthony Kantaras, MD, work together to ožer a unique approach to ACL reconstruction. Dr. Pinkowski is Executive Medical Director of Musculoskeletal Services and Chief of Sports Medicine. Anthony Kantaras, MD, work together to ožer a unique approach to ACL reconstruction. Dr. Pinkowski is Executive Medical Director of Musculoskeletal Services and Chief of Sports Medicine. Anthony Kantaras, MD, is Associate Chief of Sports Medicine and Medical Director of Akron General Sports Kantaras, MD, is Associate Chief of Sports Medicine and Medical Director of Akron General Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy. Both physicians are board-certified in orthopedic surgery and fellowship-trained in sports medicine. Both are also Assistant Professors of Orthopedic Surgery Reconstruction