MDNews - Minnesota

SPECI A L+FE AT UR E A CTIVE INDIVIDUALS HAVE sub- mitted their lower extremities to miles of movement and thousands of quick turns and sudden stops — not to mention twists and tumbles of all kinds. Even among extremely fit athletes, lower limbs can suffer damage from activity. Motivated by a patient-centered philosophy and a desire to keep people involved in what they love best, the physicians at Summit Orthopedics use a variety of medical and surgical techniques, sup- ported by a robust physical therapy program, to help patients with knee and hip injuries recover maximum strength, stability and flexibility. Jack Skendzel, MD, a sports medicine physician at Summit Orthopedics, is familiar with the demands active people place on their bodies. A hiker and down- hill skier, he has served as team physician for the U.S. Ski Team, as well as college and high school sports teams. "Sports medicine is demanding because patients have high expectations for themselves and their treatments," he says. "Many were functioning at a peak level prior to injury. They may be in pain, but they want to get back to their activities. We have to establish a good rapport with the patients, make a sound diagnosis and arrive at a treatment plan that will return them to a high level of activity." Groin and Hip Pain Hip pain can interfere with the activi- ties of daily living as well as athletics. A simple adductor strain, for instance, can cause difficulty walking and make sitting uncomfortable. Dr. Skendzel and his colleagues help patients determine the source and cause of their pain. Then, they offer treatments to combat discomfort and return the patient to activity. Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), a condition in which the hip ball and socket are abnormally shaped and pinch against each other, is one common cause of hip pain. FAI can lead to labral tears, especially in young and active patients, Dr. Skendzel says. "Historically, many patients who had FAI were diagnosed with a chronic groin strain or muscle pull," he says. "Now, we have advanced diagnostic imaging and surgical techniques, allowing us to identify FAI and correct it." A thorough history and physical exam, supported by diagnostic imaging, is required to diagnose FAI. The first line By Jennifer Webster WHETHER PATIENTS WANT TO KNEEL AND PLANT ROSES, RUN AND THROW A FOOTBALL, OR SQUAT AND VEER DOWNHILL ON A PAIR OF SKIS, WHEN THEY EXPERIENCE HIP OR KNEE TROUBLE, THEY NEED AN EXPERIENCED SPORTS MEDICINE PHYSICIAN. Helping Active Patients Keep Moving Summit Orthopedics: 1 0 | Minnesota MD NEWS ■ M D N E W S . CO M

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