Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/442115
the medial upper condyle, Dr. Gaffney explains. The repetitive motion stresses the developing, nonossified cartilaginous area. Overuse injuries to this susceptible area begin with pain and discomfort and can progress to evulsion fractures. Gymnastics can also lead to overuse injuries, as the sport involves constant loading of the upper extremities. "Gymnastics require tremendous force on the medial upper condyle," Dr. Gaffney says. "When children participate in the sport all year, it can overload the medial condyle and cause a fracture." In early stages, overuse injuries can be treated nonsurgically. But if overuse injuries are allowed to perpetuate, surgery may be required to treat a fracture. In severe cases, osteochondritis dissecans may develop around the knee and elbow, which takes longer to treat. Sometimes surgery is required to reduce and fix an avulsion that significantly displaces the upper medial condyle. Space to Operate W hen patients require surger y, Winthrop-University Hospital is com- mitted to expediting the process. A dedicated operating room for trauma patients expedites time between admission and surgery. A team of attendings, residents and physician assistants determines the necessity for surgical intervention and alerts the operating room staff. Surgery often takes place the day of admittance, but if patients are admitted late at night, surgery typically happens the next day. Prioritizing trauma patients reduces the number of late-night operations, which is a boon for patients. "Middle-of-the-night-procedures some- times happen out of necessity, but these are not ideal because surgeons have often already spent long days in surgery and familiar operating teams may not be able to be assembled," Dr. Gould says. "Having our own operating room enables us to avoid these situations when possible. By dedicating an operating room to trauma patients, Winthrop-University Hospital has demonstrated its commitment to providing the highest standards of care for patients with traumatic injuries." For more inf or mat ion about com- prehensive orthopedic trauma ser vices at Winthrop-Universit y Hospital, visit www.winthrop.org. n "Winthrop- University Hospital is dedicated to treating trauma patients in the best possible manner, so procedures aren't scheduled at the end of the day. We have an operating room designated for trauma cases, and our best surgical teams are available to assist in these cases." — Jason Gould, MD, Chief of the Division of Orthopedic Trauma at Winthrop- University Hospital Some of the members of the support team for Winthrop's Department of Orthopedic Surgery SPECIAL CLINICAL SECTION: ORTHOPEDICS M D N E W S . CO M n MD NEWS Long Island | 1 9