For Professionals

What's the Diagnosis?

This popular feature provides cases for physicians and medical students to work through, with further information provided in successive screens. A special emphasis of this feature is the careful selection of especially clear and representative images from the teaching collection of the Department of Radiology and Imaging at HSS.
This Month's Case: 13 year old boy with elevated ESR and difficulty bearing weight on right foot
- Review past cases

FDA Alert Regarding Lupus Medication: an HSS Rheumatology Perspective
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) in Patients Treated with Mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept)

On April 10, 2008, the FDA released a safety alert concerning a possible relationship between CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil) and the devastating neurological disease progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). In this piece, HSS Rheumatologists review these findings and offer their perspective on the issue.  Read more

Focusing on Doctor-Patient Communication with Older Adults
HSS Manage Your Care - VOICES/VOICES 60+ Program

This article, adapted from a presentation to the HSS Rheumatology Division, is a primer on the various ways and means of enhancing the medical care experience of older adults - especially those with a low income and/or an ethnically diverse background - with improved doctor/patient communication. Read more

HSS Occupational Therapy Department

April is Occupational Therapy Month, and the HSS Rehabilitation Department would like to take this opportunity to highlight the work of our own Occupational Therapists, who focus primarily on upper extremity function, acute care, and outpatient rehabilitation for adults and children. The Rehabilitation Department proudly offers two distinct, highly specialized components of Occupational Therapy: our on-site Hand Therapy and Pediatric Rehabilitation departments. Read more

Postsurgical Rehabilitation Guidelines for the Orthopedic Clinician
HSS Rehabilitation Department

The HSS Rehabilitation Department is proud to announce that a new, pocket-sized handbook version of the widely well-received Postsurgical Rehabilitation Guidelines for the Orthopedic Clinician has been published and is now available. The handbook highlights the easy-to-follow phase-guideline tables found in the original textbook, encapsulating crucial information into phases of healing and rehabilitation. Learn more

Partial Knee Replacement: Unicondylar and Bicompartmental Knee Replacement Options for Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Friedrich Boettner, MD

Total knee replacement (arthroplasty) has proven to be a very effective surgical treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee for many years. Relatively recently, however, partial knee replacement (also known as unicondylar knee replacement) has emerged as a possible - and viable - option for certain patients. This article, newly updated with several helpful images, provides a thorough overview of the options available in the practice of partial knee replacement and includes a short history of the procedure, notes on implant design, and information on candidacy and clinical results. Read more

Podcasts

Subscribe to the HSS patient and professional podcasts - free audio and video content available for downloading and listening/viewing using iTunes or your favorite podcast reader. These podcasts are comprised of interviews, patient testimonials, condition or treatment highlights, surgical videos, and many other subjects presented by the experts at HSS. Learn more

Professional Education Programs

Announcing Our CME Accreditation!

Hospital for Special Surgery is pleased to announce that we have been approved by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education as a CME Provider.

Tennis Pre-Season Training
May 7, 2008

Join the Rehabilitation Team for this 90-minute program to help get you into top shape for the upcoming tennis season. Course concepts include increasing performance and teaching proper body mechanics; injury prevention and proper match conditioning; and training the core for power and stability. Players, coaches, and trainers of all skill levels are welcome. Learn more

Controversies and Fundamentals in Regional Anesthesia: 12th Annual Symposium
May 17, 2008

This accredited Symposium is a comprehensive review of current regional anesthesia practice. Didactic sessions will include discussions on outcomes when ultrasound-guidance is used for regional blocks, effective discharge plans for the ambulatory patient who receives a regional anesthetic, and the safety and effectiveness of hypotensive epidural anesthesia. Learn more

4th International Conference on Giant Cell Arteritis & Polymyalgia Rheumatica
July 31-August 2, 2008

This international conference convenes periodically to advance knowledge in the study and treatment of large vessel vasculitis (GCA and Takayasu's Arteritis) and Polymyalgia Rheumatica. Speakers include internationally renowned thought leaders and experts who will present on a variety of basic science and clinical topics essential to the practitioner caring for patients with these complex disorders. Learn more

Visiting Professor Lecture Series

Hospital for Special Surgery's Visiting Professor Lecture Series is a Professional Education Department presentation of both Distinguished Research Lectures and Honorary Service Lectures, presenting current musculoskeletal research and related science and perspectives. Upcoming lectures

May 2, 2008
Lee Ramsey Straub, MD, Honorary Lecture in Hand Surgery
Mysteries of the Wrist
David Ruch, MD
Professor, Director of Orthopaedic Hand Surgery
Duke University Medical Center

May 16, 2008
Robert H. Freiberger, MD, Honorary Lecture in Musculoskeletal Radiology
Nuclear Medicine and the Failed Joint Replacement: Past, Present and Future
Christopher Palestro, MD
Professor of Nuclear Medicine and Radiology
Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Yeshiva University
Chief, Division of Nuclear Medicine
Long Island Jewish Medical Center

May 30, 2008
Distinguished Research Lecture
Why Bones Bend But Don't Break: What Cement Lines, Floyd Landis and Laundry Detergent Have in Common
David B. Burr, PhD
Professor and Chair
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Professor of Biomedical Engineering (IUPUI and Purdue)
Indiana University School of Medicine

Rheumatoid Arthritis: New Targeted Treatments
Free Online CME Program

Because the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors have been so successful in treating RA, many clinicians are interested in how the newer agents fit into a treatment plan that includes anti-TNF agents. HSS program faculty describe the major immunologic mechanisms that both lead to rheumatoid arthritis and are potential targets for treatment; choose the most effective, responsive and most practical disease activity measures to assure the best outcome; and recognize the modern and effective treatment options for RA and when to employ them. This program is available from September 6, 2007 to September 5, 2008. Learn more

Clinical Trials

HSS features controlled human studies of new and emerging therapies for:

Lupus Arthritis Antiphospholipid syndrome Skeletal Dysplasias Scleroderma Arthroplasty (joint replacement)

Osteoporosis Foot and ankle conditions Knee conditions Shoulder conditions Spine conditions

Highlighted trials from the clinical trial directory are listed below:

A Phase I, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Escalating Single- and Multiple-dose Study of the Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmakokinetics of RhuMab IFN alpha in Adults with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Kyriakos A. Kirou, MD

The purpose of this study is to investigate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics (how long the study drug stays in your blood) of rhuMAb IFNalpha for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in adults with SLE. The sponsor of this study is developing rhuMAb IFNalpha as a possible treatment to reduce the symptoms associated with SLE or other related diseases.  Learn more

Results of EndoButton™ Fixation Technique for Distal Biceps Tendon Repair
Scott W. Wolfe, MD

It is estimated that 20 subjects will be identified with distal biceps tendon rupture repaired using the EndoButton™ technique. Patients will be contacted in attempt to arrange one additional post-operative follow up appointment. At this visit, additional data will include a VAS pain score, DASH questionnaire, ROM, and strength testing using isokinetic testing. These outcomes will be measured at a minimum of 12 months post-operatively. Learn more

The Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Activity Gene Expression (SAGE) Study
Kyriakos A. Kirou, MD

This research study is designed to determine whether lupus disease activities (flares) can be diagnosed from a simple blood sample. From the data obtained from your genes, and the genes of other subjects in the study, we will attempt to discover which genes can diagnose or predict lupus flare. These genes might be used in the future to design therapies to treat SLE diseases. Learn more

For Your Patients

Talking with Your Doctor &
Talking with Your Doctor about Falls
HSS Manage Your Care - VOICES/VOICES 60+ Program

This series of tip sheets from the HSS VOICES Program can help older adults improve communication with their doctor about their care, including concerns about the causes and effects of falling, which is consistently a major issue affecting older patients. Learn more about talking with your doctor, and discussing falls with your doctor.

Myositis Research and Treatment: Directions and New Frontiers
Stephen J. DiMartino, MD

In this presentation to the HSS Myositis Support Group, Dr. DiMartino defines key terms in the progression of myositis and reviews current and future treatment options for the disease, including medications and physical therapy. Read more

2008 National Doctors Day

Doctors' Day provides a time for people to show appreciation to the doctors who care for them or their loved ones. Although Doctor's Day takes place each year on March 30th, it's never too late to say "thanks." Read patient tributes

Public and Patient Education Programs

Public and Patient Education Division: Spring 2008 Calendar of Events

The HSS Public and Patient Education Department strives to provide current and useful information to public and patient audiences through education programs, lectures/symposia, workshops, exercise classes, support groups, publications, and a patient education library. Upcoming programs

Beginner Yoga-lates and Intermediate Yoga-lates
Eve Delachartre
6 Mondays, June 2 - July14 (excluding 6/23)

Yoga-lates is a popular form of exercise that blends the best of Yoga and Pilates. Both techniques combine to help to improve stamina and posture while developing a general sense of well-being. In the beginner level class, participants focus on integrating breathing with movements and basic stretching, while learning the importance of core muscle strength for better posture. In the intermediate level class, the focus will be on elements learned in the beginner level class, along with more advanced movement sequences to improve strength and flexibility. Learn more about beginner or Learn more about intermediate

Beginner Pilates Mat Class
Advanced Pilates Mat Class
Katerhine Witzen-Roelofsen
6 Wednesdays, June 4 - July 16 (excluding 7/2)

Pilates is a series of specific movements designed to strengthen the powerhouse: muscles of the abdomen, back and waist (torso). Beginner Pilates will focus on strengthening the core, making movements more fluid, and balancing the body, all coupled with focused breathing patterns. Advanced Pilates is recommended for the beginning Pilates mat student who has a clear understanding of the basic fundamentals and exercises, but needs to work on improving strength and flexibility. Learn more about beginner or Learn more about advanced

15th Annual National Senior Health & Fitness Day
This program is sponsored in part by New York State Osteoporosis Prevention and Education Programs (NYSOPEP)
May 28, 2008

Join Hospital for Special Surgery for this special day celebrating keeping older Americans healthy and fit! Events include health lectures on nutrition and falls prevention, workshops such as dance instruction (no previous experience needed), chair exercises, health screenings, giveaways, refreshments and more. Space is limited to the first 50 registrants. Learn more

Can Brain Exercise Prevent Alzheimer's Dementia?
Emily Finkelstein, MD
May 29, 2008

We know that physical exercise has many health benefits and helps prevent chronic diseases associated with aging such as arthritis and heart disease. Studies have shown that "brain exercise" or "mental aerobics" is just as important as physical exercise and is a powerful way of keeping the brain healthy and fit. Brain exercise has been shown to prevent memory loss associated with Alzheimer's dementia. Join us to find out what is the best type of brain exercise, how often should you do it and if it really works. Learn more

Greenberg Academy for Successful Aging Workshop:
Health Information on the Web: Just a Click Away
Timothy Roberts, MLS
June 12, 2008

This hands-on workshop is designed to help you make sense out of health information on the Internet. Using a computer provided during class, you will learn the following: 1) Getting started (World Wide Web basics); 2) Introduction to reliable consumer health information; 3) Sources on the Internet (e.g., tips for healthy living, doctor's credentials, hospitals and drug information) and 4) How to discuss the information you find online with your doctor. Space is limited to 10 participants. Learn more