For Professionals

HSS Research and Clinical Trials: Protecting People Who Volunteer to Participate
HSS Institutional Review Board
Edward C. Jones, MD, MA

While most patients understand the importance of research and are inclined to participate, it is natural to have some concerns about joining a clinical trial. This article highlights these concerns and describes the role of the HSS Institutional Review Board in protecting the rights and interests of those who agree to take part in this valuable contribution to medical science. Read more

HSS and Safe Kids USA Team Up for Sports Injury Prevention

Almost 500,000 baseball-related injuries are treated in hospitals, doctors' offices, clinics, ambulatory surgery centers, and hospital emergency rooms annually. To help educate and prevent these injuries, HSS and Safe Kids USA sponsored an interactive and informative workshop on baseball safety for more than 100 children gathered at the Police Athletic League (PAL) in Washington Heights on April 3, 2008. Learn more

Anesthesiology Intensive Care Unit: Critical Care FAQs
HSS Anesthesiology Department

A significant number of our patients come to HSS with a variety of pre-existing heart and lung problems that require intensive care beyond the operating room. To better serve the needs of these patients as well as other patients undergoing complex surgery, the Department of Anesthesiology has created a designated Critical Care Team of physicians. This Q&A session covers the most frequently asked questions about the role this unit plays in the recovery of these patients. Read more

HSS Pediatric Outreach Program
HSS Education Division

Hospital for Special Surgery's Pediatric Outreach Program (POP) provides free musculoskeletal screenings to children in medically underserved communities in New York City. Through education and early detection, POP is leading the effort to prevent long-term disability from musculoskeletal disease or injury and to educate parents and children about musculoskeletal health. The program also arms physicians-in-training with cultural sensitivity skills needed to overcome the barriers to health care access and delivery faced by patients from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Learn more

HSS 25th Annual Tribute Dinner

Attend the annual HSS Gala event honoring GE Chairman and CEO Jeffrey R. Immelt at the World Financial Center's Winter Garden, on Monday, June 16, 2008. This black tie event, hosted by toastmaster Brian Williams, also honors Lifetime Achievement Award winner and HSS surgeon Richard S. Laskin, MD, who passed away earlier this year. Learn 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.

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

June 6, 2008
David B. Levine, MD, Honorary Lecture in Spinal Deformity
Adult Spinal Deformity
Ronald L. DeWald, MD
Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Rush University Medical Center

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 Randomized Comparison of NeoCart® to Microfracture for the Repair of Articular Cartilage Injuries in the Knee
Riley J. Williams III, MD

This research study follows 15 patients for five years after repair of articular cartilage injuries of the knee. Learn more

Minimally Invasive Surgical Approach versus Standard Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Double Blinded Study Comparing Postoperative Strength
Bryan J. Nestor, MD

The purpose of this study is to compare two surgical approaches used when performing a total knee replacement by a minimally invasive (MIS) approach. The goal of this study is to determine what the differences are in post-operative pain, strength, and walking following total knee replacement based upon the surgical approach and incision. Learn more

Cognitive Dysfunction, Diffusion Tensor Imaging and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in Antiphospholipid Antibody (aPL)-negative Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) versus aPL-positive non-SLE Patients
Doruk Erkan, MD

This study will enroll 40 lupus or antiphospholipid antibody positive patients for the administration of tests to examine general mental function and pictures of the brain (MRI). The purpose of the study is to measure mental abilities such as ability to concentrate and to remember things, and to examine any potential abnormalities in brain MRI pictures. Learn more

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Prevention in Total Hip Replacement: Continuous Enhanced Circulation Therapy (CECT) Versus Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH)
Douglas E. Padgett, MD

Some patients who have hip replacement surgery get blood clots in their legs after surgery. As a result, doctors give their patients medicine or stockings/cuffs (also known as "calf-squeezers") after surgery to help prevent blood clots. This research is being done to compare a new kind of 'calf squeezer' (ActiveCare™ CECT) - in combination with 81mg of Aspirin - to the medication Lovenox to prevent blood clots after total hip replacement surgery. Learn more

For Your Patients

Pediatric Orthopedics: An Introduction to Common Orthopedic Conditions Affecting Pediatric Patients

In this series of articles, surgeons from the HSS Pediatric Orthopedic Service review the most common orthopedic conditions affecting children and adolescents, including notes on diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Limb Lengthening for the Pediatric Patient
Roger F. Widmann, MD

Pediatric Foot Deformities
David M. Scher, MD

Kyphosis in the Pediatric Patient
Daniel W. Green, MD, FAAP
Roger F. Widmann, MD

Lupus-related Fatigue and Cognitive Dysfunction: The Chicken and the Egg
Melanie Harrison, MD

In those with lupus, the story of fatigue and cognitive dysfunction is what Dr. Harrison compares to the story of the "chicken and egg." Each symptom directly impacts the other and can wreak havoc upon the human body by forcing one to endure an ongoing cycle of confusion and exhaustion. This presentation, given to the SLE Workshop at HSS, discusses these symptomatic cycles in detail, and outlines their causes and effects. Read more

Tips for Tennis Players
Lee Rosenzweig, PT, DPT, CHT

Bring your best game to the court this summer - and all year round - while preventing injury. The HSS Sports Rehabilitation and Performance Department brings you this series of tips to optimize your performance and maintain your health. Learn more

Finding Lupus Information on the Internet
Tim Roberts, MLS

The Internet can be a great tool for finding health information regarding lupus and other conditions. But while there are some great sources for health information, there are also many websites with inaccurate or out of date content. In this presentation, Tim Roberts shared valuable strategies and tips for finding and evaluating accurate health information from the web, highlighting some resources of special value to those with lupus. Read more

Finally, the Right Diagnosis

Read about Bob Kopac, a recreational running fanatic who began to experience a terrible pain in his hip. After going to a local hospital for an MRI and being told his hips were normal, Mr. Kopac visited a number of different physicians over the next few years, trying to find someone who would be able to diagnose his problem. Then, he found HSS. Read more

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

Pilates for Golf Clinic
HSS Integrative Care Center
June 2, 9, 16, and 23

If you want lower scores, longer drives, and fewer injuries, then you need core strength, flexibility, and balance. This clinic will consist of floor and freestanding exercises designed to help improve your golf game, with a focus on reducing muscle imbalances and increasing the rotation through hips and legs, enabling a smooth, controlled, powerful swing. Learn more

Beginner Yoga-lates and Intermediate Yoga-lates
Eve Delachartre
6 Mondays, June 2 - July 14 (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

Greenberg Academy for Successful Aging Workshop:
Dealing with Difficult People
Janet Wolfe, PhD
June 4, 2008

Sometimes it is necessary to interact with people who are not easy to talk with - people who are aggressive, inconsiderate, complaining, or all-knowing. This lecture will teach you how to communicate effectively with difficult individuals while reducing your own frustration and emotional overreactions. Opportunities for role-playing demonstrations will be provided for those participants who would like to practice new skills. 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

Golf Pre-Season Training for Performance and Injury Prevention
Sports Rehabilitation and Performance Center
June 12, 2008, with practice session June 19, 2008

Join the HSS Rehabilitation Team for this two-part program to help you get into top shape for your upcoming golf season. Workshop concepts include performance enhancement and injury prevention, training the core for power and stability, and golf-specific biomechanics and functional training. Learn more