The Sports Docs Podcast

SportsDocsPod
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Sports medicine is a constantly evolving field, with hundreds of new articles published each month on the topic. This ever-growing wealth of information can make it challenging to stay updated on the newest approaches and techniques, and to know which data should actually change your practice. Join orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Catherine Logan and Dr. Ashley Bassett, as they chat about the most recent developments in sports medicine and dissect through all the noise. On each episode of The Sports Docs podcast, the hosts will tackle a specific injury – from ACL tears to shoulder instability – and review the top research from various high-impact journals that month, including The American Journal of Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Sports Health, Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, and more. The Sports Docs will also be joined by experts in the field of sports medicine – orthopedic surgeons, nonoperative sports medicine specialists, athletes, physical therapists, athletic trainers and others – to provide a fresh and well-rounded perspective based on their unique experiences. The Sports Docs – Dr. Logan & Dr. Bassett – are friends & former co-residents from the Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program, who went onto esteemed sports medicine fellowships at The Steadman Clinic and The Rothman Institute, respectively. Dr. Logan practices in Denver, CO, and serves as Team Physician for Men's USA Lacrosse & as a Team Physician for U.S. Ski & Snowboard. Dr. Bassett is the director of the Women’s Sports Medicine Center at the Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey and practices across northern NJ, primarily in Morris and Sussex Counties. Together, they will bring monthly conversations on how to care for athletes of all ages and levels of play, with a healthy mix of cutting-edge science and real-world application. 

  1. 6h ago

    199: Overtime – Cuff Repair and the Biceps: To Kill or Not to Kill?

    Overtime – Cuff Repair and the Biceps: To Kill or Not to Kill?The Sports Docs Podcast | Overtime Are you a biceps killer? Or do you prefer to leave a normal-appearing biceps tendon alone during rotator cuff repair? In this episode of Overtime with The Sports Docs, Dr. Ashley Bassett and Dr. Catherine Logan tackle one of the longstanding debates in shoulder surgery: Should surgeons routinely release the long head of the biceps tendon during rotator cuff repair, even when the tendon appears completely normal? We review a prospective, multicenter randomized clinical trial published in the May 2025 issue of The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS) titled “Preservation Versus Release of Normal Long Head of Biceps Tendon in Repair of Isolated Stage-1 Supraspinatus Tears.” Conducted across 13 centers in France, this study compared biceps preservation with biceps release (tenotomy or tenodesis) in patients undergoing arthroscopic repair of isolated, minimally retracted supraspinatus tears. Key Findings Better functional outcomes with biceps release: At two years, patients undergoing biceps release demonstrated significantly higher Constant-Murley scores (86.8 vs. 82.9) and improved ASES scores compared with those undergoing preservation.Higher rates of clinically meaningful improvement: 97% of patients in the release group achieved the minimal clinically important difference in Constant score, compared with 88% in the preservation group.Fewer functional failures: Only 3% of patients undergoing biceps release had a Constant score below 70, compared with 15% in the preservation group.Fewer reoperations: Four patients in the preservation group required subsequent surgery to address symptomatic biceps pathology, compared with zero in the release group.Similar rotator cuff healing rates: Ultrasound demonstrated comparable cuff healing between groups, suggesting the functional differences were not attributable to improved tendon healing.The tradeoff? Popeye deformity: Biceps release was associated with a higher incidence of cosmetic deformity.Tenotomy versus tenodesis: Subgroup analysis demonstrated no significant differences in functional outcomes between the two release techniques.What Does This Mean for Clinical Practice? Does this study justify routinely performing a biceps procedure during rotator cuff repair, even when the tendon looks healthy? Ashley and Catherine discuss the implications of these findings, including the possibility of occult biceps degeneration, the clinical significance of relatively modest differences in outcome scores, and whether prophylactic biceps treatment may reduce persistent symptoms and future surgery. They also explore why shared decision-making remains essential, particularly for younger athletes, manual laborers, and patients concerned about cosmetic deformity, cramping, or postoperative strength. Our Takeaway This study provides compelling evidence that releasing a normal-appearing long head of the biceps tendon during repair of an isolated stage-1 supraspinatus tear may improve functional outcomes and reduce subsequent biceps-related surgery. However, statistically significant differences do not always translate into substantial clinical improvements for every patient. Individual patient goals, activity demands, cosmetic concerns, and surgeon experience should continue to guide treatment decisions. The bottom line: A normal-looking biceps tendon may not always be a normal-functioning biceps tendon. This study adds important evidence to the ongoing debate over preservation versus release during rotator cuff repair. Article Discussed Preservation Versus Release of Normal Long Head of Biceps Tendon in Repair of Isolated Stage-1 Supraspinatus Tears. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS), May 2025. Stay Connected with The Sports Docs Podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also watch our episodes on YouTube! Follow us on Instagram: @thesportsdocspod Email: thesportsdocspod@gmail.com Website: www.thesportsdocspod.com If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with a colleague!

  2. Oct 12

    198: Dr. Kenneth Hunt - Modern Management of Ankle Instability (Part II)

    In Part II of our conversation with Dr. Ken Hunt, orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon at the University of Colorado, we explore two important diagnoses that can complicate ankle injuries: syndesmotic injuries (high ankle sprains) and osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs). This episode of The Sports Docs Podcast is brought to you by BraceLab. Whether you are recovering from an injury, managing everyday discomfort, or just trying to stay active and move confidently, BraceLab has you covered with high-quality, innovative support solutions.  We’ll tell you a bit more about how they are changing the game for ankle instability later in the show, but for now, you can learn more at BraceLab.com. For free samples, email samples@bracelab.com and mention The Sports Docs. We begin with the anatomy and biomechanics of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, highlighting how high ankle sprains differ from traditional lateral ankle sprains in their mechanism, clinical presentation, and recovery. Dr. Hunt discusses the importance of distinguishing syndesmotic ligament injury from true mechanical instability, the role of physical examination and advanced imaging, and when surgical stabilization is indicated. We then review the evolution of syndesmotic fixation, including the transition from traditional screw fixation toward dynamic suture-button constructs such as TightRope. We discuss the evidence supporting suture-button fixation, including improved functional outcomes, lower rates of implant removal, and reduced malreduction rates in some comparative studies. Next, we shift our focus to osteochondral lesions of the talus, an important consideration in athletes with persistent deep ankle pain, swelling, or mechanical symptoms following an ankle sprain. Dr. Hunt shares his approach to diagnosis, including the complementary roles of MRI and CT, and explains how lesion stability, size, location, subchondral bone involvement, and prior treatment influence management. We explore the expanding surgical treatment options for talar cartilage injuries, from arthroscopic debridement and bone marrow stimulation to osteochondral grafting and emerging cartilage restoration techniques. Dr. Hunt also discusses how he approaches return-to-play decisions and the importance of evaluating more than symptom resolution alone. Topics covered include: High versus low ankle sprains: anatomy, mechanism, and recoveryDiagnosing syndesmotic instability with physical examination, radiographs, MRI, and weight-bearing imagingIndications for operative versus nonoperative management of syndesmotic injuriesSyndesmotic screw fixation versus dynamic suture-button stabilizationRecognizing osteochondral lesions after ankle sprainsMRI and CT findings that guide talar cartilage treatmentNonoperative management of stable osteochondral lesionsArthroscopic versus open approaches to talar cartilage restorationBone marrow stimulation, osteochondral grafting, and emerging cartilage repair techniquesReturn-to-play considerations following ankle injury and surgeryClinical takeaway: An ankle sprain is not a single diagnosis. Successful treatment depends on identifying the injured structures, determining whether mechanical instability or cartilage damage is present, and selecting a treatment strategy that addresses the athlete's pathology and functional demands. Join Drs. Ashley Bassett and Catherine Logan for the second half of this evidence-based discussion on modern ankle injury management. Listen to Part I for our discussion of acute lateral ankle sprains, chronic lateral ankle instability, and contemporary ligament treatment strategies. Find the research articles discussed in this episode and more from The Sports Docs Podcast at www.thesportsdocspod.com.

  3. Oct 9

    197: Dr. Kenneth Hunt - Modern Management of Ankle Instability (Part I)

    This video is about Ken HuntOn today’s episode of The Sports Docs Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Kenneth Hunt, Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Chief of Foot and Ankle Surgery at the University of Colorado, Director of the UCHealth Foot and Ankle Center, and team physician for University of Colorado Athletics and the Denver Nuggets. This episode of The Sports Docs Podcast is brought to you by BraceLab. Whether you are recovering from an injury, managing everyday discomfort, or just trying to stay active and move confidently, BraceLab has you covered with high-quality, innovative support solutions.  We’ll tell you a bit more about how they are changing the game for ankle instability later in the show, but for now, you can learn more at BraceLab.com. For free samples, email samples@bracelab.com and mention The Sports Docs. In Part I, we take a comprehensive look at lateral ankle sprains and chronic ankle instability. We discuss how to evaluate the athlete with an acute ankle injury, red flags that should prompt consideration of associated pathology, and when advanced imaging is warranted. Dr. Hunt walks us through his approach to early treatment, including the role of bracing, progressive weight bearing, and rehabilitation. We discuss what makes an effective ankle brace, when athletes should continue bracing after returning to sport, and why bracing should complement—not replace—proprioceptive and neuromuscular training. We also review the factors that may predict progression from a first-time ankle sprain to chronic ankle instability, including impaired jumping and landing ability and persistent deficits in dynamic balance. The conversation then shifts to management of chronic instability. Dr. Hunt explains when persistent instability becomes a surgical problem and how the Broström procedure has evolved from traditional anatomic repair to modern techniques incorporating arthroscopy, contemporary anchor technology, and, in selected patients, internal brace augmentation. We discuss: Evaluation of the acute lateral ankle sprainRed flags for associated ankle pathologyWhen to obtain MRI or other advanced imagingBracing during acute recovery and return to sportProprioception, balance, and neuromuscular rehabilitationRisk factors for chronic ankle instabilityReturn-to-play considerations and the PAASS frameworkIndications for surgery in chronic lateral ankle instabilityModern Broström repairInternal brace augmentation: who may benefit and whether every Broström needs itPart II: High Ankle Sprains & Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus In Part II, we will continue our conversation with Dr. Hunt and turn our attention to syndesmotic—or “high”—ankle sprains and osteochondral lesions of the talus. We examine the evolving management of syndesmotic injuries, including evidence comparing suture-button fixation with traditional syndesmotic screws. We discuss the potential advantages of dynamic fixation, including improved functional outcomes, fewer implant-related complications and hardware removals, and lower rates of malreduction. Finally, we tackle osteochondral lesions of the talus, reviewing diagnosis and treatment options ranging from nonoperative management to microfracture, cartilage and bone grafting, and newer cartilage-restoration strategies. Articles Discussed Recovery From a First-Time Lateral Ankle Sprain and the Predictors of Chronic Ankle Instability American Journal of Sports Medicine, 2016 Brace for Impact: A Retrospective Analysis of the Modified Broström-Gould Procedure With and Without Internal Brace Augmentation Cureus, 2023 Suture Button Versus Syndesmotic Screw for Syndesmosis Injuries: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials American Journal of Sports Medicine, 2019 Evaluation and Management of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus Cartilage, 2017 Modified Broström vs Suture Tape Augmentation: A Systematic Review Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery, 2025 Internal Brace Augmentation Versus Modified Broström-Gould Procedure for Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Functional and Radiographic Outcomes Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 2026 Subscribe to The Sports Docs Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube. You can also find us on Instagram @thesportsdocspod or reach us at thesportsdocspod@gmail.com. www.cloganmd.com www.cosportsmedicine.com / https://orthopedicnj.com/physicians/ashley-bassett

  4. Sep 28

    196: Adding the LET: Does Graft Protection Come at a Cost?

    On today’s episode of The Sports Docs Podcast, we’re discussing the 2026 Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine article, “The Impact of Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis on Knee Range of Motion After Pediatric Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction,” by Hamad and colleagues from UCLA. The use of lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) alongside ACL reconstruction continues to increase, particularly in young athletes at high risk for reinjury. While growing evidence suggests that LET can improve rotational stability and reduce ACL graft failure, questions remain about whether adding an extra-articular restraint may increase the risk of postoperative stiffness. In this retrospective cohort study, the authors evaluated 412 pediatric ACL reconstructions, including 167 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with LET. The primary outcome was restricted range of motion at three months, defined as a ≥5° extension deficit or ≥15° flexion deficit compared with the contralateral knee. We discuss several key findings: Restricted range of motion at three months occurred in 16.8% of ACLR + LET patients compared with 10.2% following isolated ACL reconstruction.After adjustment for patient and surgical factors, LET was associated with approximately twice the odds of restricted postoperative motion.Female sex was the strongest predictor identified, with more than four times the odds of restricted motion.Most motion deficits involved flexion rather than extension.Although most patients with early motion loss did not require another procedure, 4.2% of the LET group underwent manipulation under anesthesia and/or lysis of adhesions compared with 0.4% of the isolated ACL group.We also discuss why these findings should not discourage surgeons from performing LET in appropriately selected athletes.  Instead, the study highlights a potential trade-off between graft protection and early postoperative motion, reinforcing the importance of appropriate patient selection, careful LET positioning and tensioning, early restoration of knee motion, and close postoperative surveillance. Finally, we review the limitations of this retrospective study and discuss how evolving LET indications, graft selection, fixation techniques, rehabilitation adherence, and surgical technique may influence these findings. The takeaway: LET provides meaningful protection for the ACL graft in young, high-risk athletes—but surgeons and rehabilitation teams should remain vigilant about restoring motion and identifying patients who begin to fall behind early in recovery. Article Hamad et al. The Impact of Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis on Knee Range of Motion After Pediatric Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2026. Thanks for listening to The Sports Docs Podcast! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube to stay up to date on the latest developments in sports medicine. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving us a review or comment. Email: thesportsdocspod@gmail.com Instagram: @thesportsdocspod

  5. Sep 21

    195: From the OR to the Octagon (Part 2): Cub Swanson’s Endoscopic Spine Journey with Guests Cub Swanson and Dr. Sohrab Gollogly

    In this special Athlete Highlight episode, we are back with Cub Swanson & Dr. Sohrab Gollogly - bringing together two sides of the surgical experience: the athlete who underwent surgery and the surgeon who performed it. Professional mixed martial artist and UFC Hall of Famer Cub Swanson joins his surgeon, orthopedic spine specialist Dr. Sohrab Gollogly, for a conversation about endoscopic spine surgery—from the athlete’s perspective and the surgeon’s point of view. In This Episode: Part Two In the next episode, we’ll continue the discussion and shift our focus to postoperative recovery and return to play following endoscopic spine surgery. What does recovery look like for a professional fighter? When can an athlete begin training again? And what does it take to get back to the highest level of competition? Meet Our Guests Cub Swanson Cub Swanson is a veteran professional mixed martial artist and one of the most respected featherweights of his generation. Swanson turned professional in 2004 and became a standout in the WEC before making his UFC debut in 2011. Known for his exciting and aggressive fighting style, he has faced many of the biggest names in MMA and has built a professional career spanning more than two decades. He was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame’s Fight Wing in 2022. Outside the Octagon, Cub is a father of three and is passionate about mentoring the next generation of fighters and giving back to the sport that helped transform his life. Dr. Sohrab Gollogly Dr. Sohrab Gollogly is a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon with more than 20 years of experience treating spinal disorders. Based in Monterey, California, Dr. Gollogly specializes in minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgery, with particular interests in motion preservation and avoiding unnecessary fusion surgery. He completed his medical training at the University of Washington, orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Utah, and advanced fellowship training in adult spine surgery in Lyon, France, as well as pediatric spine surgery in San Diego. Dr. Gollogly is also a founding member of the EndoSpine Academy at Balgrist University Hospital in Zurich, where he is involved in surgeon education and the advancement of endoscopic spine techniques. Why This Conversation Matters Endoscopic spine surgery continues to evolve, and for athletes, the potential advantages of minimally invasive approaches extend beyond the operating room. For a professional fighter, the goals may include more than relieving pain or treating a structural problem. Motion, strength, function, recovery time, and the ability to return to a high-demand sport all matter. By hearing directly from both the athlete and surgeon, this episode explores what happens when those goals intersect—and what the decision-making process looks like when the stakes are a professional career. The Sports Docs Podcast Hosted by Dr. Ashley Bassett and Dr. Catherine Logan Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube to stay up to date on the latest in sports medicine. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving us a review or comment—it helps other sports medicine professionals and athletes find the show. Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Email: thesportsdocspod@gmail.com Instagram: @thesportsdocspod

  6. Sep 14

    194: From the OR to the Octagon (Part 1): Cub Swanson’s Endoscopic Spine Journey with Guests Cub Swanson and Dr. Sohrab Gollogly

    In this special Athlete Highlight episode, we’re bringing together two sides of the surgical experience: the athlete who underwent surgery and the surgeon who performed it. Professional mixed martial artist and UFC Hall of Famer Cub Swanson joins his surgeon, orthopedic spine specialist Dr. Sohrab Gollogly, for a conversation about endoscopic spine surgery—from the athlete’s perspective and the surgeon’s point of view. In This Episode Why spinal injuries can be particularly challenging for professional combat athletesCub Swanson’s experience with a spinal condition that threatened his ability to continue competingWhat led to the decision to pursue endoscopic spine surgeryHow minimally invasive endoscopic techniques may offer an alternative to more traditional spine proceduresThe surgeon’s perspective on patient selection, motion preservation, and avoiding unnecessary fusionWhat it is like to make a surgical decision when your career depends on your physical performanceThe importance of balancing surgical treatment with an athlete’s goals, expectations, and desire to return to competitionThe evolving role of endoscopic techniques in sports medicine and spine careMeet Our Guests Cub Swanson Cub Swanson is a veteran professional mixed martial artist and one of the most respected featherweights of his generation. Swanson turned professional in 2004 and became a standout in the WEC before making his UFC debut in 2011. Known for his exciting and aggressive fighting style, he has faced many of the biggest names in MMA and has built a professional career spanning more than two decades. He was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame’s Fight Wing in 2022. Outside the Octagon, Cub is a father of three and is passionate about mentoring the next generation of fighters and giving back to the sport that helped transform his life. Dr. Sohrab Gollogly Dr. Sohrab Gollogly is a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon with more than 20 years of experience treating spinal disorders. Based in Monterey, California, Dr. Gollogly specializes in minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgery, with particular interests in motion preservation and avoiding unnecessary fusion surgery. He completed his medical training at the University of Washington, orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Utah, and advanced fellowship training in adult spine surgery in Lyon, France, as well as pediatric spine surgery in San Diego. Dr. Gollogly is also a founding member of the EndoSpine Academy at Balgrist University Hospital in Zurich, where he is involved in surgeon education and the advancement of endoscopic spine techniques. Why This Conversation Matters Endoscopic spine surgery continues to evolve, and for athletes, the potential advantages of minimally invasive approaches extend beyond the operating room. For a professional fighter, the goals may include more than relieving pain or treating a structural problem. Motion, strength, function, recovery time, and the ability to return to a high-demand sport all matter. By hearing directly from both the athlete and surgeon, this episode explores what happens when those goals intersect—and what the decision-making process looks like when the stakes are a professional career. Up Next -- Part Two In the next episode, we’ll continue the discussion and shift our focus to postoperative recovery and return to play following endoscopic spine surgery. What does recovery look like for a professional fighter? When can an athlete begin training again? And what does it take to get back to the highest level of competition? Stay tuned for Part Two! The Sports Docs Podcast Hosted by Dr. Ashley Bassett and Dr. Catherine Logan Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube to stay up to date on the latest in sports medicine. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving us a review or comment—it helps other sports medicine professionals and athletes find the show. Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Email: thesportsdocspod@gmail.com Instagram: @thesportsdocspod

  7. Sep 7

    193: ACL 2.0: Playbook for Reducing Retear Risk with Dr. Pat Smith and Dr. Aaron Krych (REBOOT)

    Live from the Arthrex Team Physician Controversies Conference (& Happy Labor Day!) In this episode of The Sports Docs Podcast, Dr. Ashley Bassett and Dr. Catherine Logan sit down LIVE from the Arthrex Team Physician Controversies with two leading ACL experts—Dr. Pat Smith and Dr. Aaron Krych—to discuss strategies to reduce failure after ACL reconstruction. The conversation highlights the evolution of ACL surgery, focusing on graft selection, fixation, biologic augmentation, and mechanical protection, with an emphasis on optimizing outcomes in young, high-risk athletes. Graft: Autograft vs Allograft Strong evidence shows higher failure rates with allograft in young athletes  MOON data: ~4–6x increased risk of failure in patients 25 years   Allograft best for:  Older, lower-demand patients  Revision or multi-ligament cases Autograft Selection Graft choice depends on:  Age, sex, sport, and anatomy BTB:  Preferred for high-level pivoting athletes  Strong fixation, less graft elongation Quadriceps tendon:  Increasingly utilized  Larger graft diameter  Less donor-site morbidity vs BTB  Particularly useful in younger and female athletes Key insight:  Grafts 8 mm are associated with higher failure risk Internal Brace (IB) Indications:  Young athletes  Hyperlax patients  Revision ACL Benefits:  Decreased graft elongation and cyclic displacement  Reduced postoperative laxity  Lower rerupture rates (~1% at 5 years in some studies)  Faster return to sport and improved rehab confidence Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis (LET) Strong evidence supports reduced failure rates:  Primary ACLR: ~11% → 4% (high-risk patients)  Revision ACLR: ~21% → 5% Benefits:  Decreased pivot shift  Improved return to pre-injury sport  Cost-effective in high-risk populations Indications for LET  Age ≤25 years  High-grade pivot shift  Knee hyperextension  Return to cutting/pivoting sports  Revision ACL reconstruction LET Surgical Technique Pearls IT band graft (7–8 cm x 1 cm)  Passed under or near LCL depending on technique  Fixation near lateral epicondyle Pearls:  Fix in neutral rotation and ~30–60° flexion  Avoid overconstraint  Close IT band defect Featured Guests Dr. Pat Smith – Hospital for Special Surgery Naples Dr. Aaron Krych – Mayo Clinic, Team Physician for the Minnesota Timberwolves Stay Connected Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Follow us on Instagram for more insights on cutting-edge sports medicine, athlete recovery, and performance https://www.instagram.com/thesportsdocspod/ Our Hosts: Catherine Logan, MD, MBA https://www.cloganmd.com/ Ashley Bassett, MD https://orthopedicnj.com/physicians/ashley-bassett www.thesportsdocspod.com

  8. Aug 31

    192: Stabilizing the Syndesmosis: Modern Approaches to a Common Problem with Dr. Kevin Martin - Live at AOSSM 2026

    High ankle sprains and syndesmosis injuries can be some of the most challenging ankle injuries to diagnose and manage—particularly when instability requires surgical intervention. In this special episode of The Sports Docs Podcast LIVE from the AOSSM Annual Meeting in Seattle, hosts Ashley Bassett, MD, and Catherine Logan, MD, sit down with Kevin Martin, DO, Orthopaedic Surgeon at The Ohio State University, to discuss modern approaches to syndesmosis stabilization. The conversation explores how surgical management has evolved from traditional rigid screw fixation toward dynamic stabilization strategies and what that evolution means for reduction accuracy, rehabilitation, and return to sport. Dr. Martin shares his approach to determining when a syndesmosis injury requires surgery and walks listeners through important technical considerations for achieving and maintaining an anatomic reduction. The discussion covers practical surgical pearls and pitfalls, including reduction techniques, clamp positioning, tunnel placement, button seating, and avoiding syndesmotic malreduction. The group also discusses how surgeons determine when additional fixation may be beneficial, including the decision to use one versus two dynamic fixation constructs in athletes, high-energy injuries, and more rotationally unstable patterns. Later in the episode, the conversation turns to postoperative rehabilitation and return-to-sport progression, including how injury severity and associated fractures influence decisions surrounding range of motion, weightbearing, running, cutting, and return to competition. Finally, the episode explores modern options for managing syndesmosis injuries associated with distal fibula fractures, including intramedullary fibular fixation and how implant design continues to evolve to support minimally invasive fracture fixation and syndesmosis stabilization. In This Episode, We Discuss: When syndesmosis injuries can be treated nonoperatively—and when surgery is indicatedIdentifying syndesmotic instability in athletesThe evolution from rigid fixation to dynamic syndesmosis stabilizationAdvantages and limitations of traditional syndesmotic screw fixationWhy anatomic reduction remains the most important step in successful syndesmosis surgerySurgical pearls for avoiding syndesmotic malreductionClamp positioning and the risks of over-compressionTunnel placement and implant positioning considerationsOne versus two fixation constructs: when is additional stabilization necessary?Managing rotational instability and high-energy injury patternsPostoperative rehabilitation and return-to-sport progressionTreating syndesmosis injuries associated with distal fibula fracturesIntramedullary fibular fixation as an alternative to traditional plate fixationEmerging technology and the future of syndesmosis stabilizationKey Takeaway Successful treatment of syndesmosis injuries starts with recognizing instability and achieving an accurate anatomic reduction. As fixation technology and surgical techniques continue to evolve, surgeons have more options to balance stability, physiologic motion, rehabilitation, and return to sport. This episode of The Sports Docs Podcast was recorded LIVE at the AOSSM Annual Meeting in Seattle and is sponsored by Arthrex. Stay Connected If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sports-docs-podcast/id1557160983 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/01LSRvAWnz2gk8qyPd1Qbw?si=13cc745f43b740c0 Amazon Music:  https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f15121d5-cc57-4201-9f2f-d6c2b26a3800/the-sports-docs-podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw48o9AbLmOoQk5fHfhsXFA Follow us on Instagram for more insights on cutting-edge sports medicine, athlete recovery, and performance https://www.instagram.com/thesportsdocspod/ Our Hosts: Catherine Logan, MD, MBA https://www.cloganmd.com/ Ashley Bassett, MD https://orthopedicnj.com/physicians/ashley-bassett www.thesportsdocspod.com

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About

Sports medicine is a constantly evolving field, with hundreds of new articles published each month on the topic. This ever-growing wealth of information can make it challenging to stay updated on the newest approaches and techniques, and to know which data should actually change your practice. Join orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Catherine Logan and Dr. Ashley Bassett, as they chat about the most recent developments in sports medicine and dissect through all the noise. On each episode of The Sports Docs podcast, the hosts will tackle a specific injury – from ACL tears to shoulder instability – and review the top research from various high-impact journals that month, including The American Journal of Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Sports Health, Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, and more. The Sports Docs will also be joined by experts in the field of sports medicine – orthopedic surgeons, nonoperative sports medicine specialists, athletes, physical therapists, athletic trainers and others – to provide a fresh and well-rounded perspective based on their unique experiences. The Sports Docs – Dr. Logan & Dr. Bassett – are friends & former co-residents from the Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program, who went onto esteemed sports medicine fellowships at The Steadman Clinic and The Rothman Institute, respectively. Dr. Logan practices in Denver, CO, and serves as Team Physician for Men's USA Lacrosse & as a Team Physician for U.S. Ski & Snowboard. Dr. Bassett is the director of the Women’s Sports Medicine Center at the Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey and practices across northern NJ, primarily in Morris and Sussex Counties. Together, they will bring monthly conversations on how to care for athletes of all ages and levels of play, with a healthy mix of cutting-edge science and real-world application. 

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  • Creator
    SportsDocsPod
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    199
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Sports Docs Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Sports Docs Podcast

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