The Sports Docs Podcast

SportsDocsPod
  • 4.9 (29)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Weekly

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. 2d ago

    181: Overtime – Secondary Injury after ACL Reconstruction in Professional Soccer Players

    The FIFA World Cup and ACL injuries remain one of the most impactful injuries in professional soccer. While much of the discussion around ACL reconstruction focuses on graft choice, rehabilitation, and return-to-play timelines, a new study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine highlights an often-overlooked challenge: secondary muscle injuries after athletes return to competition. In this episode of Overtime with The Sports Docs, Drs. Ashley Bassett and Catherine Logan review the newly published article, "Secondary Muscle Injuries and Performance Decline After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Professional Soccer." The study examines the incidence, timing, and impact of muscle injuries following ACL reconstruction in elite soccer players and explores how these injuries affect performance, playing time, and even market value. The findings reinforce an important principle in sports medicine: return to play is not the finish line—it is only the next phase of recovery. Key Discussion Points Understanding ACL Injuries in Soccer Common mechanisms of ACL injury in soccerWhy cutting, pivoting, deceleration, and landing place soccer players at particularly high riskThe career implications of ACL injuries in professional athletesACL Reconstruction Graft Options Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone (BTB) autograftHamstring tendon autograftQuadriceps tendon autograftAdvantages and disadvantages of each graft choiceWhy allograft tissue is generally avoided in elite athletesModern Return-to-Play Decision Making Moving beyond time-based return-to-play criteriaStrength testing and limb symmetryHop testing and movement analysisNeuromuscular control assessmentPsychological readiness for sportOngoing graft maturation and biologic healingStudy Review: Secondary Muscle Injuries After ACL Reconstruction The authors evaluated professional male soccer players from Europe's top leagues who underwent ACL reconstruction between 2020 and 2023 and compared them with matched healthy controls. Key findings included: 32.5% of ACL-reconstructed players sustained a secondary muscle injury within one year of return to playOnly 12.5% of matched controls experienced muscle injuriesACL-reconstructed athletes were more than twice as likely to sustain a muscle injury after returnMost Common Secondary Injuries Hamstring strains (42%)Quadriceps strains (32%)Calf injuries (16%)Adductor injuries (11%)Notably, nearly 70% of injuries occurred on the reconstructed side, suggesting persistent deficits may contribute to injury risk. The Highest-Risk Window One of the most important findings: Nearly 58% of all secondary muscle injuries occurred between 3 and 6 months after return to competitionThis period may represent a critical vulnerability window when athletes are increasing match exposure, training volume, and competition demands. The Importance of the 9-Month Rule The strongest predictor of secondary muscle injury was early return to play: Athletes returning before 9 months after ACL reconstruction had nearly a fivefold increased risk of secondary muscle injuryThis study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting delayed, criteria-based return to sport rather than return based solely on time. Performance and Career Impact Players who sustained secondary muscle injuries experienced: Reduced playing timeFewer minutes on the fieldDecreased participation metricsDeclines in overall performanceThe study also demonstrated significant reductions in player market value among athletes who experienced secondary injuries, highlighting the financial and career implications of incomplete recovery. Strengths and Limitations of the Study Strengths Matched-control designFocus on elite professional soccer playersInclusion of performance metrics and market value outcomesReal-world relevance for sports medicine clinicians and team physiciansLimitations Retrospective study designRelatively small sample sizeNo objective rehabilitation data availableNo information on graft typeLack of strength testing, hop testing, or psychological readiness measuresNo workload or GPS tracking dataClinical Takeaways ACL recovery extends well beyond return to competition.Return to play should be viewed as a milestone, not the endpoint.The first 3–6 months after return may represent the highest-risk period for secondary injury.Continued strength training, neuromuscular training, and workload monitoring remain essential after athletes resume competition.Returning before 9 months after ACL reconstruction may substantially increase the risk of secondary muscle injury.Successful ACL recovery is not simply about returning to sport—it is about staying healthy and performing at a high level after return.Article Discussed "Secondary Muscle Injuries and Performance Decline After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Professional Soccer" Published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine (AJSM), 2026. 🎤 Stay Connected 🎧 Listen & Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Follow us on Instagram Our Hosts: Ashley Bassett, MD & Catherine Logan, MD, MBA / www.cosportsmedicine.com  www.cloganmd.com Follow us on Instagram @thesportsdocspod for the latest updates in sports medicine, injury recovery, and athlete performance.

    17 min

  2. Jun 8

    180: Dr. Arianna Gianakos – Plantar Fasciitis in Athletes (Part II)

    🎧 Episode Summary In Part II of our discussion on plantar fasciitis, Dr. Ashley Bassett and Dr. Catherine Logan continue their conversation with Dr. Arianna Gianakos, orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon at Yale University. This episode focuses on treatment options for patients who fail initial conservative management, including injection therapies, biologics, and surgical intervention for recalcitrant plantar fasciitis. The discussion highlights the latest evidence supporting platelet-rich plasma (PRP), compares PRP to corticosteroid injections and other nonoperative treatments, and reviews emerging minimally invasive surgical techniques—including nano-arthroscopic plantar fascia release. Highlights Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for Plantar Fasciitis Recent evidence continues to support the use of PRP for chronic plantar fasciitis. Key findings from a 2024 Level I systematic review and meta-analysis: PRP resulted in significantly greater pain reduction compared to:Corticosteroid injectionsExtracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)Placebo injectionsPRP demonstrated improved functional outcomes as measured by AOFAS scores.Benefits were most apparent in patients with chronic, recalcitrant symptoms.PRP vs Corticosteroid Injections Corticosteroid Injections Advantages: Rapid short-term pain reliefWidely availableLow costLimitations: Effects are often temporaryHigher recurrence ratesPotential risks include:Plantar fascia ruptureFat pad atrophyTissue degeneration with repeated injectionsPRP Advantages: Targets the underlying degenerative processEncourages tissue healing and remodelingMore durable symptom reliefImproved long-term outcomes compared with corticosteroidsChallenges: Higher costLack of standardization in preparation techniquesVariability in platelet concentration and leukocyte contentThe Role of Biologics A key theme throughout the discussion is that biologics should be viewed as tools to optimize healing rather than miracle cures. Important considerations include: Appropriate patient selectionChronicity of symptomsFailure of structured conservative treatmentRealistic expectations regarding recovery timelinesWhen Is Surgery Appropriate? Fortunately, most patients improve without surgery. Surgical intervention may be considered when: Symptoms persist for 6–12 months or longerConservative treatments have been exhaustedPain continues to significantly limit daily activities, exercise, or athletic participationBefore surgery, patients should typically complete: Stretching and strengthening programsOrthotic managementNight splintsPhysical therapyInjection-based treatments when appropriateNano-Arthroscopic Plantar Fascia Release The episode concludes with a discussion of a novel nano-arthroscopic plantar fascia release technique recently described in Arthroscopy Techniques. Potential advantages include: Single-portal minimally invasive approachReduced soft tissue disruptionLess postoperative painReduced neurovascular riskEarlier weightbearingFaster return to daily activities and sportSurgical Pearls When performing plantar fascia release: Partial release is preferred over complete release.Over-release can alter foot biomechanics and increase lateral column pain.Careful patient selection remains critical.Surgery should be reserved for truly recalcitrant cases.Key Takeaways PRP demonstrates superior pain relief and functional outcomes compared to corticosteroid injections and placebo in chronic plantar fasciitis.Corticosteroids may provide short-term symptom relief but do not address the underlying degenerative pathology.Most patients improve with nonoperative management and never require surgery.Surgical treatment should be reserved for patients who fail a comprehensive course of conservative care.Nano-arthroscopic plantar fascia release represents an exciting minimally invasive option that may reduce pain, soft tissue injury, and recovery time.Appropriate patient selection and realistic expectations remain essential regardless of treatment choice.Featured Guest Dr. Arianna Gianakos – Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon, Yale University; specialist in sports-related foot and ankle injuries, cartilage restoration, and advanced foot and ankle reconstruction. 🎤 Stay Connected 🎧 Listen & Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Follow us on Instagram Our Hosts: Ashley Bassett, MD & Catherine Logan, MD, MBA / www.cosportsmedicine.com  Follow us on Instagram @thesportsdocspod for the latest updates in sports medicine, injury recovery, and athlete performance.

    29 min

  3. Jun 2

    179: Dr. Arianna Gianakos – Plantar Fasciitis in Athletes (Part I)

    🎧 Episode Summary Episode Sponsor: BraceLab https://bracelab.com/push-med-foot-brace-fp.html In this episode of The Sports Docs Podcast, Dr. Ashley Bassett and Dr. Catherine Logan are joined by Dr. Arianna Gianakos, orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon at Yale University, to discuss one of the most common causes of heel pain in athletes and active adults—plantar fasciitis. The conversation explores the underlying pathology of plantar fasciitis, risk factors that contribute to its development, and the latest evidence supporting conservative treatment strategies. Dr. Gianakos shares practical pearls on patient evaluation, imaging, bracing, orthotics, stretching programs, and physical therapy, helping clinicians navigate an often frustrating condition for both patients and providers. Highlights Understanding Plantar Fasciitis  Plantar fasciitis is more accurately described as a degenerative fasciosis rather than an inflammatory condition  Histologic studies demonstrate:  Collagen disorganization  Microtears  Minimal inflammatory changes  Repetitive overload at the plantar fascia origin leads to structural degeneration and loss of elasticity Why Does Morning Pain Occur?  Classic "first-step pain" results from overnight shortening of the plantar fascia  Initial weightbearing produces a sudden stretch and reloading of the tissue  Pain often improves with activity before worsening again later in the day Clinical Evaluation & Imaging  Diagnosis is primarily clinical  Key examination findings include:  Point tenderness at the medial calcaneal tubercle  Pain with plantar fascia stretching  Assessment of ankle flexibility and calf tightness  Imaging considerations:  Ultrasound can demonstrate plantar fascia thickening  MRI may be useful in chronic or refractory cases Risk Factors for Plantar Fasciitis Recent literature suggests several important risk factors:  Higher body mass index (BMI)  Increased body mass  Increased ankle plantarflexion range of motion Surprisingly, some traditionally cited factors may not be as influential as previously believed:  Foot structure  Limited ankle dorsiflexion These findings suggest that load-related factors may play a larger role than static foot alignment. Bracing & Orthotic Management Night Splints  Particularly beneficial in chronic plantar fasciitis (>6 months)  Help maintain plantar fascia length overnight  Can reduce morning pain and stiffness Daytime Orthotics  Heel cushions  Arch supports  Functional plantar fascia braces Custom vs. Prefabricated Orthotics  Both are effective for pain relief and symptom improvement  Studies show similar short-term outcomes  Prefabricated orthotics are often a cost-effective first-line option  Custom orthotics may offer improved durability and individualized support Exercise & Physical Therapy Home Exercise Programs  Convenient and cost-effective  Can achieve outcomes comparable to formal physical therapy when patients are compliant Physical Therapy Benefits  Accountability and supervised progression  Access to additional modalities:  Manual therapy  Dry needling  Shockwave therapy  Soft tissue mobilization Key Exercises for Plantar Fasciitis Evidence-based interventions include:  Plantar fascia-specific stretching  Gastrocnemius stretching  Intrinsic foot muscle strengthening Research suggests plantar fascia-specific stretching may be superior to generalized stretching programs for symptom improvement. Key Takeaways  Plantar fasciitis is primarily a degenerative condition rather than an inflammatory process.  Morning pain results from overnight shortening and reloading of the plantar fascia.  Increased body mass and mechanical loading appear to be major contributors to symptom development.  Night splints, heel cushions, and arch supports remain valuable first-line treatments.  Prefabricated orthotics often perform as well as custom devices while reducing cost.  Both supervised physical therapy and home exercise programs can be effective when patients are compliant.  Plantar fascia-specific stretching and calf flexibility remain foundational components of treatment. Featured Guest Dr. Arianna Gianakos – Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon, Yale University; specialist in sports-related foot and ankle injuries, serving patients ranging from recreational athletes to elite competitors. 🎤 Stay Connected 🎧 Listen & Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Follow us on Instagram Our Hosts: Ashley Bassett, MD & Catherine Logan, MD, MBA / www.cosportsmedicine.com  Follow us on Instagram @thesportsdocspod for the latest updates in sports medicine, injury recovery, and athlete performance.

    30 min

  4. May 25

    178. Candace Townley Cox, DPT: ACL Recovery Tips and Tricks - Part I (REBOOT)

    On today’s episode we’re focusing on rehabilitation of ACL surgery with Candace Townley Cox, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and body movement expert at Evolution Physical Therapy. Today’s discussion will center around tips and tricks to optimize outcomes and some common pitfalls that may hold patients back from a full recovery. We have some great articles for you that contribute well to our conversation on the surgical treatment of knee cartilage disease. As always, links to all of the papers that we discuss on this show can be found on our podcast website. The first article is a level 3 case-control study published in the October 2020 issue of OJSM, titled Anterior Knee Pain After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. Gustavo Constantino de Campos and his team in Sao Paulo, Brazil retrospectively reviewed the records of 438 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction. Anterior knee pain was reported in 6.2% of cases. Patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with a patellar tendon autograft were 3.4 times more likely to experience anterior knee pain. Also, patients who experienced an extension deficit in the post-op period were also more likely to experience anterior knee pain, with an odds-ratio of 5.3. The authors fund that anterior knee pain was not correlated with patient sex, age or surgical technique. We are joined today by Dr. Candace Townley Cox. Candace is a Colorado native who received her Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training at Nebraska Wesleyan University. Following undergrad Candace returned to Colorado as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer at Regis University in Denver. There, she earned her Master’s degree in Sports Performance while working specifically with the Women’s Volleyball and Softball teams. Candace continued her education at Regis University earning her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Since graduating Candace has spent countless hours in Sport Science Labs assessing movement quality, efficiency, as well as bone and muscle performance. As a movement expert, she is able to address the body’s impairments both from a table assessment and from functional movement assessments.

    44 min

  5. May 18

    177: TightRope Tales: The Future of Syndesmosis Repair

    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 foot and ankle expert Dr. Ned Amendola to discuss the modern management of ankle syndesmosis injuries (“high ankle sprains”) in athletes.  The conversation focuses on when surgery is indicated, the evolution from rigid screw fixation to dynamic stabilization with TightRope technology, surgical pearls, and accelerated return-to-sport strategies for high-demand athletes. Highlights When Does a Syndesmosis Injury Need Surgery? Most isolated, stable syndesmosis injuries can be treated nonoperatively Surgery is indicated when there is: Mortise wideningInstability on stress imagingAssociated fibula fracturesSignificant ligament disruption (AITFL, PITFL, interosseous membrane)Key principle: Instability—not just diagnosis—drives surgical decision-making The Shift from Screws to Dynamic Fixation Traditional screw fixation challenges: Screw breakage and looseningFrequent hardware removal surgeriesRestricted physiologic motionLonger non-weight-bearing periodsAdvantages of TightRope fixation: Dynamic stabilization with physiologic micromotionLower risk of malreductionFaster rehabilitationNo routine hardware removalKey insight: Dynamic fixation respects normal syndesmotic biomechanics TightRope Surgical Technique Critical first step: Anatomic reduction of the fibula in the incisura Technique highlights: Confirm reduction on AP, mortise, and lateral imagingDrill 2–4 cm above joint line, parallel to plafondPass TightRope across all four corticesCarefully seat medial buttonTension laterally while maintaining reductionPearls: Clamp carefully to avoid malreductionAvoid posterior fibular translationEnsure proper button seating without soft tissue interpositionOne vs Two TightRopes One construct may suffice for: Lower-demand athletesIsolated injuries without fractureTwo constructs favored for: High-energy injuriesAthletesFibula fracturesRotational instability or Maisonneuve injuriesKey principle: Persistent rotational instability drives the need for additional fixation Outcomes with Dynamic Fixation Benefits seen clinically: Lower reoperation ratesLess stiffnessFaster functional progressionEarlier return to sportAthletes tolerate early motion and rehab particularly well with dynamic fixation The TightRope PRO System Improvements include: Smaller drill tunnelsLower-profile buttonsLess soft tissue irritationControlled self-tensioning handlesKey insight: Modern implant design improves precision and preserves bone Rehabilitation & Return to Sport Isolated injuries: Early ROM within 1–2 weeksProgressive weight-bearing by 4 weeksRunning around 8–10 weeksCutting/pivoting at 10–12 weeksElite athletes may return as early as 6–8 weeks in select cases Return-to-play criteria: No syndesmotic tendernessSymmetric dorsiflexionNegative stress testingFunctional cutting/acceleration testingPsychological confidence in the ankleKey Takeaways Surgical treatment is based on instability and biomechanics, not simply imaging findings Dynamic fixation with TightRope technology has transformed syndesmosis management in athletes Proper reduction technique remains the most important surgical factor Modern fixation allows for earlier rehabilitation and faster return to play Return-to-sport decisions should incorporate both functional and psychological readiness Featured Guest Dr. Ned Amendola – Duke University, President of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Head Team Physician and Chief Medical Officer for Duke Athletics 🎧 Listen & Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Follow us on Instagram Arthrex Team Physician Controversies 2026 Our Hosts: Ashley Bassett, MD & Catherine Logan, MD, MBA / www.cosportsmedicine.com

    17 min

  6. May 11

    176: From Sidelines to Headlines: Reporting Sports Injuries (Stephania Bell)

    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 Stephania Bell to discuss the evolving role of sports injuries in modern media coverage. As a licensed physical therapist and leading injury analyst for ESPN, Stephania shares how fantasy football, sports betting, visual technology, and audience demand have transformed injuries from simple status updates into complex, high-interest storylines centered around athlete performance, recovery, and long-term health. We'll chat about: How Fantasy Football transformed injuries into weekly decision-making currency  Fans now want:  Probability of performance  Risk assessment  Recovery expectations  Long-term outlook Fantasy Football Changed Injury Coverage Sports media shifted from reporting diagnoses to explaining performance implications Changing the Media Narrative Early injury reporting was binary:  Playing vs not playing Modern injury coverage focuses on:  Function  Limitation  Risk  Performance impact The Power of Medical Animations Visual tools help bridge medicine and storytelling Benefits of animations:  Improve anatomy understanding  Explain biomechanics and injury mechanisms  Clarify recovery expectations  Translate complex medicine for broad audiences Notable NFL Injury Coverage Joe Burrow  Turf toe and wrist injury breakdowns highlighted how subtle injuries impact quarterback mechanics  Visual animations helped explain throwing wrist ligament injuries and recovery Brock Purdy  Turf toe animations demonstrated the functional impact on movement and push-off mechanics Patrick Mahomes  Discussions emphasized how injury location and position-specific demands alter performance expectations The Future of Injury Coverage Coverage is becoming more nuanced around:  Load management  Athlete longevity  Cumulative wear and tear  Concussion awareness  Recovery strategy Common Injury Misconceptions Playing ≠ fully healthy  Recovery timelines are ranges—not exact dates  MRI findings are only one piece of the puzzle  Position matters enormously when evaluating injury impact Featured Guest Stephania Bell – Licensed Physical Therapist, ESPN NFL Injury Analyst, Co-host of Fantasy Focus Football 🎧 Listen & Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Follow us on Instagram Arthrex Team Physician Controversies 2026 Our Hosts: Ashley Bassett, MD & Catherine Logan, MD, MBA / www.cosportsmedicine.com

    33 min

  7. May 4

    175: Orthobiologics in Practice: Bone Marrow Concentrate, the ANGEL System, and the Vortex Needle

    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 orthobiologics expert Dr. Spencer Stein to discuss the real-world application of bone marrow concentrate (BMAC) in sports medicine. The conversation focuses on how to effectively integrate orthobiologics into clinical and surgical practice, with a deep dive into the ANGEL System and Vortex Needle, emphasizing consistency, technique, and appropriate patient selection. Where BMAC Fits in Practice Common applications:  Cartilage restoration procedures  Tendon and ligament pathology  Nonunions and osteotomies  Osteochondral and revision cases Why Bone Marrow Concentrate? Delivers:  Progenitor cells  Growth factors  Cytokines Particularly useful in:  Borderline surgical candidates  Revision cases  Biologically compromised environments The ANGEL System Closed, automated centrifuge system Allows customization of hematocrit and final product Benefits:  Consistency and reproducibility  Ability to “dial in” biologic composition  Reduced variability in outcomes The Vortex Needle Designed for controlled, low-volume aspiration Advantages:  Minimizes peripheral blood dilution  Improves cell concentration and biologic quality  More targeted aspiration technique Closed-tip design:  Better consistency  Higher quality aspirate Pearls:  Focus on proper aspiration technique  Use small-volume, targeted draws  Integrate BMAC early in surgical workflow  Train your team for efficiency Pitfalls:  Poor aspirate technique  Overpromising outcomes to patients  Treating biologics as a cure-all Future of Orthobiologics Moving toward:  Indication-specific protocols  Standardized biologic formulations  More targeted applications by tissue type Featured Guest Dr. Spencer Stein – NYU Grossman School of Medicine, sports medicine surgeon specializing in arthroscopy and joint preservation 🎧 Listen & Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Follow us on Instagram Arthrex Team Physician Controversies 2026 Our Hosts: Ashley Bassett, MD & Catherine Logan, MD, MBA / www.cosportsmedicine.com

    19 min

  8. Apr 27

    174: The Comeback Step: Game-Changing Foot & Ankle Surgery

    In this The Sports Docs Podcast episode, Dr. Ashley Bassett and Dr. Catherine Logan sit down with foot and ankle experts Dr. David Pedowitz and Dr. Josh Metzl. From evolving surgical techniques to implant innovation and accelerated return-to-play timelines, this conversation highlights how modern approaches are reshaping outcomes for high-level athletes. Achilles Tendon Injuries Who Needs Surgery?  Best suited for young, active athletes, especially in explosive or cutting sports  While nonoperative care has improved: Tendon elongation remains a key concern Push-off strength deficits can impact performance  Surgical repair offers:  Faster strength recovery  More predictable return to sport Evolution of Surgical Technique  Shift from open surgery → minimally invasive (MIS) and percutaneous approaches Benefits:  ↓ wound complications  Improved cosmesis  Faster rehabilitation Double-row fixation restores native footprint and improves gap resistance PARS Technique (Percutaneous Achilles Repair System)  Combines precision of open repair with less soft tissue disruption Key features:  Small incision with percutaneous suture passage  Reproducible jig-guided technique  Strong, locking suture construct  Ideal for acute midsubstance rupturesPearls:  Master jig orientation before live cases  Maintain tension during suture passage  Protect the sural nervePitfalls:  Incisions too small → poor visualization  Overtensioning the repair Repair Constructs: PARS vs SpeedBridge SpeedBridge (double-row, knotless):  ↓ tendon elongation  Strong biomechanical construct  Slight ↑ risk of heel pain PARS:  Less invasive  Lower wound complication rates Insertional Achilles Pathology  Typically treated with open or MIS SpeedBridge techniques MIS FiberTak SpeedBridge advantages:  Smaller incisions  Less implant material  Strong fixation with rip-stop construct Supports early weight-bearing and mobilizationReturn to Play 90% return to sport after surgery Typical timeline: Running: progressive, athlete-specific Full return: ~6–9 months 🎧 Listen & Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Follow us on Instagram Arthrex Team Physician Controversies 2026 Our Hosts: Ashley Bassett, MD & Catherine Logan, MD, MBA / www.cosportsmedicine.com

    31 min
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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. 

Information

  • Creator
    SportsDocsPod
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    181
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Sports Docs Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Sports Docs Podcast

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