Doctor of the Week!

Dr. Marc DeHart is our Doctor of the Week. He is a specialist in the surgical treatment of arthritis of the hip and knee, but also enjoys general orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. Dr. DeHart holds a Certificate of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine.

Dr. DeHart completed his Orthopaedic Residency at the Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. While on active duty with the United States Air Force, Dr. DeHart served as a F-16 Flight Surgeon for the 69th Tactical Fighter Squadron.

 Dr. DeHart is an Assistant Professor for the University of Texas Medical Branch. He is the first orthopedic surgeon from the Austin, TX area to be inducted into the American Orthopaedic Association.

Doctor of the Week!

Dr. Marc Dehart is our Doctor of the Week! Watch the video to learn more about Dr. Dehart.

Children with ACL Injuries Require Special Treatment to Avoid Future Knee Injuries and Complications

Post provided by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Until a child's bones have fully matured (in girls, typically by age 14; in boys, age 16), an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) - the primary, stabilizing ligament of the knee joint - requires special consideration, treatment and care to ensure appropriate healing and to prevent long-tern complications.

According to a review articles in the February 2013 issue issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, ACL injuries once were considered rare in children and adolescents. However, the number of ACL injuries in young athletes is on the rise, "whether they result from year-found training, less free play or increased single sport concentration," said study author and pediatric orthopaedic surgeon Jeremy Frank, MD.

To avoid potential future complications, such as early onset osteoarthritis, the literature review outlines the optimal strategies for treating pediatric ACL injuries based on the specifics of the injury and the child's bone, age and developmental maturity. One recommendation includes postoperative management including weight-bearing and activity modifications, bracing, and a progressive physical therapy program emphasizing range of motion, closed-chain strengthening (exercises on the knee while the foot remains stationary) and a gradual and measured return to sport-specific maneuvers and activities.

"There are currently numerous safe and effective surgical techniques to reconstruct the ACL in the skeletally immature sportsperson to restore stability and forestall the early progression towards meniscal and cartilage disease," said Dr. Frank. Complications from ACL surgery are rare in children when the appropriate operation is performed and the right patient.

Doctor of the Week!

Dr. Robert Foster is one of Texas Orthopedics two fellowship trained hand surgeons. He specializes in minimally invasive carpal tunnel surgery, complex hand reconstruction surgery, sports injuries, total joint replacement, and orthopedic trauma treatment. Want to learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome? Read Dr. Foster's article here!

Doctor of the Week!

Dr. Robert Foster is our Doctor of the Week. Watch the video to learn more about Dr. Foster!

Doctor of the Week!

Scott A. Smith, MD is a board certified orthopedic surgeon and is sub-specialty certified in sports medicine. He has a special interest in comprehensive arthritis management, the care of fractures, and osteoporosis. Dr. Smith is distinguished as a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Read Dr. Smith's sports medicine statement below to learn more about his sports medicine practice.

 

Many physicians consider themselves sports medicine providers. I’m not sure what

makes someone a sports medicine doctor. I have a Certificate of Added Qualification in

Sports Medicine from the American Board of Orthopedics Surgery to prove I am a sports

medicine doctor, but I don’t think it’s the certificate that makes me a sports doc.

 

Since I began practicing in Austin in 1996, I have crafted my practice toward athletes and

active individuals. I still practice general orthopedics and will see just about any ache or

pain, but I have focused my advanced studies on athletic injuries of the knee, shoulder,

and hip. Since I began practicing, I have performed more than 2000 arthroscopic

surgeries. This experience is invaluable. Every case teaches me something that I can use

in my next operation.

 

Experience cannot be learned from textbooks or classes. In addition to my operative

experience, I spend a significant amount of time on the sidelines. In 2008, I attended

more than 200 sporting events. I’m the team physician for the Austin Toros and the

McNeil Mavericks. I coach select baseball and basketball and I attend many high school

football, volleyball, basketball, and baseball games. I love athletes and sports at all levels.

 

My experiences on the field of play allow me to taper treatment to maximize recovery

and return to sports. I know what a sore shoulder feels like, as I often throw 400 pitches

for batting practice. I’ve run the Capital 10K seven times and the 2004 Motorola Half

Marathon. I play recreational basketball, tennis and golf. I love to snow and water ski and

have even been upright on a wakeboard (not for long).

 

In summary, I can’t exactly define what makes a sports medicine healthcare provider. If

understanding the “it” factor inherent in athletes and being in the action are factors, my

practice and life experiences qualify.

Doctor of the Week!

 

Dr. Scott Smith is our Doctor of the Week. Watch the video to learn more about Dr. Smith.