Why is Tommy John surgery suddenly everywhere, even among 11-year-olds? On this episode of HSS Presents, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Josh Dines, sports medicine specialist Dr. James "Beamer" Carr, and physical therapist Terrance Sgroi dig into the UCL injury epidemic fueled by baseball's obsession with velocity, and how they diagnose it using exam techniques and the elbow-stressing "FEVER" MRI view. They break down when surgery is truly necessary versus when conservative treatment has a real shot, plus the murky world of PRP and stem cells. They cover the evolution of the surgery itself, from Frank Jobe's original 1974 procedure to today's bone-preserving docking technique, and why modern rehab timelines have gotten longer, not shorter, to safely return high-velocity throwers to the mound.

In this episode of HSS Presents, residents Dr. Mark Megerian and Dr. Austin Kaidi host an insightful conversation with HSS orthopedic trauma surgeon Dr. Aleksey Dvorzhinskiy to explore the vital role of mentorship in surgical training. Dr. Dvorzhinskiy reflects on the ideological frameworks passed down by his own influential mentors, focusing on the core pillars of being morally incorruptible, pursuing technical excellence, and suppressing ego in the operating room. The panel dives into the nuances of surgical instruction, discussing how effective mentors distinguish between "tough love" and encouragement based on a resident's intrinsic motivation. Blending perspectives from a junior resident, a chief resident, and an attending, this episode offers a thoughtful roadmap on how to actively engage as a mentee and successfully transition into a surgical leader.

In this episode of HSS Presents, orthopedic resident Dr. Tyler Khilnani sits down with Dr. Samuel A. Taylor, a sports medicine orthopedic surgeon at HSS and associate team physician for the New York Giants. Drawing from his own background as a former Harvard varsity football player, Dr. Taylor pulls back the curtain on the intense, year-round responsibilities of caring for elite athletes. From navigating the high-stakes environment of the NFL Combine to managing evolving game-day injuries on the sidelines, he highlights the critical role of communication in a multidisciplinary sports medicine team. Ultimately, Dr. Taylor discusses the balancing act between clinical practice, resident education, and family life, offering invaluable advice for trainees aspiring to enter the field of team coverage.

In this episode of HSS Presents, orthopedic surgery resident Dr. Mark Megerian sits down with Dr. Mark Figgie, a hip and knee replacement surgeon who has spent four decades at HSS advising residents, fellows, and attendings as they transition to practice. Dr. Figgie shares practical guidance on evaluating a first job, from leveraging the HSS alumni network and vetting potential partners to reading the fine print on buy-in structures, non-compete clauses, and malpractice tail coverage. They also discuss how to negotiate for specific technology, approach salary conversations without alienating a prospective employer, and weigh private versus academic career paths.

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Peter Sculco sits down with colleague Dr. Alberto Carli, a specialist in hip and knee arthroplasty and infection, to discuss the current state and future of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). They cover the evolving diagnostic landscape, indications for DAIR versus implant removal, and the key elements of a high-quality debridement, including antiseptic solutions and the growing role of intraosseous vancomycin. For surgeons managing these challenging cases or looking to standardize their infection protocol, this is essential listening.

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Evelyn Murphy joins Dr. S. Robert Rozbruch to discuss a complex case involving a quadrilateral amputee seeking mobility solutions after post-sepsis limb loss; the case was published in the March 2026 issue of "Grand Rounds from HSS: Management of Complex Cases." The discussion highlights the potential of osseointegration limb replacement for patients struggling with traditional socket fit, short residual limbs, and poor soft tissue envelopes. Dr. Rozbruch details the patient selection process, a multi-phase rehabilitation protocol involving gradual loading, and the improvements in proprioception and daily endurance. Touching on surgical innovations like custom 3D-printed implants and concurrent nerve reconstructions, this episode provides a fascinating look at how bone-anchored prosthetics are redefining independence and quality of life for amputees. Read more about the case: HSS Library Link

This podcast was originally broadcast on and is the intellectual property of The AOFAS Orthopod-Cast. In this episode of the AOFAS Orthopod-Cast, co-hosts Dr. Matthew Conti and Dr. Joseph Park sit down with Dr. Martin O'Malley to investigate the alarming spike in Achilles tendon ruptures among NBA players. The group explores the impact of single-sport specialization and year-round training on tendon health, while debating the merits of operative versus non-operative care for elite and recreational athletes. Dr. O'Malley shares his rationale for preferring open surgical repair to maximize tension and outlines his specific rehab protocols, including the use of slant boards to prevent atrophy. This conversation offers essential insights for surgeons and sports enthusiasts seeking to understand the mechanics behind these career-altering injuries and the path to optimal recovery.

Chronic pain that doesn't respond to medications or surgery can feel like a dead end, but for some patients, spinal cord stimulation offers a path forward. In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Jeffrey Ciccone sits down with pain specialists Dr. Seth Waldman and Dr. Vladimir Kramskiy to break down how neurostimulation works, who it's right for, and what the latest science says about targeting the dorsal column versus the dorsal root ganglion. From the gate control theory of the 1960s to today's burst and high-frequency waveforms, they explore both the promise and the honest limitations of this evolving technology — and why patient selection makes all the difference.