What exactly is computer assisted surgery (CAS)?  Most people are aware of, if not currently using, GPS in their cars.  It tells the driver where he is now and how to get to where he wants to go.  CAS is very similar in concept.  It is a system that tells the surgeon where his hands are in relation to the hip or knee.  It is a tool that aids the surgeon in making more accurate cuts and positioning the implants in the optimal position.  Long term studies will determine whether CAS improves clinical outcomes, and at this time, the data is supportive.

Hip arthroscopy is the fastest growing field within sports medicine and arthroscopy. The advances made in the last 5 years are remarkable. The procedures that can be done now through the scope are numerous. Most of these procedure in the past had to be done with an open incision. Too many young people ignore hip pain that maybe the precursor to early arthritis. The current research shows that young patients with certain anatomic variations are likely to develop damage to the hip joint at an early age. It is important to be evaluated by a hip arthroscopy specialist if you are experiencing hip pain.

Having graduated from a 4 year residency in 2007, I am one of the latest generations of podiatric physicians who has entered the new era of podiatry.  So what is the “new era of podiatry”?  Fifty years ago, if there was something wrong with you, you went to your general doctor who did his or her best to make you better.  Today, there is a doctor for each part of our body: we have brain doctors, eye doctors, ear doctors, lung doctors, hand doctors, skin doctors and so on…on down to the foot and ankle.  This is where podiatrists come in–my generation of foot and ankle physicians is trained to care for all foot and ankle disorders.  We know that the best medical care is provided by specialists and we all deserve the best possible care to stay healthy.   This means that if you have any foot or ankle complaints, you should get it checked out.  For example, if you take a long hike over the weekend and wake up Monday morning with heel pain, don’t wait 2-3 months for the heel pain to improve–seek treatment as the heel pain might be something that can easily be treated.  Similarly, if you sprain your ankle, you should seek treatment in the very least to make sure that you didn’t break a bone.  So what is the bottom line?!  If your feet or ankles hurt– go see your podiatrist!