HSS Presents

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.

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Jeffrey Ciccone sits down with Dr. Heidi Prather to explore the vital difference between lifespan (how long you live) and healthspan (how long you stay healthy). As the founder of the HSS Lifestyle Medicine Program, Dr. Prather breaks down the six pillars of a healthy lifestyle—including nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management—and how they reduce harmful inflammation in the body. The conversation explains how everyday habits can help treat joint pain, reverse type 2 diabetes, and help patients recover faster and safer from surgery. With practical advice on tracking your health and using pain as a motivation for change, this episode offers a clear look at how lifestyle choices can dramatically improve your long-term mobility and well-being.

In this episode, interventional spine physician Dr. Abhishek Gupta and spine surgeon Dr. Matthew Cunningham team up to tackle the tricky diagnosis and management of axial low back pain. They break down how to spot the differences between muscle issues, disc problems, and facet joint pain, using simple clues like whether a patient hurts more while standing or sitting. The duo also chats about why MRIs don't always tell the whole story and why diagnostic blocks can be a game-changer for pinpointing the source of pain. From conservative rehab and radiofrequency ablation to surgery, they outline a collaborative approach to finding patients lasting relief.

In this episode of HSS Presents, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Peter K. Sculco sits down with Dr. Fernando Quevedo-González, PhD, to demystify the world of computational modeling and its transformative impact on joint reconstruction. They explore how technologies like finite element analysis allow researchers to break down complex physics into manageable pieces to predict how implants will interact with a patient's unique bone structure. The discussion highlights a future where AI-driven solvers and data from wearable tech could provide surgeons with real-time guidance on the optimal alignment and fixation for every individual. This episode is a must-listen for surgeons and engineers interested in how "digital twins" and predictive analytics are moving from the research lab to the operating room to improve outcomes in complex hip and knee surgeries.

In this episode of HSS Presents, rheumatologist Dr. Caroline Siegel is joined by HSS colleagues Dr. Lisa Sammaritano and Dr. Jane Salmon to discuss managing pregnancy for patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. They emphasize that most patients have successful pregnancies, but conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) carry greater risks, including preeclampsia and placental insufficiency. Successful outcomes rely on preconception planning, which includes achieving quiescent disease for about six months on pregnancy-compatible medications and screening for antibodies. Dr. Salmon also shares exciting clinical trial results using a TNF inhibitor to improve pregnancy outcomes in high-risk APS patients.

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Josh Bram speaks with orthopedic surgeons Dr. Peter Fabricant and Dr. Daniel Green about ACL reconstruction in skeletally immature athletes. They explain why traditional techniques risk growth plate injury and discuss specialized physeal-sparing procedures, including the modified MacIntosh IT band technique and all-epiphyseal reconstructions. The conversation highlights patient selection, imaging strategies, and graft choices that reduce re-injury rates while protecting long-term knee health. With insights from large multicenter studies and decades of pediatric sports medicine experience, the experts share best practices for safely returning young athletes to play.

In this episode of HSS Presents, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Elizabeth Gausden joins host Dr. Joshua Bram to discuss navigating work–life balance as a young attending. Drawing from her own experiences balancing an active surgical practice and raising two young children, Dr. Gausden shares candid insights on boundary-setting, time management, and the importance of supportive teams both at work and home. She also reflects on timing family life during training, integrating travel and professional development, and redefining “balance” as a dynamic process rather than a fixed goal. This conversation offers realistic, encouraging advice for early-career surgeons and trainees building sustainable practices.

In this episode of HSS Presents, rheumatologist Dr. Anne Bass is joined by Dr. Deanna Jannat-Khah of HSS and Dr. Michael Postow of Memorial Sloan Kettering to explore immune checkpoint inhibitor–induced arthritis. They discuss how life-saving immunotherapies for cancer can trigger inflammatory joint disease, the challenges of balancing tumor control with autoimmune toxicity, and the latest evidence on safe use of steroids and biologics. The panel also highlights ongoing research into mechanisms, phenotypes, and long-term outcomes, underscoring the importance of multidisciplinary care for cancer patients who develop musculoskeletal complications from immunotherapy.

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Jessica Heyer is joined by Drs. Shevaun Doyle and Emily Dodwell to explore the diagnosis and management of pediatric physeal and transitional ankle fractures. The team unpacks the unique growth plate closure patterns that give rise to triplane and Tillaux fractures, emphasizing the importance of advanced imaging and early intervention. They discuss surgical approaches, fixation strategies, and the nuances of treating medial malleolar involvement while balancing risks such as growth disturbances and long-term joint health. Packed with clinical insights and practical pearls, this episode is a must-listen for pediatric orthopedic surgeons navigating the complexities of adolescent ankle injuries.

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Samuel A. Taylor leads a dynamic roundtable with Drs. Christopher Brusalis, Michael Fu, and Chris Wilhelm, diving into the complex world of massive rotator cuff tears. The panel examines the nuances of diagnosing and treating these injuries, stressing the importance of patient-specific goals over blanket surgical approaches. From evaluating pseudo-paralysis to choosing between SCR, balloon spacers, and reverse arthroplasty, the discussion highlights cutting-edge strategies in rotator cuff management. With clinical anecdotes and lively debate, this episode offers practical pearls and a thoughtful approach to treating one of shoulder surgery's most debated challenges.

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Tyler Mange, MD dives into the modern management of clubfoot in children with pediatric orthopedic surgeons Dr. Shevaun Doyle, MD and Dr. David Scher, MD. They explore the evolution and global adoption of the Ponseti Method, a non-surgical treatment approach that has revolutionized care for this common pediatric foot deformity. Listeners will learn about the critical role of early diagnosis, the importance of prenatal counseling, hands-on casting techniques, and long-term bracing strategies. The episode also covers practical tips for healthcare providers and families, common treatment pitfalls, and why mentorship and patient education are key to success. Whether you're a clinician, a parent, or simply curious about pediatric orthopedic care, this episode offers clear insights and actionable knowledge from leaders in the field.

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Bella Mehta, MD, joins Dr. S. Louis Bridges, Jr., MD, PhD, to discuss the growing impact of artificial intelligence in rheumatology. A leading voice in the field, Dr. Mehta shares how tools like machine learning, large language models, and computer vision are already streamlining clinical workflows, accelerating research, and offering new ways to analyze complex data. She highlights practical applications in documentation, billing, diagnostic support, and qualitative analysis, while also exploring the potential of “glass box” models to improve transparency and trust in predictive analytics. The episode also touches on emerging concepts like digital twins and multimodal data integration, offering a forward-looking view of how AI may transform rheumatologic care and research in the years ahead.

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Kyle Kunze, chief orthopedic surgery resident at Hospital for Special Surgery, sits down with Dr. Ayoosh Pareek, orthopedic surgeon and Medical Director of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Health at HSS. Together, they explore the evolving role of AI in musculoskeletal care—from automating clinical workflows to enhancing diagnostic capabilities—and discuss how physicians are uniquely positioned to guide ethical and effective AI integration into patient care. The conversation spans current applications such as ambient scribe technology, predictive analytics, and AI-driven patient triage, as well as long-term possibilities like agentic AI and robotics. Drs. Kunze and Pareek also examine challenges around trust, explainability, and research integrity, offering insights into how clinicians and data scientists can collaborate to ensure AI tools are both safe and impactful. This episode previews the upcoming special edition of HSS Journal, guest edited by Dr. Kunze, focused on artificial intelligence and digital health in orthopedic practice.