The Sports Docs Podcast

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,

The Sports Docs Podcast is a health podcast hosted by SportsDocsPod, with 194 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

SportsDocsPod hosts The Sports Docs Podcast, a health show with 194 episodes published.

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  The Sports Docs Podcast

  193: ACL 2.0: Playbook for Reducing Retear Risk with Dr. Pat Smith and Dr. Aaron Krych (REBOOT)

  Sep 7, 202633 min

  Live from the Arthrex Team Physician Controversies Conference (& Happy Labor Day!) 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 two leading ACL experts—Dr. Pat Smith and Dr. Aaron Krych—to discuss strategies to reduce failure after ACL reconstruction . The conversation highlights the evolution of ACL surgery, focusing on graft selection, fixation, biologic augmentation, and mechanical protection , with an emphasis on optimizing outcomes in young, high-risk athletes . Graft: Autograft vs Allograft Strong evidence shows higher failure rates with allograft in young athletes MOON data: ~4–6x increased risk of failure in patients Allograft best for: Older, lower-demand patients Revision or multi-ligament cases Autograft Selection Graft choice depends on: Age, sex, sport, and anatomy BTB: Preferred for high-level pivoting athletes Strong fixation, less graft elongation Quadriceps tendon: Increasingly utilized Larger graft diameter Less donor-site morbidity vs BTB Particularly useful in younger and female athletes Key insight: Grafts Internal Brace (IB) Indications: Young athletes Hyperlax patients Revision ACL Benefits: Decreased graft elongation and cyclic displacement Reduced postoperative laxity Lower rerupture rates (~1% at 5 years in some studies) Faster return to sport and improved rehab confidence Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis (LET) Strong evidence supports reduced failure rates: Primary ACLR: ~11% → 4% (high-risk patients) Revision ACLR: ~21% → 5% Benefits: Decreased pivot shift Improved return to pre-injury sport Cost-effective in high-risk populations Indications for LET Age ≤25 years High-grade pivot shift Knee hyperextension Return to cutting/pivoting sports Revision ACL reconstruction LET Surgical Technique Pearls IT band graft (7–8 cm x 1 cm) Passed under or near LCL depending on technique Fixation near lateral epicondyle Pearls: Fix in neutral rotation and ~30–60° flexion Avoid overconstraint Close IT band defect Featured Guests Dr. Pat Smith – Hospital for Special Surgery Naples Dr. Aaron Krych – Mayo Clinic, Team Physician for the Minnesota Timberwolves Stay Connected Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Follow us on Instagram for more insights on cutting-edge sports medicine, athlete recovery, and performance https://www.instagram.com/thesportsdocspod/ Our Hosts: Catherine Logan, MD, MBA https://www.cloganmd.com/ Ashley Bassett, MD https://orthopedicnj.com/physicians/ashley-bassett www.thesportsdocspod.com

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  The Sports Docs Podcast

  191: Seeing More Through Less: Nanoscopy in Elbow Surgery with Dr. Christopher Ahmad - Live at AOSSM 2026

  Aug 24, 202625 min

  What if treating the throwing athlete’s elbow could mean seeing more while disrupting less? In this special LIVE episode from the AOSSM Annual Meeting in Seattle, Dr. Catherine Logan and Dr. Ashley Bassett sit down with Christopher Ahmad, MD , renowned sports medicine surgeon and longtime New York Yankees team physician, to explore the evolution of elbow arthroscopy and the emerging role of nano-arthroscopy in treating throwing athletes. Elbow arthroscopy has become an important tool for addressing mechanical intra-articular pathology, including loose bodies, posterior impingement, osteophytes, synovitis, chondral injuries, OCD lesions, and stiffness. But the elbow’s small working space and proximity of critical neurovascular structures make precision essential. Dr. Ahmad discusses how advances in visualization and instrumentation—including the Arthrex NanoNeedle Scope —are expanding the surgeon’s toolbox and potentially allowing selected procedures to be performed with even less soft-tissue disruption. The conversation also examines the growing interest in accelerated return-to-play timelines, including the much-discussed return of MLB pitcher Tarik Skubal following nano-arthroscopy and loose-body removal. In This Episode The most common elbow pathologies treated arthroscopically in throwing athletes How to distinguish mechanical intra-articular pathology from ligamentous insufficiency Why accurate diagnosis and appropriate indications remain critical The evolution of elbow arthroscopy over the past two decades Why the elbow presents unique technical challenges for arthroscopic surgery Traditional arthroscopes vs. the Arthrex NanoNeedle Scope How smaller visualization platforms may reduce surgical morbidity Potential benefits of less fluid extravasation, smaller portals, and less capsular disruption What nano-arthroscopy could mean for postoperative pain, swelling, ROM, and rehabilitation Traditional recovery timelines following loose-body removal What professional athletes can—and cannot—teach us about accelerated return to play Whether emerging technologies could influence in-season surgical decision-making The future of nano-arthroscopy and whether it could transform sports medicine Why the future is likely not “nano vs. traditional,” but the right technology for the right patient Key Takeaway Technology doesn’t replace surgical judgment—it expands the toolbox. For appropriately selected patients, nano-arthroscopy may offer an opportunity to accomplish established surgical goals while minimizing disruption to surrounding tissues. But as Dr. Ahmad emphasizes, the foundation remains the same: accurate diagnosis, sound indications, meticulous technique, and individualized patient care. The future of sports medicine may not be about replacing traditional arthroscopy. It may be about having more precise options—and knowing exactly when to use each one. Featured Technology Arthrex NanoNeedle Scope The NanoNeedle Scope represents an ultra-small visualization platform designed to provide direct visualization through a dramatically smaller diameter than traditional arthroscopes. In the elbow, where working space is limited and critical structures are nearby, this technology may offer new possibilities for minimally invasive evaluation and treatment. Dr. Christopher Ahmad is a renowned orthopaedic sports medicine surgeon and longtime team physician for the New York Yankees. His clinical and research work has focused extensively on sports medicine, throwing athletes, elbow and shoulder pathology, and the advancement of surgical techniques. Hosts Catherine Logan, MD Ashley Bassett, MD The Sports Docs Podcast brings together leading sports medicine physicians to discuss the latest advances in orthopaedics, sports science, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and athlete performance. Disclaimer This episode is sponsored by Arthrex . The discussion focuses on the clinical application and evolving role of Arthrex technology in sports medicine. Surgical techniques and treatment decisions should be individualized based on patient-specific pathology, surgeon experience, and current evidence.

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  The Sports Docs Podcast

  190: From Tear to Return to Play: Optimizing Rotator Cuff Outcomes with Dr. JT Tokish & Dr. Albert Lin- - Live at AOSSM 2026

  Aug 17, 202624 min

  Rotator cuff repair continues to evolve—not only in how surgeons fix the tendon, but in how we think about healing, biomechanics, tissue quality, and augmentation . In this episode of The Sports Docs Podcast LIVE from the AOSSM Annual Meeting in Seattle , Dr. Albert Lin and Dr. JT Tokish join Dr. Ashley Bassett and Dr. Catherine Logan to discuss strategies for optimizing rotator cuff repair outcomes. The conversation begins with the evolution of the SpeedBridge repair construct and the emergence of the FiberTak SpeedBridge , including the potential advantages of smaller all-suture medial anchors, bone preservation, independent tensioning, and rip-stop techniques. The discussion then moves into one of the most rapidly evolving areas in rotator cuff surgery: biologic and structural augmentation . The group explores how surgeons identify patients at increased risk for failed healing, the role of the Rotator Cuff Healing Index, and the expanding options for augmentation—including the use of the long head of the biceps as an autograft and dermal allograft augmentation with CuffMend. In This Episode Evolving the SpeedBridge The SpeedBridge technique has become one of the most established approaches to arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, with more than 15 years of clinical experience supporting its durability. The group discusses: How SpeedBridge has changed arthroscopic rotator cuff repair Footprint restoration and broad tendon-to-bone compression Load distribution across the repair construct Long-term clinical outcomes and survivorship Why reproducibility may be one of the technique's greatest advantages FiberTak SpeedBridge: The Next Evolution The conversation then turns to the FiberTak SpeedBridge , which incorporates smaller all-suture anchors in the medial row. There are several potential advantages: Smaller drill holes and reduced bone removal Preservation of greater tuberosity bone stock Potential advantages in revision surgery Additional fixation points with less disruption of the footprint Strong fixation and straightforward tensioning Increased flexibility when treating complex tear patterns The smaller 2.6-mm FiberTak RC anchor may allow surgeons to maximize fixation while minimizing disruption of the tuberosity footprint. Tensionable Knotless Anchors and Delaminated Tears One of the challenges in rotator cuff surgery is that many tears are not simply a single layer of retracted tendon. In delaminated tears , the articular and bursal layers may retract differently. The team discuss how independently tensionable knotless medial-row anchors allow surgeons to: Evaluate the entire repair before final tensioning Independently tension individual limbs Better reduce different layers of the tendon Improve control of tissue reduction Avoid simply forcing multiple layers into one fixed position The conversation also explores the role of a medial pulley rip-stop , which can distribute forces across a larger area of tendon and potentially decrease suture cut-through in compromised tissue. Who Should Have an Augmented Repair? Not every rotator cuff repair requires augmentation. The group discusses how surgeons can identify patients at increased risk for failed healing based patient, tear and surgical factors. The Rotator Cuff Healing Index The discussion includes the Rotator Cuff Healing Index (RoHI) , a scoring system designed to predict the likelihood of healing following rotator cuff repair. The guests discuss how risk stratification can help surgeons determine when the additional cost and complexity of augmentation may be justified. Biceps Smash: Turning the Long Head of the Biceps Into an Autograft One of the most fascinating concepts discussed is the use of the long head of the biceps tendon as an autologous scaffold for rotator cuff augmentation. Dr. Tokish discusses the development of the Biceps Smash , in which the harvested proximal long head of the biceps tendon is compressed into a flattened graft that can be incorporated into the rotator cuff repair. Potential advantages include: Readily available autologous tissue No additional donor-site morbidity No immunologic concerns associated with allograft tissue Highly organized parallel collagen architecture Potential biologic activity from viable tenocytes Ability to potentially serve as a carrier for additional biologic therapies The group also discusses emerging clinical data examining healing and patient-reported outcomes following biceps autograft augmentation. Dermal Allograft and Other Scaffold Options The conversation then expands to other augmentation strategies, including: Dermal allograft Xenograft Synthetic scaffolds Autograft tissue The guests discuss the differences between structural support and biologic integration , as well as the importance of understanding how different scaffold materials interact with the host tissue. Dermal allograft has accumulated substantial clinical evidence supporting its use in selected rotator cuff repairs, particularly larger and higher-risk tears. The discussion also addresses concerns surrounding xenograft and synthetic materials, including inflammatory and foreign-body responses. CuffMend: Simplifying Dermal Allograft Augmentation For surgeons who elect to augment a repair with dermal allograft, the procedure itself can add complexity and operative time. Dr. Tokish discusses how the CuffMend system is designed to streamline graft handling and delivery. The conversation focuses on how improvements in instrumentation and graft preparation can potentially: Reduce operative time Simplify graft handling Improve procedural efficiency Reduce technical variability Make augmentation more accessible to surgeons SpeedFlex and Graft Preparation The guests also discuss SpeedFlex , which uses pre-sized and pre-sutured ArthroFlex grafts. Available graft configurations include: 20 × 25 mm and 25 × 30 mm 1-mm and 2-mm thicknesses Rather than requiring surgeons to prepare and load the graft intraoperatively, the pre-sutured configuration is designed to streamline preparation and reduce variability. FiberStitch RC Simple Another innovation discussed is the FiberStitch RC Simple implant for medial graft fixation. Dr. Tokish explains how the system can facilitate a "sandwich stitch," allowing the graft to be compressed between fixation points on the superior and inferior surfaces. Available straight and reverse-curved options provide additional flexibility for medial graft fixation. Key Takeaways 1. The repair construct matters. SpeedBridge has established a strong clinical track record, while FiberTak SpeedBridge builds on that foundation with smaller all-suture medial anchors and additional flexibility. 2. Bone preservation may be particularly important in complex and revision cases. Smaller all-suture anchors can minimize bone removal and preserve the greater tuberosity footprint. 3. Not every rotator cuff repair needs augmentation. Patient characteristics, tear morphology, tissue quality, and repair mechanics should all factor into the decision. 4. The biceps may be more than a pain generator. The long head of the biceps can potentially serve as a readily available autologous scaffold for rotator cuff augmentation. 5. Dermal allograft remains an important augmentation option. Clinical evidence supports its use in selected higher-risk repairs, particularly larger or compromised tears. 6. Making augmentation easier may increase adoption. Streamlined graft preparation, delivery, and fixation can reduce operative complexity while maintaining the principles of sound repair. 7. The ultimate goal is healing—not simply repair. Modern rotator cuff surgery increasingly focuses on creating the biologic and biomechanical environment necessary for durable tendon-to-bone healing. Featured Research Millett PJ, et al. Long-term outcomes following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using the SpeedBridge technique. The study demonstrated approximately 94% survivorship at 10 years , highlighting the durability of the construct. Colbath G, Murray A, Siatkowski S, et al. Autograft long head biceps tendon can be used as a scaffold for biologically augmenting rotator cuff repairs. Arthroscopy. 2022. Kwon J, et al. The Rotator Cuff Healing Index: A New Scoring System to Predict Rotator Cuff Healing After Surgical Repair. American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2019. Tokish JM, et al. Recent clinical work evaluating the use of a compressed long-head-of-biceps autograft for rotator cuff augmentation demonstrated promising healing rates and clinical outcomes at early follow-up. This episode of The Sports Docs Podcast was sponsored by Arthrex.

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  The Sports Docs Podcast

  189: LEAP Forward: The Evolution of ACL Management with Dr. Bonnie Gregory & Dr. Henry Ellis - Live at AOSSM 2026

  Aug 10, 202628 min

  Lateral extra-articular procedures (LEAPs) have evolved from a controversial adjunct to ACL reconstruction into an increasingly evidence-supported tool for managing rotational instability and reducing graft failure in appropriately selected patients. In this episode of The Sports Docs Podcast , Drs. Henry Ellis and Bonnie Gregory join us live from the AOSSM Annual Meeting to discuss where lateral augmentation fits in modern ACL management. They explore the evidence behind lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET), patient selection and indications, potential complications, LET versus anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR), surgical technique, fixation strategies, and rehabilitation considerations. The conversation also highlights the Arthrex Knee FiberTak system , including how an all-suture anchor platform may address some of the limitations of traditional LET fixation. Key Topics Discussed Why add a lateral augmentation procedure to ACL reconstruction? Evidence demonstrating reduced ACL graft rupture and improved rotational stability The role of LEAP in high-risk primary ACL reconstruction and revision ACL surgery Impact on return to sport and pre-injury level of play Emerging evidence supporting the cost-effectiveness of LET Understanding the potential downsides Lateral-sided pain and hardware irritation Hematoma and need for hardware removal Early quadriceps weakness Concerns regarding over-constraint and long-term degenerative changes Whether adding a lateral procedure meaningfully changes postoperative recovery Who actually needs a LEAP? Young, active athletes High-grade pivot shift or anterior laxity Knee hyperextension Revision ACL reconstruction Athletes returning to pivoting sports Hamstring autograft ACL reconstruction Multiple coexisting risk factors Chronic ACL deficiency and other emerging indications LEAP in elite athletes How professional team physicians are approaching lateral augmentation Current practice patterns in elite and professional sports The balance between maximizing graft survivorship and avoiding unnecessary procedures LET versus ALL reconstruction Differences in surgical approach Clinical outcomes and graft failure Rotational stability Operative time, cost, and potential complications Why surgeons may favor one technique over the other Modern LET surgical technique Graft harvest and preparation Relationship of the graft to the LCL Femoral fixation Knee position during fixation Graft orientation and isometry Avoiding over-constraint Importance of anatomic attachment sites Management of the IT band at the conclusion of the procedure Spotlight: Arthrex Knee FiberTak The episode takes a closer look at the Knee FiberTak platform and its application in lateral augmentation. The guests discuss how an all-suture anchor platform may offer advantages compared with traditional fixation methods, including: Reduced hardware prominence Bone preservation Potentially decreased risk of tunnel convergence Low-profile fixation Ergonomic instrumentation designed specifically for the knee Multiple fixation configurations for different surgical applications The Knee FiberTak family includes: Double-Knotless Anchor Double-Knotted Anchor Hybrid Anchor InternalBrace Anchor Knee FiberTak Button The discussion explores how surgeons select between different configurations and how a versatile fixation platform can improve efficiency and adaptability in the operating room. Rehab & Return to Sport The episode concludes with a practical discussion of rehabilitation following ACL reconstruction with lateral augmentation. While the addition of a LEAP generally does not dramatically alter standard postoperative restrictions, the guests emphasize several priorities: Regaining full knee extension Restoring quadriceps strength and activation Monitoring early quadriceps recovery Maintaining appropriate progression through rehabilitation Preparing the athlete for a safe and successful return to sport Summary LEAPs are no longer simply a historical technique being revisited. Contemporary evidence suggests that appropriately selected patients—particularly young, high-risk athletes, patients with significant rotational instability, revision ACL cases, and athletes returning to pivoting sports—may benefit from lateral augmentation as part of a comprehensive ACL reconstruction strategy. The challenge for modern sports surgeons is determining who truly benefits, which technique is most appropriate, and how to perform the procedure without introducing unnecessary morbidity or over-constraint. Disclaimer This episode is sponsored by Arthrex . The discussion includes Arthrex products, including the Knee FiberTak system. The views and opinions expressed by the guests are their own and are intended for educational purposes.

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  The Sports Docs Podcast

  188: Buttoned Up: Modern Advances in ACL Reconstruction with Seth Sherman, MD - Live at AOSSM 2026

  Aug 3, 202625 min

  Advances in ACL reconstruction continue to push the field toward stronger fixation, improved graft protection, and more biologically friendly implants. In this special sponsored episode of The Sports Docs Podcast , recorded live at the 2026 AOSSM Annual Meeting in Seattle , Drs. Catherine Logan and Ashley Bassett welcome Dr. Seth Sherman to discuss the latest innovations in graft fixation and how they are changing the way surgeons approach ACL reconstruction. The conversation begins with one of the most important decisions in ACL surgery— graft selection . Dr. Sherman shares his approach to choosing between bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB), quadriceps tendon, and hamstring autografts, emphasizing how patient age, sex, sport, anatomy, and activity level influence decision-making. He also discusses the growing body of evidence supporting quadriceps tendon autografts, particularly in young athletes and female patients. The discussion then shifts to the evolution of graft fixation, from interference screws to adjustable-loop suspensory fixation, and the advantages of modern cortical fixation systems. Dr. Sherman explains how the Arthrex TightRope SB represents an evolution in ACL fixation by combining an all-suture, low-profile design with familiar surgical workflow, radiopaque visualization, and secure adjustable-loop fixation. The hosts and Dr. Sherman also explore InternalBrace™ augmentation , reviewing the biomechanical rationale, surgical pearls, and emerging clinical evidence supporting graft protection during the vulnerable early phases of ligament healing. Together, they discuss how thoughtful implant design and biologic principles are helping surgeons optimize outcomes while preserving future surgical options. Whether you're an experienced sports medicine surgeon or a trainee learning modern ACL techniques, this episode provides practical insights into the latest advances in ACL reconstruction. In This Episode Factors that influence ACL graft selection, including age, sport, sex, and anatomy The growing role of quadriceps tendon autografts in primary ACL reconstruction How suspensory fixation has evolved over the past decade Advantages of adjustable-loop cortical fixation systems Features and clinical applications of the Arthrex TightRope SB all-suture fixation device Benefits of preserving bone stock and eliminating permanent metallic hardware Radiopaque implant visualization and its role during surgery Technical considerations and learning curve for adopting all-suture fixation Biomechanical principles and clinical evidence supporting InternalBrace™ augmentation Surgical pearls for avoiding over-constraint during InternalBrace fixation How TightRope SB integrates seamlessly with InternalBrace augmentation The future of biologically friendly, low-profile implant technology in ACL reconstruction Key Takeaways ACL graft selection should be individualized based on patient-specific factors including sport, anatomy, age, and sex. Quadriceps tendon autografts continue to gain popularity due to predictable graft size, excellent clinical outcomes, and lower donor-site morbidity. Adjustable-loop suspensory fixation has become a reliable and versatile option for modern ACL reconstruction. The Arthrex TightRope SB combines familiar surgical technique with an all-suture, low-profile design that preserves bone and eliminates permanent metallic hardware. Radiopaque implant technology offers additional intraoperative confidence while maintaining the benefits of soft-tissue fixation. InternalBrace™ augmentation functions as a load-sharing construct that may reduce graft strain during early healing while allowing normal rehabilitation when properly tensioned. Modern ACL innovation continues to focus on preserving biology, minimizing hardware, and improving long-term patient outcomes without increasing surgical complexity. About Our Guest Dr. Seth Sherman is a board-certified orthopaedic sports medicine surgeon specializing in arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery of the knee, shoulder, and elbow. He is widely recognized for his expertise in ACL reconstruction, cartilage restoration, and sports injury management, and is an active educator, researcher, and national lecturer dedicated to advancing evidence-based sports medicine. This episode is sponsored by Arthrex. Thank you to Arthrex for supporting continuing education and innovation in sports medicine. Follow The Sports Docs Podcast for conversations with leading surgeons, researchers, and innovators advancing orthopaedic sports medicine through evidence-based education, surgical innovation, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

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