Lower limb Sports injuries in patients who are ‘young at heart’ Dr Michael Dan

In this podcast, Michael Dan, an Australian-trained lower limb orthopedic surgeon with specialized training in knee procedures, discusses the management of lower limb sports injuries, particularly as they relate to patients who remain active despite aging. His focus is primarily on the intersection of arthritis and meniscal injuries in the knee, drawing on both his professional expertise and personal experiences, particularly as a participant in athletic events like the City to Surf.

Dan begins by acknowledging the disparities in outcomes following knee replacement surgeries, specifically addressing how younger patients may face a higher revision rate due to their longevity compared to older individuals. He highlights the complexity of treating knee-related issues in younger, active patients with arthritis. In framing his presentation, Dan shares a case study of a 53-year-old woman who has experienced knee pain following meniscal removal, illustrating how imaging techniques can help assess knee alignment and cartilage integrity. He discusses the advantages of performing partial knee replacements in these patients, emphasizing benefits such as improved kinematics and a higher likelihood of returning to sports activities.

Transitioning to another patient case, a 48-year-old male who previously underwent an ACL reconstruction is presented. Dan explains how instability and persistent pain led to a more comprehensive surgical approach, combining ACL reconstruction with a high tibial osteotomy to address medial knee pain and optimize alignment. The lecture stresses the importance of personalized treatment strategies, tailoring interventions based on each patient’s age, activity level, and specific knee anatomy.

Delving deeper into meniscal health, Dan reviews historical attitudes toward meniscal tears, challenging the long-standing practice of meniscectomy. He presents evidence from recent studies that highlight the poor outcomes associated with removing menisci, particularly in older patients, and advocates for repair when feasible, especially in younger individuals. The lecture underscores the critical role of the meniscus as a shock absorber and stabilizer of the knee joint, and the dire consequences that arise when it is removed. The discussion navigates through changing paradigms in orthopedic surgical practices, including the use of innovative techniques to enhance meniscal repair success rates.

Dan also explores the implications of corticosteroid injections, emphasizing the emerging trend of administering them in a targeted manner around meniscal areas rather than intra-articular spaces. This method has shown promise in managing pain associated with meniscal tears while minimizing the need for surgical intervention. With an emphasis on patient-centered care, Dan highlights the importance of education and appropriate referrals for physical therapy to facilitate better outcomes for patients experiencing degenerative changes in their knees.

As the lecture progresses, Dan addresses more specific scenarios, such as acute meniscal tears, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the types of injuries that warrant surgical intervention versus conservative management. He references specific tear patterns, such as root tears, and discusses their significant impact on knee stability and function. The lecture concludes with a summary of key messages: the importance of preserving the meniscus where possible, the consideration of alignment issues as a factor in knee health, and a reminder to avoid unnecessary removal of meniscal tissue unless it is definitively the source of pain. This comprehensive dialogue serves to enhance understanding and inform clinical decision-making regarding sports injuries and arthritis in patients who are "young at...