The OPC is the second HSS and Stamford Health collaboration to come to the Westport area since the opening of HSS Sports Rehab-Westport in 2022. Additional physician office locations and sports rehabilitation facilities are located in Stamford, Greenwich, New Canaan, Wilton, Norwalk and Hamden, CT.

“We’re really excited to build on the commitment we’ve made alongside Stamford Health to enhance orthopedic care options to the residents of Westport and surrounding areas,” said Samuel A. Taylor, MD, sports medicine surgeon and medical director of the OPC. “Patients now have increased access to world-class orthopedic care across a broad range of services.”

The Westport OPC features seven provider offices, 12 exam rooms, and two x-ray suites with services provided by Stamford Health Radiology. Highly specialized physicians and staff will offer care in hand and upper extremities, joint replacement, physiatry, spine, and sports medicine (surgical and non-surgical). Later this fall, the foot and ankle service will be available. Additionally, the center will launch HSS Orthopedics Now, becoming the second location in Connecticut to provide patients 12 years and older with quicker access to orthopedic care for sudden injuries and pain.

“Westport has proven to be a terrific community in which to share our unparalleled expertise in musculoskeletal health,” says Bryan T. Kelly, MD, MBA, president and CEO of HSS. “We’re eager to expand our offerings in the Fairfield County community in partnership with Stamford Health and as part of HSS’s wider growth plan across the entire tri-state region.”

 Home to more than 25,000 residents, the town of Westport also has an intriguing historical connection to HSS as the birthplace of HSS’s third Surgeon-in-Chief, William B. Coley, MD. One of the town’s notable early families, the Coleys were prominent farmers and commercial shippers for 200 years. William Coley was born in 1862 in the Saugatuck neighborhood. The Coleytown section of Westport was named after the family.

“We are incredibly proud of our collaboration with HSS and the orthopedic care we deliver to patients,” said Kathleen Silard, president and CEO at Stamford Health. “Partnering with organizations like HSS allows us to bring world-class care to the communities we serve, close to home.”

The Westport OPC is located at 276 Post Road West and will operate Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit hss.edu/hss-orthopedics-stamford-health-westport.asp or contact the center directly at (203) 391-2270.

About Stamford Health

Stamford Health is a non-profit independent health care system with more than 3,900 employees committed to caring for the community through a wide range of high-quality health and wellness services. Patients and their families receive expert, compassionate care through the system’s 305-bed Stamford Hospital; Stamford Health Medical Group, with more than 40 offices in lower Fairfield County offering primary and specialty care; a growing number of ambulatory locations across the region; and support through the Stamford Hospital Foundation.

Stamford Health is known for its expert, person-centered care through its many recognitions and partnerships. U.S. News & World Report has recognized Stamford Hospital as a High-Performing Hospital. The Leapfrog Group awarded Stamford Hospital an “A” for patient safety. The American Nurses Credentialing Center has granted Stamford Hospital Magnet Status, which recognizes superior patient care with the highest level of safety, quality, and patient satisfaction. Stamford Health is Planetree Gold-Certified for Excellence in Person-Centered Care and is a Certified™ Great Place to Work.

Stamford Health is a major teaching affiliate of the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and offers treatment and expertise from Columbia University Irving Medical Center’s nationally recognized heart and neurosurgeons. Stamford Health and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) have created a premier center for specialty orthopedic care right in Stamford, Connecticut. Stamford Health’s Carl & Dorothy Bennett Cancer Center has a robust collaboration with Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center.

Dedicated to being the community’s most trusted health care partner, Stamford Health puts patients first to build long-lasting relationships. For more information, visit StamfordHealth.org. Like us on Facebook and follow us on X, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

From winning championships to setting records, football can be rewarding in many ways. But the impact of the game goes far beyond the field, inspiring lives in countless ways.

That is at the core of USA Football's Heart of a Giant Award, presented annually by the New York Giants and HSS. It recognizes 60 high school athletes in the Tri-State area who embody the spirit of the game through five qualities: commitment, character, teamwork, dedication and will. After a community voting process, 11 honorees are selected to the Heart of a Giant Team, with an overall Heart of a Giant winner being honored.

This year's award winner is Eduardo Recinos, a junior at Putnam Valley High School in New York.

Recinos, who is the first non-athlete to receive the award, is the team manager for the Putnam Valley High School football program. Recinos has been diagnosed with Spastic Cerebral Palsy. This makes it difficult for him to walk and coordinate gross motor movements in some instances, but he never lets that hold him back.

Initially unable to walk, Eduardo has gone through numerous surgeries and rehabilitation. He has faced every challenge with a unique and joyful determination, and is now able to walk on his own, often with a football in hand. Recinos had wanted to be part of the team for a few years and finally asked to be the team manager this season. Recinos has fully committed himself to the team, attending every practice, game, and team event, and making his presence felt through his contributions and love of the game.

Read the full article at giants.com. 

During his many months of cancer treatment at a Long Island hospital, Brandt had two goals: to get well and to play football again. If he was a champion on the football field prior to his diagnosis, he would later prove that his courage and determination knew no bounds.

As soon as he could, he resumed training while receiving chemotherapy treatment, setting up a makeshift gym in his hospital room. Side effects of the grueling treatment weren’t Brandt’s only challenge. At one point, he had to overcome neuropathy in his legs that made walking difficult. He dealt with listeria and appendicitis that required another four-week hospitalization.

Brandt faced every challenge head on, and in September 2022, he was in remission and returned to the football field as QB-1 quarterback to play again. Many who know him call him a hero, including his mom Abby, who was with him every step of the way. “He’s a warrior, he’s my rock star,” she said. “I’m the proudest mom in the world.”

For his outstanding character and determination, Brandt received the USA Football “Heart of a Giant” award presented by Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and the New York Giants. The award recognizes high school football players in the tri-state area who demonstrate an unparalleled work ethic, extraordinary dedication and a passion for the game.

In late 2022, Brandt, who will turn 18 in April, faced another challenge that brought him to HSS. The cancer treatment, which included steroids, had contributed to the development of a condition called osteonecrosis in his right knee. Resulting damage to the cartilage and bone made it difficult for him to engage in weight-bearing activities such as running and climbing stairs. His best bet to repair the damage was a cartilage transplant.

Scott Rodeo, MD, vice chair of Orthopaedic Research, co-director of the Orthopaedic Soft Tissue Research Program at HSS, and Head Team Physician for the New York Giants performed a surgery known as OATS - osteochondral autograft transfer surgery. “The procedure consisted of taking a piece of cartilage and bone from a non-weightbearing portion of his right knee and transplanting it to the area of the lesion,” Dr. Rodeo explained. “Because of the size of the area to be treated, I used a similar graft from his left knee as well. We also used some bone graft from the iliac crest near the hip.” 

Abby Morgan said she was grateful that the procedure could be scheduled quickly. “Dr. Rodeo made magic happen, and Brandt had the surgery on December 29. I wanted to expedite it because Brandt had some big milestones ahead and the recovery would take time,” she explained. “On March 23, he will receive his last maintenance cancer treatment and ring a bell at the hospital to mark the occasion, and he didn’t want to be on crutches. Later that evening, he will receive the “Honored Hero” award from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Spring break is in April, and he wants to enjoy it, something he hasn’t been able to do in the past two and a half years.”

HSS staff who got to know Brandt, even briefly, were impressed and inspired by his positive attitude and perseverance. Dr. Rodeo said he was struck by Brandt’s unwavering commitment to achieve his goal to play football again.

Stephen Melancon, PA-C, a certified physician assistant who works with Dr. Rodeo, said he was impressed by the way Brandt confronted a challenge that many adults would have trouble grappling with emotionally and physically. Now Brandt has a social media presence to help other young people diagnosed with cancer.

“For someone his age, with all that he’s gone through, not only to still be able to participate in sports, which is great, but to put himself out there and make himself a resource for other people – it proves he’s an exceptional young individual with incredible drive and outstanding character,” Melancon said.

“Brandt is truly the definition of exceptional. I don’t know anyone quite like him,” said Robbie Tran, senior director of Global Sports Marketing at HSS. “When faced with adversity, he set his mind on a goal and despite multiple setbacks fought until he accomplished what he set out to. He is an inspiration to many,” added Tran, who met Brandt when he received the Heart of a Giant award.

“He really has the heart of a giant,” said Samuel Taylor, MD, a sports medicine surgeon at HSS and Associate Team Physician for the New York Giants, who presented the award to Brandt. “He refused to let cancer stop him. In the process he inspired his friends, family, teammates, and his community.”

Brandt, who went home from HSS on New Years Eve, continues to make progress following his knee surgery. He is still in physical therapy, which is expected to last 4 to 6 months, and the prognosis is good. At this time, no additional surgery is planned, and he should be able to return to most activities, Dr. Rodeo said.  

Although football may no longer be in his future, Brandt still has dreams and goals. He’s looking forward to college and a possible career in sports management. In the meantime, he is dedicated to helping other young people with cancer who contact him on social media or via a website he has created called “Comeback Kids.”

The site was born out of the kindness and generosity of a teenager who has been through a lot, as he seeks to encourage others, candidly describing his long journey from the moment he was diagnosed with cancer. He provides heartfelt advice on ways to cope and maintain a positive attitude. He communicates sincere empathy to comfort young people facing similar challenges.   

“When I was undergoing treatment, it was helpful to talk to someone who had been in that situation and who would be honest with me,” Brandt explained. “Being able to help others makes me feel like a better person. They ask me the same questions that I specifically remember asking.”

“Your life can change in a heartbeat, like mine did,” he added. “I think this happened to me for a reason – that I was meant to help other people.”

HSS will provide access to high quality preventative, surgical, rehabilitative and performance services to GCDS athletes in addition to their specialties in orthopedic surgery and the treatment of rheumatologic conditions. Once a week, an HSS physician will also be available on campus in the Athletic Training Room, and a physician from HSS will be present for game-day coverage at all home football games.

“Not only are we gaining access to elite orthopedic care, but the resources and technology of HSS are unparalleled,” says Patrick Curry, GCDS head athletic trainer. “This year our athletes will receive expert HSS movement analysis using FDA-endorsed 3D computer vision technology that will help our athletic trainers and coaches to prevent injuries. Athletes and coaches will also run through the HSS Sport Safety Program to establish proper warm up techniques, awareness of body position, and recognition of unsafe movements while playing sports.”

The lead HSS physicians for GCDS are Warren K. Young, MD, who is a team physician for Iona College and Concordia College; Samuel A. Taylor, MD, who currently serves as associate team physician for the New York Giants; and Karen M. Sutton, MD, who is head team physician for U.S. Women’s Lacrosse, chief medical officer for World Lacrosse, and team physician for U.S. Ski & Snowboard. In addition to a main campus in New York City, HSS has facilities in Westchester and Stamford among others.

“Young athletes are demanding peak performance from their bodies and we want to work with parents, coaches and training staff to ensure they maintain overall fitness to prevent injury while having fun,” said Dr. Sutton, sports medicine surgeon at HSS Stamford. “It’s important for young athletes to develop a foundation of strength beginning with their entire core, participate in exercise programs that promote flexibility, eat right and pay attention to pain.”

GCDS will also collaborate with HSS to offer informational workshops and presentations for students, parents, and coaches on key topics related to health and wellness such as nutrition, stress management, and injury prevention and recovery.

“We envision HSS as a helpful resource for our families,” notes GCDS Athletic Director Tim Helstein. “Their expertise benefits families with students of all ages and interests. We want everyone to be healthy, safe, and knowledgeable—whether they are playing in their first flag football game, rehearsing for the Middle School musical, training for a dance showcase, or playing competitive sports at the highest level.”

About GCDS

Greenwich Country Day School is a co-ed, independent Nursery - Grade 12 college preparatory day school in Greenwich, CT, that graduates ethical, confident learners and leaders with a strong sense of purpose--ready to embrace opportunities and challenges in a world of rapid change. The purposeful mission of academic excellence and character development is as relevant today as it was at the school’s founding in 1926. GCDS’s curriculum builds a solid background in the sciences and humanities while challenging students to develop critical knowledge and skills through inquiry, exploration, interdisciplinary studies, and real-world applications. The school’s pedagogy and curricula seek to bring forward multiple perspectives, disciplines, and voices as a means to deepen learning and develop empathy. Important lessons are learned not only in the classroom, but also on the playing fields, in the art room, on stage, and through extracurricular activities, such as the chess team, robotics club, and student publications. An extensive community service program and numerous leadership opportunities teach students to turn their initiative and generosity into meaningful action. GCDS is a joyful learning environment where curiosity and creativity are valued, resilience is cultivated, and the health and well-being of every student is essential. GCDS graduates are known as exceptionally well-prepared for success in higher education—and in life. www.gcds.net

Reconstruction is the current standard of care surgical treatment for tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This procedure typically uses a graft, or a piece of tissue, placed in the knee minimally invasively, using small incisions. About 300,000 ACL reconstructions are performed annually in the United States with well documented rates of success.

ACL repair is an older technique that involved suturing (sewing) torn ACL tissue, not rebuilding it with a graft. ACL repair was performed in the 1970s at select institutions, including Hospital for Special Surgery, but was abandoned due to unacceptably high failure rates of up to 50%.

Today, ACL repair has been modernized and can be performed through a minimally invasive approach. Proponents suggest that modern ACL repair techniques may be performed safely and may lead to a quicker recovery than ACL reconstruction. However, the limited studies to date raise questions that must be discussed in detail with your surgeon.

1. It is critically important to get ACL surgery right the first time.

When ACL surgery fails, surgeons must do a revision procedure to correct or revise the problems that were not fully addressed the first time. Revision requires reconstructive ACL surgery with a graft. (ACL repairs cannot be done as revisions.) Redoing ACL surgery may result in higher rates of failure, lower rates of return to sports, and increased risk of osteoarthritis.

The importance of successful initial ACL surgery holds true for people of all ages, but it is particularly critical for young athletes, for whom a failed surgery can have devastating consequences, including years lost from sport in the short term as well as chronic pain and loss of function in the long term.

2. Failure rates for ACL repair appear to be significantly higher than those for ACL reconstruction in people of all ages.

Current studies suggest that modern ACL repair techniques have a failure rate that may be five to ten times higher than that of ACL reconstruction^1,2,3. One major recent study in a prominent sports medicine journal found that arthroscopic ACL repair has unacceptable outcomes in young athletes, with short-term failure rates of close to 50%².

It has been suggested that ACL repair may be appropriate for older adults who have a type of ACL tear called a proximal avulsion and who do not participate in “cutting and pivoting” sports such as basketball, volleyball, and soccer. For these patients, failure rates in the short term appear to be much higher than ACL reconstruction in this age group^1,2,3.

3. There is still much we don’t know about ACL repair.

There has been no scientific evidence that shows a difference in postoperative pain between ACL repair and reconstruction. Rehabilitation and return-to-play protocols for ACL repair have not yet been established. Proper guidelines for rehabilitation and return to sports are essential to keep people safe from re-injury.
 

Andrew D. Pearle, MD

Chief, HSS Sports Medicine Institute

Bryan T. Kelly, MD

HSS Surgeon-in-Chief and Medical Director

Answorth A. Allen, MD

David W. Altchek, MD

Struan H. Coleman, MD, PhD

Frank A. Cordasco, MD, MS

David M. Dines, MD

Joshua S. Dines, MD

Stephen Fealy, MD

Andreas H. Gomoll, MD

Lawrence V. Gulotta, MD

Jo A. Hannafin, MD, PhD

Anne M. Kelly, MD

John D. MacGillivray, MD

Robert G. Marx, MD, MSc, FRCSC

Michael J. Maynard, MD

Moira M. McCarthy, MD

Danyal H. Nawabi, MD, FRCS

Stephen J. O’Brien, MD, MBA

Anil S. Ranawat, MD

Scott A. Rodeo, MD

Howard Anthony Rose, MD

Beth E. Shubin Stein, MD

Sabrina M. Strickland, MD

Karen M. Sutton, MD

Samuel A. Taylor, MD

Russell F. Warren, MD

Thomas L. Wickiewicz, MD

Riley J. Williams III, MD

References

1. Jonkergouw A, van der List J, DiFelice G. Arthroscopic primary repair of proximal ACL tears: outcomes of the first 56 consecutive patients and the role of additional internal bracing. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2019 Jan;27(1):21-28.

2. Gagliardi AG, Carry PM, Parikh HB, Traver JL, Howell DR, Albright JC. ACL repair with suture ligament augmentation is associated with a high failure rate among adolescent patients. Am J Sports Med. 2019 Mar;47(3):560-566.

3. Wright RW et al. Risk of tearing the intact ACL in the contralateral knee and rupturing the ACL graft during the first 2 years after ACLR: A prospective MOON cohort study. Am J Sports Med. 2007 Jul;35(7):1131-4.

For more information visit https://www.hss.edu/condition-list_torn-acl.asp.

Willis was surprised at a school ceremony where Giants offensive guard Nate Solder came out with his award. 

Samuel A. Taylor, MD, sports medicine surgeon at HSS, was also part of the surprise ceremony. "I was very impressed with Shadon," says Dr. Taylor. "He truly represents the 'Heart of a Giant'."

Read the full article at TapInto.net.

New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder was on hand to present the award along with program ambassador Samuel A. Taylor, MD, sports medicine surgeon at HSS.

Shadon was recognized during a surprise assembly on December 11.

The segment aired on December 11, 2018.

Additional Coverage:

• News 12 New Jersey: New Jersey Sportscast, Dec. 11

"As you can imagine while you're practicing one particular sport, it requires a specific set of motions and movements and muscle groups for that. If that's all you're doing year-round, then there is the risk of overtraining," said Dr. Taylor.

"It's very important for kids at any age to be participating in a number of different sports that require different movements and different activities and muscle groups to be used," he added.

This video originally appeared on Giants.com.

"According to some estimates, 50 to 60 percent of adults over the age of 60 have a torn rotator cuff. Many people don't know it because it doesn't interfere with their day-to-day activities," Dr. Taylor wrote.

He advised individuals to rest their shoulder and take anti-inflammatory medication to see if pain and function improve.

"If a patient tries conservative treatments and continues to have pain and difficulty with activities after two or three months, he or she may consider surgery to repair the tear…. At HSS, the success rate is over 90 percent in terms of pain relief, restoring function and improvement in quality of life," added Dr. Taylor.

Read the full article at Brookfield.dailyvoice.com.

"One of the things that's very important for people to take into consideration is the time that they choose to work out," said Dr. Taylor, who explained that it's best to work out in early morning or late evening when it's cooler.

"The cooler temps and the less humidity help us stay hydrated," Dr. Taylor noted.

As student-athletes prepare for fall sports, Dr. Taylor advised parents to "help their children maintain hydration through drinking water as well as other drinks that contain salts and electrolytes".

Watch the full segment at wtnh.com. This also aired during the July 16, 2018 broadcast.

"It's important that players have the appropriate equipment to keep them warm and to protect them from the elements as best as they can," said Dr. Taylor.

In preparation for the cold temperatures, Dr. Taylor noted that some athletes apply petroleum jelly on their skin. He explained that "it closes the pores a little bit and gives you a little bit more protection from the elements".

In addition, Dr. Taylor said that heated benches and foot pads are available on the sidelines.

This article originally appeared at accuweather.com

Additional Coverage:

• Yahoo! Sports: 5 ways NFL athletes keep from freezing on the field

During a surprise ceremony at his school, Quinn was presented the award by HSS sports medicine surgeon Samuel A. Taylor, MD and New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul.

Quinn was recognized for demonstrating unparalleled work ethic and passion for football. Although Quinn was diagnosed with ALCL non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2014, he never gave up on his favorite sport.

"He's a fighter. In talking with his mom beforehand, she said, 'he's a kid who hates the spotlight on himself.' So he's a humble, hardworking kid who's been faced with adversity and fought every step of the way. He really does embody what we're looking for in Heart of a Giant," said Dr. Taylor after the assembly.

Read the full story at Giants.com.