Welcoming Dr. Philip Zakko

Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine is proud to welcome the newest member of our team, Dr. Philip Zakko, a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon specializing in both minimally invasive and traditional spine surgery and comprehensive care for degenerative and traumatic spine conditions.

A New England native, Dr. Zakko brings advanced training, a listen-first philosophy, and a passion for helping patients regain their mobility and quality of life. He treats a full range of spine conditions—from herniated discs and spinal stenosis to complex cervical, thoracic, and lumbar disorders—using innovative surgical and non-surgical approaches. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Zakko has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and has presented his research at national and international spine society meetings.

Dr. Zakko said he chose to pursue orthopedics because it’s a hands-on specialty that allows him to help restore patients’ function and quality of life. He finds his work particularly rewarding because it blends innovation, problem-solving, and the chance to help patients regain independence. While he does perform surgery, Dr. Zakko emphasizes non-operative and non-invasive solutions whenever possible, turning to surgery only when it’s truly necessary.

Asked what drew him to Atlantic Orthopaedics, he said, “It’s an interdisciplinary group of skilled, compassionate providers who work as a team to deliver the best possible care and I knew this was the kind of environment where I could make the greatest impact on patients.”

Outside of medicine, Dr. Zakko is a classically trained violinist and a member of the World Doctors Orchestra, where he combines his passion for music with medicine to support charitable causes worldwide. He also enjoys playing tennis and pickleball, skiing, traveling, and spending time with family.

If you are experiencing back or neck pain, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Zakko and take the first step toward restoring your mobility and quality of life.

Get Back on Your Feet: Help for Patients with Bunions

Bunions can make everyday activities like walking, exercising, or even wearing shoes extremely uncomfortable. A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe when the joint becomes misaligned. Over time, the big toe drifts toward the smaller toes, causing the joint to protrude and become painful. Bunions can develop for a variety of reasons, including inherited foot structure, improper footwear (especially narrow or high-heeled shoes), arthritis, or repeated stress on the foot. As the deformity progresses, the joint can become increasingly swollen and sore.

How Minimally Invasive Bunionectomy Can Help

Dr. Theodore Guild, a foot and ankle surgeon who recently joined our team, offers Minimally Invasive Bunionectomy (Bunion Deformity Correction), an innovative procedure designed to correct bunion deformities with less disturbance of the skin and soft tissues than open surgery. Traditionally, bunion correction has involved a large incision along the side of the foot. The minimally invasive approach requires incisions of just 1cm or less, through which Dr. Guild uses specialized instruments to reshape the deformity. This reduces tissue disruption, wound complications, and post-operative pain.

Dr. Guild performs the procedure at NECOS, Portsmouth Regional Hospital, and York Hospital, making it accessible to patients in several communities.

Who is a Good Candidate for the Procedure?

If you’re dealing with persistent bunion pain that hasn’t improved with non-surgical treatments like toe spacers, shoe modifications, or splints, minimally invasive bunionectomy may be the right treatment for you. Dr. Guild encourages patients not to wait until pain limits daily life. When a painful bunion prevents you from being able to do the things you enjoy recreationally, or that you need to do regularly, it’s time to come in for an evaluation and begin a conversation about the best treatment approach.

Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine is committed to utilizing the latest surgical techniques to improve patient care, comfort, and outcomes. If you’re suffering from a painful bunion, take the first step towards better foot health and schedule a consultation with Dr. Guild today.

Meet Dr. Theodore Guild – Foot & Ankle Surgeon

Atlantic Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine is excited to welcome Dr. Theodore Guild to our team! A fellowship-trained Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle surgeon, Dr. Guild brings clinical excellence and a passion for patient-centered care to our community. He specializes in treating the full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions, from sports-related injuries and fractures to arthritis and chronic deformity.

Beyond his technical expertise, Dr. Guild finds getting to know his patients and their lives the most rewarding part of his job. “Having the opportunity to be someone’s teammate and advocate throughout their healing journey makes this work truly gratifying,” he shared.

From an early age, Dr. Guild was drawn to physical, constructive work – building decks with his dad, and working in both landscaping and farming as a teen. That love of hands-on work, combined with his experience as an EMT during college, led to his interest in medicine. It was through his post-college job as an Emergency Room Technician working alongside orthopaedic residents that Dr. Guild found his true calling in orthopaedics, where he could combine technical skill, problem-solving, and meaningful patient care.

Dr. Guild’s approach is rooted in collaboration—starting with non-operative treatments whenever possible and offering surgery only when truly necessary. For patients who do require surgery, he is proud to bring Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) to the Seacoast. Using incisions just millimeters long, MIS allows for less scarring, quicker recovery, and reduced pain. For advanced ankle arthritis, he also offers Total Ankle Arthroplasty (ankle replacement surgery) to restore movement and improve quality of life.

When asked what made him want to join the practice at Atlantic Orthopaedics, Dr. Guild said it was the genuine, caring nature of the entire staff—from front office to clinical teams—that drew him in and made our practice a natural fit. Outside of work, Dr. Guild can be found exploring the local trails on his gravel bike, hiking, skiing, or kayaking with his wife exploring the beautiful coasts and mountains of New Hampshire and Maine.

Atlantic Orthopaedics is thrilled to expand access to advanced foot and ankle care in the Seacoast and help our patients get back to the activities they love. If you’re suffering from a foot and ankle injury or condition, schedule a consultation with Dr. Guild today.

Reduce Pain and Restore Mobility – Meet Our Partners, ProCare Physical Therapy

At Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, we’re committed to helping you move, heal, and thrive–whether you’re recovering from surgery, suffering from an injury, or managing a chronic condition. That’s why we partnered with ProCare Physical Therapy in Portsmouth, providing our patients easy access to excellent rehabilitation services here on the Seacoast. Together with our orthopedic treatments, ProCare’s hands-on therapy can help get you back to doing what you love–stronger and healthier than ever.

Why Physical Therapy Matters

Physical therapy is more than just exercises and stretches. It’s a personalized, evidence-based treatment that:

Restores Mobility
After an injury or procedure, joints and muscles can stiffen. PT techniques gently coax your body back into its full range of motion.

Builds Strength & Stability
Targeted strengthening exercises help protect vulnerable joints and tissues, reducing the chance of re‑injury.

Reduces Pain
Hands‑on therapy, manual techniques, and therapeutic modalities can calm inflammation and reduce chronic pain.

Promotes Faster Recovery
Studies show that physical therapy after orthopedic interventions leads to better outcomes and fewer setbacks down the road.

Fosters Long-Term Health
PT equips you with the tools–exercise programs, body mechanics education, and self-care strategies–to continue to stay active, both on the playing field and in everyday life.

How Do I Know if Physical Therapy Is Right for Me?
You may be a good candidate for PT if any of the following apply:

Post‑operative rehab (joint replacements, tendon repairs, fracture fixations)

Chronic conditions (osteoarthritis, tendinopathies, nerve entrapments)

Sports‑related injuries (sprains, strains, rotator cuff tears)

Work‑related or repetitive‑stress injuries (carpal tunnel, tennis elbow)

Balance training and fall prevention

The Seacoast’s Physical Therapy Experts

ProCare is recognized for their cutting-edge orthopedic knowledge, as well as their expertise in upper-extremity issues. All of their occupational therapists are Certified Hand Therapists (CHT) with extensive experience treating a range of conditions, from tendonitis and arthritis to post-surgical recovery.

By collaborating with ProCare, our surgeons and sports medicine specialists provide integrated care for optimum health outcomes. Regular communication between our teams ensures that your PT and orthopedic goals are aligned, with a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.

At Atlantic Orthopaedics, we believe in a team-based approach to your health. Our partnership means you have access to the best in both surgical and rehabilitative care in one convenient Portsmouth location. No matter your age or activity level, a personalized PT program can speed healing, reduce pain, and enhance quality of life, getting you back to what matters most.

Reach out to schedule an evaluation today.

From Kayaking to Paddleboarding: Orthopaedic Care and Injury Prevention for Water Sports Enthusiasts

There’s nothing like being out on the water—gliding across a glassy lake on a paddleboard, navigating a winding river in a kayak, or exploring the coastline by canoe. These summer pastimes aren’t just relaxing—they’re also great for your overall fitness, building upper body strength, balance, and cardiovascular health. But like any sport, water sports come with some orthopedic risks.

At Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, we see a range of water sports–related injuries every year, from overuse strains to acute trauma. The good news is that many are preventable with the right conditioning and technique—and very treatable if they do occur. Both Dr. Abigail Boduch and Dr. Andrew McMahon specialize in treating sports-related injuries and conditions, with a focus on reducing pain and getting patients back to the activities they love. Dr. McMahon has served the seacoast community as a Primary Care Sports Medicine provider and served as team physician for a number of local high school teams, while Dr. Boduch is an orthopedic surgeon (and paddle board enthusiast) who specializes in the treatment of tendon, ligament, and cartilage injuries, as well as trauma care focused on fractures of the extremities. Dr. Tyler Welch is an orthopedic surgeon and partner at Atlantic Orthopaedics who also specializes in Sports Medicine, with a focus on Arthroscopy of the knee, shoulder, and hip

Whether you’re an experienced athlete or just getting started with water sports, here’s what to watch for, how to avoid common injuries, and how we can help if something goes wrong.

Common Water Sports Injuries (and How to Prevent Them)

1. Rotator Cuff Strains and Tears
Shoulder pain is one of the most common complaints among kayakers and paddleboarders. Repeated overhead paddling motions, especially without proper technique or warm-up, can strain or even tear the rotator cuff—the group of muscles and tendons that stabilize your shoulder joint. Atlantic Orthopaedics partner Dr. Mayo Noerdlinger specializes in injuries of the shoulder, encouraging his patients to take an active role in their treatment. An advocate of opioid-sparing surgery, Dr. Noerdlinger uses novel pain-relieving treatment options to hasten the recovery process.

Prevention:

Warm up shoulders and arms before heading out

Use proper paddling technique—avoid overreaching or poor posture

Strengthen shoulder and upper back muscles with resistance exercises during the off-season

Treatment Options:

Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE) for minor strains

Physical Therapy to rebuild strength and improve flexibility

Corticosteroid Injections to reduce inflammation

Surgical repair in the case of full-thickness tears

2. Elbow Overuse Injuries (Including Tennis Elbow)
Holding a paddle for extended periods, especially with a tight grip or poor wrist alignment, can cause overuse injuries like tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), which involves inflammation of the tendons around the elbow. Hand and upper extremity surgeon Dr. Maximilian Meyer has years of expertise in treating both acute elbow injuries and chronic conditions. His philosophy centers on listening to and working together with patients to create individualized care plans – both surgical and non-surgical – that help you return to an active lifestyle as quickly as possible.

Prevention:

Avoid a death grip on the paddle—relax your hands

Strengthen forearm muscles with light weights or resistance bands

Mix up your activities to avoid repetitive strain

Treatment Options:

Rest and anti-inflammatories

Elbow braces or straps to relieve strain

Physical Therapy with eccentric strengthening exercises

Steroid or PRP injections for more stubborn cases

Elbow surgery in the event of serious injury

3. Foot and Ankle Injuries

From the sudden jolt of a fall from a jet ski to the subtle wear-and-tear of beach running, your feet and ankles take a beating during many popular water sports. These joints are crucial for balance, propulsion, and impact absorption—making them particularly vulnerable in fast-paced or high-impact environments like surfing, jet skiing, waterskiing, and beach volleyball. From ankle sprains to Achilles tendon tears to “Turf Toe” (a sprain of the big toe joint), ankle and foot injuries are some of the most common when it comes to water sports.

Prevention:

Warm up and stretch before getting on the water

Wear appropriate footwear (water shoes, board shoes, or sport-specific bindings)

Strengthen foot and ankle muscles with balance exercises, heel raises, and resistance band work

Be cautious on wet, slippery surfaces—many injuries happen on docks, boats, or shorelines

Treatment Options:

RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)

Ankle bracing or taping for support during recovery

Immobilization in a boot or cast

Physical therapy to restore strength and stability

Surgical repair in cases of severe ligament tears

4. Lower Back Pain and Muscle Strain
Poor posture, weak core muscles, or long hours kneeling or sitting can lead to lower back discomfort—especially for paddleboarders and kayakers. Water sports like wakeboarding and waterskiing can also result in muscle strain or injury. If you suffer from persistent lower back pain, there are non-surgical treatments that can help. Dr. Andrew Lehn is a board-certified interventional pain management provider uses spinal injections and other interventional and opioid-sparing treatments to alleviate back pain and get patients back to doing the activities they love.

Prevention:

Incorporate core exercises like planks, bridges, or Pilates into your regular routine

Sit tall while paddling and avoid slouching

Alternate between sitting, kneeling, or standing to give your back a break

Treatment Options:

Heat or ice, depending on the cause of pain

Physical Therapy focused on core strength and flexibility

Spinal Injections to alleviate pain

5. Wrist and Hand Injuries
Whether you’re gripping the throttle of a jet ski, maneuvering a sailboat, or paddling your way through a river, your hands and wrists are working hard. These small but essential joints are involved in nearly every water sport—and because of that, they’re also vulnerable to overuse, strain, and acute injury. If hand or wrist pain is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by numbness, weakness, or swelling, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis. Dr. H. Matthew Quitkin specializes in treating conditions of the hand and wrist, including fractures, tendon injuries, nerve compression syndromes (Carpal Tunnel and Cubital Tunnel), and overuse syndromes (Tendinitis, Tennis Elbow).

Prevention:

Adjust your grip—keep wrists neutral and avoid bending too far forward or back

Take breaks to shake out and stretch your hands

Use ergonomic paddles, grip pads, or sailing gloves

Treatment Options:

Wrist splints to reduce movement

Ice and anti-inflammatory medication

Corticosteroid injections for inflammation

Surgery for persistent carpal tunnel syndrome

6. Knee Pain and Meniscus Injuries
Jet skiing, surfing, and waterskiing can all place stress on your knees. The knees act as shock absorbers and stabilizers, constantly adjusting to shifts in motion and impact from waves, jumps, and turns. A rapid pivot, a forceful landing, or an unnatural twisting motion—such as falling while your foot is still anchored in a waterski or planted during a hard turn—can tear the meniscus. In some cases, these movements may also strain or injure surrounding ligaments, like the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), or cause patellofemoral pain syndrome, which involves irritation under the kneecap. If pain or swelling in the knee persists, don’t ignore it. Early treatment can make a significant difference in recovery. Dr. Michael Morwood is an expert in treating knee conditions, including fractures and injuries due to trauma. And Dr. Akhil Sastry is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in partial and total knee replacement. Dr. Sastry was among the first 15 surgeons worldwide to perform a robotic-assisted total knee replacement and has since performed the surgery over 1,000 times.

Prevention:

Strengthen the muscles that support your knees—quads, hamstrings, and glutes

Practice proper landing mechanics, and use well-fitting equipment, including bindings or knee supports if needed.

Stretch hips and hamstrings to improve mobility and reduce strain

Treatment Options:

Rest and elevation for swelling

Targeted rehab exercises with a physical therapist

MRI evaluation for suspected structural injury

Arthroscopic surgery for severe meniscus tears

When to See a Specialist

Many water sports injuries start small—but they can become serious if they aren’t evaluated. If you experience persistent pain, numbness, swelling, or weakness after water sports, it’s time to check in with an orthopedic provider. Early diagnosis and treatment can keep minor issues from turning into long-term problems.

At Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, our entire team of doctors, physician assistants, and support staff are here to help get your body back in motion and feeling great so you can enjoy a pain-free summer season. From conservative treatments like physical therapy and injections to advanced surgical options, we’ll create a treatment plan tailored to your activity and goals.

Love the water? We’ll help you stay strong, safe, and ready for your next adventure. Schedule an appointment today.

Pain’s Gone, Summer’s On! Take Your Summer Back

Summer’s here—time for barbecues, beach days, and family road trips. But if you’re one of the millions struggling with chronic back, neck, or joint pain, even those simple pleasures can feel out of reach. The good news is that a minimally invasive procedure called Radiofrequency Ablation may be able to help. At Atlantic Orthopaedics, pain management specialist Dr. Andrew Lehn has seen firsthand how this treatment can dramatically improve quality of life for patients suffering from chronic pain.

What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a targeted treatment designed help lower back pain. The procedure targets the small nerves that transmit pain signals from the joints in your spine to your brain. RFA uses heat generated by radio waves to disable a small section of nerve tissue. By “turning off” these nerves, the procedure can provide long-lasting pain relief, especially in the lower back, neck, and arthritic joints.

How Do I Know if the Procedure Is Right for Me?

Radiofrequency Ablation isn’t for everyone, but it’s an excellent option if you:

Have chronic low back pain (often diagnosed as facet joint arthritis).

Have not experienced significant relief from medication, injections, or physical therapy and want to avoid—or delay—major surgery.

Are in generally good health and can undergo a minimally invasive outpatient procedure.

To determine if RFA could benefit you, the first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lehn. He will review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and order imaging to evaluate the degree of damage from your arthritis or spinal injury. He will then use a diagnostic block test to pinpoint the source of your pain. In the test, a local anesthetic is injected near the source, and if the injection alleviates your pain, it means you may be a good candidate for RFA.

What Is Involved in the RFA Procedure?

You’ll be positioned face down on a specialized X-ray table, and you’ll stay awake so you can respond to any questions. Medication to help you relax during the procedure is optional.

Your provider will numb the skin at the treatment area with a local anesthetic, then insert a fine needle using live X-ray guidance for precise targeting. You may feel brief pressure, but most patients describe it as far less uncomfortable than their everyday arthritis pain.

Then, an electrode is inserted through the needle to determine that the placement is correct. You may feel a slight tingling, muscle twitch, or mild discomfort—an indication that the electrode is in the right position.

With the location confirmed, radiofrequency energy is transmitted through the needle using the same electrode to heat and disable the targeted nerve, preventing it from transmitting pain signals to your brain. The procedure can take anywhere from 15 minutes to half a hour, depending on the number of nerves being treated. RFA is an outpatient procedure, so you will be able to go home the same day. Recovery time usually takes a few days at most.

With the nerve “turned off,” you should notice a decrease in pain. Some patients experience immediate relief, but for others it may take more time. Side effects can include mild inflammation or tenderness at the injection site that should resolve within a week.

You’ll come in for a follow-up appointment about two weeks after the procedure to assess your condition.

RFA is considered very safe and involves very few complications compared to more invasive surgeries. Though some patients experience relief that lasts several years, treated nerves can regrow, and the procedure can be repeated if your pain returns after a period of six months or longer.

Benefits of RFA

Sustained Pain Relief: Many patients enjoy six to 12 months (or more) of significantly reduced pain.

Minimal Downtime: Most people return to normal activities within a day or two.

Reduced Medication Dependence: Less reliance on oral pain meds or steroids means fewer side effects.

Improved Mobility: With the pain dialed down, you can move more freely.

Here’s what a recent patient had to say about RFA:

“I’ve been seeing Dr. Lehn for almost a year now and have had positive results. I have low back arthritis and started off having cortisone shots which only helped for the short term. Dr. Lehn suggested an ablation for my back. I feel great one day later and I’m walking better. This is a great alternative to surgery. Dr. Lehn has always been positive, answering all my questions and concerns.”

Summer doesn’t have to be a season you watch from the sidelines. With Radiofrequency Ablation, you can return to the activities you love—whether that means pickleball, playing with the grandkids, or just enjoying a comfortable car ride to the beach. If chronic pain has been putting your life on hold, Dr. Andrew Lehn and the team at Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine are here to help you take it back.

Ready to make pain a memory? Contact us to request an appointment today.

When Foot Pain Isn’t Just Foot Pain: Knowing When to See a Specialist

We all know the feeling of foot pain after a long day on your feet, a weekend of yardwork, or a strenuous workout or sporting event. But what happens when that discomfort doesn’t go away and starts to interfere with your daily life? That’s when it may be time to get checked out by a specialist.

At Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, Dr. Cameron Eilts has been helping patients find relief from foot and ankle pain since 2011. Whether it’s a sprained ankle, complications from diabetes, or chronic heel pain, Dr. Eilts focuses on understanding each patient’s unique needs and finding the right treatment—surgical or not—to relieve the pain and get them moving again.

Common Causes of Foot & Ankle Pain

Foot and ankle pain can come from many sources. Some of the most common include:

Plantar Fasciitis
Symptoms: A sharp, stabbing pain in the heel that’s often worst in the morning.
Cause: strain or small tears in the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, often due to overuse, poor arch support, or tight calf muscles.

Arthritis
Symptoms: Stiffness, swelling, and discomfort in the joints of the foot or ankle.
Cause: Results from wear and tear (osteoarthritis), autoimmune conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis), or post-injury degeneration that leads to joint inflammation and cartilage breakdown.

Tendonitis
Symptoms: Pain due to inflammation of the tendons.
Cause: Typically caused by repetitive stress or sudden increases in activity, leading to inflammation of tendons that connect muscle to bone.

Ankle Sprains
Symptoms: Ankle pain due to overstretched or torn ligaments.
Cause: Often a result of sudden twisting, rolling, or impact during sports or uneven walking.

Diabetic Foot Issues
Symptoms: Include nerve damage and reduced blood flow that can lead to infection, ulcers, and decreased healing ability.
Cause: Stems from long-term high blood sugar

While these conditions vary widely, the goal is always the same: relieve pain, restore function, and prevent further damage.

Not All Foot & Ankle Issues Require Surgery

One of the most common misconceptions about seeing an orthopedic specialist is the fear that surgery is the only option. Dr. Eilts emphasizes a conservative approach to treatment whenever possible. Many patients find non-surgical relief through physical therapy, injections to reduce inflammation, or bracing to immobilize and protect the area so it can heal.

When It Might Be Time to Consider Surgery

Of course, not all pain can be resolved non-surgically. If conservative treatments haven’t worked, or if your condition is worsening, surgical intervention might be the best path forward. Here are a few signs that it’s time to see a foot and ankle specialist like Dr. Eilts:

Chronic pain that doesn’t improve with rest or conservative care

Recurrent sprains or instability in the ankle

Numbness, tingling, or visible deformities

Limited mobility affecting your quality of life

Dr. Eilts takes the time to evaluate each case individually, using a physical exam and advanced imaging and diagnostics, to create a treatment plan tailored to your specific condition and lifestyle. If surgery is needed, he will walk you through every step of the process, from pre-op preparation to post-op rehab.

Don’t Wait on the Pain

The longer foot and ankle pain goes untreated, the harder it can be to fix. Trying to “tough it out” can sometimes do more harm than good. Whether you’re dealing with nagging heel pain, recurring ankle sprains, or diabetic foot concerns, Dr. Eilts and the team at Atlantic Orthopaedics are here to help. With a focus on personalized care and a full range of treatment options, we’re ready to set you on the path to recovery–so you can get back to doing the things you love as soon as possible.

If you’re suffering from foot or ankle pain, don’t wait it out. Get in touch to schedule an appointment with Dr. Eilts today.

Total Femur Replacement with Dr. Morwood: a Patient’s Story

Atlantic Orthopaedics’ Dr. Morwood recently became the first surgeon at Portsmouth Regional Hospital to perform a Total Femur Replacement. This complex specialized surgery is used in cases of severe bone damage to remove and replace the entire femur (thigh bone) with an artificial implant. Dr. Morwood detailed the long treatment journey with his patient–an 82-year-old male with multiple myeloma–that led up to the groundbreaking procedure.

The Patient’s Background

The patient first came to Dr. Morwood about four years ago after breaking his hip, a result of cancerous lesions that had weakened the bone. Dr. Morwood performed a successful hip replacement surgery that reduced the pain and restored function to the joint. A few years later, the patient returned complaining of pain in his lower thigh. Tests showed that the patient had a fractured femur, again caused by the myeloma, below his hip replacement. Dr. Morwood was able to fix the fracture by attaching a plate to the side of the patient’s femur to protect the bone. But unfortunately, bone affected by cancer doesn’t heal well and eventually the femur—and the plate!—broke again.

This time, Dr. Morwood fixed the break with an allograf strut–a procedure used to stabilize the femur with an internal splint made from cadaver bone. In time, the patient’s lesions spread throughout the bone, causing the splint to fail, and leaving him once again with knee pain and low range of motion. At that point, the only option left was to replace the entire femur bone, i.e. a total femur replacement.

Surgery and Recovery

Because it would be his first time performing a TFR at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, Dr. Morwood spent a lot of time pre-planning, gathering his whole team together to coordinate in advance of the procedure. The surgery took about four hours and involved removing the femur bone and replacing it with a metal prosthesis. Dr. Morwood attached the implant to the patient’s already-replaced hip and to his knee, which also had to be replaced as part of the procedure. The surgery went smoothly, and the patient was able to begin walking right from the recovery room. He healed well with no infection and now enjoys reduced pain and greatly improved mobility in his hip and knee.

Who Is a Candidate for TFR?

Total Femur Replacement is a relatively uncommon procedure but can be the last, best treatment option for patients with severe bone damage, who might have faced amputation prior to the introduction of TFR. Conditions that warrant the surgery include failed or loose hip replacements, followed by revision, leaving insufficient bone remaining to attach the prosthetic hip. Some patients undergo TFR when they suffer a bone fracture above a total knee replacement and a failed hip replacement above that. As was the case with Dr. Morwood’s patient, bone weakening is often caused by cancer but there can be non-oncological causes as well.

As a knee, hip, trauma and fracture specialist, Dr. Morwood’s extensive surgical expertise includes conventional knee and hip replacement surgery, robotic-assisted joint replacement, revision knee and hip replacement. His mission is to improve the lives of his patients by providing exceptional care using the most advanced practices and technologies, to get them back to doing what they love as soon as possible. If you’re suffering from chronic joint pain and reduced mobility, you don’t have to wait to get treatment. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Morwood today.

Dr. Morwood is also the creator of the “Morwood Minute,” a video series answering all your questions about orthopedics, joint health, robotic-assisted surgeries and more.

The BEAR Procedure: A Revolutionary Approach to ACL Repair

ACL tears are one of the most common knee injuries, sidelining more than 100,000 Americans every year. Traditionally, repairing a torn ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) required surgical reconstruction using tissue from another part of the patient’s body or donor tissue. While often effective, this procedure is invasive and requires a lengthy recovery time. But now, thanks to advancements in orthopedic surgery, patients suffering from a torn ACL have an alternative called Bridge Enhanced ACL Restoration, also known as BEAR.

What is the BEAR Procedure?

BEAR is a breakthrough in ACL repair that enables the body to naturally heal on its own. Because synovial fluid, which reduces friction in the knee, prevents formation of blood clots that are necessary for healing, the ACL does not have the ability to heal itself. In the BEAR procedure, instead of removing the damaged ACL and replacing it with donor tissue, a special implant is used to bridge the torn ends of the ligament. This creates an ideal healing environment, enabling the ACL to heal, typically within eight weeks.

Meet Dr. Welch: Maine’s First BEAR Surgeon

At Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, we’re proud to have Dr. Welch, a pioneer in ACL repair, on our team. Dr. Welch was the first surgeon in Maine to perform the BEAR procedure and remains one of the few specialists in the region to offer it. He performs the surgery at York Hospital and at the New England Center for Orthopedic Surgery in Portsmouth, providing patients with a cutting-edge alternative to traditional ACL reconstruction.

Why Choose the BEAR Procedure?

For many patients, BEAR offers significant advantages over traditional ACL surgery:

Preserves your own tissue: unlike reconstruction, which requires a graft from another part of the body or a donor, BEAR allows your ACL to heal naturally.

Better post-operative knee function: because the original ACL is preserved, patients tend to experience less pain and less muscle weakness after surgery.

Less invasive: the surgery is an outpatient procedure, and does not require harvesting tissue from another part of the body

No donor tissue risks: There’s no concern over donor graft quality

Faster healing timeline

Real Results: A Patient’s Journey Back to Running

Patients who undergo the BEAR procedure are seeing amazing outcomes, including Rachel, who recently shared her experience:

“Thanks to Dr. Welch at Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine for the amazing BEAR procedure and Shantelle and Ian at Coppola Physical Therapy for helping me get back on the road as quickly as I did. I’m so lucky to have this team and my family and friends cheering me on.”

Six months after her surgery, Rachel was back to running–something that once felt impossible. Her success story is just one of many that demonstrate the life-changing potential of this innovative ACL repair method.

Who is Eligible for BEAR?

The BEAR implant was cleared by the FDA for patients who meet the following criteria:

Must be at least 14 years old.
Must have a complete ACL rupture, as confirmed by MRI.
Must have an ACL stump attached to the tibia.

The team at Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine are committed to bringing the latest advancements in orthopedic care to our patients. Dr. Welch continues to be at the forefront of ACL treatment, helping patients regain knee strength and mobility with a less invasive approach than traditional reconstruction. If you’ve suffered an ACL tear and are exploring your options, the BEAR procedure may be the right choice for you. Contact Atlantic Orthopaedics today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Welch and learn more.

FREE Seminar – Orthopedic Sports Medicine and Taking Care of the Female Athlete

Join Dr. Abigail Boduch for Orthopedic Sports Medicine and Taking Care of the Female Athlete on:

Tuesday, April 15th at 6:00pm
Wells Public Library
1434 Post Road Wells, ME 04090

This FREE informative event will explore the unique orthopedic challenges female athletes face and the best ways to prevent and treat injuries. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or simply interested in sports medicine, this is a great opportunity to learn from Dr. Boduch and ask questions. Don’t miss out—mark your calendar and bring a friend!

Must register to attend, please click HERE.

Innovative ACL Surgery for Athletes

An ACL injury can sideline an athlete for months, but fortunately, orthopedic sports medicine surgeon Dr. Abigail Boduch is successfully treating patients with an innovative approach to ACL reconstruction. The all-soft tissue quadriceps autograft is a cutting-edge technique that uses grafts from the quadriceps tendon, and offers numerous benefits, including a reduced risk of arthritis and decreased pain when bending or kneeling. Notably, the procedure eliminates the need to use bone from the patella, reducing the fracture risks associated with the traditional method. As the number of ACL injuries among high school and college athletes continues to rise–especially among female athletes–this approach is likely to be more widely adopted.

Why the Quad Graft Technique Stands Out

For female athletes, the quad graft technique can be a game changer. Emerging research highlights the differences in how ACL injuries impact male and female athletes, and studies suggest that females benefit significantly from this approach. With female athletes being three to six times more likely than males to suffer ACL tears, innovative solutions like this are crucial for addressing the unique challenges they face.

Additionally, Dr. Boduch’s ability to tailor her surgery to the individual sets her apart. Since there’s no one-size-fits-all graft for ACL reconstruction, her personalized approach maximizes success for each patient. Factors such as the patient’s activity level, age, and injury specifics guide her choice of graft, providing a truly customized surgical solution.

Why It Matters Now

ACL injuries are reaching “epidemic” levels among young athletes, making prevention and effective treatment more important than ever. Dr. Boduch recommends programs like the FIFA 11 injury prevention program, which has been proven to reduce ACL injury risks.

However, if an injury does occur, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Signs of an ACL injury include knee swelling, difficulty bending or extending the leg, and pain after an injury. Athletes experiencing these symptoms should consult an orthopedic specialist to assess the damage and explore treatment options.

Meet Dr. Abigail Boduch

Dr. Boduch is a highly skilled orthopedic surgeon at Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. With expertise in Sports Medicine and Trauma, she specializes in treating injuries of the shoulder, elbow, and knee. Her areas of expertise include the treatment of tendon, ligament, cartilage, and other soft tissue injuries through both arthroscopic and open approaches, as well as trauma care focused on fractures of the extremities.

By offering state-of-the-art procedures like the quad graft ACL reconstruction, Dr. Boduch is helping athletes return to their sport stronger and with a reduced risk of future complications. Her individualized approach ensures every patient receives the care and attention they need to get back in the game.

If you or someone you know has experienced a knee injury or wants to learn more about sports injury prevention and treatment options, reach out today!

Relief in Days, Not Weeks: A Carpal Tunnel Health Event with Dr. H. Matthew Quitkin

Are you struggling with the discomfort and inconvenience of carpal tunnel syndrome? If so, you’re not alone. Join us for an engaging and educational event designed to provide you with insights, solutions, and hope for lasting relief—in just days, not weeks!

Event Highlights:

1. Educational Presentation

Dr. H. Matthew Quitkin will guide you through the essential facts about carpal tunnel syndrome. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and how it can affect your daily life. Understanding your condition is the first step toward recovery.

2. Free Ultrasound Screening

Worried about your wrist health? Take advantage of a complimentary ultrasound screening during the event. This quick and painless evaluation will help identify any potential issues in your wrist.

3. Explore Cutting-Edge Treatment Options

Gone are the days of prolonged recovery. Discover the latest minimally invasive techniques for carpal tunnel release, which allow you to heal in days rather than weeks or months. Dr. Quitkin will discuss these innovative approaches and help you determine which treatment is best for you.

4. Candidate Assessment

Find out if you qualify for advanced Carpal Tunnel Release with UltraGuideCTR™. This state-of-the-art procedure minimizes downtime, so you can get back to what you love sooner.

Why Attend?

Carpal tunnel syndrome can significantly impact your quality of life, making even simple tasks feel impossible. This event is your chance to take control of your health with expert guidance and innovative solutions.

With Dr. Quitkin’s expertise and the use of minimally invasive techniques, recovery is measured in days—not weeks. Don’t let wrist pain hold you back any longer.

Event Details:

When: Wednesday, January 22nd 2025 5:15-7:00pm
Where: 1900 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth NH – Atlantic Orthopaedics Portsmouth NH Location
Cost: FREE

Take the First Step Toward Relief

Seats are limited, so don’t wait! Reserve your spot today and start your journey toward a pain-free life.