woman on a stand up paddle board on the ocean.

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. 

Dr. Tyler Welch of AOSM becomes the first surgeon in Maine to perform a BEAR Procedure for ACL restoration.

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. 

Women playing basketball on an indoor court.

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!  

Knee Pain From a Dislocated Kneecap? 

Patella Instability Surgery Can Provide Relief!

What Is Patellar Instability?

When the kneecap shifts out of its normal alignment, you may feel pain, trouble walking, a buckling or locking sensation, or a feeling of the knee “giving way.” Patella instability can impact daily life and make it difficult to stay active. 

How Does the Patella Instability Procedure Work?

In this procedure, the surgeon carefully realigns the patella within the femoral groove to ensure proper tracking during knee movement. The specific surgical technique can vary based on factors like the patient’s age, and the severity of the injury. In the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament (MPFL) Reconstruction procedure that Dr. Welch describes below, the patient’s ligament was reconstructed to stabilize the patella on the inside of the knee. In cases of severe instability, the surgeon may also reposition the tibial tubercle–the bony bump below the patella–to improve patellar tracking.

What Can I Expect Post-Surgery?

Patients can expect to go home the same day as the procedure. Recovery time varies and patients will need to use crutches and wear a knee brace for a period of time, typically 4-6 weeks. Physical therapy is also an important part of the recovery process.

We sat down for a Q&A with our Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine Specialist Dr. Welch. 

In your own words, how does this procedure benefit your patients? 

Patella instability is a condition in which the patella (kneecap) dislocates from the femur (thigh bone). Most patients are young, often teenagers. Fortunately we can fix this condition surgically. This procedure benefits patients because it generally restores one’s confidence and his/her ability to play sports.

Who is a good candidate for the Patella Instability Procedure?

A good candidate for patella instability surgery is anyone who has had at least one patella dislocation or multiple subluxations (partial dislocations).

Where do you perform this procedure? 

I perform this procedure at New England Center for Orthopedic Surgery (NECOS) in Portsmouth and at York Hospital in York, Maine. 

Do you have a recent patient success story you can share?

Recently, a 15 year old male high school student came to see me with his family. The patient had sustained two dislocations prior to his visit with me. These dislocation events are painful and stressful, and the young man was apprehensive about playing sports ever again unless we fixed his knee. He underwent a procedure–a medial patella femoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction–to stabilize his patella. Surgery was straightforward and he recovered nicely. He required crutches for 10 days and a brace for four weeks. After six weeks, he had normal motion and no swelling in his knee. I cleared him to return to sports three months after surgery.

Anything else you’d like current or future patients to know about this procedure and how it would benefit them?

There are a few important things to consider regarding patella instability surgery. The procedure is very reliable – dozens of studies have demonstrated success rates in the 90-95% range, and my experience has been similar. The vast majority of these patients are happy because they regain “trust” in their respective knees, and recovery is straightforward. Further, patients usually return to the same level of activity that they had prior to the dislocation(s). 

If you have knee pain from dislocation, visit our website to learn more about Arthroscopic Knee Surgery or schedule a consultation with Dr. Welch.

Torn Meniscus? Eliminate Knee Pain With This Procedure 

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage in the knee joint that plays a crucial role in function and stability. The two meniscii in each knee function as shock absorbers. They are composed of dense fibrocartilage, which is more flexible than bone but firmer than other types of cartilage. Meniscus pads play an important role in walking, running and jumping, and they aid in weight distribution and alignment. The meniscus also helps keep the knee joint lubricated to reduce friction between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). 

A meniscus root tear is a relatively common knee injury that occurs when the meniscus separates from its attachment point on the tibia bone. This type of tear can be caused by the wear and tear that happens with age, or by trauma or injury, such as a sports injury. People who suffer a tear often feel a “popping” sensation in the back of the knee, followed by pain, instability, and a loss of function. Untreated, a meniscus root tear can lead to osteoarthritis and degeneration in the knee. Fortunately, there is a minimally invasive procedure available to fix the issue.

Atlantic Orthopaedics’ surgeon Dr. Welch specializes in meniscus root repair, having performed more than 100 successful procedures to restore function, eliminate pain, and prevent further damage. In this surgery, he makes three small incisions, prepares the torn end of the meniscus for repair, then securely reattaches the meniscus to the root attachment site on the tibia bone through a small tunnel in the tibia. 

Following surgery, Dr. Welch places the patient’s knee in a brace to protect the repaired meniscus and allow it to heal. Physical therapy is an important part of the recovery process. Recovery from meniscus root repair takes time and it’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding weight-bearing and the use of crutches. It may take three months for the knee to fully heal, but the vast majority of patients have excellent outcomes and experience a return to normal knee function.

Below, Dr. Welch answers some questions about Meniscus Root Repair:

Q. In your own words, how does this procedure benefit your patients suffering from knee pain

A. A meniscus root tear is a specific type of meniscus tear that is more serious than a typical meniscus tear. If the root tears, the meniscus becomes loose and unstable. Surgery involves repairing the meniscus back to the tibia bone. This procedure benefits patients because it restores the function of the meniscus, eliminates pain, and helps restore patient confidence in his/her knee.

Q. Who is a good candidate for a Meniscus Root Repair? 

A. A proper candidate for meniscus root repair is a patient who sustains a root tear who does not have significant arthritis in the knee.

Q. Where do you perform Meniscus Root Repairs ? 

A. I perform meniscus root repairs at New England Center for Orthopedic Surgery (NECOS) in Portsmouth, NH and at York Hospital in York, ME.

Q. Do you have a recent patient success story you can share?

A. I have dozens of patient success stories. Meniscus root repairs are very reliable; as long as the meniscus heals to the tibia, patients usually return to normal function with no issues. Previous studies have revealed success rates > 90%.

Q. Anything else you’d like patients to know about this procedure? 

A. I have many patients (>100) who have had tremendous success after a meniscus root repair. Unfortunately, one issue with this procedure is that each patient must use crutches or a walker for the first 5-6 weeks after surgery. This is inconvenient, but necessary, so that the meniscus has time to heal.

If you’re suffering from knee pain and loss of mobility from a meniscus root tear, you may be a good candidate for this minimally invasive procedure. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Welch for an evaluation: https://www.atlanticorthopaedics.org/providers/tyler-welch-md/

Torn ACL?

Torn ACL? Get Educated About BEAR

Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine now offers patients an alternative to surgical reconstruction – a less invasive procedure called Bridge Enhanced ACL Restoration, or BEAR. Clinically tested and FDA-approved, this promising new procedure has been adopted by our own Dr. Tyler Welch, who performed the first BEAR surgery in the state of Maine!  Dr. Welch is an orthopedic surgeon and partner at Atlantic Orthopaedics who specializes in Sports Medicine, with a focus on the knee, shoulder, and hip. His mission is to restore his patient’s function through compassionate, evidence-based care.

Anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, tears are one of the most common knee injuries, affecting more than 100,000 Americans each year. The ACL is a band of tissue that connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia) inside the knee joint. It is one of the two cruciate ligaments, along with the medial collateral ligament (MCL), that stabilize the knee joint and prevent the tibia from sliding forward. ACL injuries most often occur when playing sports that involve sudden changes in direction, like:

  • Basketball
  • Soccer
  • Gymnastics
  • Downhill skiing

Pivoting with your foot firmly planted in place, landing awkwardly from a fall or jump, stopping suddenly, or getting a blow to the knee, along with wearing shoes that don’t fit properly or using ski bindings that aren’t correctly adjusted, can all increase your risk. ACL tears are also more common among women than men. Signs that you’ve torn the ligament, either partially or fully, include severe pain, a popping sensation, rapid swelling, and a feeling of the knee “giving way” when you put weight on it. 

If you think you’ve torn your ACL it’s important to be evaluated by an orthopedic doctor as soon as possible. It is possible that the ligament has been stretched or only partially torn, and in those cases the injury may respond to non-surgical treatments like ice, rest, elevation, or physical therapy. Unfortunately, a complete ACL tear can’t heal on its own. This is because the synovial fluid in the knee that keeps the bones from rubbing together also prevents the formation of blood clots needed for healing. Until recently, the only fix for a complete tear has been surgical reconstruction, where a tendon is taken from another part of the patient’s body, or from donor tissue, to reconstruct the torn ligament. 

We recently sat down with Dr. Welch to ask him a few questions about the new BEAR procedure. 

Q: Tell us Dr. Welch, how does this new procedure benefit your patients? 

A: This procedure can benefit patients because it is less invasive than a typical ACL reconstruction. Unlike typical ACL reconstruction, the patient does not need a “graft” to replace the ACL with the BEAR technique. As a result, the procedure may lead to less pain and swelling in the post-surgery period.

What makes BEAR unique is that it doesn’t require patient or donor tissue, instead using an implant made from collagen to bridge the gap between the torn ends of the ACL ligament. The implant is secured via suture, and the patient’s own blood is injected into it during the surgery to form a clot that surrounds the device. This facilitates cell proliferation and enables the body to heal itself. Within about eight weeks of surgery, the implant is absorbed, and replaced by the patient’s own tissue, which will continue to strengthen over time.

Q: Who is a good candidate for a BEAR Procedure? 

A: Anyone with an ACL tear is a candidate.  Based on recent research, individuals over the age of 20 are the best candidates. 

Q: Anything else you’d like patients to know about this new procedure? 

A: This is an exciting time in the world of ACL surgery. The BEAR procedure may be a game-changer, but the jury is still out. It is important for patients to know that we do not have any long-term clinical data regarding the BEAR technique. We do not yet know if the re-tear rates (failure rates) are higher in patients who have a BEAR compared to those who have a typical ACL reconstruction over the long term (more than five years).  However, current research (two year outcomes) has revealed similar success rates when comparing the BEAR technique to traditional ACL reconstruction. This is encouraging data that suggests that the BEAR technique is reliable.

Candidates for the BEAR procedure must have a complete rupture of the ACL. Eligible patients must also have a stump still attached to the tibia to allow for repair. Dr. Welch currently performs this procedure at York Hospital in York, ME and the BEAR procedure should be available soon at AOSM’s state-of-the-art orthopaedic ambulatory surgery center, NECOS in Portsmouth, NH. 

If you think you may be a good fit for the BEAR procedure, schedule an appointment for an evaluation with Dr. Welch. To learn more, click HERE.

Dr. Tyler Welch of AOSM becomes the first surgeon in Maine to perform a BEAR Procedure for ACL restoration.

Dr. Welch Becomes First Surgeon in Maine to Perform a BEAR Procedure

ACL tears are one of the most common knee injuries, affecting more than 100,000 Americans each year. Until now, the only way to repair the torn ligament was with invasive surgical reconstruction using tendons from other parts of the body or from donor tissue. 

We’re excited to announce that there’s now a simpler, less invasive treatment available called Bridge Enhanced ACL Restoration (BEAR), pioneered by our own Dr. Welch, who recently performed the first BEAR procedure in the state of Maine. The surgery uses an implant to ‘bridge’ the torn gaps of the ACL without the need for donor tissue but instead, using patient’s own blood encourages the body rebuild the tissue, typically within 8 weeks. 

Congratulations Dr. Welch on this outstanding achievement!

If you’re suffering from knee pain, and would like to discuss your options with one of our knee specialists, please contact us today.

*Other resources on BEAR Procedure can be found here.

Advances in Hip and Knee Replacement: ‘All About Robotic Surgery’ – An In Person Event with Dr. Morwood

Is hip or knee pain keeping you from the activities you love?
Take the first step towards recovery and learn how robotic assisted joint replacement surgery can improve your quality of life.  Attend this FREE educational event with Dr. Michael Morwood

Advances in Hip and Knee Replacement: ‘All About Robotic Surgery’
Thursday, July 14th, 2022 | 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Sheraton Portland at Sable Oaks
200 Sable Oaks Dr. South Portland, ME 04106
Light refreshments will be provided. 

REGISTER NOW!
Scan the QR Code below or click HERE to get your tickets!

Dr. Michael Morwood Published in the Journal of Arthroplasty

Dr. Morwood was recently published in the Journal of Arthroplasty. Dr. Morwood, who specializes in knee replacements says, “One of the main causes of total knee replacement failure is micromotion of the implants.  This study was performed to see if the addition of a short stem extension onto the tibial component in a total knee replacement limits the motion of the implant.  We were able to show the addition of a short stem provides a significant reduction in micromotion during cyclic loading of a cementless tibial baseplate in a synthetic foam bone model, similar to a cemented implant.  The findings of this study may help lower the rate of tibial component loosening in total knee replacement.”

To read the entire study, please click HERE.

Dr. Sastry Leads MAKO Robotics Training at The New England Baptist Hospital

July 2020 – Dr. Akhil Sastry, Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon and provider at Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine recently led a MAKO Robotics training at the New England Baptist Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Sastry was the sole faculty member to facilitate the launch of their MAKO Robotics training program.

As robotic-assisted knee and hip replacement surgeries penetrate Boston’s most elite academic and fellowship programs, Portsmouth’s very own Mako Master Surgeon Akhil Sastry was selected to facilitate the launch at the New England Baptist, one of the most heralded institutions of orthopedics in the country.

To prepare for their first robotic knee surgery in a few weeks, Dr. Sastry trained a total of 8 surgeons in this one-time training session and has been invited back to provide additional training to another group of surgeons on August 6, 2020.

Dr. Sastry provided hands-on training and proctoring on how to perform this innovative and cutting-edge procedure. Dr. Sastry was not only one of the first surgeons to perform a robotic-assisted knee replacement in the world in 2017, in addition, he continues to teach and advance robotic concepts with joint replacements nationally. He has been selected to Chair these programs on many occasions and has trained over 100 surgeons from across the country.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sastry.

All About Robotic Surgery – Free Webinar – July 8th, 2020

Please join us on Zoom for another FREE virtual webinar with Dr. Michael Morwood on Wednesday, July 8, 2020, from 5:30-6:30pm.

Dr. Morwood will discuss common causes for hip and knee pain and advances in robotic assisted joint replacements that can help you get back to doing what you love. There will be a brief Q & A session following the presentation. If you’re experiencing joint pain, you won’t want to miss this FREE event.

Topics will include understanding joint paint, your treatment options, joint replacement surgery and recovery expectations.

**Registration is required to attend this webinar, to register please click HERE.

Morwood Published in Injury: International Journal of the Care of the Injured

Our very own Dr. Morwood has been published in the journal, Injury.

Dr. Morwood recently wrote about treating tibial fractures around total knee replacements. Although they are rare, tibial fractures can cause some serious complications, but chances of successful healing can be improved with the techniques detailed in Dr. Morwood’s paper!

You can read Dr. Morwood’s piece by clicking here.

Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine