HSS Presents

In this episode, interventional spine physician Dr. Abhishek Gupta and spine surgeon Dr. Matthew Cunningham team up to tackle the tricky diagnosis and management of axial low back pain. They break down how to spot the differences between muscle issues, disc problems, and facet joint pain, using simple clues like whether a patient hurts more while standing or sitting. The duo also chats about why MRIs don't always tell the whole story and why diagnostic blocks can be a game-changer for pinpointing the source of pain. From conservative rehab and radiofrequency ablation to surgery, they outline a collaborative approach to finding patients lasting relief.

In this episode of HSS Presents, physical therapist Snehal Patel sits down with Dr. Riley Williams, Chief of the Sports Medicine Institute at HSS, and Michael Chronert from DARI Motion to talk about the future of motion capture in patient care. They discuss how DARI’s AI-driven tech is changing the game by offering a quick, markerless way to analyze movement without needing a full biomechanics lab. Dr. Williams explains how swapping manual exams for this kind of objective data—measuring things like limb symmetry and loading—leads to smarter "return to sport" decisions. It’s a great look at how the field is moving from simple observation to high-tech precision to get athletes back in the game safely.

In this episode of HSS Presents, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Peter K. Sculco sits down with Dr. Fernando Quevedo-González, PhD, to demystify the world of computational modeling and its transformative impact on joint reconstruction. They explore how technologies like finite element analysis allow researchers to break down complex physics into manageable pieces to predict how implants will interact with a patient's unique bone structure. The discussion highlights a future where AI-driven solvers and data from wearable tech could provide surgeons with real-time guidance on the optimal alignment and fixation for every individual. This episode is a must-listen for surgeons and engineers interested in how "digital twins" and predictive analytics are moving from the research lab to the operating room to improve outcomes in complex hip and knee surgeries.

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Carlo Milani is joined by occupational hand therapist Dr. Aviva Wolff to uncover the unique musculoskeletal demands placed on musicians. The discussion challenges the traditional medical approach to vague overuse injuries, advocating instead for a holistic framework that treats musicians as high-performance athletes. From analyzing the biomechanics of instrument positioning to "micro-dosing" rest and correcting scapular instability, Dr. Wolff shares her evidence-based strategies for prevention and longevity. Ideal for providers and performers alike, this episode provides a roadmap for managing the intense physical endurance required for a life in music.

In this episode of HSS Presents, rheumatologist Dr. Caroline Siegel is joined by HSS colleagues Dr. Lisa Sammaritano and Dr. Jane Salmon to discuss managing pregnancy for patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. They emphasize that most patients have successful pregnancies, but conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) carry greater risks, including preeclampsia and placental insufficiency. Successful outcomes rely on preconception planning, which includes achieving quiescent disease for about six months on pregnancy-compatible medications and screening for antibodies. Dr. Salmon also shares exciting clinical trial results using a TNF inhibitor to improve pregnancy outcomes in high-risk APS patients.