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Nutrition Series 7: Creatine
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🚨 Nutrition Series - Video 7: Creatine (Below) 🚨
Many patients are told to stop creatine pre-op…
🔗 https://youtube.com/shorts/Njk7vweKQX4
👉 That may need rethinking.
⚡ What creatine actually does:
- ↑ Phosphocreatine → better energy buffering
- ↓ Muscle loss during immobilization 💪
- ↑ Strength gains in rehab
📉 Evidence:
- Attenuates muscle atrophy with disuse
- Improves lean mass retention post-injury
- No kidney harm in healthy individuals
🎯 Typical approach (most patients):
- Continue 3–5 g/day
- Especially useful in lower-extremity surgery
⚠️ Exceptions: renal disease or surgeon-specific contraindications
💡 Bottom line:
👉 One of the most underutilized peri-op tools in orthopedics
🎥 Video 7 below
📲 Follow for more
Dr. Garcia update rotator cuff repair technique.
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🚨 Innovation Alert: Knotless SpeedBridge with FiberTak + Self-Punching SwiveLock 🚨
🔗 https://youtu.be/pUE4pjx8N_s
Soft tissue fixation continues to evolve-and this construct using Arthrex Knotless FiberTak + SpeedBridge with self-punching SwiveLocks delivers a powerful combination of efficiency, compression, and reproducibility.
🎥 In this surgical video, I walk through key steps & pearls to optimize this all-knotless, double-row construct 👇
💡 Why this construct stands out:
- Knotless SpeedBridge → consistent tensioning with broad footprint compression
- FiberTak anchors → strong fixation with minimal bone removal
- Self-punching SwiveLocks → faster, streamlined workflow (no pre-drilling)
- Low-profile construct → less bulk, clean repair
⚙️ Technical pearls:
- Plan your medial row placement to maximize footprint coverage
- Maintain suture organization early to avoid tangles
- Sequential tensioning is key before final lateral fixation
- Use the construct to compress-not just secure-the tissue
📈 Bottom line:
A fast, reproducible, and biomechanically strong solution for soft tissue repair-combining efficiency with excellent fixation.
👉 Check out the video for practical tips you can apply immediately.
The call that changed my practice
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🎥 Taking on Complex Cases Early (Watch First)
👉 https://youtube.com/shorts/r5IXj6jGszg?si=WYelm2hOD8OKemtI
💡 Takeaway: Early in your career, there’s real value in leaning into complex cases rather than avoiding them. Managing challenging patients builds experience faster, sharpens decision-making, and develops confidence. Over time, this translates into better outcomes, broader skill sets, and the ability to handle high-level pathology that many others may shy away from.
In today’s episode of Sports Doc Talk, we’re joined by Gregory Kolovich, Chief Medical Officer at OXOS Medical, for a wide-ranging conversation at the intersection of innovation, athlete care, and purpose-driven medicine.
🎯 We cover:
- How Dynamic Digital Radiography (DDR) is changing the way instability and motion-based injuries are diagnosed - Why static imaging can miss critical findings - and how early detection can help avoid invasive procedures - The role of DDR in athlete evaluation and return-to-play decisions, especially in high-impact sports - How mission work and early-career experiences shaped Dr. Kolovich’s approach to patient care and leadership
🎥 Watch or listen to the full episode now:
YouTube → https://lnkd.in/gq6XhxV8
Apple → https://lnkd.in/ghEqqgGW
Spotify → https://lnkd.in/gBdGwVws
👥 Follow for more:
- Gregory Kolovich (OXOS Medical) - William Sanchez - Grant Garcia
💪 Brought to you by The Recovery Shop - your resource for post-surgical rehab and durable medical equipment solutions.
📩 Contact: [javascript protected email address]
🔗 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g5C_VAGz
Nutrition Series 6: Collagen
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🚨 Nutrition Series – Video 6: Collagen (Below) 🚨
https://youtube.com/shorts/IOJWJtIL_bE
If you’re repairing…
👉 tendon, ligament, cartilage, meniscus
You’re rebuilding collagen.
🧬 Why it matters:
- These tissues are collagen-dense
- Surgery → massive collagen demand
- Production declines with age & stress
📉 What the data shows:
- Collagen/gelatin + vitamin C ↑ collagen synthesis
- Improves tendon integrity & remodeling
🎯 Simple protocol:
- 15–20 g collagen
- 30–60 min before rehab/loading
- + 50–100 mg vitamin C
👉 Enhances fibroblast activity & tissue repair
⚠️ Key point:
Collagen ≠ complete protein
👉 Supplement it-don’t replace total protein
💡 Bottom line:
👉 Load collagen at the right time = better tissue healing
🎥 Video 6 below
📲 Follow for more
Dr. Garcia demonstrates an ACL repair around a tibial nail
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🚨 Innovation Alert: ACL Repair Around a Tibial Nail 🚨
Not every ACL case fits the textbook-and this is one of those situations where innovation meets necessity.
This patient had a recent tibial nail (<3 months) that could not be removed, yet continued to have significant instability. Instead of waiting or creating additional morbidity, we pursued a primary ACL repair using Arthrex TightRope fixation-providing a solution around existing hardware.
🎥 In this surgical video, I walk through this unique approach and key technical considerations 👇
💡 Why this approach works:
- Avoids hardware removal in a high-risk early window
- Preserves bone + anatomy with a repair-based strategy
- TightRope fixation → strong, adjustable, and reproducible
- Minimizes additional morbidity while restoring stability
⚙️ Technical pearls:
- Plan tunnel trajectory carefully to work around the nail
- Ensure appropriate tissue quality for repair vs reconstruction
- Use adjustable fixation to dial in tension under visualization
- Maintain a low-profile construct to avoid hardware conflict
📈 Bottom line:
A creative, effective solution for a difficult problem-showing that even in complex scenarios, we can restore stability without compromise.
👉 Check out the video for a unique case and practical takeaways.
Dr. Garcia’s live lecture on “Meniscus Transplants”
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Fantastic discussion this week with the incredible team at Orthopaedic Principles on “Meniscal Transplant in My Practice.”
A huge thank you to Prof (Dr) Hitesh Gopalan, Loiy Alkhatib, MD, and everyone who joined live from around the world for the engaging questions and discussion surrounding meniscus preservation, transplantation, cartilage restoration, alignment correction, and the future of joint preservation surgery. 🌍🦵
We covered:
✅ Patient selection pearls
✅ Surgical technique evolution
✅ Meniscal transplant fixation strategies
✅ Concomitant osteotomy/cartilage procedures
✅ Rehabilitation and return-to-sport considerations
✅ Real-world complications and lessons learned🏼
Meniscus preservation continues to be one of the most exciting and rapidly evolving areas in sports medicine and knee surgery, and it was an honor to share our current approach and experience at Seattle Orthopedic Center.
If you missed the live session or want to rewatch the talk:
📺 https://www.youtube.com/live/IiXPyiFQtAw?si=4hVoQhDxPaOs2AJ4
Always grateful for opportunities to collaborate globally and continue advancing orthopaedic education. 👊
DDR Radiology in Athletes
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🎥 DDR for Athletes - Sideline Advantage (Watch First)
👉 https://youtube.com/shorts/jgJYtu3YpOI?si=j0vu1FQdXHdqEtpt
💡 Takeaway: Dynamic Digital Radiography (DDR) gives clinicians a real-time view of joints in motion, making it especially valuable for sideline and in-season athlete evaluations. Instead of relying on static images, DDR can quickly identify instability, abnormal tracking, or subtle functional deficits - helping guide faster, more accurate return-to-play decisions while potentially avoiding missed injuries.
🎯 We cover:
- How Dynamic Digital Radiography (DDR) is changing the way instability and motion-based injuries are diagnosed - Why static imaging can miss critical findings - and how early detection can help avoid invasive procedures - The role of DDR in athlete evaluation and return-to-play decisions, especially in high-impact sports - How mission work and early-career experiences shaped Dr. Kolovich’s approach to patient care and leadership
🎥 Watch or listen to the full episode now:
YouTube → https://lnkd.in/gq6XhxV8
Apple → https://lnkd.in/ghEqqgGW
Spotify → https://lnkd.in/gBdGwVws
👥 Follow for more:
- Gregory Kolovich (OXOS Medical) - William Sanchez - Grant Garcia
💪 Brought to you by The Recovery Shop - your resource for post-surgical rehab and durable medical equipment solutions.
📩 Contact: [javascript protected email address]
🔗 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g5C_VAGz
ACL with lateral meniscal radial repair with the new Sutureloc
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🚨 Complex Meniscus Repair: Radial + Root Tear with ACL Reconstruction | Arthrex SutureLoc 🚨
🔗 Meniscal root repair info:
https://www.arthrex.com/knee/sutureloc-implant
Radial tear combined with a root tear = one of the most biomechanically devastating meniscus injuries we see. You’re essentially losing hoop stress and root fixation-functionally similar to a total meniscectomy if not restored.
Now layer in an ACL reconstruction… and precision matters even more.
🎥 In this latest surgical video, I walk through how I’m using the Arthrex SutureLoc to address this challenging pattern and restore stability 👇
💡 Why SutureLoc is a difference-maker in radial + root tears:
- Retensionable fixation → dial in compression across both radial and root components
- Knotless construct → low-profile in a crowded compartment
- Strong, reproducible fixation → critical when protecting a concurrent ACL graft
- Streamlined technique → simplifies a complex, multi-step repair
⚙️ Technical pearls (radial + root + ACL):
- Sequence matters → reduce and secure the root first to reestablish the anchor point
- Restore hoop tension → radial tear repair is key to load transmission
- Plan tunnel trajectory carefully to avoid convergence with ACL tunnels
- Keep sutures organized early-this construct can get busy fast
- Retension after cycling the knee + graft fixation → optimize final construct
📈 Bottom line:
These are high-stakes tears-but restoring both the root and radial components is essential for joint preservation and ACL longevity. The SutureLoc provides controlled, retensionable fixation that makes this reproducible.
👉 Check out the video for step-by-step tips & intraoperative strategy:
Nutrition Part 5: Amino Acids
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🚨 Nutrition Series – Video 5: Amino Acids (Below) 🚨
https://youtube.com/shorts/-0cMZjI2M6I
Protein gets the credit…
👉 Amino acids do the work.
🧬 Essential Amino Acids (EAAs):
Must come from diet-and are critical for:
- Collagen healing
- Muscle preservation 💪
- Immune function 🛡️
- Anabolic recovery
⚠️ Problem:
Demand ↑ during surgery
Availability ↓ (fasting, low intake, GLP-1 use)
📉 Reality:
- EAAs preserve lean mass
- Leucine = key signal for muscle repair
🎯 Simple strategy:
- 20–40g high-quality protein (EAA-rich) pre-op
- Resume early post-op
- Consider leucine-rich EAAs in higher-risk patients
❌ Low EAA stores →
Slower healing • ↑ infection • ↑ muscle loss • longer recovery
💡 Bottom line:
👉 Not just protein-
👉 timing + amino acids = recovery
🎥 Video 5 below
📲 Follow for more
Advancing the Future of Sports Medicine Innovation with Arthrex
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Quick trip to Arthrex in Naples, Florida 🌴☀️ and now back to Seattle ✈️🌧️ - always inspiring spending time with some of the brightest minds helping shape the future of orthopaedic sports medicine. 🚀
Very excited for the future of remplissage and the new technology coming to our ORs soon… 👀🔥 More updates coming.
Had an incredible time in the R&D lab collaborating on the latest advancements in:
🔹 Rotator cuff repair
🔹 Tendon transfer techniques
🔹 LET procedures
🔹 Faster, stronger, and more efficient fixation strategies for ACL repair & reconstruction 🦵⚡
The pace of innovation right now is incredible, and it’s energizing to work alongside surgeons, engineers, and industry leaders focused on improving outcomes and helping patients recover faster and get back to what they love. 💪🏽🏃♂️⛷️🏌️⚾
Back to the OR and excited for what’s ahead. Grateful for the opportunity to collaborate, teach, innovate, and continue pushing the field forward. 🙏🏼
LIVE WEBINAR ANNOUNCEMENT
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🚨 LIVE WEBINAR ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨
📅 May 13, 2026
⏰ 7:30 AM PST 🇺🇸
Honored to be joining the team at Orthopaedic Principles for a live international webinar focused on one of the most challenging and rewarding procedures in sports medicine:
🦵 “Meniscal Transplant in My Practice”
We’ll be discussing:
✅ Patient selection pearls
✅ Indications & contraindications
✅ Graft sizing and surgical technique
✅ Concomitant cartilage/osteotomy considerations
✅ Rehabilitation strategies
✅ Real-world cases, complications, and lessons learned
Meniscal preservation and restoration continue to evolve rapidly, and I’m excited to share the techniques and decision-making algorithms we’re currently using in practice at Seattle Orthopedic Center.
A huge thank you to Prof (Dr) Hitesh Gopalan and Loiy Alkhatib, MD for the invitation and for continuing to build one of the leading global orthopaedic education platforms. 🌍📚
📅 May 13, 2026
⏰ 7:30 AM Seattle Time 🇺🇸
📺 Join LIVE here:
https://www.youtube.com/@OrthopaedicPrinciples
Looking forward to an interactive discussion with surgeons, fellows, and trainees from around the world. Bring your toughest meniscus transplant questions! 👊
The benefits of DDR in patients
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🎥 Dynamic Digital Radiography (DDR) - Why It Matters (Watch First)
👉 https://youtube.com/shorts/AlpzQSjTN-4?si=mMC3JKfJq2qFDKf3
💡 Takeaway: DDR goes beyond static X-rays by capturing real-time motion, allowing physicians to see instability, joint tracking, and functional abnormalities that traditional imaging can miss. For patients, this means earlier, more accurate diagnoses, better treatment planning, and in some cases avoiding unnecessary invasive procedures.
It’s finally here… the newest episode of Sports Doc Talk Podcast. 🎙️
In today’s episode, we’re joined by Gregory Kolovich, Chief Medical Officer at OXOS Medical, for a wide-ranging conversation at the intersection of innovation, athlete care, and purpose-driven medicine.
🎯 We cover:
- How Dynamic Digital Radiography (DDR) is changing the way instability and motion-based injuries are diagnosed – Why static imaging can miss critical findings - and how early detection can help avoid invasive procedures – The role of DDR in athlete evaluation and return-to-play decisions, especially in high-impact sports – How mission work and early-career experiences shaped Dr. Kolovich’s approach to patient care and leadership
🎥 Watch or listen to the full episode now:
YouTube → https://lnkd.in/gq6XhxV8
Apple → https://lnkd.in/ghEqqgGW
Spotify → https://lnkd.in/gBdGwVws
👥 Follow for more:
– Gregory Kolovich (OXOS Medical) – William Sanchez – Grant Garcia
💪 Brought to you by The Recovery Shop - your resource for post-surgical rehab and durable medical equipment solutions.
📩 Contact: [javascript protected email address]
🔗 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g5C_VAGz
Protein = The Foundation
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🚨 Nutrition Series – Video 4: Protein = The Foundation (Below) 🚨
https://youtube.com/shorts/NvWnZ-9j6A4
If there’s one lever that moves surgical recovery…
👉 It’s PROTEIN.
💡 Baseline targets (pre-op):
- 1.6–2.2 g/kg/day
- Split into 4–5 feedings
- 25–40 g per meal
- Leucine ≥ 2–3 g per meal
⚠️ Why this matters:
- Maximizes muscle protein synthesis 💪
- Improves nitrogen balance
- Increases amino acid availability during surgical stress
👉 Standard guidelines (0.8 g/kg) = not enough for surgical patients
🥩 Protein quality matters more than most realize:
- Whey → rapid leucine spike ⚡
- Casein → sustained overnight release 🌙
- Lean animal proteins → complete amino profile
- Collagen + essential amino acids → supports connective tissue 🧬
👉 It’s not just total grams-*it’s the amino acid profile.*
🎯 Bottom line:
Underfuel protein → lose muscle → slower recovery
Optimize protein → preserve muscle → accelerate outcomes
🎥 Video 4 below
📲 Follow for the full series
🌐 Learn more: https://www.grantgarciamd.com/nutrition-shoulder-knee-sports-surgeon-seattle-bellevue-everett-kirkland-wa.html
Distal Tibial Allograft with Humeral Head Allograft
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🔥 NEW SURGICAL VIDEO | Bipolar Bone Reconstruction Surgery
This video highlights a high-level, complex shoulder reconstruction using a distal tibial allograft to restore the glenoid combined with a humeral head allograft to address severe bipolar bone loss.
These are salvage-level instability cases where traditional solutions fail.
This is anatomic reconstruction under pressure.
🦴 Two sides of the joint. One chance to get it right.
Why this matters:
⚙️ Soft-tissue stabilization alone is not enough
🎯 Bone loss must be restored precisely and anatomically
🔬 Millimeters matter-for stability, mechanics, and longevity
This approach allows:
- True restoration of the glenoid arc with distal tibial allograft
- Resurfacing of the humeral head with an osteochondral allograft
- Improved joint stability, contact mechanics, and durability
The video breaks down:
- Indications for bipolar bone reconstruction
- Graft preparation and fixation pearls
- How to avoid over-constraint and malposition
- Decision-making in the hardest shoulder instability cases
These operations sit at the intersection of planning, precision, and restraint-and when done well, they change the trajectory of the shoulder.
📹 Surgical video clip is below
👉 More advanced bone block and bipolar reconstruction content coming soon.
Preventing Overuse Injuries in Young Athletes
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🎥 Preventing Overuse Injuries in Young Athletes (Watch First)
👉 https://youtube.com/shorts/3B0Hy4mY-JE?si=_s-99YJZ8qQFWr1q
💡 Takeaway: Overuse injuries in young athletes are rarely from a single event - they’re the result of repetitive stress without adequate recovery. Early sport specialization, year-round play, and multiple team commitments all increase risk. The solution? Built-in rest, cross-training, and monitoring total workload - keeping athletes healthy, durable, and performing at a high level long-term.
Who’s responsible for protecting young athletes - parents, coaches, or both?
In this episode, Jim Starman and Brad Winter - both fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeons - break down why athlete health has to be an “everybody” approach.
With kids playing on multiple teams and training year-round, injuries are no longer isolated - they’re cumulative. Layer in social pressure, over-scheduling, and a lack of communication, and it becomes a cycle that’s difficult to break - but not impossible.
🎥 Watch or listen now:
Apple → https://lnkd.in/ghfKM2Dz
Spotify → https://lnkd.in/gJtdhyai
YouTube → https://lnkd.in/gSXahzQz
👥 Follow for more:
– Jim Starman & Brad Winter (OrthoCarolina) – William Sanchez – Grant Garcia
💪 Brought to you by The Recovery Shop - your resource for post-surgical rehab and durable medical equipment solutions.
📩 Contact: [javascript protected email address]
The Surgical Stress Response
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🚨 Nutrition Series – Video 3: The Surgical Stress Response (Below) 🚨
https://youtu.be/abGjN-QgfPs/p>
Surgery isn’t just mechanical…
👉 It’s a metabolic event.
⚠️ Within hours of surgery:
- ↑ Cortisol, catecholamines, glucagon
- ↑ Muscle protein breakdown 💪⬇️
- ↓ Insulin sensitivity
- Negative nitrogen balance
📉 What the data shows:
- Muscle loss begins within 24–72 hours
- Quad atrophy after knee surgery can exceed 10–15% in weeks
- Immobilization → accelerates catabolism
💡 Key insight:
👉 Your pre-op nutrition determines your reserve to absorb this hit.
🏆 Why elite athletes recover faster:
They’re not just getting better surgery or rehab
👉 They’re optimized metabolically before the first incision.
🎯 Our goal:
Level the playing field for all patients
from elite athletes to weekend warriors-by addressing one of the most overlooked factors in surgery:
👉 NUTRITION
🎥 Video 3 below
📲 Follow for the full series
🌐 Learn more: https://www.grantgarciamd.com/nutrition-shoulder-knee-sports-surgeon-seattle-bellevue-everett-kirkland-wa.html
Western Orthopedic Summit – Shoulder & Knee Innovation with Arthrex
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🚨 Western Orthopedic Summit – Shoulder & Knee Innovation with Arthrex 🚨
Always a pleasure teaching with Arthrex-an organization that continues to set the standard for education, innovation, and surgical excellence.
And just as important-it’s always a privilege to work alongside top surgeons in the field. I truly appreciate the opportunity to collaborate, share ideas, and learn from such a high-level group.
This 2-day course at the Western Orthopedic Summit was a deep dive into advanced techniques with an incredibly engaged audience. The dedication to learning was evident throughout.
💥 Knee Day Highlights:
- ACL reconstruction + ACL repair
- Advanced meniscus repair techniques
- Complex cartilage restoration strategies
💥 Shoulder Day Highlights:
- Shoulder instability algorithms
- Remplissage pearls & indications
- Cuff augmentation techniques
- Advanced instability procedures and evolving strategies
👏 The course was well attended, with thoughtful, high-level questions that pushed the discussion forward.
🔬 The lab experience was top-tier-hands-on, efficient, and directly translatable to real-world practice.
Looking forward to seeing these techniques carried back into practices across the country.
The Role of Parents and Coaches in Athlete Health
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🎥 Youth Athlete Health - Coaches & Parents (Watch First)
👉 https://youtube.com/shorts/2h_tGXrHloI?si=Aw2pLGPFyWbbzmAN
💡 Takeaway: Protecting young athletes isn’t one person’s job - it’s a shared responsibility between parents and coaches. Coaches set the structure and expectations, while parents help monitor recovery, workload, and overall well-being. When communication breaks down or competition outweighs health, overuse injuries and burnout follow. The key is alignment - same message, same priorities: long-term athlete health first.
Who’s responsible for protecting young athletes - parents, coaches, or both?
In this episode, Jim Starman and Brad Winter - both fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeons - break down why athlete health has to be an “everybody” approach.
With kids playing on multiple teams and training year-round, injuries are no longer isolated - they’re cumulative. Layer in social pressure, over-scheduling, and poor communication, and you get a cycle that’s tough to break… but not impossible.
🎥 Watch or listen now:
Apple → https://lnkd.in/ghfKM2Dz
Spotify → https://lnkd.in/gJtdhyai
YouTube → https://lnkd.in/gSXahzQz
👥 Follow for more:
– Jim Starman & Brad Winter (OrthoCarolina) – William Sanchez – Grant Garcia
💪 Brought to you by The Recovery Shop - your resource for post-surgical rehab and durable medical equipment solutions.
📩 Contact: [javascript protected email address]
Pre-Op Preparation
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🚨 Nutrition Series – Video 2: Pre-Op Preparation (Below) 🚨
Link: https://youtube.com/shorts/Th8jtvJ6m8w
Most patients think nutrition starts after surgery…
👉 That’s a mistake.
💡 The pre-operative window is one of the most underutilized opportunities to improve outcomes-especially in elective sports procedures.
⚙️ Pre-op nutrition sets the foundation for:
- Baseline muscle mass 💪
- Collagen availability for healing 🧬
- Immune readiness 🛡️
- Glycemic control 📊
- Inflammatory balance 🔥
❌ Patients who enter surgery:
- Under-fueled
- Protein deficient
- Insulin resistant
- Micronutrient depleted
👉 Start recovery at a deficit no rehab program can fully overcome.
✅ Optimize before the first incision-and everything after improves./p>
🎥 Video 2 below
📲 Follow for the full series
🌐 Learn more: https://www.grantgarciamd.com/nutrition-shoulder-knee-sports-surgeon-seattle-bellevue-everett-kirkland-wa.html
Japan – Part 2: Finished with a Bang
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🇯🇵 Japan – Part 2: Finished with a Bang 🇯🇵
Kyoto ➡️ Tokyo… an unforgettable way to close out an incredible family adventure.
This second half of the trip had everything-culture, food, energy, and just enough chaos to make it memorable. Walking through endless torii gates, exploring temples and palaces, and wandering the historic streets of Kyoto felt like stepping back in time… then straight into the electric pace of Tokyo.
🍵 Matcha heaven (no going back now)
🍣 Sushi that completely resets the bar
🍜 Ramen stops that hit perfectly after long days
🐒 Feeding monkeys in Kyoto-highlight for the kids
🦫 Capybara café experience… surprisingly one of the calmest, coolest moments of the trip
🛍️ Next-level shopping-from traditional to high-end to “how did we find this?”
And the real MVP stat:
➡️ ~10 miles of walking per day 😅
From the torii gates to the bamboo-lined streets, from hidden alleys to packed markets, every day felt full-in the best way.
Most importantly-doing it all together as a family. Those are the memories that stick.
Recharged, reset, and ready to get back to work… but already thinking about the next trip.
Japan Post 1 Okinawa
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🌊 Japan – Part 1: Okinawa Reset **🇯🇵
Sometimes the best way to move forward at a high level… is to step away for a moment.
After a packed March in the OR, clinic, and teaching, I made a conscious decision to do something different with the family-head to Okinawa for a true reset. And it delivered.
Highlights from Week 1 (see photos below **👇):
🔹 Exploring stunning limestone caves with surreal blue lighting
🔹 Snorkeling in crystal-clear water with lionfish and sea snakes 🐍
🔹 Watching whale sharks up close-an unforgettable experience
🔹 Disconnecting (just enough) and reconnecting with what matters most
There’s something powerful about being completely out of your normal environment-physically and mentally. It sharpens perspective, fuels creativity, and ultimately makes you better when you return.
➡️ Next up: Kyoto & Tokyo
➡️ Then right back to surgery, innovation, and teaching
Grateful for the balance. Let’s go.
Dr. Garcia’s 2026 lateral meniscus transplant video
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🚨 Innovation Alert: Lateral Meniscus Transplant with the Arthrex Dovetail Technique 🚨
Lateral meniscus transplant remains a key joint preservation procedure-and the Arthrex dovetail system offers a reliable, anatomic solution for strong graft fixation and reproducibility.
🎥 In this surgical video, I highlight key steps & pearls to optimize your technique 👇
💡 Why it works:
- Anatomic bone fixation → restores native biomechanics
- Dovetail design → strong, stable, rotational control
- Reproducible positioning → critical for long-term success
⚙️ Quick pearls:
- Perfect your slot prep-this sets the case
- Confirm graft sizing + orientation
- Aim for a tight, anatomic bone block fit
- Don’t skip peripheral fixation
📈 Bottom line:
A simple, reproducible approach to achieving stable, anatomic meniscus transplant.
👉 Check out the video + learn more at the link above.
Video: https://youtu.be/jR_PkRvbBDA
Introduction to Surgical Nutrition Blog
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🚨 New Nutrition Series Launching (Video Below) 🚨
New Nutrition Website: https://www.grantgarciamd.com/nutrition-shoulder-knee-sports-surgeon-seattle-bellevue-everett-kirkland-wa.html
We optimize:
🔬 Surgery
🦾 Implants
🏃♂️ Rehab
…but often ignore the most powerful driver of recovery:
👉 NUTRITION
⚠️ Surgery = controlled physiologic trauma
🔥 Catabolic stres
🧬 Inflammation
💪 Muscle breakdown
❌ Poor nutrition →
- Faster muscle loss
- Slower healing
- Higher infection risk
- Delayed return to play
✅ Optimized nutrition →
- Preserve lean mass
- Improve collagen healing
- Reduce inflammation
- Faster recovery
💡 Bottom line:
Nutrition doesn’t replace surgery-
👉 It determines how well it works.
🎥 First video below
📲 Follow for more insights
🌐 Learn more: grantgarciamd.com
Video: https://youtu.be/6oL9xZhftTo
The Future of Sports Medicine AI and Personalized Treatment
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🎥 AI in Medicine - Quick Take (Watch First)
👉 https://youtube.com/shorts/UYqUdochdtg?si=fbD-HSVhbVb-Pltl
💡 Takeaway: AI is rapidly becoming a force multiplier in medicine - improving diagnostics, efficiency, and decision-making - but still requires physician oversight, clinical judgment, and strong ethical guardrails. The future isn’t AI replacing doctors… it’s AI + physicians delivering better care together.
Who’s responsible for protecting young athletes - parents, coaches, or both?
In this episode, Jim Starman and Brad Winter - both fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeons - break down why athlete health has to be an “everybody” approach.
With kids playing on multiple teams and training year-round, injuries are no longer isolated - they’re cumulative. Layer in social pressure, over-scheduling, and poor communication, and you get a cycle that’s tough to break… but not impossible.
🎥 Watch or listen now:
Apple → https://lnkd.in/ghfKM2Dz
Spotify → https://lnkd.in/gJtdhyai
YouTube → https://lnkd.in/gSXahzQz
👥 Follow for more:
Jim Starman & Brad Winter (OrthoCarolina)
William Sanchez
Grant Garcia
💪 Brought to you by The Recovery Shop - your resource for post-surgical rehab and durable medical equipment solutions.
📩 Contact : [javascript protected email address]
Meniscal Root Repair with the new Arthrex Sutureloc
Post:
🚨 Innovation Alert: Meniscal Root Repair with the Arthrex SutureLoc 🚨
🔗 https://www.arthrex.com/knee/sutureloc-implant
Meniscal root repair is critical for restoring knee biomechanics-and the Arthrex SutureLoc is a game-changing, knotless, retensionable solution that simplifies the procedure while improving fixation.
🎥 In this surgical video, I highlight key tips & pearls to optimize your technique 👇
💡 Why SutureLoc stands out:
- Retensionable fixation → dial in tension under direct visualization
- Knotless, low-profile construct → less bulk, cleaner repair
- No posterior portal required → streamlined workflow
- Minimal bone removal with strong fixation
⚙️ Quick pearls:
- Hit the anatomic footprint + tunnel trajectory
- Keep early passes loose for easier suture management
- Retension after cycling-this is where you win the case
📈 Bottom line:
A simpler, more reproducible way to achieve strong, anatomic meniscal root fixation.
👉 Check out the video for practical takeaways you can use right away.
Laser and Shockwave Therapy The Future
Post:
🎥 FROM NAPKIN TO REALITY | Technology That Accelerates Recovery
This short video clip highlights how modern sports medicine innovation goes beyond protection-it’s about optimizing recovery, tissue health, and return to performance.
At DonJoy and across the broader recovery ecosystem, the same principle applies:
👉 Use technology intelligently to support biology-not replace it.
🔬 The Science Behind Laser Therapy & Shockwave
Laser Therapy (Photobiomodulation):
Low-level laser therapy works at the cellular level, helping to:
- Increase mitochondrial activity and ATP production
- Improve local blood flow and oxygen delivery
- Reduce inflammation and pain signaling
- Support faster tissue healing and recovery
It’s particularly useful in tendon, muscle, and post-operative recovery where inflammation control and cellular metabolism matter.
⚡ Shockwave Therapy:
Shockwave delivers mechanical acoustic energy to targeted tissue, which can:
- Stimulate neovascularization
- Promote tendon and bone remodeling
- Break up chronic degenerative tissue patterns
- Restart the healing response in stubborn, non-healing injuries
It’s a powerful tool for chronic tendinopathies, plantar fasciitis, calcific disease, and delayed healing states.
Together, these modalities complement bracing, rehab, and surgery by accelerating recovery timelines while respecting tissue biology.
That same napkin-to-reality mindset carries into our conversations on Sports Doc Talk, where we explore how innovation moves from concept to clinical impact.
In recent episodes, Michael McBrayer of Enovis shares how early research, biomechanics, and clinician feedback shape the tools we now use every day-whether for protection, recovery, or performance.
📹 Short video clip is above
https://youtube.com/shorts/6tdVNPap5HQ?si=eX1qGi5TBkbkJwho
📺 Watch the full Sports Doc Talk episode:
- YouTube - https://lnkd.in/gKnae9GX
- Spotify - https://lnkd.in/g64Nj8JX
- Apple Podcasts - https://lnkd.in/gq8fVyKn
👥 Follow for more:
- Michael McBrayer (Enovis)
- William Sanchez
- Dr. Grant Garcia
🎯 Brought to you by The Recovery Shop - your go-to for post-surgical rehab and DME solutions.
📩 For more information, contact Mike at [javascript protected email address]
How I approach my patients in the office
Post: How I approach complex cases in clinic 👇
One of the most common questions I get from younger surgeons is:
“How do you manage complex new patients efficiently… without rushing the visit?”
The answer isn’t about speed - it’s about structure, clarity, and intentional time spent where it matters most.
In this video, I break down:
🔹 How I structure complex case evaluations
🔹 Ways to streamline the history + imaging review
🔹 How I prioritize patient questions (this is key)
🔹 Tips to create efficiency without sacrificing connection
Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/pU630QUKMe4
For me, the goal is simple:
👉 Make every patient feel heard, while still running a high-level, efficient clinic
I’ve found that spending focused time upfront answering questions actually:
✔️ Builds trust faster
✔️ Reduces confusion later
✔️ Leads to better decision-making and outcomes
This is just a glimpse into the system I’ve developed over time in a busy sports practice.
If you’re early in your career - or refining your clinic flow - this framework can make a big difference.
📲 Learn more: http://www.grantgarciamd.com/
Dr. Garcia teaching at Arthrex Denver Complex Knee Course
Post:
Quick trip out to teach the Arthrex Denver Complex Knee Course alongside Dr. Travis Maak - always a great opportunity to collaborate, share techniques, and learn from a highly engaged group of surgeons.
We dove deep into some of the most challenging areas in knee surgery:
✔️ Osteotomy (alignment matters)
✔️ MPFL reconstruction & patellar instability
✔️ TTOs
✔️ Advanced cartilage restoration strategies
This was a case-based course with 4+ hours of hands-on lab time, where the real learning happens. The attending surgeons brought great energy - thoughtful questions, strong engagement, and a true commitment to mastering these complex procedures.
These are the cases that push all of us to be better - technically, intellectually, and in how we approach patient-specific decision making.
A special thanks to Michael Gorsline for the incredible coordination and planning that made this course run seamlessly.
And as always, appreciate Arthrex’s commitment to continued education around the “hard stuff.” That’s how we move the field forward.
Already looking forward to the next one.
The Science Behind Knee Bracing How DonJoy Protects ACLs
Post:
🎥 FROM NAPKIN TO REALITY | The Science Behind How DonJoy Protects the ACL
These short video clips tell the story of how innovation in sports medicine actually happens-from ideas sketched on a napkin to biomechanically driven solutions that help protect the ACL in real athletes.
At DonJoy, innovation has always started with one question:
👉 How do we protect the knee without taking away motion?
🔬 The Science Behind ACL Protection
Modern functional knee braces are designed to work with the knee-not against it. Through biomechanical research, DonJoy helped pioneer brace designs that:
- Apply strategic resistance in high-risk positions
- Help limit excessive anterior tibial translation and rotational forces
- Use 4-points-of-leverage and advanced hinge systems to engage when the ACL is most vulnerable
- Support stability while still allowing athletic movement
The goal isn’t immobilization-it’s intelligent constraint, informed by data.
This same napkin-to-reality philosophy is at the center of our newest episode of Sports Doc Talk, now officially LIVE 🎧
In this episode, Michael McBrayer, Senior Vice President of Business Development & Professional Relations at Enovis, walks us through the early foundational research-including pioneering work with the University of Vermont-examining how functional knee braces influence ACL strain under different loading conditions.
These studies helped:
🧠 Shape how we understand knee stability
⚙️ Guide the evolution of functional bracing
🏃 Translate biomechanics into real-world athlete protection
📹 Short video clips are above
https://youtube.com/shorts/niHbwb_GP_A?si=qwc_XfWtV0Reji5H
📺 Watch the full episode here:
- YouTube - https://lnkd.in/gKnae9GX
- Spotify - https://lnkd.in/g64Nj8JX
- Apple Podcasts - https://lnkd.in/gq8fVyKn
👥 Follow for more:
- Michael McBrayer (Enovis)
- William Sanchez
- Dr. Grant Garcia
🎯 Brought to you by The Recovery Shop - your go-to for post-surgical rehab and DME solutions.
📩 For more information, contact Mike at [javascript protected email address]
Updated 2026 Distal Femoral Osteotomy Technique
Post:
🔥 New Surgical Technique Video: Distal Femoral Osteotomy (DFO)
Small technical changes can make a big difference in healing and stability after osteotomy.
Website Link: https://www.grantgarciamd.com/distal-femoral-osteotomy-shoulder-knee-sports-surgeon-seattle-bellevue-everett-kirkland-wa.html
In my new updated surgical video, I walk through several refinements to my current Distal Femoral Osteotomy technique, including:
🦴 Biplanar osteotomy cuts to improve rotational stability and increase the healing surface area
🔩 Protective hinge screw placement to maintain the lateral hinge and reduce fracture risk
📐 Precise correction and stable fixation to optimize alignment and recovery
For the right patients-especially young, active individuals with valgus malalignment and lateral compartment overload*-DFO can be a powerful *knee preservation procedure that restores biomechanics and delays joint replacement.
Constantly refining technique is part of how we improve outcomes and accelerate recovery for our patients.
🎥 Check out the updated technique video and let me know your thoughts.
Video: https://youtu.be/MljT7anyYsQ
MFC Arthro MACI
Post:
🎥 New Surgical Video: Treating a Condylar Cartilage Defect with Arthroscopic MACI 🦵🔬
Cartilage injuries of the knee can be devastating for active patients. When the femoral condyle cartilage is damaged, pain, swelling, and loss of performance can follow.
In this new surgical video, I demonstrate arthroscopic MACI (Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation) to treat a condylar cartilage defect and restore the joint surface.
⚡ Why MACI Arthro is a game changer for patients:
My MACI Arthro Site: https://www.grantgarciamd.com/maci-arthro-shoulder-knee-sports-surgeon-seattle-bellevue-everett-kirkland-wa.html
🔬 Restores cartilage with your own cells
Healthy cartilage cells are grown in a lab and placed back into the defect to regenerate durable hyaline-like cartilage.
🦵 Minimally invasive arthroscopic technique
Smaller incisions → less tissue disruption → faster recovery compared with open cartilage procedures.
🏃 Designed for active patients
Ideal for athletes and active individuals with focal cartilage defects who want to return to high-level activity.
📈 Durable long-term outcomes
Clinical studies show improved pain, function, and return to sport compared with older cartilage repair techniques.
🎯 Precision treatment of condylar lesions
Allows us to restore the natural contour of the femoral condyle and protect the joint from early arthritis.
For patients with the right cartilage injury pattern, MACI can be a powerful tool to restore knee function and get people back to the activities they love.
📹 Watch the surgical video to see the technique and cartilage restoration in action.
From Napkin Sketch to Market How DonJoy Turn
Post:
🎥 FROM NAPKIN TO REALITY | Innovation That Changed Knee Bracing
This short video clip captures how real innovation in sports medicine actually happens-*ideas sketched on a napkin that evolve into solutions trusted by athletes worldwide*.
At DonJoy, innovation has always been rooted in biomechanics, research, and clinical relevance. What starts as a question becomes data. What starts as a sketch becomes a product.
That same theme comes through in our newest episode of Sports Doc Talk, now officially LIVE 🎧
In this highlight, Michael McBrayer, Senior Vice President of Business Development & Professional Relations at Enovis, shares the early research that helped shape modern knee bracing-including pioneering work with the University of Vermont examining how functional braces influence ACL strain under different conditions.
These early studies:
🧠 Changed how we understand knee stability
🦵 Influenced the evolution of functional bracing
⚙️ Paved the way for today’s more advanced, motion-supportive designs
We dive deeper into:
- How research becomes real-world protection
- The intersection of biomechanics and product design
- Where brace technology is headed next
https://youtube.com/shorts/CnJ9yqAVGTs?si=sRjApAYsVzwhwzIn
📹 Short video clip is above
📺 Watch the full episode now:
- YouTube - https://lnkd.in/gKnae9GX
- Spotify - https://lnkd.in/g64Nj8JX
- Apple Podcasts - https://lnkd.in/gq8fVyKn
👥 Follow for more:
- Michael McBrayer (Enovis)
- William Sanchez
- Dr. Grant Garcia
🎯 Brought to you by The Recovery Shop - your go-to for post-surgical rehab and DME solutions.
📩 For more information, contact Mike at [javascript protected email address]
How I manage complex patient pathology in the office
Post:
🎥 HOW I TALK TO PATIENTS | Addressing Complex Pathology
This is a question I get a lot from younger surgeons. The attached video reflects how I approach conversations with patients in the office-especially when dealing with complex pathology.
I believe information is key.
My job isn’t just to diagnose or operate-it’s to educate.
That means:
- Taking the time to explain what’s going on anatomically
- Walking through all reasonable treatment options
- Discussing risks, benefits, and trade-offs
- Making sure patients understand why a recommendation is being made
When pathology is complex, the solution often is too. Patients deserve more than a soundbite or a rushed explanation-they deserve to be fully informed partners in their care.
The goal is simple:
🧠 Understanding leads to confidence
🤝 Confidence leads to better decisions
📈 Better decisions lead to better outcomes
Whether the answer is surgery, rehab, technology, or time—patients should feel informed, empowered, and supported every step of the way.
📹 Video clip is below
Biceps Tendon Transfer 2025
Post:
UPDATED SURGICAL VIDEO | Biceps Transfer + Autograft Augmentation for Difficult Rotator Cuff Tears
Just released an updated surgical technique video highlighting my approach to biceps transfer with autograft augmentation for the most difficult rotator cuff tears-chronic, retracted, poor-quality tissue where standard repair alone is likely to fail.
These are the cases that challenge even experienced surgeons:
- Long-standing retraction
- Thinned, compromised tendon
- Loss of mobility and tension mismatch
- High risk of re-tear without augmentation
This is where thoughtful reconstruction-not just repair-becomes essential.
Why biceps transfer + autograft in difficult tears?
In select chronic and high-risk cuff tears, the long head of the biceps can be leveraged as a local, biologically favorable tissue source, and when combined with autograft augmentation, it allows:
- Improved load sharing in repairs under tension
- Reinforcement of poor-quality native tendon
- Restoration of shoulder force couples
- A more durable construct without over-tensioning fragile tissue
The updated video walks through:
- Indications for difficult and revision-risk tears
- Technical pearls for biceps transfer
- When autograft augmentation adds value
- Strategies to reduce failure in chronic pathology
These are not routine cuff repairs.
They are problem-solving reconstructions designed to give patients with difficult tears a real chance at lasting function.
Website link: https://www.grantgarciamd.com/biceps-tendon-transfer-shoulder-knee-sports-surgeon-seattle-bellevue-everett-kirkland-wa.html
Updated surgical video is attached
More on managing difficult and chronic cuff tears coming soon.
The Future of Cartilage and Meniscus Treatments
Post:
🎙️ NEW SPORTS DOC TALK CLIP - NOW LIVE 🔥
👉 Watch the short clip: https://youtube.com/shorts/X1IZJd_0XRw?si=OjP0J1lyvhLQ8f8E
In this episode of Sports Doc Talk, hosts William Sanchez and Grant Garcia sit down with renowned orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine innovator Brian Cole for a forward-looking discussion on the future of cartilage and meniscus transplantation.
🧠 Clip Summary - Future of Meniscus & Cartilage Transplantation:
In this clip, Dr. Cole outlines how advancements in biologic augmentation, tissue preservation, and surgical technique are changing the landscape for cartilage and meniscus restoration. He highlights the potential for improved durability, faster recovery, and expanded indications*-bringing us closer to truly *joint-preserving solutions for athletes and active patients.
🎧 Episode highlights include:
- The evolving science behind cartilage and meniscus restoration 🧬
- Where current research is headed-and what it means for clinical practice
- Mentorship, legacy, and shaping the next generation of sports surgeons
- Real insights from decades in high-stakes orthopedic care
🎧 Now streaming on:
➡️ YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gREkJTDW
➡️ Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gCZRJpn7
➡️ Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gtE-9f5A
More education. More cases. More advanced topics.
Sponsored by The Recovery Shop - leaders in post-surgical recovery and DME.
📩 Contact: Mike - [javascript protected email address]
Elbow Blog Series Summary and Thank You
Post:
🔥 ELBOW BLOG #24 - THANK YOU & SERIES RECAP 🔥
Elbow Blog #24 is a thank-you.
After 6 months of elbow education, case discussions, surgical pearls, and short videos, this final entry is about *gratitude*-and what’s next. 🙏🦾
🎥 In my thank-you video, I want to sincerely thank everyone who tuned in, followed along, shared the content, and used these posts to better understand elbow injuries-from youth athletes to high-level competitors.
📚 Missed an episode or want a full recap?
You can find the entire 6-month Elbow Blog series here:
This series was built to be:
- Practical
- High-yield
- Clinically relevant
- Directly applicable to real patients
🚀 What’s next?
More education. More cases. More advanced topics.
💬 I’d love your input:
👉 What elbow, shoulder, or sports medicine topics would you like to see covered next?
Thanks again for following along-and for being part of the conversation.
From Jungle Trails to the Operating Room: Recharged and Ready After Costa Rica
Post:
Back to reality… but WOW what a week 🇨🇷🔥🌴
Costa Rica absolutely delivered on every single bucket-list moment for our family ❤️✈️
- We soaked in natural hot springs surrounded by jungle 🌋♨️
- Spotted sloths hanging overhead 🦥🌿
- Watched monkeys right outside our window 🙉🐒
- Fed giraffes and zebras on safari 🦒🦓🥕
- Horseback rode along the beach 🐎🌊
- Learned to surf (with plenty of wipeouts 😅🏄♀️)
- Released baby sea turtles into the ocean 🐢🌅
- And most importantly… soaked up uninterrupted family time 💛👨👩👧👧
There’s something powerful about stepping away - no OR schedule, no clinic charts, no meetings - just adventure, nature, and being fully present 🌎✨
Now it’s time to trade jungle hikes for clinic hallways and head back to taking care of patients 💪🦴🏥
Clinic starts Monday.
Grateful. Recharged. Inspired. Ready to go.
Pura Vida always 🇨🇷❤️
Balancing Innovation and Safety in Surgery
Post:
🎙️ NEW SPORTS DOC TALK CLIP - NOW LIVE 🔥
👉 Watch the short clip:
https://youtube.com/shorts/O9p9vsi5GNc?si=-OohB8aentq-9Soq
In this episode of Sports Doc Talk, hosts William Sanchez and Grant Garcia sit down with renowned orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine leader Brian Cole for a focused, high-impact discussion on balancing innovation with safety in modern orthopedic surgery.
🧠 Clip Summary - Innovation vs Safety:
In this short clip, Dr. Cole emphasizes that while innovation is critical to advancing our field, it must be thoughtful, measured, and grounded in patient safety. New techniques and technologies should enhance outcomes - not outpace evidence or judgment. The best surgeons adopt innovation responsibly, integrating it only when it truly benefits patients.
🎧 Episode highlights include:
- How to responsibly balance innovation and safety in surgery
- The role of mentorship and legacy in orthopedic education
- The realities of high - stakes decision-making in sports medicine
- The future of cartilage and meniscus treatments 🦴🧬
🎧 Now streaming on:
➡️ YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gREkJTDW
➡️ Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gCZRJpn7
➡️ Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gtE-9f5A
Sponsored by The Recovery Shop - leaders in post-surgical recovery and DME.
📩 Contact: Mike - [javascript protected email address]
Pediatric Throwing Elbow Treatments
Post:
🔥 ELBOW BLOG #23 - PEDIATRIC THROWING ELBOW 🔥
The pediatric throwing elbow is a unique injury pattern with unique risks.
Ignore the warning signs-and you risk growth plate injury, instability, or long-term damage. ⚾🦴
In Elbow Blog #23, this 1-minute video focuses specifically on the throwing athlete and why early recognition and proper management are critical.
🎥 What this short video covers:
- Why repetitive throwing + open growth plates is a dangerous combination
- Medial elbow pain and the spectrum of Little League elbow
- How overuse, pitch counts, and mechanics drive injury risk
- When pain is a red flag-not soreness
- The importance of rest, timing, and avoiding premature return to throwing
⚠️ These injuries don’t just affect the current season-they can alter arm development, velocity, and durability long term.
This is about protecting young arms while preserving their future.
🎯 Elbow Blog #23:
Smart decisions now prevent surgeries later.
Updated Glenoid fracture repair with Remplissage in High Level Quarterback
Post:
🏈 NEW SURGICAL VIDEO | High-Level Quarterback Shoulder Repair
Just released this new surgical video demonstrating a glenoid fracture repair combined with a remplissage in a high-level quarterback.
This case highlights several key principles when treating elite throwing athletes:
🦴 Accurate glenoid fracture reduction and fixation
🎯 Management of an engaging Hill-Sachs lesion
⚙️ Stability without sacrificing throwing mechanics
🔬 Modified Remplissage Technique for Throwers
In this case, I utilized a modified remplissage designed specifically for overhead and throwing athletes:
- Less infraspinatus bite to minimize posterior over-constraint
- Steeper anchor angle to allow effective defect filling
- Still fully fills the Hill-Sachs lesion while preserving external rotation and functional range
For quarterbacks, the objective isn’t just preventing instability-it’s restoring controlled motion, velocity, and confidence without compromising long-term performance.
The video walks through:
- Indications and surgical decision-making
- Technical pearls for fracture fixation
- When and how a modified remplissage can be safely used in throwers
- Return-to-play considerations
Website: https://www.grantgarciamd.com/remplissage.html
📹 Video clip is below
👉 More on this topic coming soon, including deeper dives into technique selection and outcomes in throwing athletes.
The Emotional Journey of Treating Professional Athletes
Post:
🎙️ NEW SPORTS DOC TALK CLIP - NOW LIVE 🔥
👉 Watch the short clip: https://youtube.com/shorts/rj0Ga0raB5s?si=oC7Pc3cnBg231k-z
In this episode of Sports Doc Talk, hosts William Sanchez and Grant Garcia sit down with renowned orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine leader Brian Cole for a high-impact discussion on where sports medicine is headed next.
🧠 Key takeaways from the episode:
- Balancing innovation with patient safety in modern surgery
- The importance of mentorship and the legacy of teaching medicine
- The emotional and professional demands of caring for elite athletes
- The future of cartilage and meniscus treatments 🦴🧬
🏟️ Caring for professional athletes brings unique challenges:
- Compressed timelines and return-to-play pressure ⏱️
- Careers, contracts, and livelihoods tied to medical decisions 📉📈
- Coordinating with teams, agents, trainers, and organizations 🤝
- Managing expectations while protecting long-term joint health
- Making high-stakes decisions where there is no margin for error 🎯
This is an honest, experience-driven conversation from decades at the highest level of orthopedic sports medicine.
🎧 Now streaming on:
YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gREkJTDW
Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gCZRJpn7
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gtE-9f5A
Sponsored by The Recovery Shop - leaders in post-surgical recovery and DME.
📩 Contact Mike :mikeb@shop-recovery.com
Growth Plates and Elbow Surgery
Post:
🔥 ELBOW BLOG #22 - PEDIATRIC ELBOWS & GROWTH PLATES 🔥
Pediatric elbows are not small adult elbows.
Miss that distinction-and the consequences can last a lifetime. 🦴⏳
In Elbow Blog #22, this 1-minute video breaks down the critical growth plate considerations every clinician, coach, and parent needs to understand when treating young athletes.
🎥 What this short video highlights:
- Why open physes change everything in diagnosis and treatment
- Common mistakes when evaluating pediatric elbow pain
- How growth plate injuries can masquerade as “tendonitis”
- When rest is enough-and when delayed care risks permanent damage
- The importance of age, sport, volume, and mechanics in decision-making
⚠️ Throwing athletes, gymnasts, and overhead youth competitors are especially vulnerable-and early recognition matters.
This isn’t about being aggressive.
It’s about being accurate, protective, and intentional.
🎯 Elbow Blog #22:
Protect the growth plate. Protect the future.
Largest MACI Arthro performed in the US
Post:
🚨🔥 Largest MACI Arthro Implant Performed🔥🚨
Thrilled to share my video of the first-ever successful MACI Arthro case using the largest implant possible with this system in the country - a true milestone in minimally invasive cartilage repair! 💪🧬
This case pushed the limits of what can be achieved arthroscopically - combining precision, innovation, and surgical finesse to restore large cartilage defects through small portals. ⚙️🦵
🎥 In this video, you’ll learn:
💡 Advanced tips & tricks for optimal defect preparation
🪄 Techniques for precise graft handling and placement
🧩 Strategies to ensure implant stability and integration in high-demand knees
The MACI Arthro system is redefining what’s possible in cartilage restoration - giving athletes and active patients a faster, less invasive path back to performance. ⚡🏃♂️
👨⚕️ Every step in this video highlights how next-gen biologic implants and refined arthroscopic techniques are transforming the way we treat cartilage injuries.
If you’re passionate about cutting-edge sports medicine and innovation in orthopedics, this is one to watch. 🚀
MACI Arthro Link:
Mentorship The Legacy of Teaching in Medicine
Post:
🎙️ NEW SPORTS DOC TALK CLIP - NOW LIVE 🔥
👉 Watch the short clip: https://youtube.com/shorts/v2Z3JA2Xq1E?si=MzQwGQXjnF8W9Z0G
In this episode of Sports Doc Talk, hosts William Sanchez and Grant Garcia sit down with renowned orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine leader Brian Cole for a high-impact conversation on where sports medicine is headed next.
🧠 Key takeaways from the episode:
- How to balance innovation with patient safety in modern surgery
- The importance of mentorship and teaching the next generation
- The emotional realities of caring for elite and professional athletes
- Where cartilage and meniscus treatments are evolving 🦴🧬
This is an honest, experience-driven discussion from decades at the highest level of orthopedic sports medicine.
🎧 Now streaming on:
YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gREkJTDW
Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gCZRJpn7
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gtE-9f5A
Sponsored by The Recovery Shop - leaders in post-surgical recovery and DME.
📩 Contact Mike :mikeb@shop-recovery.com
Advanced Elbow Arthroscopy
Post:
🔥 ELBOW BLOG #21 - ADVANCED ELBOW ARTHROSCOPY 🔥
Elbow arthroscopy is no longer just about debridement.
It’s about precision, access, and preserving cartilage in high-demand athletes. 🦾🎯
In Elbow Blog #21, we dive into advanced arthroscopic techniques*-including the *arthroscopic Outerbridge technique*-designed to address *complex chondral pathology while minimizing morbidity and maximizing return to sport.
🎥 In the brief video series, we cover:
- Portal strategy and positioning for safe elbow access
- Arthroscopic visualization of challenging cartilage lesions
- The *Outerbridge technique*-when to use it and why it matters
- Tips, tricks, and pitfalls that only show up in real cases
- How these techniques change outcomes in throwing athletes
💡 These are high-level tools for surgeons treating:
- Elbow OCDs
- Focal chondral defects
- Painful mechanical symptoms in competitive athletes
This isn’t theory-it’s practical, reproducible arthroscopy you can take straight to the OR.
🎯 Elbow Blog #21: Advanced problems require advanced solutions.
Honored & Grateful
Post:
🏆 Honored & Grateful 🏆
I’m incredibly excited to share that I’ve been named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for 2026 ⭐️
Even more meaningful-this also marks my 5-Year Castle Connolly Top Doctor Award, recognizing five consecutive years of this honor. Consistency at this level doesn’t happen alone.
🙏 Huge thank you to my amazing team at Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle. Your dedication, precision, and relentless commitment to excellence make it possible for us to deliver the highest level of care to our patients every single day.
To my patients-thank you for your trust. It’s a privilege to care for you, push the boundaries of orthopedic innovation, and help you get back to doing what you love.
Here’s to teamwork, innovation, and continuing to raise the bar in orthopedic care. 🚀💪
Northwest Sports Summit - The Momentum Continues
Post: 🔥 NORTHWEST SPORTS SUMMIT - THE MOMENTUM CONTINUES 🔥
One of the biggest takeaways from the Northwest Sports Summit was the continued commitment from Arthrex and Arthrex Seattle to bring truly high-level, physician-driven education to the Pacific Northwest. 🧠🦾
This wasn’t a one-off event-it reflects a long-term investment in surgical excellence, honest discussion, and real-world decision-making for practicing sports medicine physicians.
I was honored to serve as a lead speaker and thought leader, sharing practical tips, surgical pearls, and real-world strategies on some of the most complex and high-stakes knee and shoulder problems we face in sports medicine-where judgment, nuance, and experience truly matter. 🦿💪
👏 Huge shout-out to Auston Robinson, MBA Robinson and his entire team for seamlessly coordinating a sold-out, physician-only program that delivered exactly what was promised:
- Meaningful engagement
- Tough cases and open debate
- Education that actually changes how we think and operate
Because of leadership like this, the PNW continues to level up-with access to national-caliber teaching, collaboration, and innovation right here at home.
🚀 This is how you build a region. More to come.
Also big thanks to the other amazing faculty Jason Grassbaugh and Albert Gee
From Surgeon to TikTok Star The Unexpected Rise
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🎥 New from Sports Doc Talk! From Scalpel to Spatula: Dr. Weil’s Unexpected TikTok Journey
Check out this fun and inspiring snippet featuring Dr. Wayne Weil’s rise from the OR to TikTok fame! In this clip, we see Dr. Weil blend surgical precision with culinary creativity, taking his followers inside his viral cooking class moment that exploded on social media - proving that attention to detail and passion translate on and off the table.
🔗 Watch here: https://youtube.com/shorts/dtEZ4mNTbLA?si=5kAP_tN6iwqVAw9W
Whether you’re in healthcare, content creation, or simply curious how a surgeon becomes a TikTok star, this spotlight episode delivers big takeaways.
🎙️ Full Episode Links:
YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ehuhTx-e
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eJ5yiRtJ
Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/ectFzmad
🙏 Brought to you by The Recovery Shop - your go-to for post-surgical rehab and DME solutions.
📩 Contact Mike :mikeb@shop-recovery.com
Follow for more content:
👤 Dr. Wayne Weil • 👤 William Sanchez • 👤 Dr. Grant Garcia
150+ Cartilage & Meniscus Transplants - Milestone Unlocked
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🚨 150+ CARTILAGE & MENISCUS TRANSPLANTS - MILESTONE UNLOCKED 🚨
Beyond grateful to surpass 150 meniscus and cartilage transplant surgeries at Seattle Orthopedic Center 🏥 - a milestone that reflects years of hard work, precision, and an incredible team all focused on saving knees and restoring lives 🦵💪
💥 These are NOT easy cases.
Meniscus transplants and cartilage restoration are among the most technically demanding surgeries we perform 🔬🦵 - often for patients who’ve been told they’re “out of options.”
📍 Today’s case:
🧩 Dovetail lateral meniscus transplant
🧬 Cartilage transplant
🎯 One knee. One mission. Maximum precision.
With the help of advanced Arthrex instrumentation 🛠️, we continue to push the envelope and redefine what’s possible in modern knee preservation surgery 🚀
🙌 This milestone belongs to the team:
🔥 Vaid Olanday - rock-solid scrub tech
🔥 Corbin Brokaw, PA-C - my PA, relentless preparation and execution
🔥 Gail Petteruti - my other outstanding PA, excellence year after year
🔥 And the entire OR staff who make these complex cases possible 💙
This isn’t just a number - it’s teamwork, trust, and technical excellence coming together for patients who need it most.
➡️ Mission remains the same:
Save joints 🦵 | Preserve knees 🛡️ | Restore active lives 🏃♂️⛷️🏄♂️
OCDs of the elbow
Post:🎯 Elbow Blog #20: Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) of the Elbow
Elbow OCDs aren’t just “growing pains.”
They’re real cartilage injuries that can derail young athletes if missed.
🏀⚾ Most common in throwers and gymnasts
🦴 Involves the capitellum cartilage + underlying bone
⏱️ Early diagnosis = better outcomes, fewer surgeries
In this video, we break down:
- What elbow OCD actually is
- Warning signs parents & athletes shouldn’t ignore
- When rest works-and when surgery matters
👉 Knowledge + timing make all the difference.
Honored to instruct at Arthrex OTIF 2026
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Honored to instruct at Arthrex OTIF 2026. 🙌🦴
✈️ A quick 48 hours to Florida and back, but filled with meaningful education, collaboration, and innovation.
💥 Why OTIF stands out:
- Elite surgeon educators sharing real-world experience 🧠
- True collaboration between surgeons, engineers, and designers ⚙️
- A focus on precision, efficiency, and reproducibility in the OR 🎯
🦾 Key discussions:
- The future of sports medicine education 📚
- Smarter surgical workflows and next-gen instrumentation 🔧
- Where innovation is headed over the next decade 🚀
🎙️ Also had a great meeting on the future of production innovations*-and recorded a *podcast episode I’m excited to share soon.
Grateful for the opportunity and the Arthrex team’s continued leadership.
🔥 More to come.
New Arthroscopic Thumb Surgery: A Game Changer
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🎥 New from Sports Doc Talk! – Arthroscopic Thumb Surgery Clip
In this quick clip, we highlight arthroscopic thumb surgery - a minimally invasive keyhole procedure used to evaluate and treat pathology at the base of the thumb joint (CMC joint). Arthroscopy involves inserting a tiny camera and instruments through small incisions to inspect, debride, or address ligament and cartilage issues with less tissue trauma and a faster recovery timeline compared to traditional open approaches.
This technique can be used for conditions like arthritis, ligament tears, or painful degenerative changes at the thumb’s basal joint, helping patients maintain strength, mobility, and earlier return to function.
🔗 Watch here:
https://youtube.com/shorts/jceiUFrGBJI?si=UMfl6nW80a0NiuGY
- Why arthroscopic approaches can mean less pain and faster rehab than traditional open surgery.
- When arthroscopy is ideal for thumb arthritis and soft-tissue pathology.
- How surgical precision and innovation influence return-to-sport timelines.
🎙️ Listen & watch the full episode:
YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ehuhTx-e
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eJ5yiRtJ
Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/ectFzmad
🙏 Brought to you by The Recovery Shop - your go-to for post-surgical rehab and DME solutions.
📩 Contact Mike :mikeb@shop-recovery.com
Follow for more content:
👤 Dr. Wayne Weil • 👤 William Sanchez • 👤 Dr. Grant Garcia
Summit 2 week Annouce
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🔥⏳ TWO WEEKS OUT - NORTHWEST SPORTS SUMMIT ⏳🔥
Challenges, Controversies, and Revisions in Sports Medicine
🚨 Due to overwhelming demand, this program is now RESTRICTED TO PHYSICIANS ONLY.
(Orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, and physician-level providers)
On January 24, Arthrex Seattle becomes the epicenter of high-level sports medicine thinking - where real cases, real failures, and real outcomes are dissected by surgeons who actually do this work. 🧠🦾
This is not a lecture series.
This is a live, case-driven surgical debate. ⚔️
👨⚕️ Dr. Grant Garcia
Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle | HSS → Rush
👨⚕️ Dr. Albert Gee
Chief of Sports Medicine, UW | Huskies Team Physician
👨⚕️ Dr. Jason Grassbaugh
Franciscan Medical Group | Arthroscopy Journal Editor
📍 Arthrex Seattle – Kirkland
🗓 January 24, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
🥐 Breakfast starts at 7:15 AM
🧩 What we’re diving into:
The cases most meetings avoid - because they’re controversial, high-stakes, and career-defining:
🦿 ACL in the high-level athlete
🦵 ACL + LET - who ACTUALLY needs it
🦴 Recurrent patellar instability
🏀 Glenoid bone loss + failed stabilization
🧬 Cartilage + meniscus transplants
💪 Irreparable cuff tears - young vs aging athletes
All case-based.
All outcome-driven.
All interactive. 🗣️📊
Bring your toughest cases.
Bring your controversies.
Bring your questions. 🔍🔥
🚨 Capacity is limited and physician-only due to demand.
🎯 RSVP by January 19 through your Arthrex rep
If you treat athletes - and you want to sharpen how you think about instability, grafts, cartilage, bone loss, and surgical failure - this is the room. 🧠⚡️
This is where the PNW levels up. 🚀💥
Elbow Arthroscopy: Modern Benefits
Post: ***Elbow Blog #19 **🔍*
Elbow Arthroscopy - Modern Benefits, Key Risks, and Why It’s Evolving**
Elbow arthroscopy has become one of the most transformative tools in managing complex elbow pathology. As techniques, visualization, and instrumentation improve, we’re seeing better outcomes with less morbidity and *faster return to activity*-especially for athletes and active patients. 💪🦴
But with the elbow’s tight anatomy and proximity to multiple neurovascular structures, this procedure requires precision and expertise. Here’s a breakdown of what clinicians, therapists, and patients should understand.
🌟 Benefits of Elbow Arthroscopy
🔹 Minimally Invasive, Faster Recovery
Small portals reduce soft-tissue disruption, postoperative pain, and downtime.
🔹 Superior Joint Visualization
High-definition arthroscopy allows precise treatment of:
- Loose bodies
- Synovitis
- Posterior impingement
- Osteophytes
- Cartilage lesions
🔹 Highly Effective for Mechanical Symptoms
Athletes experiencing catching, locking, or extension pain often experience significant improvement.
🔹 Versatility Across Pathologies
From inflammatory conditions to early arthritis, arthroscopy covers a wide spectrum of elbow disorders.
⚠️ Key Risks to Recognize
Even with modern refinements, elbow arthroscopy carries unique challenges:
🔹 Nerve Irritation or Injury
The ulnar, median, radial, and PIN nerves lie close to standard portals-emphasizing the importance of surgeon experience and careful portal placement.
🔹 Postoperative Stiffness
Scar formation or guarding can impact motion; early guided rehab is essential.
🔹 Persistent Symptoms
Advanced arthritis or complex instability may require additional interventions.
🔹 Infection or Fluid Extravasation (Rare)
Proper technique and monitoring minimize these risks.
💡 Who Benefits Most?
Athletes, throwers, and active individuals with mechanical symptoms or posterior impingement often see the greatest gains. For the right patient, elbow arthroscopy can dramatically restore function with minimal downtime.
🔥 The Takeaway
Elbow arthroscopy continues to advance, pairing minimally invasive access with powerful diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. As technology evolves, we’re seeing safer portals, improved biologics, expanded indications, and a growing role in joint preservation.
A procedure once considered high-risk is now a cornerstone of modern elbow care-when performed with precision and the right indications.
Updated Distal Tibial Allograft Glenoid Reconstruction Surgery
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🎥 NEW SURGICAL VIDEO JUST DROPPED — DISTAL TIBIAL ALLOGRAFT IN COMPLEX INSTABILITY 🦴🔥
Just released: a high-definition OR breakdown of distal tibial allograft reconstruction - one of the most advanced bone-augmentation techniques for severe glenohumeral and knee instability. 📍
This isn’t animation.
This isn’t theory.
This is real anatomy, real decision-making, and real execution - captured from the table. 🛠️🎯
In this video you’ll see:
✅ Precise graft preparation & sizing
✅ Intraoperative navigation of off-axis defects
✅ Fixation strategy nuances that shift outcomes
✅ How I manage graft fit, contour, and stability
✅ What to do when textbook answers fail
Whether you’re wrestling with recurrent anterior instability, critical glenoid bone loss, or revision failure - this video is a practical look at reconstructive execution at a high level.
👇 Watch/learn here:
Watch the surgical video here:
Have questions about the case?
Drop them below or shoot me a message - I’ll pull clips and insights straight from the video to answer. 🎯
Internal Brace Revolution Cutting Rehab Time In Half
Post:
🎥 Watch this clip from our latest Sports Doc Talk featuring Dr. Wayne Weil!
👉 Internal Brace Revolution - Cutting Rehab Time In Half shows how modern internal bracing techniques are changing recovery timelines and helping athletes get back in action faster. Short, powerful insights from the forefront of orthopedic innovation.
🔗 https://youtube.com/shorts/ESGXub1P6zk?si=4lNzNc0IkYw5w8IH
🧠 Episode Summary - Precision Hands: Inside the World of Dr. Wayne Weil
We’re joined by Dr. Wayne Weil, orthopedic hand, wrist, and elbow specialist at Proliance Surgeons, for a deep dive into precision surgery, innovation, and life inside the OR - plus a few surprises from the Seattle Hand Doc himself. 🎙️
In this episode you’ll learn:
🔹 How internal bracing techniques are revolutionizing how we treat tendon and ligament injuries - and cut rehab time dramatically.
🔹 What microsurgical precision really looks like - and why it matters for outcomes and return-to-sport.
🔹 How Dr. Weil approaches common athletic injuries like hook of hamate, skier’s thumb, and wrist trauma with cutting-edge tools and techniques.
🔹 The behind-the-scenes of life in the OR - and even how surgical precision translates to creativity in other parts of life (yes, viral kitchen content too!).
🎙️ Listen & watch the full episode:
YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ehuhTx-e
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eJ5yiRtJ
Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/ectFzmad
🙏 Brought to you by The Recovery Shop - your go-to for post-surgical rehab and DME solutions.
📩 Contact Mike: mikeb@shop-recovery.com
Follow for more content:
👤 Dr. Wayne Weil • 👤 William Sanchez • 👤 Dr. Grant Garcia
🔗 https://youtube.com/shorts/ESGXub1P6zk?si=4lNzNc0IkYw5w8IH
Midsubstance Patella Tendon Repair with Hamstring Augmentation
Post:
🎥 Complex Mid-Substance Patellar Tendon Repair 🔩💪
This case features one of the most challenging tendon injuries we see - a mid-substance patellar tendon rupture. These are notoriously difficult due to poor tissue quality and limited distal purchase. But with the right tools and technique, we can rebuild strength and restore function.
Here’s the step-by-step breakdown 🧠👇
1️ Exposure & Assessment: The rupture was located in the mid-substance, so both proximal and distal tendon ends were debrided to healthy tissue.
2️ Hamstring Harvest & Preparation: A gracilis and semimembranosus autograft was harvested and prepared for augmentation to biologically reinforce the repair.
3️ Primary Tendon Repair: The patellar tendon ends were re-approximated using a Knee Fibertaks and a locking stitch pattern to restore the native length and tension.
4️ Graft Augmentation: The hamstring graft was weaved through the tendon substance and anchored proximally and distally to provide biologic and mechanical strength.
5️ Internal Brace Reinforcement: A internal brace was added along the repair to protect the construct during early motion - giving immediate stability while healing occurs.
6️ Final Tensioning & Range of Motion: The construct was tested through flexion to confirm stability and restore smooth knee extension without gapping.
💡 Why it matters: Mid-substance patellar tendon tears are difficult, but combining hamstring autograft augmentation with an internal brace provides durable reinforcement, faster rehab confidence, and improved long-term outcomes.
These techniques are changing the way we manage complex knee tendon injuries 🚀
New Year. Fresh snow. Family time.
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New Year. Fresh snow. Family time. **🇨🇦❄️⛷️
There’s something special about slipping away for a short ski trip to Canada over New Year’s - deep powder, quiet runs, snow-covered trees, and the kind of moments that remind you why these quick escapes matter.
No long itinerary.
No packed schedule.
Just family, fresh tracks, and starting the year outdoors in the mountains.
Grateful for time together, snowy adventures north of the border, and memories that will last far longer than the trip itself. Here’s to kicking off the new year the right way. 🥂🏔️
Ending the year with a true team win
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🔥 Ending the year with a true team win 🔥
This photo says it all. Finishing out the year with one of the most complex ASC cases I perform:
🦵 Lateral meniscus transplant (slot technique)
🦵 Revision ACL reconstruction (quad autograft)
🦵 IT band tenodesis
🦵 Lateral cartilage transplant
If you do cartilage and knee preservation surgery, you know how technically demanding this combination is. These cases don’t happen without an elite OR team.
Huge shoutout to my rockstars:
💪 Gail Petteruti, my PA
💪 Vaid Olanday, my surgical tech
Couldn’t do work like this without you. The result was excellent, and I wish my patient the very best with recovery heading into the new year.
⛷️ Quick ski break… then we’re back at it next week. Grateful, energized, and ready for what’s ahead.
The Surprising Cause of Hook of Hamate Fractures
Post:
🎥 Hook of Hamate Fractures: A Small Bone with a Big Impact
In this quick Sports Doc Talk short, Dr. Wayne Weil breaks down one of the most commonly missed injuries in athletes - hook of hamate fractures 🖐️⚾️
▶️ Watch the clip here:
👉 https://youtube.com/shorts/Q2urIXe5yXE?si=xkqC5cfLq0SrMC40
Why this injury matters:
- Seen frequently in baseball, golf, hockey, and racquet sports
- Often missed on standard X-rays
- Can cause persistent ulnar-sided wrist pain, grip weakness, and nerve symptoms
- Early diagnosis + the right surgical approach can mean a faster, more reliable return to play
Dr. Weil explains when to suspect it, why advanced imaging is key, and how modern surgical techniques are helping athletes get #BackInTheGame faster.
We’re joined by Dr. Wayne Weil, orthopedic hand, wrist, and elbow specialist at Proliance Surgeons, for a deep dive into precision surgery, innovation, and life inside the OR - plus a few surprises from the Seattle Hand Doc himself 🍳
🎙️ Sports Doc Talk
YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ehuhTx-e
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eJ5yiRtJ
Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/ectFzmad
🙏 Brought to you by The Recovery Shop - your go-to for post-surgical rehab and DME solutions.
📩 Contact Mike :mikeb@shop-recovery.com
Follow for more content:
Testimonial after lower trapezius transfer 2025
Post:
🔥 Real Results. Real Patients. Real Comebacks. 🔥
This mid-50s, highly active patient came to us with severe shoulder dysfunction that had failed prior treatments and was limiting his ability to work, train, and enjoy life.
After undergoing a Lower Trapezius Transfer with Arthrex instrumentation, his results speak for themselves. 💪
✅ Improved strength
✅ Restored overhead function
✅ Less pain
✅ Confidence back in his shoulder
The Lower Trapezius Transfer can be a game-changing option for the right patient with irreparable rotator cuff pathology who wants to stay active and avoid more invasive solutions.
🎥 Watch his full video testimonial to hear his story-in his own words-and see what’s possible when the right procedure meets the right patient.
👉 Struggling with shoulder weakness or failed rotator cuff surgery?
👉 Wondering if you still have options besides a shoulder replacement?
Click the video, learn what’s possible, and reach out to see if this procedure could be right for you.
Link for more information:
One Day. Four MACI® Procedures. A New Benchmark in Cartilage Restoration
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🔥 ONE DAY. FOUR PATIENTS. HISTORY MADE. 🔥
After a long week of big cases, today was something special.
We performed the most MACI® procedures done in the country in a single day - 4 patients, including TTOs and MACI Arthro.
Moments like this are a reminder of why we push the envelope - to give patients access to cutting-edge cartilage restoration options that can truly change lives. 🦵✨
This simply doesn’t happen without an incredible team:
💪 Jay, our rockstar nurse
🔧 Jason, my go-to scrub tech
🩺 Corbin Brokaw, PA-C & Gail Petteruti, two outstanding PAs who bring it every single case
🚚 And a huge shoutout to Nathan, my rep, for making sure every implant arrived on time - despite brutal weather
Grateful. Proud. And excited to keep raising the bar for knee preservation and cartilage restoration. Proliance Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle we continue to push the envelope at our outpatient ASC. More awesome updates are coming as we finish this big month!!
UCL Complications
Post:
Elbow Blog #18
Understanding Complications in UCL Reconstruction: What You Need to Know
While UCL reconstruction (Tommy John surgery) remains one of the most successful procedures in sports medicine-especially for overhead throwers-it’s not without potential challenges. As the procedure continues to evolve, it’s important for athletes, coaches, families, and even surgeons to understand the real complications we watch for and how we work to prevent them.
This week’s video highlights several key considerations during reconstruction and what can contribute to problems down the road. 🎥
🔍* The Most Important Complications to Understand*
1️ Tunnel Widening & Graft Loosening
One of the most underestimated issues. Micro-motion inside the bone tunnels can lead to widening, weaker fixation, and delayed biologic healing. This is why graft tensioning, tunnel size, and fixation method matter more than ever.
2️ Ulnar Nerve Irritation or Neuropathy
Even with meticulous technique, the ulnar nerve can become irritated due to scarring, traction during throwing, or graft placement. Early recognition is key to preventing long-term symptoms.
3️ Graft Failure or Insufficient Healing
Though uncommon, graft breakdown can occur-especially with early return to high-velocity throwing or poor biologic integration. Modern biologics and improved tunnel design aim to reduce this risk.
4️ Loss of Motion (Stiffness)
Scar formation, protective guarding, or improper rehab can lead to flexion or extension deficits.
A structured, progressive rehab program is critical to maintaining motion without overstressing the ligament.
5️ Medial Elbow Pain From Overload
Sometimes the reconstruction is strong, but the athlete’s mechanics overload the medial elbow.
This is where pitch counts, biomechanics, and workload management are just as important as the surgery itself.
🧬* The Good News: We’re Getting Better Every Year*
What excites me most is how the field is responding:
- Smaller, smarter tunnels to minimize widening
- Improved fixation systems that increase graft stability
- Targeted biologics to enhance tendon-to-bone healing
- Refined rehab protocols tailored to throwing athletes
- Better diagnostics to identify early warning signs before they become major problems
Understanding complications isn’t about creating fear-it’s about improving outcomes, educating athletes, and driving innovation in how we approach UCL surgery. 💪⚾
🎥Reference Video
A quick breakdown of complications during UCL reconstruction and why surgical precision and technique refinement are critical for avoiding them.
ACL Repair Testimonial 2025
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🚀 Next-gen ACL Repair is HERE
Huge shoutout to this 58-year-old patient who just crushed recovery after an ACL repair + InternalBrace® augmentation 🦵⚙️
This is where sports medicine is heading ➜ preserve the native ligament when possible and reinforce it with advanced fiber-tape technology instead of automatically removing & replacing.
🔬✨ Innovation in real life.
Her testimonial says it best:
“I can’t believe how quickly my knee felt stable again. I thought AC problems at my age would mean a huge surgery - but this was fast, solid, and I’m already back to my normal activities.”
🔥 This is why ACL preservation is so exciting:
- Less tissue removal
- Faster recovery for the right tear pattern
- Strong internal support with the InternalBrace®
- More anatomic + more biologic
We’re pushing ACL care forward - one patient at a time.
Grant Garcia, MD
Sports Medicine | Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle
Why Recovery Times for Turf Toe Vary From We
Post:
🚨 Turf Toe: Why a “Minor” Toe Injury Can Limit Elite Performance 🚨
“Turf toe” sounds minor - but for athletes, it can be anything but.
This injury is a sprain of the big toe MTP joint, a critical structure for push-off, acceleration, and cutting. When overlooked or undertreated, turf toe can quietly limit explosiveness, delay return to play, and in some cases become career-altering.
🎥 Watch the 60-second breakdown:
▶️ https://youtube.com/shorts/7HG4x6wq4cc?si=W8JnB4-0fP-kjVC8
Clip summary:
In this short video, we explain that turf toe is not just “toe pain,” but a ligament injury to the big toe joint that athletes rely on for power and stability. Even low-grade injuries can significantly affect sprinting, cutting, and push-off. Early recognition matters - untreated turf toe can progress, prolong recovery, and compromise performance.
Key takeaways:
- Turf toe is a ligament injury, not a bruise
- It directly impacts speed, explosiveness, and change of direction
- Early diagnosis and proper management are critical for return to play
This is essential knowledge for athletes, coaches, parents, and clinicians focused on performance and injury prevention.
🎧 Full Sports Doc Talk episodes:
Apple: https://lnkd.in/gDZFtQrr
YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gzNshGtV
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gm6CxZnV
William Sanchez
Grant Garcia, MD
🤝 Brought to you by The Recovery Shop - post-surgical rehab and DME solutions supporting safe return to play.
Advancing UCL Reconstruction: The Future Is Smaller, Smarter Tunnels
Post:
***Elbow Blog #17 **🚀*
Advancing UCL Reconstruction: The Future Is Smaller, Smarter Tunnels ⚾🔬**
UCL reconstruction continues to evolve, and even with the long-standing success of the docking technique, we’re entering an exciting era of refinement. As throwers push biomechanics harder than ever, it’s clear that the future hinges on one major advancement:
👉 Smaller, more biologically friendly tunnels with stronger, more stable fixation.
In this week’s case, I highlighted key steps for optimizing humeral docking tunnels and avoiding tunnel widening-one of the most important challenges in modern UCL surgery. The video below shows how subtle adjustments can dramatically improve graft stability and long-term outcomes. 🎥
Why Smaller Tunnels Matter 🦴⬇️
Shrinking tunnel diameter without sacrificing fixation strength is becoming a major research and development focus. Benefits include:
🔹 Reduced graft micromotion → less tunnel widening
🔹 Improved tendon-to-bone contact for better biologic healing
🔹 More bone preservation, especially valuable in revisions
🔹 New fixation strategies designed for low-profile, high-strength stability
These refinements are designed to create a more durable construct that can handle today’s throwing demands-95+ mph fastballs, year-round competition, and accelerated return-to-play timelines.
What’s Coming Down the Pipeline 🔥
Innovation across sports medicine is moving fast:
🧪 Biologic augmentation to enhance the tendon-bone interface
🔩 Next-generation small-tunnel fixation systems engineered for strength and reduced micro-motion
📐 Precision tunnel planning & imaging tools to optimize biomechanics
🛡️ Hybrid reconstruction + internal brace concepts to offload early stress
All signs point toward a future where UCL reconstructions are stronger, more reproducible, and increasingly minimally invasive, while still rooted in the reliability of the docking technique.
🎥 Reference Video
Dr. Garcia demonstrates the benefits of Arthrex Trimano leg holder for osteotomy surgery
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🚀 Game-Changing Tip for Osteotomy Procedures 🦴
Just dropped a new Tips & Tricks video on one of the most underrated - yet truly transformative - tools in the OR: the Arthrex Trimano Leg Holder.
This has become a must-have setup for my osteotomy cases, and here’s why 👇
🔹 Superior Protection of the Neurovascular Bundle
The Trimano allows for stable, reproducible positioning that opens up the field and gives you safer, more controlled access - dramatically reducing the risk around the neurovascular structures.
🔹 Effortless Fluoro/X-Ray Access
The positioning is optimized for clean imaging without constant repositioning. Faster, smoother, and far fewer interruptions in workflow.
🔹 Hands-Free Efficiency = Smaller Team Needed
By securely maintaining leg position, the Trimano eliminates the need for multiple assistants and allows your team to focus on what matters most: precision and execution.
🔹 Enhanced Exposure for Precise Cuts & Planning
Consistent traction and alignment make it easier to execute the osteotomy with accuracy and confidence.
This tool has been a total game changer in my practice - especially when dealing with complex realignments.
🎥 Check out the video to see exactly how I set this up and why it’s become a critical part of my osteotomy workflow.
Inside a Turf Toe Surgery How Surgeons Repai
Post:
🔥🚨 Turf Toe: The “Small Injury” That Can Change a Career 🚨🔥
Most people hear turf toe and think it’s no big deal…
But athletes know this injury can be game-changing - and sometimes career-changing.
Check out this quick breakdown 🎥👇
▶️ https://youtube.com/shorts/vrfQtlBu0r4?si=pnJIlvC0a7k5t22J
In under 60 seconds, you’ll learn:
🦶 What turf toe really is
⚠️ Why it’s far more serious than people think
🏃♂️💥 How it affects explosiveness, cutting, and performance
🔬 What to watch for so injuries don’t worsen
Perfect for athletes, weekend warriors, coaches, and anyone who wants to stay on the field. 💯
Give it a watch - and share with someone who needs this! 🙌🔥
Apple: https://lnkd.in/gDZFtQrr
YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gzNshGtV
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gm6CxZnV
Follow for more content:
William Sanchez
Grant Garcia, MD
Brought to you by The Recovery Shop - your go-to for post-surgical rehab and DME solutions. Visit them at shop-recovery.net. For more information, contact Mike at mikeb@shop-recovery.com.
▶️ https://youtube.com/shorts/vrfQtlBu0r4?si=pnJIlvC0a7k5t22J
Dr. Garcia demonstrates the new Arthrex BTB Fibersnare
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🦵 Game-Changing ACL Innovation: FiberSnare Technique for Independent Internal Brace Tensioning 🎯
Pushing ACL reconstruction forward again - this time using the Arthrex FiberSnare to independently tension the internal brace during BTB ACL reconstructions.
This new approach streamlines the procedure while giving surgeons precise control over graft and brace tension - something we’ve always aimed for but rarely achieved this efficiently.
🔍 Why this matters:
✅ Independent tensioning - allows you to fine-tune the internal brace after graft fixation for optimal biomechanical balance.
✅ Improved graft protection - the internal brace acts as a load-sharing construct during early rehab, helping protect the graft during healing.
✅ Streamlined setup - the FiberSnare simplifies passage and tensioning, reducing OR time and clutter.
✅ Reproducible workflow - makes complex dual-construct ACLs more consistent and surgeon-friendly.
This technique is an elegant step forward - merging innovation, control, and efficiency to improve outcomes for high-performance athletes and everyday patients alike.
ACL Reconstruction:
🎥 Watch the surgical video below to see how the FiberSnare enhances BTB ACL reconstruction with a clean, controlled, and modern approach.
UCL Reconstruction Techniques
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⚾🔧 Elbow Blog #16: Who Truly Needs UCL Reconstruction - And How We Choose the Best Technique 🔧⚾
When a UCL tear is too severe for repair - or in a revision case - that’s when we move to full UCL reconstruction.
In this episode, I break down:
✅ Which patients truly require reconstruction - high-level throwers, distal tears, chronic instability
✅ Classic surgical techniques - Jobe vs. Docking Technique - and how we choose between them
✅ Graft options - palmaris, hamstring, allograft, and how athlete profile affects the decision
✅ Future direction - advanced internal bracing + biologics to improve graft healing and protect against revision
💡 Reconstruction is still the gold standard - but the tech is evolving fast, making it safer, stronger, and smarter than ever before.
🔗 Watch Elbow Blog #16: UCL Reconstruction - Technique Selection, Graft Choices & What’s Next
