The Sports Docs Podcast
Sports medicine is a constantly evolving field, with hundreds of new articles published each month on the topic. This ever-growing wealth of information can make it challenging to stay updated on the newest approaches and techniques, and to know which data should actually change your practice. Join orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Catherine Logan and Dr. Ashley Bassett, as they chat about the most recent developments in sports medicine and dissect through all the noise.
On each episode of The Sports Docs podcast, the hosts will tackle a specific injury – from ACL tears to shoulder instability – and review the top research from various high-impact journals that month, including The American Journal of Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Sports Health, Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, and more. The Sports Docs will also be joined by experts in the field of sports medicine – orthopedic surgeons, nonoperative sports medicine specialists, athletes, physical therapists, athletic trainers and others – to provide a fresh and well-rounded perspective based on their unique experiences.
The Sports Docs – Dr. Logan & Dr. Bassett – are friends & former co-residents from the Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program, who went onto esteemed sports medicine fellowships at The Steadman Clinic and The Rothman Institute, respectively. Dr. Logan practices in Denver, CO, and serves as Team Physician for Men's USA Lacrosse & as a Team Physician for U.S. Ski & Snowboard. Dr. Bassett is the director of the Women’s Sports Medicine Center at the Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey and practices across northern NJ, primarily in Morris and Sussex Counties.
Together, they will bring monthly conversations on how to care for athletes of all ages and levels of play, with a healthy mix of cutting-edge science and real-world application.
The Sports Docs Podcast
174: The Comeback Step: Game-Changing Foot & Ankle Surgery
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In this The Sports Docs Podcast episode, Dr. Ashley Bassett and Dr. Catherine Logan sit down with foot and ankle experts Dr. David Pedowitz and Dr. Josh Metzl.
From evolving surgical techniques to implant innovation and accelerated return-to-play timelines, this conversation highlights how modern approaches are reshaping outcomes for high-level athletes.
Achilles Tendon Injuries
Who Needs Surgery?
- Best suited for young, active athletes, especially in explosive or cutting sports
- While nonoperative care has improved:
- Tendon elongation remains a key concern
- Push-off strength deficits can impact performance
- Surgical repair offers:
- Faster strength recovery
- More predictable return to sport
Evolution of Surgical Technique
- Shift from open surgery → minimally invasive (MIS) and percutaneous approaches
- Benefits:
- ↓ wound complications
- Improved cosmesis
- Faster rehabilitation
- Double-row fixation restores native footprint and improves gap resistance
PARS Technique (Percutaneous Achilles Repair System)
- Combines precision of open repair with less soft tissue disruption
- Key features:
- Small incision with percutaneous suture passage
- Reproducible jig-guided technique
- Strong, locking suture construct
- Ideal for acute midsubstance ruptures
Pearls:
- Master jig orientation before live cases
- Maintain tension during suture passage
- Protect the sural nerve
Pitfalls:
- Incisions too small → poor visualization
- Overtensioning the repair
Repair Constructs: PARS vs SpeedBridge
- SpeedBridge (double-row, knotless):
- ↓ tendon elongation
- Strong biomechanical construct
- Slight ↑ risk of heel pain
- PARS:
- Less invasive
- Lower wound complication rates
Insertional Achilles Pathology
- Typically treated with open or MIS SpeedBridge techniques
- MIS FiberTak SpeedBridge advantages:
- Smaller incisions
- Less implant material
- Strong fixation with rip-stop construct
- Supports early weight-bearing and mobilization
Return to Play
90% return to sport after surgery
- Typical timeline:
- Running: progressive, athlete-specific
- Full return: ~6–9 months
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Our Hosts:
Ashley Bassett, MD & Catherine Logan, MD, MBA / www.cosportsmedicine.com