The Pennants should fly at Half-Mast today

One of the orthopedic surgeons who perfected the Tommy John surgery, and one of my many mentors from the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic, Dr. Lewis Yocum, died this week. He was one of the most well-like and well-respected surgeons in the United States.
I remember two stories about Dr. Yocum from my year of fellowship. First, was when I gave a lecture to the department that cited one of his earlier studies on the knee. I managed to obtain an old photo of the distinguished white-haired surgeon when he was younger with a thick set of sandy brown hair and a dark mustache, and included it in the slide presentation when his work came up in the talk. His colleagues who actually knew him when he was younger loved it! He was the kind of guy who could take a joke and laugh at himself. Second, was when my friend's mother was struggling with cancer. She was a huge baseball fan, and her favorite player was Mo Vaughn. I mentioned this to Lew and he gave me a baseball autographed by Mo Vaughn that he just happened to have lying around the house and insisted that I give it to my friend's mom. I still get thanked by my friend for that one.
Lew Yocum was one of the good guys. I know he saved many ballplayers' careers with his elbow and shoulder surgeries, but he also touched my life in an unforgettable way. If any of you met Dr. Yocum, I would love to hear any more stories in honor of him.

RG3 and Recovering from Multi-ligament Knee Injuries

Here is an interesting take on the progress of Robert Griffin III and his return to the NFL after a serious knee injury:  Jeffri Chadiha from ESPN.com discusses RG3

This reminds me of the presentation I gave on multi-ligament knee injuries back in 2007 at the Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons that won Best Poster. I showed that most sailors & soldiers were able to get back to active duty after injuring more than one knee ligament, but it did take longer than those with only an ACL injury (Return to Duty After Multi-ligament Knee Injuries). These expectations should be kept in mind when judging RG3 or Marcus Lattimore's recoveries from their multi-ligament knee injuries.

Are there other knee conditions that you would like me to discuss in future postings?

Sports Medicine is not just for the Athletes

My Sports Medicine practice at West Florida Orthopedics is not just taking care of athletes but also taking care of the fans. Unfortunately, there have been a few fans attending baseball games for the Pensacola Blue Wahoos who have been inadverdantly struck by foul balls and have suffered significant injury. I know, because I am taking care of one of them.
If you are attending a baseball game at any level, I ask that you be alert as to what is happening when you hear that bat hit the ball. If you see a fly ball coming your way, think safety for yourself and also for those around you. Some of the fans may not be paying attention to what is happening on the field, and you might just save them from further harm.

<FOX Sports Wisconsin sideline reporter is struck by an errant baseball on 5/25/13>

Dr. Enad shares Exercise tips

Orthopedic sports medicine specialist, Dr. Jerome Enad, shared exercise tips to a captivated female audience at West Florida Hospital's "Women's Night Out" last week on May 16, 2013. How to Exercise Safely as You Age was a step-by-step primer on a balanced exercise program for women of all ages. The highlight of the presentation was an audience participation exercise conducted by Dr. Enad.
What other community events would you like to see Dr. Enad attend and speak?

Dr. Enad speaks to first responders at Escambia County EMS Week

I had a great time with the workers at Escambia County EMS Offices this past Tuesday, May 21, 2013 as part of "EMS Week". Over breakfast supplied by West Florida Hospital, I gave a lecture on the Initial Management of Acute Shoulder Injuries. They showed me the amazing command center within their facility. They are truly heroes in my mind and have my loyal support.