Jeff Padalecki, MD - Austin Orthopedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine Specialist

04/10/2026

Broken collarbone? Here’s what most patients aren’t told:
🔹 Not all clavicle fractures heal the same.
🔹 And not all should be treated the same.

In active patients, fixation can restore function, alignment, and confidence sooner.

Know your options ⬇️

Clavicle fracture surgery usually involves an incision over the top of the shoulder and placement of a plate and screws along the top of the clavicle.

04/09/2026

Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) management: where good surgeons get it right (and wrong):
1️⃣ Timing is everything — early intervention changes the trajectory of joint preservation
2️⃣ PT isn’t a checkbox — the right patients improve, the wrong ones lose time
3️⃣ Imaging doesn’t equal symptoms — treat the patient, not the X-ray
4️⃣ Arthroscopy is precision work — subtle bony correction determines long-term success
5️⃣ Surgery is the easy part — outcomes hinge on disciplined, surgeon-guided rehab
T
he takeaway: FAI isn’t just about relieving pain, it’s about altering the natural history of the hip.

Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) is a condition related to the way that the ball and socket of the hip fit together.

04/08/2026

04/03/2026

As a shoulder surgeon, Dr Padalecki often sees patients with severe arthritis or rotator cuff dysfunction who struggle with pain and limited motion.

For some, a reverse total shoulder replacement can be a game-changer. Unlike a standard shoulder replacement, which relies on functioning rotator cuff muscles—this technique shifts the mechanics so the deltoid muscle drives shoulder movement, restoring mobility and reducing pain even when the rotator cuff is no longer functional.

It’s important to note that reverse total shoulder replacement isn’t for everyone. Patient-specific factors, including muscle function and joint anatomy, guide the decision.

Advances like this allow us to tailor treatment to each patient’s unique needs, helping them regain independence and improve quality of life.

A reverse shoulder replacement involves replacing the natural degenerated cartilage and bone of the shoulder joint with metal and plastic components.

04/02/2026

Snapping Scapula Syndrome is more than just a weird noise!

Patients may notice:
· Snapping, grating, or grinding along the edge/underside of the shoulder blade
· A “bump” from a bony mass
· Dull, constant aches, especially with overhead movements

Understanding the symptoms early can help prevent long-term pain.

Snapping scapula, also known as scapulothoracic bursitis, is described by a grating, grinding, popping or snapping sensation of the scapula.

03/31/2026

Have you noticed a snapping sensation on the outside of your hip when you move?

This could be IT band syndrome which a common issue in active individuals. Early treatment with stretching and therapy is key.

If symptoms continue, an IT band release procedure may help reduce pain and irritation.

Learn more ⬇️

A Fasciotomy is an Iliotibial band release technique in which a small release in the fascia is performed over the area of maximum tightness.

03/25/2026

Partial Psoas Lengthening Explained

For patients with symptomatic psoas impingement, arthroscopic partial tendon release may be indicated. The procedure involves:
• Arthroscopic visualization of the hip joint
• Strategic partial release of the iliopsoas tendon
• Preservation of the tendon’s insertion on the femur

This controlled lengthening decreases mechanical irritation while maintaining functional hip flexion. Technique and approach may vary depending on patient-specific pathology.

In many cases of psoas impingement, Dr. Padalecki will opt to use an arthroscopic surgical approach known as partial psoas lengthening.

03/23/2026

🏒 Golden Goal? Check.
🏒 Hall of Fame puck on display? Check.
🏒 Trying to get it back for dad? Also check.

Jack Hughes is rewriting history and stirring up conversation while he does it.

The moment was surreal for the Devils' center and his teammates. The weeks after have been a roller-coaster.

03/20/2026

Biceps tendon injuries can often be treated without surgery—but not always.

For partial tears, initial treatment typically includes rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy to restore strength and flexibility. Avoiding heavy lifting during recovery is also important.

If symptoms persist or the tear is more severe, surgery may be recommended. Distal biceps tendon tears near the elbow frequently require surgical repair to restore strength and function.

When the injury occurs in the shoulder, surgeons may use minimally invasive procedures to repair the tendon. In some cases, surgeons perform a biceps tenodesis, which reattaches the tendon to the upper arm bone to relieve pain and restore stability.

Early diagnosis can help guide the most effective treatment plan.

The most obvious symptom associated with a biceps tendon injury will be a sudden and severe pain, depending on where the biceps tendon tear is.

03/19/2026

They set out near Canada with a canoe, a dream, and a love for Huckleberry Finn. Five months and 2,300 miles of rivers, lakes, and challenges later, they reached the Gulf of Mexico. An epic adventure proving some journeys are worth every paddle.

Inspired by their shared love for the Mark Twain novel “Huckleberry Finn” and the desire for a great American adventure, a couple just finished their five-month canoe journey. It took them thousands of miles from Montana to Louisiana.

03/17/2026

Meniscus injuries are one of the most common causes of knee pain. Symptoms often include:
• Pain in the knee
• Swelling or stiffness
• A catching or locking sensation
• Feeling like the knee may “give way”
• Difficulty moving the knee through its full range of motion

Interestingly, many people can still walk after a meniscus tear. However, swelling and stiffness often develop over the next few days, making the injury more noticeable.

If knee pain, swelling, or instability continues, it may be time to have your knee evaluated.

A meniscus injury occurs most often in sports during an unnatural twisting or squatting injury to the knee.