Yale Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation

11/25/2025

Degenerative joint diseases like osteoarthritis and intervertebral disc degeneration are conditions that affect millions of people worldwide, leading to pain and reduced mobility. These diseases remain incurable because current treatments manage symptoms rather than addressing the root cause.

A Yale study in the journal Nature Bone Research found that cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) is an important enzyme. It plays a key role in inflammation and cartilage breakdown. The study suggests that cPLA2 could be a possible target for treating joint diseases.

Degenerative joint diseases like osteoarthritis and intervertebral disc degeneration are conditions that affect millions of people worldwide, leading to pain

10/31/2025

Pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, Marisa Su, MD, was interviewed on WTNH this morning to talk about Halloween safety for families. Some of her tips for trick or treating tonight:

Wear proper footwear to give the best traction on wet leaves, even if it might not match the costume.

Make sure costumes are a proper length so kids don’t get tripped up while going door-to-door.

It can be very easy to fall while navigating unfamiliar neighborhoods, yards, driveways, and walkways in the dark, oftentimes while wearing a mask. Be mindful of that and bring a flashlight or use the light on a phone so you or your loved ones don’t take a tumble.

Watch it here: https://tinyurl.com/mw59auat.

10/31/2025

Ortho’s staff held a spooktacular costume contest this week with a superhero and villain theme. Congratulations to winner, Darlene Surato, who dressed as Hulk Hogan!

Wishing you and your families a very safe and happy Halloween!

10/24/2025

Sean Peden, MD was interviewed on WTNH where he talked about ankle sprains, bunion surgery, and how hammer toe can be corrected to improve mobility. Watch: https://tinyurl.com/ycxnx4wa.

10/21/2025

Leigh Hanke, MD was interviewed on WTNH where she talked about physical therapy and how physiatrists help patients with the rehabilitative process, treatments that can optimize recovery, and the role of pain in restoring function. Watch:https://tinyurl.com/2jjatnpw.

10/07/2025

Is it OK to go for a run when you have a cold? Liz Gardner, MD spoke with Peloton in this story where she weighed in on how to tell if you are feeling well enough for physical activity and shared some tips for running while under the weather. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/edahbdtm.

10/06/2025

Liz Gardner, MD was featured in this GQ story about how men that use ni****ne pouches for a pre-workout boost, even in the short term, are sabotaging their efforts at the gym. According to Gardner, ni****ne reduces the skin’s blood flow, which can lead to overheating and, since it is a stimulant, it increases cortisol levels, which breaks down muscle tissue, hindering both growth and recovery. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/32baubhd.

10/03/2025

Charles Odonkor, MD was interviewed on WTNH about pain awareness where he talked about understanding the difference between chronic pain and regular aches. According to Odonkor, stiffness, aches, and pains, generally result from muscle strains and overuse, which often resolve with rest and some over the counter medications. Chronic pain, however, is a persistent condition that is caused by an underlying reason and comes with weakness, numbness, and tingling, that can also keep you awake at night. Fortunately, physiatrists like Odonkor have a range of treatments that can assist with not only alleviating pain but restoring function as well. Watch it here: https://tinyurl.com/mv3fk3hp.

10/02/2025

Turf toe is a sprain of the main joint at the base of the big toe, called the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, resulting from a forceful upward bend of the toe during activities like running and jumping. Symptoms include sudden pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the toe, with severe cases leading to loss of push-off strength and trouble bearing weight. This common foot injury is particularly prevalent among athletes, especially football players, and is frequently associated with playing on artificial turf or hard surfaces. The good news is that with early diagnosis and proper management, most people recover fully. For advanced care, Yale Medicine’s Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Division offers comprehensive options, ranging from conservative nonsurgical treatments like physical therapy and innovative biologic treatments to state-of-the-art imaging and, when necessary, a full spectrum of surgical procedures.

A sprain of the supportive soft tissue structures that surround the main joint at the base of the big toe. It happens when the big toe is forcefully bent upward.

09/24/2025

Raj Gala, MD was interviewed on WTNH about spinal cord awareness month where he talked about the differences between spinal cord injuries and other common back conditions. Watch here: https://tinyurl.com/45f6tm8a.

09/18/2025

Tomorrow at 8 am: Join us for Grand Rounds with Raj Gala, MD. His presentation is titled: "Erector Spinae Plane Blocks in Spine Surgery.” Open to all. We hope you can join us in the Brady Auditorium.

09/16/2025

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are a significant concern for athletes, weekend warriors, and non-athletes alike. These injuries can bring an active lifestyle to a halt, impacting individuals across various age groups and activity levels.

Sports Medicine Chief, Christina Allen, MD, provides a deep dive on the mechanisms of injury, who is most susceptible to ACL tears, prevention methods, and how Yale is training future sports medicine specialists.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are a significant concern for athletes, weekend warriors, and non-athletes alike. These injuries can bring an active