Dr. Vilas Saldanha, MD

09/06/2025

You are what you eat.
In a randomized, 2×2 crossover nutrition trial of healthy men, ultra-processed food (UPF)—even when calories were matched—worsened body composition, lipids/blood pressure, key hormones, and s***m motility trends within 3 weeks. Prevention isn’t a slogan; it’s strategy.

Five Key Takeaways (from this trial)
• Not just calories: UPF led to ~1.3–1.4 kg weight gain and ~1.0 kg fat-mass increase vs unprocessed, independent of caloric load. (Adequate & excess arms)
• Atherogenic shift: LDL:HDL ratio increased on UPF (adequate-calorie arm); diastolic BP rose on UPF (excess-calorie arm).
• Endocrine disruption signal: UPF lowered FSH (excess arm) and showed a downward testosterone trend (adequate arm), with GDF-15 decreased and leptin trending up—a hormonal milieu favoring adiposity.
• Male fertility risk markers: Total s***m motility trended down on UPF (excess arm). Concentration unchanged; directionality matters.
• Industrial exposures: UPF showed a trend to higher serum phthalate (cxMINP)—consistent with packaging/processing exposure pathways relevant to metabolism and reproduction.
HEALTH IS WEALTH!!!

08/08/2025

Meet the team behind the scrubs — committed to helping you move with confidence. 💪

07/23/2025

Complex Distal Femur Fracture in a 77-Year-Old

This patient sustained a mechanical fall resulting in a comminuted intra-articular distal femur fracture—a challenging injury, especially in the setting of osteoporosis.

In osteoporotic bone, fixation strategy must be deliberate. Options included:
  •  Screw and side plate fixation
  •  Retrograde nailing
  •  Distal femoral replacement (arthroplasty)— though aggressive in this context.

We incorporated blocking screws (poller technique) to aid in guiding the implant and improve trajectory—particularly useful when bone stock is limited.

We’ve included some intra-op fluoro shots to highlight technique:
One helpful trick—insert the rod 180° off axis and then rotate into position to engage between blocking pins for more reliable placement.

For fixation:
  •  We utilized headless compression screws where applicable
  •  The selected Stryker nail allows an interference fit between the screw and rod—this gives excellent purchase and rotational control even in poor-quality bone.

The patient was made non-weight bearing, but knee ROM was allowed immediately.

Always interested in how others manage these fragile distal femurs. ✨ What’s your go-to strategy?

01/20/2025

Starting off 2025 with gratitude. Honored to be nominated by my fellow peers as a Top Doctor for the fifth consecutive year in . This recognition motivates me to continue providing the best care possible. Here’s to another year of making a difference ⭐️

11/21/2024

It is a great honor to be recognized as a SuperDoctor for 2024! ⭐️

Each year, physicians across Texas nominate colleagues they trust with their own care, and being included among such a distinguished group is truly humbling. Nominees are carefully evaluated on professional achievements, peer recognition, and their unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care.

You can find the full list in the December issue of Texas Monthly, available on newsstands today.

Thank you for your continued trust and support—it is a privilege to serve you.

11/14/2024

Honored to be among such talented colleagues. Congratulations to all – proud to be part of this team!

Please join us in congratulating the many providers who have been nominated! Physicians are selected using a multiphase selection process, combining peer nominations and evaluations with independent research. Catch them in the December 2024 issue of Texas Monthly and on the Super Doctors website. We are so proud of all of our providers!

11/11/2024

We want to take a moment today to thank the many veterans who have chosen to serve our country. We are especially grateful for those who now work at Texas Orthopedics and continually serve our patients day in and day out. Happy Veterans Day.

09/17/2024

⚒️ Complex Primary Hip Case ⚒️

86/M with a six month old both-column fracture, initially treated non-surgically but now facing inability to bear weight due to incomplete union and progressive medialization of the femoral head.

In this active patient, we opted for a modified lateral approach, preserving the abductor and gluteus medius in one sling. To rebuild stability, two footing augments with morcelized head graft were used to set the floor and lateralize the hip center.

Finished with a unitized multihole cup and dual mobility liner on a primary stem.

Outcome: Excellent recovery and stability 👍🏼

09/07/2024

Success story! 💪🏼 F/70s came to me after a failed IMN for an intertrochanteric hip fracture. Using the DA approach, I grafted the acetabular defect and secured a multihole shell. For the femur, I utilized a modular distal fit stem and an accessory portal for precise stem and body prep. After carefully extending, adducting, and externally rotating the leg, the body was successfully placed. Thrilled to report the patient is doing great! 👏🏼

06/10/2024

Celebrating a Milestone 🎉

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve successfully completed my 500th Mako robotic knee procedure! This would not have been possible without my amazing team. Your dedication and hard work truly is what makes this milestone a reality.

Here’s to many more successful procedures and improved patient outcomes.

05/31/2024

Honored to be featured in the latest Travis County Medical Society journal, alongside others who have served our great country. Thank you so much for this recognition and support.

https://imis.texmed.org/TMAIMIS/Travis/assets/Journal/2024/3MayJun/index.html =1