Ronak Mukesh Patel - Orthopedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine Specialist

05/06/2026

Superior capsular reconstruction is reserved for select patients with complex rotator cuff pathology.

Common indications include:
• Failed prior rotator cuff repair
• Large or massive tears
• Poor tendon quality
• Irreparable rotator cuff tears

Careful patient selection and imaging review are critical to optimize outcomes.

What is a rotator cuff injury? The glenohumeral joint is formed by the insertion of the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) into the glenoid socket of the scapula (shoulder blade). The rotator cuff and underlying joint capsule surround this joint and contribute to joint stabilization with movement....

05/05/2026

Management of hip abductor tears varies based on severity and patient-specific factors.

· Conservative treatment may be effective for partial tears with intact tendons and preserved mobility. This often includes physical therapy and addressing associated conditions like trochanteric bursitis.

· Surgical repair is considered for complete tears or when non-operative treatment fails. Techniques include minimally invasive endoscopic repair or open surgery.

· Chronic tears may require tendon reconstruction using allograft tissue to improve structural integrity and healing potential.

Treatment decisions are individualized based on age, activity level, tissue quality, and recovery goals.

What is a hip abductor tear? The hip abductors are a group of four muscles that work collectively to perform hip abduction, or the movement of the leg away from the middle of the body. This muscle group includes the gluteus minimus, gluteus medius, gluteus maximus, and the tensor fascia lata which a...

04/17/2026

As a knee surgeon, Dr Patel often hears: “My knee popped, is it serious?”

Knee popping is common, but a sudden pop with severe pain, swelling, or instability is concerning for an ACL injury.

Key signs:
· Pop at the moment of injury
· Pain along the joint line
· Buckling or difficulty bearing weight
· Swelling & bruising

Early assessment and treatment are essential to protect your knee long-term.

Knee Popping, Locking, and Buckling Specialist Do your knees sound like a breakfast cereal with a lot of snapping, crackling and popping? If so, you may have a knee injury that can be treated either surgically or non-surgically, depending on the severity. Knee expert, Doctor Ronak Mukesh Patel, prov...

04/15/2026

Did you know a shoulder surgery can use an ankle bone?

In distal tibial allograft glenoid reconstruction, a cadaver distal tibia restores the shoulder socket. It matches the joint’s shape and cartilage for smooth movement.

Steps:
· Surgery prep & anesthesia
· Measure & place graft
· Anchor with screws
· Close capsule → shoulder stability restored

Complex surgery, precise results!

What causes shoulder instability? The acromioclavicular, glenohumeral, and sternoclavicular are three distinct joints within the shoulder girdle that are susceptible to separation injuries. The glenohumeral joint is a ball-and-socket arrangement consisting of the head of the humerus (upper arm bone)...

04/14/2026

Hip pain bothering you? It could be trochanteric bursitis, the #1 cause of outer hip discomfort.

🔹 Causes include:
▪️Hip injury or trauma
▪️Chronic pressure from walking, running, or standing
▪️Tendon tears (gluteus medius)
▪️Gout & urate crystal buildup
▪️Women aged 40–60 are more prone

Gentle stretching, rest, and early evaluation can help!

What is trochanteric bursitis? Throughout the joints of the human body are fluid-filled sacs known as bursae. These sacs are important joint structures for preventing inflammation by minimizing the friction between the tissues that occurs with joint movement. The hip joint, formed by the coupling of...

04/10/2026

As an orthopedic shoulder surgeon, Dr. Patel often sees patients frustrated by repeated shoulder dislocations.

Arthroscopic stabilization allows me to repair damaged ligaments and tissue through a tiny camera, using surgical anchors to restore stability while minimizing recovery time.

For patients with chronic instability, poor tissue quality, or multiple dislocations, he may recommend open repair for a more comprehensive approach. Every shoulder is unique, and he tailors surgery to your needs.

What causes shoulder instability? The shoulder is one of the more complex joints in the body and is comprised of three separate joints: the acromioclavicular, the glenohumeral, and the sternoclavicular joints. The glenohumeral joint is a ball-and-socket type joint that is formed by the articulation....

04/09/2026

MCL Reconstruction Recovery:
1️⃣ Knee brace for immobilization
2️⃣ Rest, ice & pain meds as prescribed
3️⃣ Physical therapy: stretching → strengthening
⏱ Most patients return to normal activities in 6–8 weeks

Consistency = success!

What is a Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) injury? The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is one of the two collateral ligaments located within the knee complex. This strong ligament originates from the medial epicondyle, a bony prominence on the inner femur; and attaches to the medial condyle, a bony...

04/07/2026

Hip pain isn’t always just “wear and tear.” Sometimes, it’s femoroacetabular impingement (FAI):
· Cam impingement: Extra bone on the femur hits the socket
· Pincer impingement: Extra bone on the socket pinches the femur

Both can lead to pain, reduced mobility, and hip damage. Early recognition = better outcomes!

CAM Hip Deformity Specialist Hip cam impingement is a type of FAI or femoroacetabular hip impingement. It is characterized by pain that develops in the groin area and worsens when sitting for long periods of time. Running, squatting and even tying your shoes can become painful. Cam impingement is qu...

04/02/2026

Recovering from a patellar tendon repair takes time, but full return to daily activities is typically 4–6 months.

Key steps in recovery:
✅ Knee immobilized for ~8 weeks
✅ Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory meds for pain control
✅ Dedicated physical therapy for strength and mobility

What is a patellar tendon injury? The patellar tendon anchors the patella (kneecap) in place by attaching to the bottom of the patella and the tibial tubercle, a bony prominence near the top of the tibia (shin bone). The patellar tendon functions to straighten the leg with the help of the quadriceps...

04/01/2026

Hip pain is a silent career-ender for many equestrians. Riders often push through discomfort, thinking it’s just tight muscles or posture issues, but persistent hip, groin, or deep hip pain is almost never “just soreness."

In Dr. Patel's practice, he sees active riders with no arthritis who struggle to ride pain-free. The underlying causes are consistent and identifiable and early evaluation is key to keeping athletes in the saddle.

Hip Pain Specialist for Equestrians If you’re experiencing hip pain while horseback riding, don’t wait for it to worsen or limit your time in the saddle. Early evaluation can prevent long-term damage and protect your ability to train, compete, and enjoy the sport you love. Dr. Ronak Mukesh Patel...

03/31/2026

03/26/2026

Did you know that Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) often requires surgery.

Non-surgical options aren’t effective. Arthroscopic or open procedures remove the synovial lining. The approach is tailored to the hip, patient age, and recovery goals.

What is pigmented villonodular synovitis - PVNS? All of the mobile joints of the body are lined with a thin layer of tissue (synovial membrane) that helps to reduce friction with joint movement through the secretion of a thick viscous fluid into the joint space. The synovial membrane in some individ...