In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Austin Kaidi hosts an insightful conversation with Dr. Sheeraz Qureshi and Dr. Peter Derman on the evolving role of endoscopy in spine surgery. The discussion explores the advantages and limitations of uniportal and biportal techniques, touching on learning curves, radiation exposure, and cost-effectiveness. Dr. Derman makes the case for endoscopy as a transformative tool for select pathologies, while Dr. Qureshi reflects on its current limitations and potential for future integration with navigation and robotics. Whether skeptic or advocate, listeners will gain a nuanced perspective on whether endoscopic spine surgery is a fleeting trend or a glimpse into the future.

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Peter K. Sculco, MD sits down with his colleague Dr. Gwo-Chin Lee, MD, to explore rapid recovery protocols for revision arthroplasty. They compare the well-established, outpatient-focused pathways used in primary joint replacement with the unique challenges of revision surgery—procedures that are longer, more complex, and less predictable. The discussion covers how preoperative optimization and intraoperative techniques must be tailored for revision patients, who often require a more cautious postoperative strategy. They also delve into discharge planning, noting that only a minority of revision patients are ready to go home within 24 hours, and share insights on postoperative care, including protocols for early mobilization, soft tissue healing with temporary knee immobilizers, and the selective use of rescue steroids. Tune in to learn how evolving rapid recovery strategies are being adapted to meet the needs of revision joint replacement patients while maintaining optimal outcomes.

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Peter Sculco is joined by his father, Dr. Thomas Sculco—a renowned expert in joint replacement and director of the Complex Joint Reconstruction Center at HSS—to discuss the evolving role of cones in revision knee arthroplasty. They review how bone loss was managed prior to the advent of cones, the resurgence of impaction grafting, and the shift from hybrid to fully cemented stems for improved outcomes. Dr. Thomas Sculco shares his philosophy on the appropriate use of cones, cautioning against overuse due to cost and potential for unnecessary bone removal. The conversation also addresses complex re-revision scenarios and challenges with cone fixation in sclerotic bone. Blending decades of surgical expertise with insights on innovation, cost-effectiveness, and patient-centered care, this episode offers a thoughtful look at current trends in revision arthroplasty.

To learn more about The Stavros Niarchos Complex Joint Reconstruction Center at HSS, visit our HSS webpage and our X account.

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Farah Musharbash, a spine surgery fellow at HSS, speaks with his mentors, Dr. Han Jo Kim and Dr. Francis Lovecchio, both expert spine surgeons specializing in complex spinal deformity correction. They discuss the evolution of spinal deformity surgery, advancements in surgical techniques, and the importance of preoperative optimization and postoperative recovery pathways. Their conversation highlights the role of high-volume centers, multidisciplinary collaboration, and cutting-edge research in improving patient outcomes. Tune in for insights into the current state of the art in complex spine surgery and the future direction of the field.

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Jesse Charnoff, an attending physiatrist at HSS specializing in musculoskeletal sports and spine conditions, joins Anil Nandkumar, an advanced clinician and board-certified physical therapist at HSS, to discuss treating pickleball athletes. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, they explore the most common injuries seen in pickleball players, including overuse injuries, Achilles ruptures, and tennis elbow. They emphasize the importance of training for pickleball rather than just playing the sport, highlighting strength training, dynamic warm-ups, and proper equipment selection as key preventive measures. Additionally, they discuss treatment options such as physical therapy, PRP injections, and shockwave therapy, and how medical professionals can help athletes safely return to play. With insights from their experience covering Major League Pickleball events, they provide a comprehensive look at keeping players healthy while enjoying the game.

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Joshua Bram, a current orthopedic surgery resident at HSS, speaks with Dr. Michael Ast, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in rapid recovery, short-stay, and outpatient joint replacement surgery. As part of the Young Physician Series, they explore different practice models and the process of finding the right first job. Their conversation covers key considerations for young surgeons, including private practice versus hospital employment, the evolving landscape of orthopedic practice, and strategies for navigating job searches. Tune in to gain insights into career planning and the diverse opportunities available in orthopedic surgery.

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Austin Kaidi, MD, an orthopedic surgery resident at HSS, speaks with Dr. Sravisht (Chevy) Iyer, MD, a spine surgeon specializing in minimally invasive spine surgery at HSS. As part of the Young Physician Series, they explore the art and science of teaching trainees in a clinical setting. Their conversation covers strategies for adapting teaching styles to trainees at different stages of their careers, balancing patient care with education, and the mutual benefits of mentorship in the surgical field. Tune in to hear insights on fostering the next generation of orthopedic surgeons while enhancing your own practice.

Can listening to music assist patients’ recovery in the perioperative period? On this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Stephanie Cheng, an anesthesiologist and director of the Perioperative Integrative Medicine program at HSS, talks with Dr. Veena Graff, an anesthesiologist and pain management specialist at Penn Medicine, about the use of music as medicine. They discuss the evidence on using soothing music as a complementary, nonpharmacologic method—pre-, intra-, or postoperatively—and how to implement it for surgical patients.

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Jeffrey M. Ciccone and Dr. Semih Gungor, anesthesiologists at HSS, talk about Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, a potentially debilitating condition affecting the extremities. They discuss identifying surgical patients at risk, early diagnosis, and treatment modalities including sympathetic nerve blocks, medications, and implantable neurostimulation devices.

This episode of HSS Presents is Part 2 in a series on cannabis in musculoskeletal care. Join Dr. Seth Waldman, an anesthesiologist and pain management specialist at HSS, and Dr. Alexandra Sideris, the C.V. Starr Director in pain research at HSS, as they discuss the role of cannabis in anesthesiology and surgery, including recommendations for perioperative management of cannabis and cannabinoids from the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine Cannabis Working Group.