At OrthoInfo, we strive to provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your musculoskeletal health. In this monthly podcast series, board-certified orthopaedic surgeons answer commonly asked questions about bone and joint conditions, treatments, injury prevention, and more. Combined with our website and YouTube channel, you'll find hundreds of in-depth resources — including articles, videos, exercise handouts, and podcasts — to help you learn more about your condition or a specific treatment. It's information you can trust, brought to you by the experts at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).
Site
RSS
Apple
Data updated on 01/08/2026
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
Discover shows related to OrthoInfo, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
My Doctor Says I Have a Fragility Fracture: What Happens Next?
Season 1 · Episode 10
Wednesday, July 22, 2026 • Duration 20:53
In this episode of the OrthoInfo Podcast, host Julie E. Adams, MD, FAAOS, welcomes Lisa Cannada, MD, FAAOS, to unpack a diagnosis many patients find frightening: the fragility fracture. Dr. Cannada explains what sets these low-energy breaks apart from other types of fractures, where in the body they most often occur, and what they reveal about a patient's underlying bone health.
Listeners will learn how fragility fractures are treated, including the many factors that go into the decision about whether or not to perform surgery. But the conversation goes beyond treatment of the fracture itself, exploring how orthopaedic surgeons work as part of a larger care team to identify the root causes of fragility fractures and reduce the risk of a second one. Dr. Cannada also shares practical advice about building healthier bones at every age, from childhood habits to post-menopausal care, and offers a hopeful message: With the right education and follow-up, patients can protect their independence and stay active for years to come.
Key Topics Covered in this Episode:
What defines a fragility fracture and how it differs from high-energy fractures
Common fracture sites in the geriatric population, including the wrist, proximal humerus, hip, and spine
Risk factors such as medications, smoking, alcohol use, poor diet, and home environment hazards
Why one fragility fracture doubles the risk of a second and the broader consequences of repeat fractures on independence and longevity
Shared decision-making in determining whether surgery is appropriate, including how bone and skin quality affect surgical planning and fixation choices
Post-fracture workup to determine underlying bone health, including DEXA scans, lab testing, and nutritional assessment
The team approach to care, involving primary care, endocrinology, and OB/GYN for osteoporosis treatment and risk factor reduction
Prevention strategies across the lifespan, including weightbearing exercise and nutrition
Host: Julie E. Adams, MD, FAAOS, orthopaedic trauma and hand surgeon, Deputy Editor of OrthoInfo
Guest: Lisa Cannada, MD, FAAOS, orthopaedic trauma surgeon, Novant Health, Charlotte, NC; and Director of Faculty Integration, Medical Student Clerkship Director, and Professor, UNC School of Medicine (Charlotte Campus)
For more information about fragility fractures and answers to your orthopedic questions visit www.orthoinfo.org.
Cirugía de reemplazo de cadera: ¿Qué puedo esperar?
Season 1 · Episode 9
Monday, June 29, 2026 • Duration 37:22
En este episodio del OrthoInfo Podcast, el anfitrión Dr. Rafael Buerba, MD, MHS, FAAOS, da la bienvenida al Dr. Victor H. Hernandez, MD, MS, para responder una de las preguntas más frecuentes que los cirujanos ortopédicos escuchan de sus pacientes: ¿qué puedo esperar si me voy a someter a una cirugía de reemplazo de cadera? La conversación recorre el camino completo del paciente, desde reconocer cuándo el reemplazo de cadera es la opción correcta, hasta elegir al cirujano adecuado, hasta cómo es la vida después de la recuperación. El Dr. Hernandez explica por qué el reemplazo de cadera se considera un último recurso después de agotar los tratamientos conservadores, y describe la variedad de opciones no quirúrgicas que los pacientes deben intentar primero, entre ellas bajar de peso, terapia física, inyecciones de esteroides, ácido hialurónico, plasma rico en plaquetas y bloqueos nerviosos.
El Dr. Hernandez guía a los oyentes a través de la experiencia quirúrgica moderna, incluyendo el uso creciente del abordaje anterior, el alta el mismo día de la cirugía y el manejo del dolor multimodal que reduce la dependencia de narcóticos. Aborda los temores más comunes de los pacientes en torno a la anestesia, las alergias a los metales y las restricciones postoperatorias, y comparte datos alentadores sobre la longevidad de los implantes, con los componentes de cerámica y plástico actuales con una vida esperada de 25 a 30 años. El episodio concluye con el Dr. Hernandez hablando sobre sus intereses de investigación actuales en tecnología de recuperación wearable, prevención de infecciones y educación de cirujanos, y ofreciendo orientación práctica sobre lo que los pacientes deben buscar al seleccionar un cirujano de alto volumen en reemplazo articular.
Temas Clave Cubiertos en este Episodio
Quién es un buen candidato para el reemplazo de cadera: Pacientes que han agotado las opciones conservadoras y cuyo dolor afecta sus actividades diarias y calidad de vida
Tratamientos no quirúrgicos que intentar primero: Bajar de peso, terapia física, inyecciones de esteroides y ácido hialurónico, plasma rico en plaquetas y bloqueos nerviosos
Abordajes quirúrgicos modernos: Los abordajes anterior, lateral y posterior, con las ventajas del abordaje anterior en recuperación temprana y preservación muscular
Anestesia y manejo del dolor: Por qué se utiliza anestesia espinal en aproximadamente el 90 por ciento de los casos y cómo el manejo multimodal minimiza náuseas y el uso de narcóticos
Alta el mismo día y recuperación: Cómo los pacientes caminan pocas horas después de la cirugía y regresan al trabajo en dos a cuatro semanas
Materiales e implantes de larga duración: El abandono de los componentes metal con metal a favor de cerámica y plástico especializado, con una vida esperada del implante de 25 a 30 años
Riesgos postoperatorios y señales de alerta: Infección, coágulos y caídas como los tres riesgos principales, y cuándo contactar al médico después de la cirugía
Actividad después de la recuperación: Por qué la mayoría de los pacientes, incluidos los atletas, no enfrentan restricciones de actividad a largo plazo
Cómo elegir un cirujano: Preguntas que los pacientes deben hacer, incluyendo volumen quirúrgico, experiencia del equipo y certificación del centro
Acerca de Nuestros Invitados
Anfitrión: Dr. Rafael Buerba, MD, MHS, FAAOS, Profesor Asistente de Ortopedia en la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Arizona; Miembro del Consejo Editorial de OrthoInfo.
Invitado: Dr. Victor H. Hernandez, MD, MS, Profesor del Departamento de Ortopedia en la Facultad de Medicina Miller de la Universidad de Miami; Jefe de la División de Artroplastia y Reconstrucción de Adultos del Sistema de Salud de la Universidad de Miami.
Este episodio del OrthoInfo Podcast es presentado por The Bone Beat, producido por MK Quinn Media en colaboración con la American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Para más recursos sobre salud ortopédica, visita aaos.org/thebonebeat.
Knee Replacement Surgery: What Can I Expect?
Episode 8
Friday, May 15, 2026 • Duration 38:28
In this episode of the OrthoInfo podcast, adult reconstruction surgeons Matthew Deren, MD, FAAOS, and Nicholas Scarcella, MD, FAAOS, help patients understand what to expect if you have knee replacement surgery — from what makes someone a good candidate for the procedure to surgical preparation to what happens when an implant fails.
Drs. Deren and Scarcella offer an honest look at the recovery process, setting realistic expectations about the challenges of the first two months, the role of physical therapy, how the new knee may feel and function, and the long road back to the activities patients love. They also discuss robotic-assisted knee replacement, which has been gaining popularity in recent years but may not be right for every patient. And they emphasize the importance of trying to manage arthritis symptoms without surgery as long as the knee isn’t causing too many problems. As Dr. Deren put it: “If people can have a lot of knee arthritis and be functioning very well, I tell them, ‘keep your own parts as long as you can.’”
Key Topics Covered in this Episode
What a knee replacement is — A breakdown of the implant components and how the procedure is different from what many patients imagine
Who is a good candidate — The medical, physical, and lifestyle factors that determine surgical readiness
Conservative treatment first — Why injections, anti-inflammatories, injections, and physical therapy can often delay or even eliminate the need for surgery
The role of robotic surgery — How robotic technology improves precision and reproducibility in the OR
What to expect during recovery — A week-by-week look at assistive devices, home PT, outpatient PT, and range-of-motion milestones
Inpatient vs. outpatient surgery — The benefits going home the same day as the procedure, and why you might have to stay in the hospital
Post-surgery pain management — The role of opioids after knee replacement, and why it’s important to stay ahead of pain once you go home
Red flags to watch for — Signs of infection, blood clots, and stiffness that require immediate attention
Activity and lifestyle after surgery — What patients can realistically return to, and which adjustments they may need to make, including whether it’s safe to kneel on the operated knee
Knee replacement longevity — How implant technology has evolved and why protecting your replacement matters
Revision surgery — Why knee replacement revision is not as simple as the original procedure, and why it’s nothing like hip replacement
What's Causing My Back Pain?
Monday, April 27, 2026 • Duration 27:37
Back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints — and as anyone who’s ever experienced it knows, it can have a profound effect on your daily life. In this episode of the OrthoInfo podcast, spine surgeons Catherine Olinger, MD, MS, FAAOS, and Melissa Erickson, MD, MBA, FAAOS, help listeners understand what causes back pain and how you can get relief (hint: often, without surgery).
Drs. Olinger and Erickson discuss when back pain warrants a trip to the doctor and which symptoms are true red flags requiring emergency care, as well as the important distinction between acute and chronic pain. They explain the "ladder of invasiveness" approach to treatment, why they typically recommend conservative treatments like physical therapy and injections before surgery is ever considered, and how to set realistic expectations if surgery does become necessary. They also emphasize that it’s essential to tailor surgical treatment to each patient’s unique needs: Not every procedure is right for every patient, and taking the wrong approach can do more harm than good.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone who is experiencing back pain and wondering whether they should try managing it at home or see a doctor. Oh — and if you should see a doctor, should it be an orthopaedic spine surgeon or a neurosurgeon? What’s the difference? Listen to find out.
Host: Catherine R. Olinger, MD, MS, FAAOS, Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; OrthoInfo Spine Section Editor
Guest: Melissa M. Erickson, MD, MBA, FAAOS, Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Associate Professor of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine; Medical Director, Duke University Hospital Perioperative Services; Co-Director, Combined Complex Spine Fellowship
Does My Rotator Cuff Tear Require Surgery?
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 • Duration 45:34
This episode of the OrthoInfo podcast is brought to you by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES).
In the episode, host Shariff K. Bishai, DO, FAAOS, sits down with shoulder and elbow surgeon Daniel Acevedo, MD, FAAOS, to help listeners understand when a torn rotator cuff might – and might not – need surgery.
From understanding the difference between partial- and full-thickness rotator cuff tears to navigating the full spectrum of nonsurgical treatments, including physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and biologic implants, Drs. Bishai and Acevedo break down how surgeons evaluate each patient's unique situation and why shared decision-making is at the heart of choosing the right path forward when you have a rotator cuff injury.
Key Topics Covered in this Episode:
Types of Rotator Cuff Tears: The differences between degenerative, overuse, and traumatic tears, as well as partial-thickness vs. full-thickness tears — and why understanding which type a patient has matters for treatment planning.
Symptomatic vs. Asymptomatic Tears: Why some patients can live with a rotator cuff tear without knowing it, and what changes when a tear becomes painful.
The Natural History of Untreated Tears: Why roughly 50% of full-thickness tears increase in size over two to five years — and what that means for long-term outcomes.
When To See a Doctor for Shoulder Pain: Which symptoms are concerning, why it’s a good idea to initially try home remedies like rest and ice to see if the pain goes away, and at what point you should be evaluated by a doctor.
Conservative Treatment First: The role of physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and the "one-and-done" approach to corticosteroid injections in managing rotator cuff symptoms.
Biologic Therapies and PRP: How platelet-rich plasma and collagen implants are changing the way partial thickness tears are managed — and why Dr. Bishai has a collagen implant in his own shoulder.
When It's Time for Surgery: The clinical indicators — including persistent pain, failed conservative management, and tear progression — that signal it's time to have the surgical conversation.
Using Ultrasound in the Clinic: How in-office ultrasound can provide quick, valuable information without immediately ordering an MRI.
Pain Patterns That Point to Diagnosis: Why shoulder pain that stays above the elbow points to the rotator cuff, and what it means when symptoms travel further down the arm, plus how to know if the symptoms are due to a shoulder or neck issue.
About Our Guest:
Daniel Acevedo, MD, FAAOS, is a shoulder and elbow surgeon with Los Angeles Orthopaedic Surgery Specialists in Tarzana, Calif. He is a member of the American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeons (ASES) who has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and surgical training videos focused on shoulder and elbow surgery. His special interests include biologic augmentation for rotator cuff repair and treating both competitive and recreational athletes.
The OrthoInfo podcast is part of the BoneBeat Orthopaedic podcast channel, with production and editing provided by MK Quinn Media. For more conversations on orthopaedic health and patient care, please visit aaos.org/thebonebeat.
Host: Shariff K. Bishai, DO, FAAOS, Shoulder & Sports Medicine Surgeon, Detroit Orthopaedic Institute; member, American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeons (ASES); member, OrthoInfo Editorial Board
How Does Menopause Affect Bone and Joint Health?
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 • Duration 31:30
This episode, hosted by sports medicine surgeon and OrthoInfo Editor-in-Chief Mary K. Mulcahey, MD, FAAOS, helps listeners understand how menopause impacts women’s bone and joint health. It teaches listeners about the musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause, a term used to describe common bone and joint issues — including frozen shoulder, loss of muscle mass and bone density, and early-onset osteoarthritis — related specifically to the sharp drop in estrogen during menopause.
Jocelyn Ross Wittstein, MD, FAAOS, a nationally recognized expert and sports medicine surgeon at Duke University Medical Center, provides her clinical insights and key research findings. The discussion highlights the importance of collaboration between orthopedic surgeons and women’s health professionals; proactive strategies for osteoporosis prevention (yes, you can prevent it!), including specific dietary changes and exercises; and how women can self-advocate to ensure that their symptoms are treated holistically rather than being written off as normal aging or treated as isolated structural issues.
Host: Mary K. Mulcahey, MD, FAAOS,
Guest: Jocelyn Ross Wittstein, MD, FAAOS,
What's Causing My Foot Pain?
Wednesday, January 28, 2026 • Duration 38:28
This episode of the OrthoInfo Podcast takes a deep dive into the complexities of foot and ankle pain, covering everything from plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis, to fractures, to congenital and degenerative conditions. Arianna Gianakos, DO, and Kamran Hamid, MD, MPH, FAAOS, both board-certified orthopedic surgeons, discuss the factors that contribute to foot pain and dysfunction — including improper footwear, overuse, and sports participation — and offer advice to help avoid serious foot problems.
Drs. Gianakos and Hamid also explain when to seek professional help for foot issues, including red-flag symptoms that require urgent care, and the difference between foot and ankle surgeons and podiatrists. They offer advice about how to navigate health information on the Internet and why it’s important for patients to do their research rather than relying solely on AI summaries for answers. And they highlight some of the exciting advances in foot and ankle surgery that are helping more patients get back on their feet.
Host: Arianna Gianakos, DO
Guest: Kamran Hamid, MD, MPH, FAAOS
When Should I See an Orthopaedic Surgeon?
Friday, January 16, 2026 • Duration 36:14
This episode serves as an introduction to the new OrthoInfo podcast series, dedicated to answering questions about bone and joint health. Hosts Shariff K. Bishai, DO, FAAOS, a sports and shoulder surgeon in Detroit, and Mary K. Mulcahey, MD, FAAOS, sports surgeon and Editor-in-Chief of OrthoInfo, delve into what an orthopaedic surgeon does and when patients should see an orthopaedic surgeon for musculoskeletal issues.
The discussion delves into what it means to be an orthopedic surgeon — including the significance of board certification, fellowship training, and being a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Drs. Bishai and Mulcahey help listeners understand the difference between orthopaedic surgeons and other specialists who treat the same conditions, such as podiatrists, plastic surgeons, and neurologists. And they explain the difference between general orthopaedic surgeons and subspecialists.
The conversation emphasizes the importance of seeking care from properly trained specialists. It encourages patients to be self-advocates, to ask questions or even seek second opinions if they don’t feel comfortable with both their care plan and their doctor.
Drs. Bishai and Mulcahey also reflect on the value of the physician–patient relationship, underscoring the collaborative and ongoing nature of orthopedic care, including the critical role of physical therapy. They talk about what being an orthopaedic surgeon means and why caring for patients is a 24/7 job for them.
Co-hosts: Shariff K. Bishai, DO, FAAOS, and Mary K. Mulcahey, MD, FAAOS
Hip Replacement Surgery: What Can I Expect?
Friday, January 16, 2026 • Duration 40:01
This episode explores the essentials of hip replacement surgery, providing patients with a clear understanding of what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
Mary K. Mulcahey, MD, FAAOS, Editor-in-Chief of OrthoInfo, is joined by Neil Sheth, MD, FAAOS, Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at Pennsylvania Hospital. Together, they answer frequently asked questions about hip replacement: who is an appropriate candidate, how technology and materials have advanced, presurgical preparation, what the surgery entails, how long it takes, and what patients can expect in terms of recovery, rehabilitation and return to activity. The discussion touches on important considerations such as post-surgery pain management (including opioids), potential complications, metal allergies, and implant failure.
Dr. Sheth also talks about when to see a doctor for hip pain and where to start, given that there are different types of doctors who treat hip pain and patients may not know who to see initially. He explains what an Adult Reconstruction surgeon is and clarifies which symptoms and conditions he and his colleagues do and do not address.
Host: Mary K. Mulcahey, MD, FAAOSGuest: Neil Sheth, MD, FAAOS
Orthobiologics: Are They Right for Me?
Friday, January 16, 2026 • Duration 41:17
This episode dives deep into the evolving field of orthobiologics, a hot topic in today’s orthopedic medicine landscape. Shariff K. Bishai, DO, FAAOS, hosts a comprehensive discussion with biologics experts Scott Sigman, MD, FAAOS, and Don Buford, MD, FAAOS, exploring how biologics such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), bone marrow concentrate, and bioinductive implants are reshaping patient care for bone and joint conditions.
The trio covers what biologics truly are, dispelling misconceptions about “stem cells” and highlighting the importance of evidence-based approaches over marketing hype. They walk through the latest science behind various biologic treatments, discuss the regulatory landscape, offer practical guidance for patients navigating treatment options, and share insights into the future of regenerative medicine in orthopedics.
Host: Shariff K. Bishai, DO, FAAOSGuests: Don Buford, MD, FAAOS, and Scott A. Sigman, MD, FAAOS
