ONS Foundation Laboratory Grand Opening and Golf Outing “Tee-off” Party launches new era of research and medical training in Greenwich
May 4th, 2012
Architect Rich Granoff, ONS Foundation Vice President Vicki Leeds Tananbaum and President Paul Sethi, MD officially open the new Arthroscopy, Surgical Skills and Bichomechanics Laboratory.
The ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education celebrated the completion of their new Arthroscopy, Surgical Skills and Biomechanical Laboratory at a grand opening and “Tee-off” party on April 26th. Donors and surgeons alike mingled around stainless steel arthroscopy stations soon to be the hub of orthopedic and neurosurgical research and surgical skills training for surgeons from around the world.
After just four years of planning, the ONS Foundation, a Greenwich Hospital alliance, has completed the half million dollar facility, located on the lower level of the medical offices of ONS at 6 Greenwich Office Park. According to orthopedic surgeon and ONS Foundation President Dr. Paul Sethi, the new facility will provide the ultimate opportunity for physicians to critically evaluate arthroscopic surgery techniques in a laboratory setting. He anticipates the lab to become a regional center for medical innovation.
Dr. Paul Sethi with guests at grand opening of lab.
The lab will also be the site for surgical training. Work gets underway this month when a team of surgeons from Germany arrives to study sports medicine. Later in May, a group of American surgeons will study total ankle replacement. In June, surgeons from China will study techniques in knee arthroscopy.
Grand opening of the ONS Foundation Arthroscopy, Surgical Skills and Biomechanical Laboratory
The celebration also kicked off the Foundation’s 4th annual benefit golf outing that takes place at the Stanwich Club on June 11th ONS Foundation Vice President Vicki Leeds Tananbaum, Michael Clain, MD and Brian Matthews are 2012 outing co-chairs. Players will enjoy a round of golf, lunch, cocktails, an elaborate buffet dinner and auction that is co-chaired by Sandy Hart and Nate Barnum.
Funds to build the Arthroscopy, Surgical Skills and Biomechanical Laboratorywere raised through fundraising events in behalf of the ONS Foundation, Foundation Board member Milton Sender, Greenwich Hospital, and Leon Lowenstein Foundation, Inc. in behalf of Joanna B. and Ken Schulman. Funds raised from this year’s golf outing will go towards biomechanical testing equipment for the lab.
Sheila Cameron and Katie Vadasdi, MD
Sandy Hart, Vicki Leeds Tananbaum, Beverly Floersheimer and Lindy Camel
Kelly & Frank Ennis, MD, Pari Hirsch, Jim Wright
Paul Sethi, MD, Leslie Pinto, Vicki Leeds Tananbaum and Nathaniel Barnum
ONS Foundation Laboratory Opens for Research and Training
May 3rd, 2012
Arthroscopy station in the new ONS Foundation lab.
Facility opens doors to technique improvements and innovation in arthroscopy
After just four years of planning and fundraising, the ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education, a Greenwich Hospital alliance, has completed the construction and outfitting of a state-of-the-art Arthroscopy, Surgical Skills and Biomechanical Laboratory. The half million dollar facility, located on the lower level of the medical offices of ONS at 6 Greenwich Office Park on Valley Drive, will make it possible for surgeons to perform medical research for the study and development of arthroscopic surgical techniques, and to teach arthroscopic skills to medical students and surgeons. According to orthopedic surgeon and founder of the ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education Dr. Paul Sethi, having this facility provides the ultimate opportunity for physicians to critically evaluate or compare arthroscopic surgery techniques in a laboratory setting. He fully expects the lab to become a center for medical innovation.
Arthroscopic surgeries, done with specially designed instruments through tiny incisions, have become the gold standard for many orthopedic and neurosurgical procedures. Surgeons use a miniaturized camera called an arthroscope to guide the surgery and instruments. Working through small incisions poses great benefits for patients including less blood loss, less muscle trauma, shorter hospital stays and a faster return to normal activity. “Research and teaching facilities around the world are continuously seeking ways to make surgeries less invasive and improve outcomes,” said Dr. Sethi. “As the population ages, the need for better ways to address musculoskeletal conditions and injuries is increasingly important.”
“In addition to being a place where the ONS Foundation surgeons can work and conduct research, much of the activity in the lab will be devoted to teaching advanced arthroscopic techniques,” added Dr. Sethi, who is a member of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, an association devoted to the continuing education of physicians. “The lab offers a destination for medical students and surgeons from around the world to perform traveling fellowships on arthroscopic techniques.”
ONS Foundation surgeons and teaching physicians from across the country will conduct professional programs year round for interested surgeons to receive training on various arthroscopic techniques. Such programs serve to encourage young arthroscopists, foster mutual exchange among physicians practicing arthroscopy while focusing on practical issues in arthroscopic procedure and promotion of quality control in such surgeries.
ONS Foundation lab board room.
Work in the lab gets underway in the beginning of May when a team of surgeons from Germany arrives to study sports injuries with Dr. Sethi, shoulder specialist Dr. Seth Miller and hip arthroscopy expert Dr. Tim Greene. Also this May, a group of American surgeons will study total ankle replacement. In June, surgeons visiting from China will study techniques in knee arthroscopy.
During the summer, seven interns from universities around the country, including Columbia, Lehigh, Princeton, and Villanova, will work in the lab on a variety of research projects. Funds to build the Arthroscopy, Surgical Skills and Biomechanical Laboratory were raised through fundraising events in behalf of the ONS Foundation, Foundation Board member Milton Sender, Greenwich Hospital, and Leon Lowenstein Foundation, Inc. in behalf of Joanna B. and Ken Schulman. 
ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education, Inc. is a registered not-for-profit, 501(c)3 organization devoted to understanding the causes and optimal treatments of orthopedic injuries and musculoskeletal conditions. The ONS Foundation, in alliance with Greenwich Hospital, strives to improve standards of excellence for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders through clinical research, physician and patient education, and community outreach programs. The Foundation sponsors injury prevention and other seminars throughout the year. The office is located at 6 Greenwich Office Park, 10 Valley Drive, Greenwich, CT. For further information about the ONS Foundation, visit www.ons-foundation.org or call (203) 869-3131.
Preventing Golf Injuries
March 30th, 2012April 24 at 6:30 p.m. Registration begins at 6 p.m.
At ONS, 6 Greenwich Office Park, Valley Drive, Greenwich
Speakers: James Cunningham, MD, orthopedic surgeon and Laura Liebesman, PT
The ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education will offer a golf injury prevention seminar to help players of all levels avoid common injuries so they can enjoy their sport to the fullest. The program will offer practical tips on how to stay in the game- and out of the doctor’s office and will feature presentations by orthopedic surgeon James Cunningham, MD; Physical Therapist Laura Liebesman; as well as Head PGA Professional Mike Summa of the Stanwich Club. The speakers will discuss the most common injuries to the back, shoulders, elbows and knees, offer tips for staying injury free, information on the best techniques to treat common injuries and suggest goals for pre-golf physical conditioning to optimize strength and flexibility. Mr. Summa will focus on the importance of proper equipment and good technique.
This Seminar is free. Refreshments will be served. Registration is required. Call 203-869-3131 or email, contact@ons-foundation.org to register.
Preventing Throwing Injuries in Youth Athletes
March 8th, 2012Program for Parents, Kids and Coaches teaches that Pain is No Gain for kids playing baseball
Orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Paul Sethi
Participation in baseball and other team sports offers many benefits for kids including the great exercise, learning about cooperation and building self esteem. But kids and parents should remember that pain is no gain when it comes to kids and baseball. On Wednesday, March 28, at 6:30 p.m. the ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education will present Preventing Throwing Injuries, a free program designed to raise awareness about the potential for injuries from “throwing sports.” The program will offer advice to parents, kids and coaches for keeping young athletes safe and away from the doctor’s office. The OGRCC (Old Greenwich-Riverside Community Center) is co-sponsor of the program which takes place at Eastern Middle School, 51 Hendrie Avenue in Riverside, CT. Admission is free but reservations are required. To register for Preventing Throwing Injuries, call 637-3659 or 869-3131, or email ogrcc@yahoo.com.
ONS sports medicine specialist and orthopaedic surgeon Paul Sethi, MD will discuss the arm injuries most often associated with throwing sports, and what can be done to prevent injuries. ONS physical therapist Alicia Hirscht, DPT will talk about safe conditioning and strengthening techniques. Mitch Hoffman, of Bobby Valentine Sports Academy in Stamford will discuss the importance of proper training techniques.
“Even with pitch counts that limit how often kids throw in a game, kids are getting hurt doing what they love,” said Dr. Sethi, who is an orthopaedic surgeon and President of the ONS Foundation. “It is all too common to hear about young players who have sustained an injury that requires a surgical procedure to repair. Many throwing injuries can be avoided if you know how to condition and train properly. “ The ONS Foundation educational program is designed to give kids, their parents, coaches and trainers information on why throwing makes arm joints susceptible to injury as well as safe conditioning and strengthening techniques to prevent injury. The latest research on effective non-surgical and surgical treatments for the most common arm injuries will also be discussed.
Paul Sethi, MD is a board certified orthopedic surgeon with sub-specialty training in sports medicine and the shoulder and elbow. He completed a sports medicine fellowship at the Kerlan Jobe Orthopaedic Institute in Los Angeles, CA. His research on athletic performance has provided Dr. Sethi with fist-hand experience and a unique perspective for understanding sports-related injuries and conditions. Dr. Sethi is a former orthopedic consultant to the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team and former assistant team physician of the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team, Los Angeles Kings hockey team, the Los Angeles Dodgers and University of Southern California football team. Dr. Sethi considers proper fitness conditioning essential to preventing sports injuries for professional as well as amateur athletes.
The ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education wants to give people who enjoy sports activities tools and techniques to keep them enjoying their sport and out of the doctor’s office. The ONS Foundation is a non-profit organization devoted to helping reduce sports injury and supporting healthy living through educational programs and clinical research. Educational programs are offered to the community on a variety of topics throughout the year. All events are free of charge.
Paddle Tennis Injury Prevention Seminar on February 21 at Waveny in New Canaan
February 6th, 2012Medical and professional panel to give advice on how to stay injury free while enjoying Paddle Tennis
New Canaan, CT – Paddle tennis players and the general public are
Orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Paul Sethi
invited to attend a free injury prevention seminar on Tuesday, February 21 at 6:00 p.m. at The Village at Waveny Care Center, 3 Farm Road, New Canaan, Conn. Refreshments will be available from 5:45 p.m. until a prompt 6:15 p.m. start. In the event of inclement weather (corresponding with New Canaan public school closings), a snow date will be announced.
ONS Physical Therapist Alicia Hirscht
A professional panel including orthopedic surgeon Dr. Paul Sethi of ONS in Greenwich, ONS physical therapist Alicia Hirscht and Paddle Professional, Patrick Hirscht will present “Paddle Tennis Injury Prevention,” a seminar on common injuries among paddle or “platform tennis” players and precautions that can be taken to prevent them. The seminar takes place in advance of Waveny Care Network’s 4th Annual Mixed Paddle Tournament, which will be held to benefit the non-profit organization on March 3.
Admission to the panel seminar is free, however registration is requested. To register or for more information, please contact Kim Houghton at (203) 594-5357, or KHoughton@waveny.org.
“Every sport involves a certain amount of risk for injury, and paddle tennis is no different,” says orthopedic surgeon Dr. Paul Sethi, who also serves as president of the ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education. “Paddle players do a lot of jumping, planting and twisting on a hard court surface, and they’re doing it in the cold, in sometimes very frigid temperatures. Proper warm up and conditioning are very important to prepare muscles and other soft tissue for strenuous athletic activity. Other potential injuries are rolled and sprained ankles, knee pain from running on the hard court, shoulder injuries from repetitive overheard motion and wrist strain. Proper conditioning your body for your sport can make all the difference in the world.”
Waveny Care Network provides a comprehensive continuum of healthcare to serve the growing needs of older adults from all areas. Waveny is a not-for-profit organization that offers independent living at New Canaan Inn, assisted living for people with Alzheimer’s and memory loss at The Village, and skilled nursing at Waveny Care Center. For more information call (203) 594-5200 or visit www.waveny.org.
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Seminar on Conditioning for Ski Season presented by ONS Foundation
December 2nd, 2011Many skiing injuries can be avoided say orthopedic experts 
At the start of each ski season, hoards of skiers and snowboarders head to the slopes but most do little to prepare their bodies ahead of time. “The sooner you start a conditioning program, the better,” says orthopedic surgeon Dr. Steven Hindman of the ONS Foundation. “Don’t wait for the snow to start falling to start preparing your body.” As incentive, the ONS Foundation is holding its annual free Ski Conditioning and Injury Prevention Seminar on Tuesday, December 13 at 7 p.m. at ONS, 6 Greenwich Office Park at 10 Valley Drive. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m. Dr. Hindman and sports medicine specialist Dr. Tim Greene will discuss the causes of many skiing injuries and how they may be avoided. The seminar will offer advice on safe skiing, and information on the latest treatments for skiing injuries such as a ruptured ACL. Chalon Lefebvre, PT of ONS Physical Therapy will demonstrate ski conditioning and strengthening exercises that should be part of every skier’s conditioning program. Refreshments will be served. Registration is requested. Call 203-869-3131 or email contact@ons-foundation.org.
According to Dr. Hindman, even experienced athletes are vulnerable to injury if they under-prepare for the rigors of winter sports activity. Physical conditioning can make an important difference to avoid serious strains to joints and muscles. “Most people ride up the ski lift without even a single stretch,” says Hindman. “Skiing uses muscles groups that are used very little the rest of the year. Strengthening and conditioning for skiing should really begin two to three months before the first trip up the mountain, but it’s never too late to benefit from a program. The ONS Foundation program is a good place to start. If you don’t prepare, your risk for injury increases.”
According to Dr. Hindman, the most feared injury by skiers is a torn ACL, (anterior cruciate ligament). One of four ligaments in the knee, the ACL can tear when a skier tries to recover from a fall in which his weight drops backward over the ski tails, triggering the skis to shoot forward putting excessive stress on the ACL. The injury usually requires surgery and a lengthy recuperation. Conditioning can play an important role in ACL injury prevention. Strengthening both the upper and lower leg muscles will help stabilize the knee during stress situations.
Building muscular endurance and strength are the basics of ski conditioning. The major leg muscles work the hardest when skiing or snowboarding and need to be strong for good balance and to resist fatigue throughout the day. Exercises should focus on strengthening hips, thighs, hamstrings and calves, while improving flexibility and stamina. Yoga and Pilates work well for developing strength, flexibility and balance for many people.
“Fatigue is the most common cause of skiing and snowboarding accidents, says Dr. Hindman. “Most injuries happen after 2 p.m. due to a combination of muscle fatigue, flat light and deteriorating snow conditions. When you get tired, stop and go inside.”
The ONS Foundation health and injury prevention seminars are presented by physicians and physical therapists throughout the year. For more information, visit www.ons-foundation.org.
Brain and Spine Injury Prevention for Seniors
October 28th, 2011For people over age 65, a fall poses a high risk for traumatic brain or spinal cord injury.
Neurosurgeon Scott Simon, MD of ONS in Stamford.
In fact, falls are the leading cause of brain injury in the elderly, often leading to hospitalization, loss of independence and life-threatening conditions.
On Tuesday, November 1 at 6 p.m. – Neurosurgeon Dr. Scott Simon will talk about how to avoid accidents like tripping or slipping that can lead to a life-changing injury. He will discuss the most common causes of injuries in and out of the home, highlight what should be done to reduce the risk for injuries,and explain when a simple fall should be taken more seriously.
The talk will take place in the Noble Conference Room at Greenwich Hospital.
Admission is FREE.
To register, call 203-863-4277 or 888-305-9253.
Medical Professionals Gather to Learn about Children’s Injuries at ONS Foundation Medical Conference
October 17th, 2011Tribute lecture established in remembrance of Greenwich Hospital radiologist Rick Velaj
Dr. Scott Sullivan, Nicole Velaj, Alex and Patricia Velaj and Dr. Paul Sethi at the 2011 ONS Foundation Conference
The ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education third annual medical conference on Saturday, October 15 at Greenwich Hospital put the spotlight on Pediatric and Adolescent Injuries. Physicians, nurses, physician assistants, and physical therapists from all over the region gathered to hear the latest information and research on diagnosis and treatment for musculoskeletal conditions and injuries affecting children through adolescence. Orthopedic, sports medicine and neurosurgery specialists from the ONS Foundation spoke on topics that included Strength Training for the Young Athlete, Injuries of the Throwing Elbow, ACL Injuries and Concussion Management and Prevention, among others. The keynote address was presented by Bob Bigelow, the co-author of a book titled Just Let the Kids Play, who was also an NBA first round draft choice.
“Children today have a unique set of physical challenges given the unprecedented level of sports participation,” said conference chairman and orthopedic surgeon Frank Ennis, MD. “This year’s conference brought together medical specialists to review the normal function of the musculoskeletal system in children, and hear about the most effective techniques to treat and manage conditions resulting from injuries related to sports activities.”
Also part of this year’s program was a special tribute to Rick Velaj, a highly-regarded clinical radiologist who was on staff at Greenwich Hospital and died suddenly one year ago. Dr. Scott Sullivan, a colleague of Dr. Velaj presented the first Rick Velaj Memorial Lecture, and spoke to the audience on the diagnosis of spinal conditions in children.
Past conferences put on by the ONS Foundation provided medical professionals throughout the region with up-to-date information on the best treatments for common musculoskeletal problems and on “the aging athlete”. Conference attendees earn CME or CEU education credit from the Greenwich Hospital Association.
Injury Prevention Seminar for Runners will feature Medical Experts and Shoe Specialist
September 8th, 2011
The ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education will present a free seminar on injury prevention for runners of all levels on Tuesday, September 27 at the office of Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery Specialists (ONS), located at 6 Greenwich Office Park off Valley Drive. Running Right! will be conducted by sports medicine physician Gloria Cohen, MD and physical therapist Abigail Ramsey, PT (both competitive runners). Check in is at 6:30. The program begins at 7 p.m. Space is limited, so advance registration is required. To register, call 203-869-3131 or send an email to contact@ons-foundation.org.
“Running is a rewarding sport that has seen enormous growth in popularity in recent years,” says Gloria Cohen, MD. “With such enthusiasm can also come injuries. All too often, people make the decision to start running and do too much too soon. Even seasoned runners, who have taken a season off, may not always manage their return to running the right way. If the body is not properly prepared, it is vulnerable to injuries such as sprains, pulled muscles and even stress fractures. This seminar will be helpful for new and experienced runners who want strategies to help them get the most out of running.”
Running Right! will cover a broad range of related topics including the biomechanics of a runner and injury prevention for runners. Gloria Cohen, MD and Abigail Ramsey, DPT will talk about how to recognize and avoid the most common injuries in runners, stretching and strengthening conditioning techniques, safe training methods, physical therapy injury treatments and returning to running after injury. Chris Goslin, running specialist from Greenwich Running Co. on Greenwich Avenue will talk about the latest technology in running shoes and how to find the right shoe for your foot and level of running.
The Foundation education initiative organizes injury prevention programs for adults and youths throughout the year. All programs are FREE, however registration is requested. For further details, or to register go to www.ons-foundation.org.
Parenting a Healthy Dancer Workshop to be held at The Ballet School of Stamford
August 24th, 2011
Most injuries in dancers, for both students and professionals, are not the result of a sudden or traumatic event. They usually occur from overuse over a period of time. Because dance training involves repetitive movements done in classes, rehearsals, and performances, a lot of stress is put on dancers’ ligaments and muscles. Over time, this repetitive activity can lead to a number of overuse injuries.
On Tuesday, September 20 at 6:30 p.m., The Ballet School of Stamford and the ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education will team up to present a FREE injury prevention workshop for parents of dancers. Parenting a Healthy Dancer will feature a panel of experts who will discuss how to keep young dancers healthy in mind and body. The panel will include Sports Medicine Physician Dr. Gloria Cohen, Dance Physical Therapist Samara DiMattia MSPT and Psychotherapist Becca Gaines, MS PC. The program is being hosted by The Ballet School of Stamford at 175 Atlantic Street in Stamford and will highlight the importance of understanding the signs and symptoms of the most common dance injuries including tendinitis, snapping hip, foot stress injuries, sprained ankles, and low back pain.
“The workshop will cover the physical and emotional challenges for the young dancer,” said Dr. Cohen. “It will stress the importance of proper technique and identifying any muscle imbalances in the young dancer that might lead to an injury. The workshop will include discussion of proper strengthening and stretching exercises that can prevent injuries, basic rehabilitation exercises for dancers recovering from an injury, and how to know when to see a professional about a condition.” The FREE workshop will be conducted in an open forum. The public is invited, however advance registration is requested. For information, or to register, please send an email to info@Balletschoolofstamford.org, or call 203-358-8853. For directions go to www.balletschoolofstamford.org.
The Ballet School of Stamford is a not-for-profit school that provides professional dance training for children and adults from Fairfield and Westchester counties. The school is entering its thirteenth year and has moved into its new home at Old Town Hall. Through its relationship with Stamford Center for the Arts, the Ballet School is able to provide unique performance opportunities for its students, with a varied repertoire of original productions and classical ballets.
