More young athletes these days are specializing in a single sport, often training year-round and playing in multiple leagues with a goal of achieving elite status. Dr. Christopher Liebig and other sports medicine doctors are seeing negative effects from this adult-driven trend: More overuse injuries, more psychological stress and burnout. They are especially concerned that […]
Akron Children’s orthopedic surgeons reduce opioid prescriptions by 54 percent
As the opioid crisis grew into a national epidemic, the nine pediatric orthopedic surgeons at Akron Children’s began analyzing their own pain prescribing practices and how they compared with peers. This led to a standardized protocol that has reduced the amount of narcotics being prescribed by 54 percent. “The opioid epidemic, a multifactorial issue with […]
Hip dysplasia in kids: best to catch it when they’re young
Hip dysplasia is fairly common in infants and most often can be corrected without surgery. But in some cases, orthopedic surgeons need to maneuver the ball of the hip into the socket, and put the child in a body cast to keep the joint aligned. Karissa Douglas, a 9-year-old from Massillon, went through the procedure […]
New Orthopedic Sports Medicine Division Director Dr. John Polousky tackles new role with unique perspective
Dr. John Polousky can relate to young athletes facing surgical procedures. As a high school and collegiate football player, he, too, suffered from several injuries that required surgery and sidelined him for weeks at a time. It is these experiences that enable him to offer his patients a unique level of support, advocacy and understanding […]
Athletic trainers play a vital role in helping young athletes return to play during pandemic
As Northeast Ohio’s young athletes return to practice, things are not exactly the same as they used to be before Covid-19. But after weeks of “stay-at-home” orders, the teens are glad to be back on the field or court, together, practicing their skills in modified ways. Overseeing a 3-phase program that allows them to safely […]
