IBJI OrthoInform

In this episode of IBJI’s OrthoInform, host Cory Leman sits down with Dr. Jeffrey Ackerman to break down everything you need to know about hip pain, arthritis, and modern hip replacement—especially the anterior approach. Dr. Ackerman explains what’s really happening inside the hip joint as cartilage wears down, why stiffness and pain develop over time, and how to recognize when it’s more than just minor discomfort. Using simple, relatable analogies, he helps listeners understand when hip pain becomes a serious issue and what warning signs signal it’s time to seek help.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Eric Chehab and Dr. Steve Mardjetko discuss scoliosis, explaining it as a three-dimensional spinal curve most often identified in children over age 10. They talk about how treatment is based on the size of the curve and how much a child still has to grow, ranging from simply watching small curves to using a back brace for moderate ones. The doctors also describe how larger curves may require surgery to prevent long-term health issues in adulthood, noting that modern medical advancements now allow most kids to be up and walking the day after their procedure.

In this episode of OrthoInform, Dr. Eric Chehab and Dr. Alexander Tauchen discuss managing knee arthritis, noting that patients are often surprised by the diagnosis since the condition can remain asymptomatic until a minor injury triggers significant pain. Dr. Tauchen advocates for a "joint preservation" approach first, utilizing activity modification, weight loss, physical therapy, and injections like cortisone or visco-supplementation. While acknowledging the popularity of biologics like PRP and stem cells, he cautions that there is no clinical data proving they can regrow cartilage in "bone-on-bone" cases. Ultimately, surgery—whether a partial replacement to preserve natural ligaments or a total replacement for widespread disease—is reserved for when a patient is "sick and tired of being sick and tired" and seeks to restore their daily quality of life.

In this episode of IBJI’s Ortho Inform, host Dr. Eric Chehab is joined by foot and ankle specialist Dr. Akshay Jain to discuss common foot and ankle injuries seen every day. They break down ankle sprains, Achilles tendon injuries, fifth metatarsal fractures, Lisfranc injuries, stress fractures, and turf toe—explaining how these injuries happen, treatment options, recovery timelines, and when surgery may or may not be needed. A helpful, patient-focused conversation designed to educate listeners on how to recognize injuries and get back to moving safely.

In this episode of IBJI’s OrthoInform, Dr. Eric Chehab is joined by licensed massage therapist and acupuncturist Yvonne Gonzalez to discuss the role of therapeutic massage in orthopedic care. They explore how massage therapy supports pain relief, injury prevention, recovery, and performance, and how it integrates with physical therapy and medical treatment. Learn how hands-on care can help patients move better, feel better, and live better.

Join Dr. Phillips from Illinois Bone & Joint Institute as he discusses non-invasive versus invasive surgical options for the hand and upper extremity. Learn how physicians determine the best treatment path, the benefits of minimally invasive approaches, and when more advanced surgical intervention may be necessary.

In this episode Dr. Mark Hamming talks about same-day joint replacement surgery—also known as outpatient joint replacement. It offers patients a convenient and effective alternative to traditional inpatient procedures. This approach enables qualified individuals to undergo hip, knee, or shoulder replacement surgery at an ambulatory surgical center and return home within 24 hours, often just a few hours post-operation .

In this episode of IBJI's OrthoInform Podcast, Dr. Justin LaReau, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee conditions, delved into the advancements and benefits of robotic-assisted orthopedic surgery.

Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition that affects the tendons in the fingers. It occurs when the tendon sheath becomes inflamed, causing the finger to catch or lock in a bent position. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and difficulty straightening the affected finger. Trigger finger is often associated with repetitive hand movements, underlying health conditions like diabetes, and can affect people of all ages. Treatment options include rest, splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, and in some cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery.

Rehabilitation for hip and knee arthritis focuses on relieving pain, improving mobility, and enhancing overall function. This comprehensive program typically includes physical therapy, which emphasizes strengthening the surrounding muscles, improving flexibility, and promoting joint stability. Patients often start with low-impact exercises, such as swimming or cycling, to reduce stress on the joints while building endurance. As strength increases, therapists may introduce more targeted strength training, balance exercises, and functional activities that mimic daily movements. Education is also a vital component, teaching patients about joint protection techniques and activity modifications to reduce strain. In some cases, assistive devices like braces or walking aids may be recommended to enhance mobility and support joint health.

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Tennis elbow is a common condition characterized by pain on the outer part of the elbow. It typically results from repetitive strain or overuse of the forearm muscles, often due to activities that involve gripping or twisting motions. The pain stems from inflammation or microtears in the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Golfer's elbow is similar to tennis elbow but occurs on the inner side of the elbow. It involves pain and inflammation of the tendons attached to the medial epicondyle of the humerus. This condition often arises from repetitive stress or overuse of the forearm muscles, especially those involved in wrist flexion and gripping. Despite the name, it is not exclusive to golfers and can affect anyone engaged in activities that strain the forearm.

Sciatica pain, often simply referred to as sciatica, is a common type of pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down through the hips, buttocks, and legs. It typically occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes compressed or irritated, leading to symptoms such as sharp, shooting pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the affected leg. Sciatica can be caused by various factors, including a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or even muscle spasms in the buttocks. The pain intensity can vary from mild to severe, and it may worsen with activities like sitting, standing, or walking. Treatment options for sciatica pain often include a combination of rest, physical therapy, medications, such as anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants, and in some cases, epidural steroid injections or surgery may be recommended.

Guest host Cory Leman chats with Dr. Andrew Riff, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specialzes in hip preservation and sports medicine. Listen as Dr. Riff shares his expertise on hip pain, labral tears, and hip impingement. The conversation dives into the complexities of hip injuries and preservation techniques as Dr. Riff offers expert advice for everyone from athletes to everyday individuals striving for pain-free mobility.

IBJI OrthoAccess® immediate care clinics treat you faster and can cost up to 80 percent less than a visit to the ER. Our walk-in clinics are designed to quickly and affordably treat simple fractures, sprains, strains, work and sports injuries and more.

IBJI understands the trauma of workplace injury and how it can impact the lives and livelihoods of employees. Our skilled workers’ compensation doctors specialize in restoring injured workers to full function.

Discover groundbreaking insights in obesity treatment with IBJI's OrthoINFORM podcast. Join Dr. Eric Chehab and experts Dr. Inbar Kirson and Dr. Lynn Gettleman Chehab, as they delve into innovative weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. Learn about these transformative drugs' effectiveness, potential side effects, and the vital role of comprehensive obesity treatment. This engaging discussion offers valuable knowledge for anyone interested in the latest advancements in metabolic health.

On this OrthoINFORM episode, Dr. Eric Chehab interviews occupational therapist Madison Smith-Osman, OTR/L. A psychology and occupational therapy graduate, Dr. Smith-Osman focuses on upper extremity conditions and workers' compensation. In this talk, she emphasizes OT's role in restoring patients' daily and work abilities post-injury, using techniques like manual therapy and strength training. Her method combines physical and psychological elements to ensure safe patient activity resumption and injury risk reduction. She and Dr. Chehab also discuss patient education and psychology in therapy.

In this one-hour podcast, Evan Dougherty, MD, a specialist in orthopedic surgery from Illinois Bone & Joint Institute, delves into the critical topic of hip fractures. Drawing from his years of education and experience, Dr. Dougherty offers insights into the latest treatments and recovery strategies for hip fractures, a common yet serious injury, especially among the elderly​​. This podcast is an invaluable resource for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities and advancements in treating hip fractures.

Learn more about the transformative world of physical therapy in the latest episode of OrthoInform. Physical therapists Patrick Cristi, PT, DPT and Juliette Dassinger, PT, DPT deliver invaluable insights on the myriad of benefits both physical and occupational therapy can offer. From enhancing mobility to alleviating pain, they uncover the ways that PT can be a pivotal element in improving quality of life, promoting healing, and ensuring optimal functioning of the body.

IBJI's Brain Clay, MD talks about Pain Management

Dr. Kramer talks about common pediatric sports injuries.

Hip arthroscopy refers to the viewing of the interior of the acetabulofemoral (hip) joint through an arthroscope and the treatment of hip pathology through a minimally invasive approach. This technique is sometimes used to help in the treatment of various joint disorders and has gained popularity because of the small incisions used and shorter recovery times when compared with conventional surgical techniques (sometimes referred to as "open surgery").

FOOSH is a word many may not be familiar with, but it stands for a very common way patients break a wrist: falling on an outstretched hand. Find out what bones can be affected by FOOSH and other common wrist injuries as well as the latest minimally invasive treatment options available and what recovery looks like. Dr. Surbhi Panchal, an orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in hand and upper extremity, also explains who is at risk for wrist injuries in this episode.

A concussion is a functional brain injury. Hockey, wrestling, football, lacrosse, gymnastics, and cheerleading are all considered high-concussion-risk sports/activities. There are physical signs and symptoms of concussion and tools that can help to assess brain injury. Learn more about concussion, symptoms, treatment, and return-to-play protocols for athletes from IBJI’s Sports Neurologist Anthony Savino, MD. 

One of the most common knee injuries is a torn meniscus. The recommended course of treatment for a torn meniscus can depend on a number of factors, including your age, symptoms, and activity level, as well as the type, size, and location of the tear. Learn more from IBJI’s Dr. Gregory Portland about diagnosing and treating meniscus tears, and what to expect if you need surgery.Hosted by: Eric Chehab, MD | Guest: Gregory Portland, MD | Executive Producer: Nick Sarantakis | Executive Producer: Maggie Sketch | Music by: The Young XP

The plantar fascia is the most bottom superficial level of your foot. It’s a ligament that originates at the heel bone and goes all the way up to the ball of your foot. Plantar fasciitis occurs when that ligament becomes irritated and inflamed, resulting in pain and swelling in the bottom of the heel. Learn more about diagnosing and treating plantar fasciitis, and what to expect if you need treatment.Host: Eric Chehab, MD | Guest: Carla Gamez, DPM | Executive Producer: Nick Sarantakis | Executive Producer: Maggie Sketch | Music by: The Young XP

Shoulder instability can be summed up as a failure of the components of the shoulder to stay centered in the socket.  Learn more from Dr. Steven Chudik, Orthopedic Surgeon with Fellowship Training in Shoulder Surgery and Sports Medicine, about diagnosing and treating shoulder instability, and what to expect if you need shoulder stabilization surgery.Host: Eric Chehab, MD | Guest: Brian Weatherford, MD | Executive Producer: Nick Sarantakis | Executive Producer: Maggie Sketch | Music by: The Young XP

A fractured ankle can range from a stable break in one bone, which may not stop you from walking or bearing weight, to unstable fractures, which may require surgery. Learn more from Dr. Brian Weatherford, Orthopedic Surgeon with Fellowship Training in Trauma and Foot and Ankle Surgery, about ankle fractures, and how they are diagnosed and treated.Host: Eric Chehab, MD | Guest: Brian Weatherford, MD | Executive Producer: Nick Sarantakis | Executive Producer: Maggie Sketch | Music by: The Young XP

Join us for a multidisciplinary approach to address adult and pediatric metabolic health and weight management, along with health and wellness parameters that include Optimizing Nutrition, Reducing Stress, Pain-free Movement, Improved Sleep Habits and Enhanced Overall Performance.Inbar Kirson, MD, FACOG, Diplomate ABOM, and Lynn Gettleman Chehab, MD, MPH, Diplomate ABOM, explain the importance of these fundamentals. Learn how you can reach your goals by focusing on reasonable and sustainable changes that help optimize long-term health with the IBJI OrthoHealth program.Host: Eric Chehab, M.D.Guest: Inbar Kirson, M.D., FACOG, Diplomate ABOMGuest: Lynn Gettleman Chehab, MD, MPH, Diplomate ABOMExecutive Producer: Nick SarantakisExecutive Producer: Maggie SketchMusic by: The Young XP

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder, characterized by low bone mass, that causes a structural deterioration of the bone. The resulting low bone mass and low bone quality increases the risk of a fracture–even in cases where patients report no or minimal traumatic events leading up to the break. Osteoporosis is often left undiagnosed, until patients present with a fracture, because it is an asymptomatic disease. Learn more about who is at risk, other ways to diagnose it, and what can be done to manage and maintain bone mass.Host: Eric Chehab, M.D.Guest: Alejandra Rodriguez-Paez, M.D.Executive Producer: Nick SarantakisExecutive Producer: Maggie SketchMusic by: The Young XP

Dr. Cary Templin explains how spinal fusion surgery, spinal cord decompression, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and non-surgical treatments can help patients who are experiencing neck pain, radiating pain, weakness, and numbness and tingling.Host: Eric Chehab, M.D.Guest: Cary Templin, M.D.Executive Producer: Nick SarantakisExecutive Producer: Maggie SketchMusic by: The Young XP

Reverse shoulder replacement has been a revolution in shoulder surgery for patients who have no function above the level of their shoulder. Dr. Craig Cummins explains the differences between anatomic shoulder replacement, partial shoulder replacement and reverse shoulder replacement. He also discusses arthritis, rotator cuff tears, pain management and physical therapy.Host: Eric Chehab, MD | Guest: Craig Cummins, MD | Executive Producer: Nick Sarantakis | Executive Producer: Maggie Sketch | Music by: The Young XP

Total knee replacements are one of the most common and successful orthopedic procedures. The modern total knee replacement started to emerge in popularity in the 1970s and 1980s. Dr. Jeffrey Goldstein explains, since then, improvements in materials and techniques have helped extend the success rates and longevity of replacements. Learn more about the history of knee replacement surgery and what patients having surgery can expect.Hosted by: Eric Chehab, MD | Guest: Jeffrey Goldstein, MD | Executive Producer: Nick Sarantakis | Executive Producer: Maggie Sketch | Music by: The Young XP

In the simplest terms, a bunion is a bump that develops at the big toe joint. Dr. Steven Jasonowicz explains that over time, the bump can grow in size, prevent your foot from fitting into certain shoes, and cause pain. Learn more about what can cause bunions, treatment options, and what to expect if you need surgery. | Host: Eric Chehab, M.D. | Guest: Steven Jasonowicz, M.D. | Executive Producer: Nick Sarantakis | Executive Producer: Maggie Sketch | Music by: The Young XP

In this preview of next week's episode, Dr. Steven Jasonowicz explains what a bunion deformity is, what causes it, and the pain it can cause.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes numbness, pain, and tingling in the hand and arm. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the hand and wrist, is compressed. Dr. Christian Skjong explains how physicians diagnose and treat carpal tunnel syndrome to prevent it from progressing over time, and what to expect should you require carpal tunnel release surgery. | Host: Eric Chehab, MD | Guest: Christian Skjong, MD | Executive Producer: Nick Sarantakis | Executive Producer: Maggie Sketch | Music by: The Young XP

In this preview of next week's episode, Dr. Christian Skjong explains the symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome and how patients are commonly affected.

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament, or ACL, provides the knee the ability to do activities that require high degrees of cutting, pivoting, and accelerating. Once the ligament is torn, the knee is largely rendered unable to perform these types of activities. Learn more about ACL injuries, how they are diagnosed and treated, what to expect if you need surgery, and about the typical timeline for recovery from ACL surgery. Host: Eric Chehab, MD | Guest: David Guelich, MD | Executive Producer: Nick Sarantakis | Executive Producer: Maggie Sketch | Music by: The Young XP

In this preview of next week's episode, Dr. David Guelich explains what needs to be done before ACL surgery, as well as the challenges that patients may face afterward.

Autoimmune and rheumatic disorders cause your own immune system, which should be protecting you, to instead attack your body. They can cause a wide array of symptoms, including hair loss, fatigue, joint pain, joint swelling, rashes and more. Learn  about the causes and treatments for autoimmune diseases, as well as the positive prognosis for patients who have autoimmune diseases. Host: Eric Chehab, M.D. | Guest: Ami Kothari, M.D. | Executive Producer: Nick Sarantakis | Executive Producer: Maggie Sketch | Music by: The Young XP

In this preview of next week's episode, Dr. Ami Kothari explains the causes and treatments for autoimmune diseases, as well as the positive prognosis for patients experiencing autoimmune diseases.

The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that originate off the shoulder blade and scapula and blend together and insert on the humerus. It essentially holds together the shoulder joint. Rotator cuff tears can be treated both surgically and non-surgically, and every patient who has a rotator cuff tear needs individualized evaluation and treatment plans. Learn more about diagnosing and treating rotator cuff tears, and what to expect if you need surgery. Episode Credits: Host: Eric Chehab, M.D. | Guest: David Hamming, M.D. | Executive Producer: Nick Sarantakis | Executive Producer: Maggie Sketch | Music by: The Young XP

In this preview of our episode on rotator cuff repair, Dr. David Hamming explains how MRI is used to visualize rotator cuff injuries and the factors that he considers when creating treatment plans for his patients.

The Achilles tendon is key to the health of the foot and ankle. Achilles tendon treatment has changed significantly in the last ten years, including more aggressive rehabilitation protocols following surgery. Hosted by: Eric Chehab, M.D. | Guest: Anand Vora, M.D. | Executive Producer: Nick Sarantakis | Executive Producer: Maggie Sketch | Music by: The Young XP

The introduction of total hip replacement surgery revolutionized people's ability to walk, function and really carry out near-normal function from a condition that was debilitating. Learn about the history of hip replacement surgery and what patients having total hip replacement surgery can expect. Hosted by: Eric Chehab, M.D. | Guest: Michael O'Rourke, M.D. | Executive Producer: Nick Sarantakis | Executive Producer: Maggie Sketch | Music by: The Young XP