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Q and A with Dr Michael A. Rauh Clinical Assistant Professor in Orthopedic Surgery at State University of New York, Buffalo.

This Spring saw the end of the first two trips organised as part of the EFOST Travelling Fellowship so we thought it would be interesting to speak to one of the host representatives who was instrumental in making the latest fellowship such a success. Michael Rauh MD an eminent orthopaedic specialist (Clinical Assistant Professor in Orthopedic Surgery) specialising in Sports Medicine at the State University of New York, Buffalo, talked to us about what has influenced his career, his interest in Sports Medicine and how he has become involved with EFOST.

What influenced your decision to follow an orthopaedic career?

I actually started out my training in general surgery with the intention of proceeding into cardio-thoracic but found greater interest in orthopaedic surgery. In retrospect it has been one of the best decisions of my life.

Two well-respected orthopaedic surgeons, Dr. Kenneth A. Krackow MD and Dr. Lawrence B. Bone MD, have both been a great inspiration to me. Through them I have learned not only how to be a competent, safe surgeon but also a good physician and their mentorship has encouraged me to pursue research. They are currently the Chairman and Vice Chairman, respectively, of my program and are also my partners.
 

Why did you decide to specialise in sports medicine and knees?

I have always been interested in knees and I was lucky to participate in early research projects. The athletes and patients themselves have driven my interest in sports injuries with their keen desire to return to the highest level of fitness. Personally, I enjoy working with all age groups - something that is more common in sports medicine injuries than in traditional orthopaedic work.

What is your most recent paper?

My most recent paper studied the effect of changing drill hole sizes on the fixation strength of a cemented prosthetic patellar button utilized in total knee arthroplasty. The idea was conceived from a case where failure of this type of implant had led to a laceration of the adjacent quadriceps tendon.

What’s the next project for you?

During my EFOST travelling fellowship last year, I was introduced to the function of platelet derived growth factors in the healing process.  I have started preliminary work with my department on a prospective clinical study utilizing this science.  I am actively trying to arrange funding for this and additional studies on the subject.

You have worked with a number of professional sports teams – who are you working with at the moment?

Currently, I am a team physician for the Buffalo Bandits.  This team plays professional lacrosse – a fast growing sport.  At the moment it doesn’t have such a big fan base as Premier League Soccer, but the fans are just as involved!

What has been your most unusual procedure?

I had a patient who presented with a neglected patellar tendon rupture.  This was an old injury which had occurred about two years previously. I performed a V-Y advancement of the patella through the quadriceps mechanism; and augmented the patella with the patient's own hamstring tendon (through a weave procedure into the patella itself). My patient can now walk normally and can even climb stairs.

In 2008 you and your colleague Dr Wind were awarded the EFOST Travelling Fellowship and spent a couple of weeks in Europe last year. This time the fellowship travelled to America; did you get a chance to meet European winners Dr Mike Carmont and Dr Omer Mei-Dan?

Actually I have now met Mike and Omer twice! Originally I met them at the EFOST meeting and then again during their trip to the USA.  It was terrific to meet two Doctors with such enthusiasm and desire to learn in the clinical arena as well as experience our American culture.  Looking back on our Travelling Fellowship, one of the greatest opportunities for Dr Wind and myself was to experience true European culture. I think the Fellowship offers a truly unique opportunity.

Will you be returning to EFOST in 2010 in Brussels?

I certainly plan to and I’m looking forward to seeing my friends. See you there!

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