Category: News

Top 5 Hockey Injuries: Prevention and Treatment for Every Player 

Posted on | by Crux KC

Hockey is one of the most exhilarating sports, known for its speed, agility and high-impact collisions. However, it’s also one of the most physically demanding, and the risk of injury is significant at all levels of play. Whether you’re competing in a high school championship, playing in college or enjoying a rec league game, knowing how to protect yourself—and what to do if you’re injured—can make all the difference. 

At KCOI and KCOA , we know hockey injuries inside and out. KCOA is proud to be the official sports medicine provider for the Kansas City Mavericks, is a proud sponsor of AdventHealth Sports Park at BluHawk and we’ve helped countless players recover and return to the sport they love. Let’s break down the top injuries hockey players face, how to prevent them and the expert care options available in Kansas City. 

Top 5 Common Hockey Injuries 

1) Shoulder Injuries (Dislocations, Rotator Cuff Tears and AC Joint Sprains)

Hockey’s fast-paced, physical nature often puts players’ shoulders at risk. From intense body checks to falls on the ice, shoulder injuries are all too common. 

  • Symptoms: Pain, limited range of motion, swelling and in severe cases, visible deformity. 
  • Why They Happen: Collisions with other players or the boards, combined with the repetitive strain of shooting and passing, can lead to shoulder dislocations, rotator cuff tears and AC joint sprains. 
  • Prevention Tips: 
    • Invest in high-quality, properly fitted shoulder pads. 
    • Include exercises like dumbbell presses, push-ups and shoulder stabilization drills in your workout routine. 
    • Practice proper body-checking techniques to avoid awkward falls. 
  • Treatment Options: Depending on the severity, you might need physical therapy, cortisone injections or surgery. Our specialists use advanced techniques to help players recover quickly and fully. 

2) Knee Injuries (ACL Tears and Meniscus Tears)

Quick stops, sudden direction changes and player collisions place enormous stress on the knees, making them one of the most vulnerable joints in hockey. 

  • Symptoms: Swelling, instability, popping sensations or difficulty bearing weight. 
  • Why They Happen: The intense movements required in hockey, combined with impact injuries, can lead to ligament tears (like ACL or MCL) or meniscus damage. 
  • Prevention Tips: 
    • Incorporate leg-strengthening exercises like squats and lunges into your fitness program. 
    • Focus on agility training to improve your stability during quick pivots. 
    • Use properly fitted skates to maintain knee alignment on the ice. 
  • Treatment Options: Based on the findings from the evaluation performed by a KCOA specialist, treatments like physical therapy may be deployed. If a significant tear or disruption is noted, surgery using minimally invasive techniques at our orthopedic specialty hospital, KCOI, might be necessary.

3) Groin Sprains

Groin injuries are particularly common among hockey players due to the quick lateral movements required for skating. 

  • Symptoms: Pain or tightness in the inner thigh, swelling or difficulty skating. 
  • Why They Happen: Skating’s unique mechanics put a lot of strain on the groin muscles, especially if players don’t warm up properly or overexert themselves. 
  • Prevention Tips: 
    • Prioritize dynamic stretching before games and practices, focusing on the hip flexors and groin muscles. 
    • Incorporate core-strengthening exercises like planks and side lunges into your training. 
    • Gradually increase the intensity of your skating drills to avoid overuse injuries. 
  • Treatment Options: Mild strains typically improve with rest and targeted physical therapy. KCOA providers working with their physical therapy partners can set up a plan to focus on restoring strength and flexibility to get you back on the ice safely. 

 4. Wrist and Hand Injuries (Fractures and Sprains)

Whether blocking shots, falling or handling a stick, hockey players frequently injure their wrists and hands. 

  • Symptoms: Swelling, bruising, reduced grip strength or difficulty moving the fingers or wrist. 
  • Why They Happen: The repetitive motions of shooting and puck-handling, combined with falls and impacts, can cause fractures, ligament sprains or tendon injuries. 
  • Prevention Tips: 
    • Use protective gloves that offer ample wrist support. 
    • Practice proper techniques for falls to reduce the risk of landing on your hands. 
  • Treatment Options: From splints to surgical care, KCOI and KCOA can provide a full range of surgical and nonsurgical treatments for wrist and hand injuries.

5. Hip Injuries

Hockey involves repetitive motions like skating, quick turns, and powerful shots, all of which can strain the hip muscles and surrounding structures. 

  • Symptoms: Pain in the hip area, groin pain, limited range of motion, stiffness, and difficulty walking or skating. 
  • Why They Happen: Falls, collisions, and overuse, along with hockey’s repetitive and quick motions, can also contribute to hip injuries. Common injuries include hip flexor strains, labral tears, and bursitis. 
  • Prevention Tips:  
    • Maintain flexibility in the hip muscles through regular stretching, including dynamic stretches before activity. 
    • Strengthen the muscles surrounding the hip, including the core, glutes, and hip flexors. Exercises like squats, lunges, and side planks can be beneficial. 
    • Proper warm-up before skating or playing, including light cardio and sport-specific movements. 
    • Ensure proper skating technique to minimize strain on the hips. 
  • Treatment Options: Treatment will depend on the specific injury. Options may include rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, injections (such as cortisone), and in some cases, surgery. KCOA specialists can provide a comprehensive evaluation and create a personalized treatment plan.

Injury Prevention Strategies for Hockey Players 

Preventing injuries in hockey involves more than wearing the right gear—it requires a proactive approach to training, preparation and recovery. 

  • Invest in High-Quality Equipment: Ensure helmets, pads and skates fit well and meet safety standards. Poorly fitted gear increases the risk of injury. 
  • Warm Up and Stretch: Skipping your pre-game warm-up can leave muscles tight and prone to strain. Dynamic stretches and light skating drills can help loosen up your body. 
  • Condition Off the Ice: A well-rounded fitness program with strength, flexibility and agility training is essential. Focus on areas like core stability, lower-body strength and endurance. 
  • Stay Hydrated and Rested: Dehydration and fatigue increase the risk of injury, so stay hydrated and ensure you’re well-rested before hitting the ice.

What To Do If You Are Injured?

If you experience pain or suspect an injury, it’s critical to act fast. Ignoring symptoms can lead to further damage or longer recovery times. Here’s how KCOI and KCOA can help: 

  • Expert Diagnosis: Our orthopedic specialists use advanced imaging and diagnostic tools to pinpoint the problem. 
  • Customized Treatment Plans: From physical therapy to surgery, we provide tailored care to get you back on the ice. 
  • Comprehensive Recovery Support: Our team offers rehabilitation programs designed specifically for hockey players, ensuring a safe and effective return to play. 
  • Schedule an Ortho Urgent Care Appointment in the event you need specialized orthopedic urgent care. 

 

Why Choose KCOI and KCOA for Your Care? 

Hockey demands speed, strength and resilience—but injuries can sideline even the toughest players. That’s where KCOI and KCOA come in. With decades of experience treating athletes, we are trusted leaders in orthopedic care, specializing in injury prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. As the official sports medicine provider for the Kansas City Mavericks and proud supporters of local hockey, we understand the unique challenges of the sport and provide expert care tailored to the needs of high school, college and recreational players alike. 

From knee injuries to shoulder dislocations and wrist fractures, our team of specialists is equipped with the latest advancements in sports medicine to help you recover quickly and safely. We offer state-of-the-art imaging, innovative treatment options and customized rehabilitation programs designed specifically for hockey players. Whether you’re looking for non-surgical treatment, physical therapy or advanced surgical care, we’re committed to getting you back on the ice with confidence. 

Don’t let an injury keep you from playing the game you love. Take the first step toward recovery and prevention by scheduling a consultation with a KCOA specialist. Explore the full range of services available to get the expert care you need. 

Your performance on and off the ice matters, and at KCOI and KCOA, we’re here to keep you healthy, strong and ready to play. 

25 Years of Caring at KCOI

Posted on | by Crux KC

Celebrating a quarter century of service to our region.

KCOI and our partner physician clinic Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance​ (KCOA) have been at the forefront of orthopedic medicine for over 100 years. From starting one of the country’s first orthopedic medical residency programs to building Kansas City’s first and only dedicated orthopedic care center, we are known around the country as leaders in our field.

We are proud to continue to deliver innovative, compassionate patient care and an unparalleled patient experience for many years to come.

Learn More about our 25th anniversary on our website: kcoi.com/25years

KCOI & KCOA: Committed to Community Through Charitable Giving 

Posted on | by Crux KC

At Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute (KCOI) and Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance (KCOA), our mission goes beyond delivering exceptional orthopedic care. We are deeply committed to strengthening the communities we serve by supporting organizations and initiatives that uplift lives, promote wellness and foster equality. 

Over the years, KCOI & KCOA have actively partnered with and supported numerous organizations that share our vision for a healthier, more equitable future. Our efforts extend beyond financial contributions—we engage in volunteering, leadership roles and sponsorships that create lasting impacts. 

Making a Difference: Organizations We Support 

To date, KCOI & KCOA have partnered with and contributed to an impressive array of nonprofits that align with our values. These include: 

  • Cornerstones of Care: Supporting trauma-informed care and family preservation services. 
  • SafeHome of Johnson County: Providing safety and resources for survivors of domestic violence. 
  • Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics: Enhancing pediatric care and advancing children’s health outcomes. 
  • Community Blood Centers: Hosted an on-site mobile blood drive to support local blood donation efforts and help save lives in our community. 
  • Shawnee Mission Educational Foundation: Promoting student success through innovative education programs. 
  • American Heart Association: Raising awareness and funding research for cardiovascular health. 
  • Phoenix Family Foundation: Empowering families through housing stability and financial literacy. 
  • Cancer Action: Offering support and resources for individuals affected by cancer. 
  • Project Uplift: Assisting and uplifting Kansas City’s homeless community. 
  • Kansas City Young Matrons: Promoting philanthropic and educational activities. 
  • Fighting Fentanyl 5K: Raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and supporting prevention efforts.
  • KC Care Health Center: Increasing access to quality healthcare for underserved populations. 
  • Children’s Place: Supporting children and families in need. 
  • Shawnee Mission LaSertoma: Advocating for local causes that promote community well-being.
  • UMKC Orthopedic Residency Program: Investing in the next generation of orthopedic professionals. 
  • Kid’s Chance of Kansas and Missouri: Providing scholarships to children affected by workplace injuries. 
  • Arthritis Foundation: Supporting research and resources for arthritis sufferers. 
  • Marlene’s Kaleidoscope: Offering hope and support to individuals in need. 
  • War Horses for Veterans: Providing healing and camaraderie for veterans through equine therapy. 
  • Jaydoc Free Healthcare Clinic: Delivering free healthcare services to the underserved. 

Our team members also hold leadership positions within organizations like KC CARE Health Center and Cornerstones of Care, further demonstrating our deep commitment to serving the Kansas City community. 

Focused Giving: Aligning with Community Needs v

Our approach to charitable giving is intentional and informed. Guided by KCOI’s Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), we focus on addressing critical issues such as access to care, mental health and physical activity. By aligning our efforts with these pressing needs, we ensure our impact is both meaningful and sustainable. 

Recent Highlights: 

  • Fighting Fentanyl 5K: Both KCOA and KCOI supported this important event to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and honor community members like Cooper Davis. 
  • Bespoke Bodies Exhibition: As a sponsor of this exhibit at the National WWI Museum and Memorial, KCOI highlighted the evolution of prosthetic design and its transformative impact on lives. 
  • Sunday Night Live: KCOI’s sponsorship of Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care’s signature fundraiser helps families navigate illness and grief with dignity. 

Join Us in Making a Difference 

Giving back is at the heart of what we do. Whether supporting local nonprofits, championing healthcare innovation or stepping into leadership roles, we are proud to make a positive difference in the lives of others. 

We encourage everyone to join us in these efforts. Together, we can strengthen our community and create a brighter future. 

If you’d like to learn more about what guides KCOI charitable giving in our community, click here.  Learn more about KCOA here.

 

 

Meet Dr. Sean Bonanni, Your Newest Kansas City Expert in Joint Care | KCOI

Posted on | by Crux KC

Dr. Sean BonanniKansas City Orthopaedic Institute (KCOI) and Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance (KCOA) are excited to welcome Dr. Sean Bonanni to our expert team of orthopedic specialists. Dr. Bonanni brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in hip and knee joint preservation, with a strong focus on helping patients restore mobility and reclaim their active lifestyles. 

Born in South Africa and raised in Kansas City, Dr. Bonanni has deep roots in the community. He completed his medical degree and residency at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), followed by an esteemed fellowship in adult hip and knee reconstruction at Northwell Health in New York. During his fellowship, he honed his skills in treating a wide range of hip and knee conditions, from arthritis to cartilage injuries, and developed expertise in complex joint replacements and revision surgeries. 

A Patient-First Approach 

Dr. Bonanni’s commitment to patient care is clear in his philosophy: empowering patients to work together in developing personalized treatment plans. He understands that visiting a surgeon can feel intimidating, but he strives to create an approachable environment where patients feel seen, heard and supported every step of the way. 

“I believe in treating my patients as partners in their healthcare journey. It’s not just about performing surgery; it’s about getting them back to their lives and the activities they love, whether that’s hiking, swimming or simply walking without pain,” says Dr. Bonanni. 

Specializing in Hip & Knee Joint Therapy 

With a specialty in hip and knee arthritis, Dr. Bonanni is passionate about helping individuals suffering from chronic pain regain their independence. He treats patients across a broad age spectrum, from their 30s to their 90s, tailoring treatment plans to each person’s needs. His work includes everything from minimally invasive joint preservation techniques to complete joint replacements and complex revisions. 

“Chronic joint pain can be debilitating, impacting daily activities like walking or even standing. My goal is to help patients not just manage their symptoms but truly improve their function and quality of life,” he said. 

Dr. Bonanni also emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive recovery approach, recognizing that his role is only one part of a patient’s journey to healing. He highlights the significance of physical therapy, patient commitment and home support in achieving successful outcomes after surgery. 

Fall Sports and Joint Care: Staying Active and Injury-Free

As the fall season kicks off, many athletes and recreational sports enthusiasts are eager to get back on the field or court. However, with increased activity comes the potential for joint stress and injury, particularly in the hips and knees. Dr. Bonanni offers some essential advice for staying active and avoiding joint injuries during the fall sports season. 

“Staying active is fantastic for your overall health, but it’s important to be mindful of your body, especially if you haven’t been consistently active,” says Dr. Bonanni. “Many people jump into fall sports, whether it’s weekend football games, running or cycling, without properly warming up or conditioning their bodies, which can lead to injuries.” 

Here are Dr. Bonanni’s top tips for protecting your joints this season: 
  • Warm Up Properly: Before engaging in any sport or exercise, it’s crucial to prepare your muscles and joints. A proper warm-up routine that includes dynamic stretches and light cardio can help prevent muscle strain and joint injuries. 
  • Gradually Increase Activity Levels: If you’ve been less active in the summer or are just starting a new sport, don’t push your body too hard right away. Gradually increase your activity level to allow your muscles and joints to adapt. 
  • Strengthen and Condition: Strong muscles support your joints, so incorporating strength training into your routine can help stabilize the hips and knees. Exercises that focus on the core, legs and lower back are especially beneficial for joint health. 
  • Low-Impact Activities for Joint Protection: Activities like swimming and cycling are great low-impact options that help build endurance and strength without putting too much stress on the joints. These can be especially helpful for people experiencing early signs of hip or knee pain. 
  • Listen to Your Body: Joint pain can be a signal that something isn’t right. If you experience persistent pain or discomfort in your hips or knees, it’s essential to address it early. “Sometimes, simple aches and pains can be managed with rest, ice or physical therapy, but if the pain persists, seeing a specialist for an evaluation is always a smart decision,” says Dr. Bonanni. 

What to Do if You’re Experiencing Joint Pain 

For those in their 30s, 40s or 50s who still want to remain active but experience joint discomfort, Dr. Bonanni suggests a gradual ramp-up to exercise, with a focus on mobility and strengthening exercises. “If you’re starting to experience chronic knee or hip pain, especially as you get older, it’s important to address muscle imbalances and stiffness. In many cases, exercises that improve mobility and strength can alleviate joint pain and allow you to remain active.” 

However, if pain persists or significantly limits your activities, it’s time to consult an expert. “Seeing a specialist can help you get a better understanding of the root cause of your joint pain and provide options for treatment, whether it’s non-surgical methods or, in some cases, surgery,” he adds. 

KCOI and KCOA are thrilled to have Dr. Bonanni as part of our team, where his expertise in joint therapy and dedication to patient-centered care will no doubt benefit many. If you’re experiencing hip or knee pain and want to explore your options, Dr. Bonanni is ready to work with you to find the best path forward. 

Request an Appointment with Dr. Sean Bonanni Today 

Don’t let joint pain slow you down this fall. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Bonanni and learn how his specialized care can help you, click here to request an appointment at the KCOA clinics. To learn more about our other expert KCOI providers, please click here.

Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute names Gene Austin new CEO

Posted on | by Kiran Chandra

Austin will also lead recently-expanded Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance

Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Clinic of Kansas City (OSMCKC) and Midwest Orthopaedics join KCOA, bringing physician count to 40

LEAWOOD, KS – (January 15, 2024) – Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute (KCOI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Gene Austin as its new Chief Executive Officer.  After an extensive search process, Gene was selected from a large group of highly qualified candidates.  Gene will replace Dr. Charles Rhoades, who announced last year his intention to step down from his role of CEO after 25 years, while continuing his orthopedic practice. ​

Photo credit: Mark McDonald Photography

Gene will now lead both KCOI and Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance (KCOA).  KCOA recently announced the addition of two Kansas City-area practices, Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Clinic of Kansas City (OSMCKC) and Midwest Orthopaedics, bringing its physician count to 40. The practice employs over 20 mid-level providers as well.

Gene received a master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of Missouri and has spent most of his career working in orthopedics.  Most recently, he was CEO of Columbia Orthopaedic Group, a 28-physician group.  He has been involved in and led numerous projects including new construction, major remodeling, corporate redesign as well as EMR and practice management system conversions.

When asked about his vision for the future of KCOI, Gene said, “Building on the organization’s strong foundation, I am energized by the unique opportunity to lead KCOI and KCOA at a such a pivotal time.  For the first time in KCOI’s history, the physician owners and medical staff will be represented by the same practice entity.  At the same time, KCOA’s growth will create new patient service opportunities throughout the metro.  While this is a challenging time for healthcare professionals and organizations, we are facing those challenges with an excellent team and a tradition of clinical excellence.”

KCOI opened its doors in January 2000 and is widely recognized for providing expert and innovative orthopedic and musculoskeletal care and is the region’s first and only orthopedic specialty hospital.

 

About Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute:

Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute provides comprehensive orthopedic care; including diagnostic imaging, surgery, pain management services, Ortho Urgent Care, and rehabilitation therapy. KCOI is a physician-owned specialty hospital and joint venture with Saint Luke’s Health System Kansas City.

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Media Contact:

Kiran Chandra | Director of Marketing, KCOI

KChandra@kcoi.com

913-707-4022

Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute Celebrates 20 Year Anniversary

Posted on | by Tyler Ride | Leave a Comment on Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute Celebrates 20 Year Anniversary

3651 College Boulevard ● Leawood, Kansas 66211

www.kcoi.com ● 913-253-8956

 

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Craig A. Brenner

Marketing Manager

Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute

cbrenner@kcoi.com

913-253-8956

 

Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute Celebrates 20 Year Anniversary

 

Leawood, Kansas, January 14, 2020– On January 14, 2020 Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute (KCOI) will celebrate the 20 year anniversary of their first surgery.  In 1998, many of Kansas City’s leading orthopedic surgeons recognized the unmet need in the community for a hospital that was dedicated exclusively to orthopedic care.  A hospital owned by orthopaedic surgeons and managed by orthopaedic surgeons.  The physicians from Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics, Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Clinic of Kansas City, and Orthopaedic and Sports medicine Consultants came together with Saint Luke’s Health System to create the hospital known as Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute.  The hospital officially opened their doors in January of 2000 and had their first surgery on January 14, 2000.

“I can’t begin to express how proud I am of the growth of Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute has experienced over the past 20 years,” said Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute CEO Charles E. Rhoades M.D.  “The genesis of the formation of Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute was to provide our community with the highest possible level of orthopedic care.  We have been able to adapt to fit the needs of our community from expanded services such as our Ortho Urgent Care to our recently completed expansion and renovation of the hospital.  We look forward to serving our community for the next 20 years and beyond.”

Since opening in 2000 Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute has expanded the services they provide the community.  In November 2016 the Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute opened Ortho Urgent Care.  The Ortho Urgent Care provides access to highly specialized orthopedic care and sports medicine experts seven days a week when many people are in need of orthopedic care.  The Ortho Urgent Care staff provides rapid diagnosis and treatment for orthopedic injuries that do not require a trip to the emergency room.

To meet the community’s growing need for specialized orthopedic care, Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute broke ground on a 22,000 square foot expansion and renovations of the hospital.  The expansion and renovations began in February 2017 and was completed in July 2019.  The project included renovation of the entire hospital space.  The hospital now has 17 new and modern inpatient rooms, 8 surgical suites, a new interventional spine suite, MRI, outpatient physical and occupational therapy and an orthopedic urgent care open 7 days a week.

Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute has fellowship trained orthopedic surgeons in nearly every sub-specialty.  KCOI performs nearly 7,000 procedures annually including total joint replacements and reconstructions of the shoulder, hand, elbow, knee hip, foot, ankle and spine.

Over the last 20 years, Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute has received national recognition for the elite level of care they provide.  KCOI continually ranks among the top hospital in the region for Joint Replacement and patient experience ranked by independent quality reviewers.  From 2014 – 2019 KCOI received the CareChex Awards for Top 10% in the nation for the categories of Medical Excellence, Patient Safety, and Patient Satisfaction in the areas of overall surgical care, overall hospital care, overall medical care joint replacement, major orthopedic surgery.

In 2019, KCOI received the Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award for Patient Experience in Inpatient Care.  The Guardian of Excellence Award recognizes top-performing health care organizations that have achieved the 95th percentile or above of performance in Patient Experience. Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute is the only hospital in the Kansas City region to receive the 2019 Guardian of Excellence Award.

KCOI’s commitment to safety and quality is highlighted by an amazing low infection rate of 0.08%- 1/50th the national rate of infection for a hospital.

 

About Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute

As the area’s first and only hospital dedicated exclusively to orthopedics, Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute provides comprehensive orthopedic care, from diagnostic imaging to inpatient and outpatient surgery, pain management services, and rehabilitation therapy. Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute is a physician-owned specialty hospital and a joint venture with Saint Luke’s Hospital. Located in Leawood near Overland Park, Kan., the hospital and its Ortho Urgent Care center proudly serve the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area

 

 

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Dr. Kirk McCullough on Anterior Ankle Impingement Correction with the Arthrex Small Hub Small Joint Torpedo™ Shaver Blade

Posted on | by Tyler Ride | Leave a Comment on Dr. Kirk McCullough on Anterior Ankle Impingement Correction with the Arthrex Small Hub Small Joint Torpedo™ Shaver Blade

Dr. Kirk McCullough demonstrates the repair of the anterior ankle impingement using the 3.5 mm small hub, small joint Torpedo™ shaver of the Arthrex® Synergy Resection System. You can watch the entire presentation here.

Dr. Theodore Koreckij, Spine Surgeon, Offers New Treatment for Chronic Low Back Pain

Posted on | by webmaster@ridedigital.com | Leave a Comment on Dr. Theodore Koreckij, Spine Surgeon, Offers New Treatment for Chronic Low Back Pain

A new treatment is available at Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics from Theodore Koreckij, M.D., orthopedic spine surgeon. The treatment, called the Intracept® Procedure, is an outpatient, minimally invasive procedure for relief of chronic low back pain. Intracept is indicated for patients who have experienced low back pain for more than six months and have not responded to nonsurgical treatments.


The Intracept Procedure uses radiofrequency ablation to relieve chronic low back pain.

The Intracept Procedure blocks transmission of pain signals from the basivertebral nerve, which is located in the bones of the spine (vertebrae). To perform the procedure, Dr. Koreckij advances a specialized probe into the vertebrae through a small incision in the lower back. Once the Intracept probe is positioned at the precise location of the pain-sensing basivertebral nerve, it uses radiofrequency energy (heat) to disable the nerve, rendering it unable to transmit pain signals.

Here is a short video about the Intracept Procedure and how it works.

Results: Decreased Low Back Pain

Dr. Koreckij has been performing the FDA-cleared procedure as part of a second Level I Clinical Study since September 2017. The study, which was designed to corroborate and confirm the results of the first clinical study, closed enrollment earlier this year with superior results. According to Relievant Medsystems, the company that developed the Intracept Procedure, study participants reported a greater than 50 percent decrease in pain at their three-month follow up.

As a result of the study’s successful completion, the Intracept Procedure is now available commercially. Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics, located inside Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute, is currently one of only two facilities in a six-state region to offer the procedure.

“When it comes to back pain treatments, it’s rare to halt a study ahead of schedule, so the early completion speaks volumes about the positive outcomes we can achieve with the Intracept Procedure,” Dr. Koreckij said. “I am thrilled to offer this option to help improve quality of life for people with chronic low back pain.”

About Dr. Koreckij, Orthopedic Spine Surgeon

A board-certified and fellowship-trained spine surgeon, Dr. Koreckij specializes in a variety of surgical and non-surgical treatment options for adult degenerative disorders of the spine and conditions associated with metastatic disease. His commitment to evidence-based medicine and staying current in the latest treatments for spine diseases led to his involvement in the INTRACEPT study.

To consult with Dr. Koreckij about the Intracept Procedure or other treatment options for back and neck pain, call 913-319-7600. New patients may also request an appointment online.