The Sports Docs Podcast

Rotator cuff repair continues to evolve—not only in how surgeons fix the tendon, but in how we think about healing, biomechanics, tissue quality, and augmentation.
In this episode of The Sports Docs Podcast LIVE from the AOSSM Annual Meeting in Seattle, Dr. Albert Lin and Dr. JT Tokish join Dr. Ashley Bassett and Dr. Catherine Logan to discuss strategies for optimizing rotator cuff repair outcomes.
The conversation begins with the evolution of the SpeedBridge repair construct and the emergence of the FiberTak SpeedBridge, including the potential advantages of smaller all-suture medial anchors, bone preservation, independent tensioning, and rip-stop techniques.
The discussion then moves into one of the most rapidly evolving areas in rotator cuff surgery: biologic and structural augmentation. The group explores how surgeons identify patients at increased risk for failed healing, the role of the Rotator Cuff Healing Index, and the expanding options for augmentation—including the use of the long head of the biceps as an autograft and dermal allograft augmentation with CuffMend.
In This Episode
Evolving the SpeedBridge
The SpeedBridge technique has become one of the most established approaches to arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, with more than 15 years of clinical experience supporting its durability.
The group discusses:
How SpeedBridge has changed arthroscopic rotator cuff repair
Footprint restoration and broad tendon-to-bone compression
Load distribution across the repair construct
Long-term clinical outcomes and survivorship
Why reproducibility may be one of the technique's greatest advantages
FiberTak SpeedBridge: The Next Evolution
The conversation then turns to the FiberTak SpeedBridge, which incorporates smaller all-suture anchors in the medial row.
There are several potential advantages:
Smaller drill holes and reduced bone removal
Preservation of greater tuberosity bone stock
Potential advantages in revision surgery
Additional fixation points with less disruption of the footprint
Strong fixation and straightforward tensioning
Increased flexibility when treating complex tear patterns
The smaller 2.6-mm FiberTak RC anchor may allow surgeons to maximize fixation while minimizing disruption of the tuberosity footprint.
Tensionable Knotless Anchors and Delaminated Tears
One of the challenges in rotator cuff surgery is that many tears are not simply a single layer of retracted tendon.
In delaminated tears, the articular and bursal layers may retract differently.
The team discuss how independently tensionable knotless medial-row anchors allow surgeons to:
Evaluate the entire repair before final tensioning
Independently tension individual limbs
Better reduce different layers of the tendon
Improve control of tissue reduction
Avoid simply forcing multiple layers into one fixed position
The conversation also explores the role of a medial pulley rip-stop, which can distribute forces across a larger area of tendon and potentially decrease suture cut-through in compromised tissue.
Who Should Have an Augmented Repair?
Not every rotator cuff repair requires augmentation.
The group discusses how surgeons can identify patients at increased risk for failed healing based patient, tear and surgical factors. 
The Rotator Cuff Healing Index
The discussion includes the Rotator Cuff Healing Index (RoHI), a scoring system designed to predict the likelihood of healing following rotator cuff repair.
The guests discuss how risk stratification can help surgeons determine when the additional cost and complexity of augmentation may be justified.
Biceps Smash: Turning the Long Head of the Biceps Into an Autograft
One of the most fascinating concepts discussed is the use of the long head of the biceps tendon as an autologous scaffold for rotator cuff augmentation.
Dr. Tokish discusses the development of the Biceps Smash, in which the harvested proximal long head of the biceps tendon is compressed into a flattened graft that can be incorporated into the rotator cuff repair.
Potential advantages include:
Readily available autologous tissue
No additional donor-site morbidity
No immunologic concerns associated with allograft tissue
Highly organized parallel collagen architecture
Potential biologic activity from viable tenocytes
Ability to potentially serve as a carrier for additional biologic therapies
The group also discusses emerging clinical data examining healing and patient-reported outcomes following biceps autograft augmentation.
Dermal Allograft and Other Scaffold Options
The conversation then expands to other augmentation strategies, including:
Dermal allograft
Xenograft
Synthetic scaffolds
Autograft tissue
The guests discuss the differences between structural support and biologic integration, as well as the importance of understanding how different scaffold materials interact with the host tissue.
Dermal allograft has accumulated substantial clinical evidence supporting its use in selected rotator cuff repairs, particularly larger and higher-risk tears.
The discussion also addresses concerns surrounding xenograft and synthetic materials, including inflammatory and foreign-body responses.
CuffMend: Simplifying Dermal Allograft Augmentation
For surgeons who elect to augment a repair with dermal allograft, the procedure itself can add complexity and operative time.
Dr. Tokish discusses how the CuffMend system is designed to streamline graft handling and delivery.
The conversation focuses on how improvements in instrumentation and graft preparation can potentially:
Reduce operative time
Simplify graft handling
Improve procedural efficiency
Reduce technical variability
Make augmentation more accessible to surgeons
SpeedFlex and Graft Preparation
The guests also discuss SpeedFlex, which uses pre-sized and pre-sutured ArthroFlex grafts.
Available graft configurations include:
20 × 25 mm and 25 × 30 mm
1-mm and 2-mm thicknesses
Rather than requiring surgeons to prepare and load the graft intraoperatively, the pre-sutured configuration is designed to streamline preparation and reduce variability.
FiberStitch RC Simple
Another innovation discussed is the FiberStitch RC Simple implant for medial graft fixation.
Dr. Tokish explains how the system can facilitate a "sandwich stitch," allowing the graft to be compressed between fixation points on the superior and inferior surfaces.
Available straight and reverse-curved options provide additional flexibility for medial graft fixation.
Key Takeaways
1. The repair construct matters.
SpeedBridge has established a strong clinical track record, while FiberTak SpeedBridge builds on that foundation with smaller all-suture medial anchors and additional flexibility.
2. Bone preservation may be particularly important in complex and revision cases.
Smaller all-suture anchors can minimize bone removal and preserve the greater tuberosity footprint.
3. Not every rotator cuff repair needs augmentation.
Patient characteristics, tear morphology, tissue quality, and repair mechanics should all factor into the decision.
4. The biceps may be more than a pain generator.
The long head of the biceps can potentially serve as a readily available autologous scaffold for rotator cuff augmentation.
5. Dermal allograft remains an important augmentation option.
Clinical evidence supports its use in selected higher-risk repairs, particularly larger or compromised tears.
6. Making augmentation easier may increase adoption.
Streamlined graft preparation, delivery, and fixation can reduce operative complexity while maintaining the principles of sound repair.
7. The ultimate goal is healing—not simply repair.
Modern rotator cuff surgery increasingly focuses on creating the biologic and biomechanical environment necessary for durable tendon-to-bone healing.
Featured Research
Millett PJ, et al. Long-term outcomes following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using the SpeedBridge technique. The study demonstrated approximately 94% survivorship at 10 years, highlighting the durability of the construct.
Colbath G, Murray A, Siatkowski S, et al. Autograft long head biceps tendon can be used as a scaffold for biologically augmenting rotator cuff repairs. Arthroscopy. 2022.
Kwon J, et al. The Rotator Cuff Healing Index: A New Scoring System to Predict Rotator Cuff Healing After Surgical Repair. American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2019.
Tokish JM, et al. Recent clinical work evaluating the use of a compressed long-head-of-biceps autograft for rotator cuff augmentation demonstrated promising healing rates and clinical outcomes at early follow-up.
This episode of The Sports Docs Podcast was sponsored by Arthrex.

Lateral extra-articular procedures (LEAPs) have evolved from a controversial adjunct to ACL reconstruction into an increasingly evidence-supported tool for managing rotational instability and reducing graft failure in appropriately selected patients.
In this episode of The Sports Docs Podcast, Drs. Henry Ellis and Bonnie Gregory join us live from the AOSSM Annual Meeting to discuss where lateral augmentation fits in modern ACL management. They explore the evidence behind lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET), patient selection and indications, potential complications, LET versus anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR), surgical technique, fixation strategies, and rehabilitation considerations.
The conversation also highlights the Arthrex Knee FiberTak system, including how an all-suture anchor platform may address some of the limitations of traditional LET fixation.
Key Topics Discussed
Why add a lateral augmentation procedure to ACL reconstruction?Evidence demonstrating reduced ACL graft rupture and improved rotational stability
The role of LEAP in high-risk primary ACL reconstruction and revision ACL surgery
Impact on return to sport and pre-injury level of play
Emerging evidence supporting the cost-effectiveness of LET

Understanding the potential downsidesLateral-sided pain and hardware irritation
Hematoma and need for hardware removal
Early quadriceps weakness
Concerns regarding over-constraint and long-term degenerative changes
Whether adding a lateral procedure meaningfully changes postoperative recovery

Who actually needs a LEAP?Young, active athletes
High-grade pivot shift or anterior laxity
Knee hyperextension
Revision ACL reconstruction
Athletes returning to pivoting sports
Hamstring autograft ACL reconstruction
Multiple coexisting risk factors
Chronic ACL deficiency and other emerging indications

LEAP in elite athletesHow professional team physicians are approaching lateral augmentation
Current practice patterns in elite and professional sports
The balance between maximizing graft survivorship and avoiding unnecessary procedures

LET versus ALL reconstructionDifferences in surgical approach
Clinical outcomes and graft failure
Rotational stability
Operative time, cost, and potential complications
Why surgeons may favor one technique over the other

Modern LET surgical techniqueGraft harvest and preparation
Relationship of the graft to the LCL
Femoral fixation
Knee position during fixation
Graft orientation and isometry
Avoiding over-constraint
Importance of anatomic attachment sites
Management of the IT band at the conclusion of the procedure

Spotlight: Arthrex Knee FiberTak
The episode takes a closer look at the Knee FiberTak platform and its application in lateral augmentation.
The guests discuss how an all-suture anchor platform may offer advantages compared with traditional fixation methods, including:
Reduced hardware prominence
Bone preservation
Potentially decreased risk of tunnel convergence
Low-profile fixation
Ergonomic instrumentation designed specifically for the knee
Multiple fixation configurations for different surgical applications
The Knee FiberTak family includes:
Double-Knotless Anchor
Double-Knotted Anchor
Hybrid Anchor
InternalBrace Anchor
Knee FiberTak Button
The discussion explores how surgeons select between different configurations and how a versatile fixation platform can improve efficiency and adaptability in the operating room.
Rehab & Return to Sport
The episode concludes with a practical discussion of rehabilitation following ACL reconstruction with lateral augmentation.
While the addition of a LEAP generally does not dramatically alter standard postoperative restrictions, the guests emphasize several priorities:
Regaining full knee extension
Restoring quadriceps strength and activation
Monitoring early quadriceps recovery
Maintaining appropriate progression through rehabilitation
Preparing the athlete for a safe and successful return to sport
Summary
LEAPs are no longer simply a historical technique being revisited. Contemporary evidence suggests that appropriately selected patients—particularly young, high-risk athletes, patients with significant rotational instability, revision ACL cases, and athletes returning to pivoting sports—may benefit from lateral augmentation as part of a comprehensive ACL reconstruction strategy.
The challenge for modern sports surgeons is determining who truly benefits, which technique is most appropriate, and how to perform the procedure without introducing unnecessary morbidity or over-constraint.
Disclaimer
This episode is sponsored by Arthrex. The discussion includes Arthrex products, including the Knee FiberTak system. The views and opinions expressed by the guests are their own and are intended for educational purposes.

Advances in ACL reconstruction continue to push the field toward stronger fixation, improved graft protection, and more biologically friendly implants. In this special sponsored episode of The Sports Docs Podcast, recorded live at the 2026 AOSSM Annual Meeting in Seattle, Drs. Catherine Logan and Ashley Bassett welcome Dr. Seth Sherman to discuss the latest innovations in graft fixation and how they are changing the way surgeons approach ACL reconstruction.
The conversation begins with one of the most important decisions in ACL surgery—graft selection. Dr. Sherman shares his approach to choosing between bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB), quadriceps tendon, and hamstring autografts, emphasizing how patient age, sex, sport, anatomy, and activity level influence decision-making. He also discusses the growing body of evidence supporting quadriceps tendon autografts, particularly in young athletes and female patients.
The discussion then shifts to the evolution of graft fixation, from interference screws to adjustable-loop suspensory fixation, and the advantages of modern cortical fixation systems. Dr. Sherman explains how the Arthrex TightRope SB represents an evolution in ACL fixation by combining an all-suture, low-profile design with familiar surgical workflow, radiopaque visualization, and secure adjustable-loop fixation.
The hosts and Dr. Sherman also explore InternalBrace™ augmentation, reviewing the biomechanical rationale, surgical pearls, and emerging clinical evidence supporting graft protection during the vulnerable early phases of ligament healing. Together, they discuss how thoughtful implant design and biologic principles are helping surgeons optimize outcomes while preserving future surgical options.
Whether you're an experienced sports medicine surgeon or a trainee learning modern ACL techniques, this episode provides practical insights into the latest advances in ACL reconstruction.
In This Episode
 Factors that influence ACL graft selection, including age, sport, sex, and anatomy 
 The growing role of quadriceps tendon autografts in primary ACL reconstruction 
 How suspensory fixation has evolved over the past decade 
 Advantages of adjustable-loop cortical fixation systems 
 Features and clinical applications of the Arthrex TightRope SB all-suture fixation device 
 Benefits of preserving bone stock and eliminating permanent metallic hardware 
 Radiopaque implant visualization and its role during surgery 
 Technical considerations and learning curve for adopting all-suture fixation 
 Biomechanical principles and clinical evidence supporting InternalBrace™ augmentation 
 Surgical pearls for avoiding over-constraint during InternalBrace fixation 
 How TightRope SB integrates seamlessly with InternalBrace augmentation 
 The future of biologically friendly, low-profile implant technology in ACL reconstruction 
Key Takeaways
 ACL graft selection should be individualized based on patient-specific factors including sport, anatomy, age, and sex. 
 Quadriceps tendon autografts continue to gain popularity due to predictable graft size, excellent clinical outcomes, and lower donor-site morbidity. 
 Adjustable-loop suspensory fixation has become a reliable and versatile option for modern ACL reconstruction. 
 The Arthrex TightRope SB combines familiar surgical technique with an all-suture, low-profile design that preserves bone and eliminates permanent metallic hardware. 
 Radiopaque implant technology offers additional intraoperative confidence while maintaining the benefits of soft-tissue fixation. 
 InternalBrace™ augmentation functions as a load-sharing construct that may reduce graft strain during early healing while allowing normal rehabilitation when properly tensioned. 
 Modern ACL innovation continues to focus on preserving biology, minimizing hardware, and improving long-term patient outcomes without increasing surgical complexity. 
About Our Guest
Dr. Seth Sherman is a board-certified orthopaedic sports medicine surgeon specializing in arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery of the knee, shoulder, and elbow. He is widely recognized for his expertise in ACL reconstruction, cartilage restoration, and sports injury management, and is an active educator, researcher, and national lecturer dedicated to advancing evidence-based sports medicine.
This episode is sponsored by Arthrex.
Thank you to Arthrex for supporting continuing education and innovation in sports medicine.
Follow The Sports Docs Podcast for conversations with leading surgeons, researchers, and innovators advancing orthopaedic sports medicine through evidence-based education, surgical innovation, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

The future of sports medicine isn't shaped solely in the operating room—it is also driven by visionary leadership, collaboration, education, and innovation. Live from the AOSSM Annual Meeting in Seattle, Drs. Catherine Logan and Ashley Bassett sit down with Corey Parker, MPA, the newly appointed CEO of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM), to discuss his vision for one of the world's leading sports medicine organizations.
With more than two decades of executive leadership experience in healthcare, academic medicine, and national physician organizations, Corey shares what drew him to AOSSM and how he plans to help the society continue advancing education, research, advocacy, and member engagement in an era of rapid change.
The conversation explores how AOSSM is preparing surgeons for emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and biologics, expanding mentorship and leadership opportunities for early-career members, and strengthening collaboration across the multidisciplinary sports medicine team. Corey also discusses the importance of serving both academic and private practice surgeons while ensuring the organization remains innovative, financially strong, and increasingly valuable to its members.
Whether you're a resident just beginning your career or a seasoned sports medicine surgeon, this episode offers an inside look at the leadership shaping the future of our specialty.
In This Episode
 Corey Parker's journey to becoming CEO of AOSSM 
 Why AOSSM continues to be a global leader in sports medicine 
 Supporting residents, fellows, and early-career surgeons through mentorship and leadership development 
 Strengthening connections between academic and private practice sports medicine physicians 
 Developing the next generation of leaders within AOSSM 
 Building stronger partnerships across the sports medicine care team 
 Corey's vision for the future of AOSSM and the legacy he hopes to leave 
Key Takeaways
 Leadership is essential to advancing sports medicine beyond clinical innovation. 
 Lifelong education and evidence-based guidance remain central to helping surgeons navigate an evolving field. 
 Mentorship and early career engagement are critical investments in the future of the specialty. 
 Collaboration across physicians, therapists, athletic trainers, researchers, and industry drives better patient care. 
 A strong professional society must continue evolving while remaining focused on its mission and its members. 
About Our Guest
Corey Parker brings more than 20 years of progressive executive leadership in healthcare, academic medicine, and national medical societies. He currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, where he oversees a complex enterprise of 65 staff and a combined operating budget exceeding $30 million. Previously, he served as Executive Director of Surgical Accreditation at the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, where he led accreditation efforts for orthopedic surgery and other surgical specialties nationwide. Earlier leadership roles within major academic health systems further reflect his expertise in operational excellence, financial stewardship, and large-scale team development.
Parker will join the AOSSM professional team on April 6, 2026. He succeeds CEO Greg Dummer, who announced his intent to retire last August. Dummer has served as CEO since July 2016 and will remain with the organization through the 2026 Annual Meeting to support a smooth and successful transition
Follow The Sports Docs Podcast for conversations with leading surgeons, researchers, and innovators who are advancing the field of sports medicine through cutting-edge science, education, and collaboration.
https://www.cloganmd.com/
https://orthopedicnj.com/physicians/ashley-bassett

Recorded live from the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) Annual Meeting in Seattle, Dr. Aaron Krych joins Drs. Catherine Logan and Ashley Bassett for an in-depth discussion on the rapidly evolving field of cartilage restoration. The conversation explores how treatment has shifted from simply filling cartilage defects to restoring the entire knee joint through comprehensive patient evaluation, biologic innovations, and advanced surgical techniques.
The Evolution of Cartilage Restoration
Why focal cartilage defects should be viewed as a "whole joint disease"
Moving beyond isolated microfracture
The growing importance of correcting alignment, instability, and meniscal deficiency
Earlier intervention in young athletic patients to preserve long-term joint health
Understanding Natural History
Why untreated cartilage defects can enlarge over time
Risk factors for lesion progression and development of secondary cartilage injuries
Counseling patients on long-term consequences and timing of intervention
Modern Treatment Algorithms
Why strict size-based algorithms are becoming less relevant
Patient-specific factors influencing procedure selection:Age
Activity level
Defect size and location
Subchondral bone involvement
Previous surgery
Overall joint health

Diagnostic Evaluation
The expanding role of advanced MRI
When diagnostic arthroscopy remains essential
Emerging applications of nano-arthroscopy for:Preoperative lesion evaluation
Assessment of graft incorporation
Evaluation of persistent postoperative symptoms

Single-Stage Cartilage Restoration Techniques
AutoCart
Single-stage autologous cartilage restoration
Surgical technique pearls
Cartilage harvest using GraftNet technology
PRP/BMAC augmentation
Technical considerations for successful implantation
Osteochondral Options
When bone involvement changes the treatment strategy
Indications for:Osteochondral Autograft Transfer (OATS)
Fresh Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation

Choosing between autograft and allograft techniques
Alignment Matters
Why cartilage restoration cannot succeed in an overloaded compartment
Indications for combining osteotomy with cartilage restoration
Medial high tibial osteotomy (HTO)
Distal femoral osteotomy (DFO)
Benefits of patient-specific instrumentation for osteotomy planning and execution
Lessons Learned
Dr. Krych shares valuable experience on why successful cartilage restoration depends on more than the graft itself.
Key factors influencing outcomes include:
Proper patient selection
Mechanical alignment
Knee stability
Meniscal integrity
Patient commitment to rehabilitation
Key Takeaways
Cartilage restoration has evolved from treating isolated defects to preserving the entire joint.
Modern decision-making is individualized rather than based solely on defect size.
Addressing alignment, instability, and meniscal deficiency is often just as important as restoring cartilage.
Biologic augmentation and single-stage procedures continue to expand treatment options.
Successful outcomes rely on appropriate patient selection and meticulous surgical technique.
Featured Guest
Dr. Aaron Krych is an orthopedic sports medicine surgeon at Mayo Clinic specializing in cartilage restoration, complex knee preservation, ligament reconstruction, and sports-related injuries. His clinical expertise and research have helped shape many of today's modern cartilage restoration strategies.
Subscribe to The Sports Docs Podcast for conversations with leaders in orthopedic sports medicine, surgery, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and athlete performance.
www.cloganmd.com
https://orthopedicnj.com/physicians/ashley-bassett