The History of Lacrosse

Michael Parentis, MD, a physician board-certified in orthopedic surgery, coaches lacrosse in his spare time and has had a great deal of success. He took his team to the 2015 Monsignor Martin League Championship. As a young man, Michael Parentis, MD, developed his passion for lacrosse while playing on The Nichols School team in Buffalo, New York. 



Lacrosse is a sport of North American origin that likely predates the arrival of European explorers and settlers. The sport was played among Native Americans and was characterized in its original form by a netted stick used to convey and to toss a ball, which players were not allowed to touch with their hands. 

The earliest recorded instance of the sport dates to the early 17th century, when it was documented by a Frenchman named Jean de Brebeuf, who watched a competition between teams of Huron Indians. Later historical instances important to Lacrosse history include a lacrosse demonstration in Montreal during the early 19th century. 



In fact, Canada proved to be the cultural incubator in which modern lacrosse developed and from which it ultimately spread. Before the American Civil War had even begun, lacrosse was so popular in Canada, it was the country’s national game. 



Today, lacrosse is growing rapidly, with over 500,000 athletes actively playing the sport.

Common Knee Injuries and Problems

Michael Parentis, MD, a resident of Buffalo, New York, has spent the last two decades leading a successful career in medicine. Serving as an orthopaedic surgeon with the WNY Knee and Orthopaedic Surgery group, Michael Parentis, MD, provides care for all orthopaedic problems in the body and is particularly familiar with injuries to such areas as the knee.

Made up of cartilage, ligaments, bones, and tendons, the knee is the largest joint in the body and, unfortunately, the most easily injured. Below are a few of the more common knee problems and injuries:

- Dislocation. This type of injury occurs when the bones of the knee are either partially or completely out of place. Dislocations often result from an abnormal knee structure or from high-energy trauma like motor vehicle crashes.

- Knee tendon bursitis. Also known as pes anserine bursitis, this condition affects the bursae, small sacs containing fluid located between the bone and soft tissue of the knee. Due to stress and overuse, these bursae can become irritated, thus causing pain inside the knee or just below the knee joint.

- Posterior cruciate ligament injury. Sports-related contact and motor vehicle crashes are the most common causes of posterior cruciate ligament injuries. These injuries occur when the front of the knee is hit while the knee is bent. As a result of the impact, the posterior cruciate ligament tears.

- Unstable kneecap. Normally, the kneecap rests in a notch in the femur that grants the kneecap enough room to move while walking, standing, and sitting. However, when this groove is shallow or uneven, the kneecap can slide off the femur during movement. Further, sharp blows to the kneecap can completely pop it out of place.

AAOS Talks Gardening Safety

Since 2001, Buffalo-based Michael Parentis, MD, has served as an orthopaedic surgeon with Western New York Knee and Orthopaedic Surgery Group, where he offers diagnosis and repair of a wide range of sports-related injuries. In addition to his surgical practice, Michael Parentis, MD, engages with his profession through membership in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

Gardening is a fun and rewarding leisure activity that can not only yield beautiful plants, but also provide nutritious vegetables to use in the kitchen. However, many of the physical movements that are made while gardening, such as bending over and lifting heavy objects, can have a detrimental effect on orthopaedic health if not managed properly. Here are some safety tips from the AAOS to keep in mind when gardening:

1. Stretch beforehand to loosen up the joints and improve range of motion.

2. Be sure to take regular breaks and don’t stay in one particular position for an extended period of time.

3. When lifting heavy objects, bend at the knees into a squatting position rather than bending over. Bending at the knees uses the power of the legs to lift instead of the lower back.

4. Drink plenty of water and use a stool or other device that allows you to stay seated when possible.

The AOSSM’s Bart Mann Award

A longtime orthopedic surgeon, Buffalo, New York, native Michael Parentis, MD, works with the Western New York Knee and Orthopedic Surgery Group. Further, Michael Parentis, MD, retains membership to the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM), a collective of over 3,000 sports medicine professionals.

Beyond providing educational materials for its members, the AOSSM supports sports medicine research via several grant programs, including the Bart Mann Award. Named after the AOSSM’s inaugural director of research, the Bart Mann Award is available to any AOSSM members who serve the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as grant application reviewers. Via the grant, the AOSSM supports research that benefits the sports medicine profession.

First-time Bart Mann Award recipients receive a $5,000 cash grant to put toward their work, in addition to earning recognition in one of the AOSSM’s publications. Further, AOSSM members who have served as grant reviewers on a study section for the NIH in the past become eligible to receive recognition as Bart Mann Award winners.

Useful Tips for Lacrosse Goalies

 

Since 2001, Michael Parentis, MD, has practiced as an orthopaedic surgeon with the WNY Knee and Orthopedic Surgery Group near Buffalo, New York. Away from his work, Michael Parentis, MD, has coached lacrosse at several levels. Here are some tips for new lacrosse goalies.

1. Get good gear. Quality goalie gear will help eliminate your fear of facing fast shots. Equip yourself with a throat guard and purchase specialized gloves to provide added protection to your hands. A well-fitted chest protector, shin guards, and athletic support will enable use your entire body to block shots.

2. See the ball. Adjust your position constantly so you can see the ball during play. Being able to see the ball for at least 1 second prior to a shot raises your chances of making a save, as it allows you to read the potential direction of the shot.

3. Practice catching and throwing. Goalies are often relied upon to start attacks, which makes good catching and throwing skills essential. Having the ability to properly clear the ball to a teammate will ensure the goalie faces fewer shots while keeping his or her team on the front foot.

Recovering from ACL Surgery

Buffalo, New York, native Michael Parentis, MD, practices orthopedic surgery at the WNY Knee and Orthopedic Surgery Group. Working through the group’s offices in Williamsville and Orchard Park, Michael Parentis, MD, treats a range of orthopedic pathologies, including those involving the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Swelling in the knee typically characterizes the first couple of weeks following ACL surgery. Patients can reduce this by elevating their leg four to six times daily and applying ice packs. Although movement will be painful, patients are encouraged to extend and otherwise move their knee during this period. Surgeons can provide medication to manage pain, along with specific exercises that patients should do. Depending on how physically demanding an individual’s job is, he or she can return to work within a few days to weeks.

By the second through fourth weeks, individuals can begin putting weight on their knee. A knee brace will still likely be needed during this time, but patients can often stop using crutches after about 10 days. Assuming an individual demonstrates good mobility and muscle function around his or her knee, he or she may also be able to start driving during this period. 

Patients must continue their physical therapy sessions to return to normal functionality. In most cases, regular physical activity can be resumed by around two to six months after surgery. However, it can take up to a year for some patients to recover fully from ACL surgery.

Becoming a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Orthopedic surgeon Michael Parentis, MD, offers clinical and surgical care to patients at the WNY Knee and Orthopedic Surgery Group near Buffalo, New York. Michael Parentis, MD, is a published author and Diplomate of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS). 

The ABOS establishes and maintains standards for the safe and ethical practice of orthopedic medicine. It certifies the physicians who meet its rigorous standards and oversees the ongoing maintenance of certification for those professionals. 

To qualify for certification, candidates must be graduates of an accredited medical school and a five-year orthopedic residency program in the United States or Canada. Eligible candidates must then pass a two-part examination to become diplomates. 

The first exam is an eight-hour written test. This computer-based exam includes roughly 320 multiple choice questions on orthopedic topics. Each question is evaluated thoroughly, and each year, a task force carefully establishes the passing score. 

Candidates who pass the first section must then take the oral examination within five years. Prospective diplomates must submit a list of surgical cases performed within a specific window, then answer questions about those cases. This examination takes two hours and is conducted by board-certified surgeons. Passing surgeons become diplomates of the ABOS and must re-certify after 10 years to remain current.

AAOS Awarded CME Accreditation by ACCME

Specializing in reconstructive surgical procedures, such as anterior cruciate ligament and rotator cuff repair, Michael Parentis, MD, of Buffalo brings more than 15 years of orthopaedic surgical experience to Western New York Knee and Orthopaedic Surgery. In an effort to stay abreast of emerging trends, as well as network with other professionals, Michael Parentis, MD, belongs to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

The Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) recently recognized the AAOS with accreditation. The seal of approval is a high mark of praise for the organization’s efforts in education at the postgraduate level and distinguishes AAOS as one of the foremost organizations that offers continuing education courses to its members. 

AAOS president Gerald R. Williams, Jr., MD, expressed excitement and pride in his comments on the announcement. He went on to stress the importance of continuing education, calling it one of the core pillars on which the society was founded. Williams also said he believes AAOS offers one of the most comprehensive continuing education tracks in the medical sector.

AAOS to Release Comprehensive Athlete Spinal Injury Book

A South Buffalo, New York, native, Michael Parentis, MD, serves as an orthopaedic surgeon with the Western New York Knee and Orthopaedic Surgery Group. In conjunction with his professional career, Michael Parentis, MD, maintains an active membership with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

The AAOS recently announced the release of a reference book titled Spine Injuries in Athletes. The result of a partnership with health care expert Wolters Kluwer, the book provides comprehensive details of spinal injuries that occur in those who participate in competitive sports. The chief of spine surgery for the Mount Sinai Health System, Andrew C. Hecht, MD, served as the book’s editor.

The topic is especially germane in today’s sports culture, where athletes who participate in high-contact sports are often fearful of spinal injuries, given the potential of these injuries to negatively impact health and end athletic careers. Included in the book are numerous examples of how spinal injuries should be assessed during games, and the criteria for releasing an athlete to return to the game versus holding him or her out, as well as other important information.

Cooking Demos and Classes at the CIA in California

A native of Buffalo, New York, Michael Parentis, MD, provides patient care as a surgeon with WNY Knee and Orthopedic Surgery. Recreationally, Michael Parentis, MD, maintains a passion for food, especially Greek and Italian cuisine, and has taken classes at the Culinary Institute of American (CIA) in Napa Valley. The CIA maintains two campuses in Napa Valley, one in Napa and the other in St. Helena. The Napa CIA is housed in Copia, and daily demos and classes at this location focus largely on pairing wine with food and mastering basic culinary techniques. However, offerings can also cover entertaining tips, various key tricks, and recipes that are meant for the whole family. In St. Helena, the campus is located at Greystone. Here, demos and classes focus on seasonal cooking with local ingredients grown in the Napa Valley wine country. The demos are offered only on weekends, and the recipes are always paired with local wines. While at Greystone, individuals can visit Brother Timothy’s Corkscrew Collection, the Rudd Center for Professional Wine Studies, and the Vintners Hall of Fame to learn more about the history of winemaking and its intersection with culinary exploration. Individuals can learn more about the specific upcoming events on both campuses at CIAChef.edu.

An evaluation of the provocative tests for superior labral anterior posterior lesions