For Immediate Release

Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Mark Sanders Develops Advanced Program for Sports Injuries

Rapid Recovery ACL Treatment the Cornerstone of New Sanders Clinic

HOUSTON - Dr. Mark S. Sanders' unconventional approach to sports injuries puts his ACL patients and elite athletes back in the game in three months - challenging traditional treatment and recovery times. This innovative program fast gaining attention in Houston is the cornerstone of his new center, the Sanders Clinic for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine at Twelve Oaks Medical Center.

Dr. Mark Sanders is a pioneer in the field of Accelerated Rehabilitation, who has for the past 20 years specialized in the treatment of knee and shoulder injuries - including rotator cuff injuries, shoulder instability, and ACL and other ligament tears. His approach to sports injuries and high success rate are prompting patients and Orthopaedic professionals alike to reassess age-old treatment practices.

"We prefer to return our patients to a state of health and well being without surgery and have developed an aggressive and healthful plan that has yielded tremendous success. But, when surgery is necessary for serious injuries such as some ACL tears, we help patients reach the strongest point they can before we schedule the procedure. This ensures the optimal results and fastest recovery," said Dr. Sanders.

Dr. Sanders advises young athletes across the United States on ways to overcome ACL injuries and avoid those in the future, underscoring mobility, a balanced workout of muscle groups, and core strength building. He and his staff of certified trainers develop an individualized strength-building program and corresponding diet to ensure a safe and rapid return to activity, for both surgical and non-surgical patients.

"We have found that patients requiring surgery on ACL injuries regain mobility much more quickly when they first regain some strength and increased movement in their injured leg. Too often, physicians rush to surgery without properly preparing the injured leg. This will invariably lead to postoperative stiffness, which is sometimes permanent," added Sanders.

At the Sanders Clinic, patients undergoing ACL Reconstruction have a number of graft options to pick from - including Allografts (from cadaver) and Autografts (from patient's own tissue). Dr. Sanders advises patients on the best graft choice for their condition based on their age and level of activity, though most often advocates Autografts from the unaffected leg for the fastest rehabilitation results.

"Dr. Sanders' approach made all the difference. He was one of the first physicians to use the techniques he did. He and the trainers were also really good about telling me about the strength of the quads and how they can overpower the hamstrings and result in an injury if they aren't kept equally strong - something you just don't realize," said Carolyn Moser, former patient and owner/instructor of a Tae Kwon Do school.

Dr. Sanders was listed among H Texas Magazine's Top Docs in 2004 and is a member of the Harris County Medical Association, the Texas Medical Association, the American Medical Association, the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation, the American Academy of Orthopaedic and Neurological Surgeons, and the Texas Bar Association Public Grievance Committee. Log onto www.sandersclinic.net for complete program details.