All About Osteoporosis

Did you know your bones are continually remodeling? Small amounts of bone tissue are absorbed by the body while small amounts are replaced. When more bone is lost than replaced, the density of the bones diminishes, weakening the bone structure. This condition is called osteoporosis and is the reason for over 2 million related fractures each year. There are ways these can be avoided and treated. In this post, we share how.

Healthy Bone v. Osteoporosis

What Causes Osteoporosis?

There are many risk factors that lead to increased bone loss. Family history and age are catalysts for a physician to prescribe a bone density test. Other factors include physical health/strength and excessive smoking or alcohol intake.

Higher risk for women over 35: Generally women are prone to lose more bone mass than men as their age, particularly during menopause, when bone loss is accelerated. It’s important to speak to a primary physician or gynecologist for recommended treatment to preserve bone mass.

How to Prevent Osteoporosis and Related Fractures?

Strong body means strong bones and good balance prevents falls, so engaging in even simple training exercises on a regular basis will reduce your risk of fractures.  Try weight-bearing activities like sit-to-stand exercises, walking or hiking, or stair climbing. Balance drills like standing on one leg (using a chair for support) and bending down then back up. Yoga and Tai-chi are also great activities to include in your routine. Along with adding regular exercise to your week, ceasing smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are key to preventing bone loss. These lifestyle changes allow your body to better support bone building cells.

How is Osteoporosis Treated?

Aside from fracture prevention methods detailed above, medications are available to help decrease the amount of bone being lost. Through testing, a physician can determine your bone strength level and prescribe a treatment accordingly. Medications include different hormone therapies and twice-yearly injections. These methods focus on suppressing ongoing loss, not restoring lost bone – therefore good prevention methods are paramount to curbing osteoporosis.

The strength of our bones, especially as we age, can make all the difference in the quality of life we lead. We hope you incorporate good habits into your everyday life to prevent unnecessary fractures. The specialists at NEOSM are here to support you when you need us.

NEOSM Partners with Montefiore

Northeast Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is proud to announce our partnership with Montefiore Health System. We’re excited to provide the same level of exceptional care to our patients with the support of Montefiore. Read the press release below to learn more. For patient FAQs, click here.


NORTHEAST ORTHOPEDICS AND MONTEFIORE ORTHOPEDICS PARTNER TO ENHANCE SERVICES AND CARE IN THE HUDSON VALLEY

NEW YORK (December 15, 2021) – Northeast Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, whose clinicians are renowned for providing personalized and compassionate orthopedic care to people across the Hudson Valley for over 30 years, has partnered with Montefiore Orthopedics, to enhance services and access to patients with complex care needs.

As of December 2021, Northeast Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (NEOSM) and Montefiore Orthopedics will together offer traditional orthopedic services, including joint replacement surgery, rheumatic care, pain management services and sports medicine, across the nine NEOSM offices, and subspecialists from Montefiore, including pediatric orthopedic surgeons and tumor specialists, will now also be part of the enhanced care teams.

“The doctors at Northeast Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have proudly provided our patients with advanced, cutting-edge comprehensive musculoskeletal care throughout many specialty areas for over 30 years,” said Doron Ilan, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon and President of NEOSM. “We are thrilled to combine our efforts with Montefiore in a partnership that builds upon NEOSM’s position as a leader in orthopedics and further enhances the level of care in our community.” 

NEOSM is the largest orthopedic practice in the lower Hudson Valley and Montefiore Orthopedics is nationally ranked as high performing by U.S. News & World Report in its Best Hospitals list. Combining their strengths, 20 NEOSM physicians are now part of Montefiore’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery and the expanded team of board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic specialists will be better equipped to serve a broad range of health needs in the community.

“Northeast Orthopedics & Sports Medicine has long been recognized as a leader in providing advanced musculoskeletal care to people in Westchester, Rockland and Orange counties,” said Neil J. Cobelli, MD, Professor and University Chairman, Montefiore Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Albert Einstein College of Medicine. “We are delighted to bolster the NEOSM team and together offer sophisticated, evidence-based therapies to patients across the region.”

For more information about the new partnership, please visit: https://neosmteam.com/partnership-faqs


About Montefiore Health System

Montefiore Health System is one of New York’s premier academic health systems and is a recognized leader in providing exceptional quality and personalized, accountable care to approximately three million people in communities across the Bronx, Westchester and the Hudson Valley. It is comprised of 10 hospitals, including the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital and more than 200 outpatient ambulatory care sites. The advanced clinical and translational research at its medical school, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, directly informs patient care and improves outcomes. From the Montefiore-Einstein Centers of Excellence in cancer, cardiology and vascular care, pediatrics, and transplantation, to its preeminent school-based health program, Montefiore is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system providing coordinated, comprehensive care to patients and their families. For more information, please visit www.montefiore.org. Follow us on Twitter and view us on Facebook and YouTube.

About Northeast Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Northeast Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (NEOSM) is the largest orthopedic practice in the lower Hudson Valley, with 9 locations within Rockland, Orange & Westchester Counties and 20 physicians. The specialized team of physicians at NEOSM have been providing quality, advanced musculoskeletal and related care in a compassionate and caring manner for over 30 years. With specialists in general orthopedics, sports medicine, joint replacement, hand surgery, foot & ankle surgery, pain management, orthopedic trauma, joint replacement, spinal care and rheumatology, NEOSM utilizes a comprehensive approach to care while applying the latest advances in medicine and surgery. Learn more at NEOSMteam.com.

NEOSM/Montefiore Partnership FAQs

Northeast Orthopedics and Sports Medicine (NEOSM) is proud to announce that we are now part of the Montefiore Health System! Through this partnership, NEOSM will continue providing the highest level of care to our community with the support and resources of Montefiore. We are excited for this new affiliation and the opportunities for enhanced care it provides.

Naturally, questions arise as to the impact of this new relationship, but rest assured, most patient experiences will remain the same. We’ve addressed what we anticipate to be common questions below. We hope the following information is helpful, but should you have additional questions, feel free to call our office to speak with a staff member.

Will all NEOSM locations remain open?

Yes! All nine NEOSM locations are still open and accepting patients. Click here for a list of locations and contact information.

Will my provider still be at NEOSM?

Yes, they will. All 20 physicians, 2 Nurse Practitioners and 6 Physician Assistants are practicing from our offices. Click here to learn more about our highly-talented team.

I have surgery scheduled. Will it still take place at the same facility?

Yes. No changes have been made to where our surgeons perform their procedures. Follow your surgical instructions as provided.

I have an upcoming appointment. Do I need to call to reschedule?

Nope, not at all. All appointments will continue as normal.

Will you be accepting my insurance?

NEOSM accepts most forms of insurance. Speak with one of our offices to see if your plan is included.

Who will be billing me: NEOSM or Montefiore?

You will start to see patient invoices for NEOSM on Montefiore letterhead. Be sure to remit as indicated on the invoice.

Are you still called Northeast Orthopedics and Sports Medicine?

For now, yes. Though a name change may be in our future.


Thank you for being a valued patient and for your continued support. We’re thrilled to continue to be your orthopedic practice of choice!

How to Prepare for Your Orthopedic Visit

Whether you are scheduled for a consultation or in need of immediate medical care, the providers at Northeast Orthopedics & Sports Medicine are committed to making sure you leave our office knowledgeable and comfortable with your treatment. With a little preparation from patients, we can ensure all visits are effective in this way. Here is our recommended plan for you to get the most from your orthopedic appointment:

What to Bring

  • Before your visit, be sure to gather all information and documents that may be pertinent to your case. Remember your insurance card or any necessary referrals.  
  • If you have x-rays/imaging, lab tests or medical records from other doctors relating to your issue, bring them with you to your appointment.
  • Make a list of any medications or supplements you are currently taking.
  • Have your medical history handy, including dates of any prior surgeries, medical conditions or allergies.
  • Are there specific questions on your mind? It’s best to jot them down and bring them to your office visit to ensure they are answered.

Appointment Day

  • Your provider will need to examine the area where you require care, so consider this when dressing for your appointment. You may want to wear clothes that are comfortable to remove if needed.
  • We ask that you try to arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time, so our front desk can ensure all your paperwork is in order and you are properly checked-in.
  • When you meet with your provider please be honest and forthcoming, even if you may feel some details are unimportant or as though they may embarrass you. It’s vital for our care team to have all information related to your case in order to provide appropriate treatment plans.
  • Don’t forget to ask the questions you brought with you and any that may come up during your appointment. Our providers want you to feel comfortable with your course of care, so please ask away!
  • We encourage you to take notes during your visit. A lot of details may be discussed, so you don’t want to rely on memory alone. Be sure to include information like: pre/post-surgery instructions; bandage or cast care do’s & don’ts; and what new symptoms may require an immediate call to your doctor.

We hope by reading through these tips, you will feel prepared and comfortable for your appointment. Remember, the providers and staff at NEOSM are always here to answer questions. Just give us a call.

Hudson Valley Top Doctors 2021

It is with great pride that we announce the NEOSM physicians named to Hudson Valley magazine’s Top Doctors list for 2021. Congratulations to the following doctors for the acknowledgement of their tireless commitment to their patients.

Orthopedic Surgery

William Davis Jr, MD
Barry Kraushaar, MD
Mark Medici, MD
Patrick Murray, MD
Steven Renzoni, MD
Richard Semble, MD
Jordan Simon, MD

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Michael Robinson, MD

Rheumatology

Shivani Purohit Mehta, MD

Sports Medicine

Richard Popowitz, MD

Congratulations to you all! If you’d like to make an appointment for consultation with one of our talented physicians, please call an office near you.

The Rise of One-Sport Injuries

As a parent, it’s easy to go “all-in” on a sport your child really enjoys or excels in. But studies are showing that playing the same sport for three or more seasons of the year is resulting in a spike in overuse injuries in young athletes. While sudden trauma injuries are immediately apparent, overuse injuries appear gradually and can be easy to miss. What can you do to prevent serious injury if your son or daughter has become a “one-sport” athlete and how do you spot trouble? The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) have created The One-SportTM campaign to answer that question and to guide parents and coaches.

Preventing Injuries

Following the guidelines below will help kids get the most out of their sport while reducing risk of injury.

PHYSICAL – It’s a good idea to have your child visit their doctor for a physical before their season starts to screen for, diagnose and treat any conditions.

WARM UP & COOL DOWN – Gradually increasing the heart rate before exercise and allowing a gradual decrease after is important. During warm up and cool down, give a proper amount of time to stretch muscles gently.

HYDRATE– Taking a water break at least every 30 minutes (or more often depending on weather and activity) is key to preventing cramps and muscle spasms.

PROPER EQUIPMENT – Always use proper equipment when participating in a sport. Be sure all gear fit well, are in good condition and are checked on a weekly basis.

GRADUAL TRAINING INCREASE & INSTRUCTION – You wouldn’t jump in the deep end at your first swim lesson for the same reason you shouldn’t train to extremes from the start. Allow your child to gradually increase the intensity of their training as their skills and strength grow. Look to coaches and trainers for guidance on correct form and appropriate exercises suited to your athlete’s ability.

BREAKS AND REST – The most important lesson to teach kids during training is how to listen to their bodies and take a break when necessary. Until they learn how, adults should encourage scheduled rests during training or competition, plus rest days during the week to allow their bodies to recover.

Spotting Trouble

Don’t miss the signs of overuse. Early action can prevent long term effects on performance or quality of life. Take action if you notice any of the following:

  • Isolated pain when using a body part
  • Sleep disruptions
  • Preference to put weight on one side of the body rather than another
  • Numbness or tingling in extremities
  • Headaches during or after training or competition
  • Stiffness in joints or muscles
  • Unusual weakness
  • Presence of blisters or irritate skin

If you see the presence of any of these signs, call one of our orthopedic and sports medicine specialists as soon as possible. With early evaluation and intervention, you can prevent injuries that can have life-long implications.

For more information on The One-SportTM campaign, visit www.stopsportsinjuries.org.

NEOSM 2021 ‘Pink for Hope’

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, NEOSM staff once again wore pink in support of all those affected by breast cancer and in an effort to bringing awareness to early detection. Here are pictures from our annual Pink for Hope day held on October 21.

How to Care for Your Cast

We know it’s not the best news when you or your child need to be placed in a cast. But your orthopedic knows it’s the best course of action for your injury to heal properly. For however long it needs to remain on, we have some tips on how to make sure your time in your cast is successful.

When You First Get Your Cast

When first injured, the swelling that occurs can make the cast feel tight and uncomfortable. It’s important to take measures to treat the swelling to help the healing process by doing the following in the first 24-72 hours.

ELEVATE – Prop the injured arm or leg with support so that it is above the heart to allow fluid and blood to drain.

MOVEMENT – Move uninjured fingers and toes to prevent stiffness.

ICE – Apply ice to the injured area. Be sure to place loose ice in a plastic bag to keep the area dry and loosely wrap around the cast.

Caring for Your Cast

KEEP IT DRY – It’s important to keep the cast, and the injury, dry. When bathing or showering, cover the cast in two layers of plastic and seal with a band or duct tape. Avoid submerging in water, even when covered. Some injuries can be treated with a waterproof cast, so ask your doctor if yours is safe to get wet.

KEEP IT CLEAN – Dirt and sand particles can not only irritate the skin, but can hinder the healing process.

ITCHINESS – It’s common, but don’t try to relive any itches with an object or powders into the cast. If it continues and is unbearable, contact your doctor.

DON’T DIY – Don’t mess around with your cast. No pulling at the padding and no trimming of any rough edges without consulting your orthopedic. Never remove the cast on your own.

SPEAK UPIf you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, be sure to let your physician’s office know.

  • Increased pain or tightness
  • Numbness/tingling in the casted area
  • Burning or red/raw skin around the cast
  • Inability to move toes or fingers
  • Crack or soft spot on the cast

With proper care, you can ensure the time needed in a cast isn’t unnecessarily extended. And, as always, the specialists at Northeast Orthopedics and Sports Medicine are here to answer any questions and guide you through your treatment. We welcome your call any time.