Paul Cain, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine physician with Central Maine Orthopaedics in Auburn. He focuses on arthroscopic and open surgery of the knee and shoulder, cartilage restoration, knee ligament reconstruction and sports medicine. Dr. Cain led the development of the Central Maine Orthopaedics sports medicine program and helped the program to become involved with local sports teams, community education and preventative programs. He served as the president of the Central Maine Orthopaedics board and currently serves as the chairman of the board.
Here he discusses the evolution of sports medicine, how to become an active participant in a community and the question of degenerative changes after ACL surgery.
Q: Why did you choose to become an orthopedic surgeon?
Dr. Paul Cain: I was attracted to orthopedics when I was a third year medical student. The orthopedic residents I was working with had a lot of energy and enjoyed what they were doing. Whether it was setting fractures, putting on casts or operating, it seemed to be a good combination of smarts and skills.
Q: How was sports medicine changed since you first began to practice?
PC: Sports medicine is much more accepted as a subspecialty now. In my early years some would refer to the specialty as "general orthopedics for sweaty patients." Now the training is much more involved and standardized. The expectations are higher as well.
Q: How has your community involvement contributed to the way you view orthopedics and sports medicine?
PC: I have been involved with our community sports programs since I began practice. Serving as a coach, referee, board director or administrator is a great way to get to know people and for them to get to know you. The message I have tried to get across is that the best thing about sports medicine is teaching young people healthy life styles and avoiding injuries.
Q: What is one of the most challenging reconstructive surgery cases that you have encountered?
PC: The most challenging ligament reconstructive surgery cases I have encountered have been dislocated knees where all four major ligaments were disrupted. These cases are surgical marathons, with multiple ligament grafts, tunnels and fixation points; all of which need to be precisely placed and secured. Then the rehab starts…
Q: What are some of the biggest unanswered questions in sports medicine?
PC: The biggest unanswered in sports medicine may be how to avoid the degenerative changes that take place after ACL injuries. Right now we are reasonably good at providing stability for an ACL deficient knee so many can return to sports, but the long term results show many of these patients go on to develop arthritic changes at a relatively early age.
A series of articles featuring orthopedic surgeons on issues ranging from personal background to current research developments is published weekly. We invite all orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine specialists to participate.
If you are interested please email cpallardy@beckershealthcare.com.
More Articles on Sports Medicine:
Foot & Ankle Surgery & Establishing an Orthopedic Non-Profit Organization: Q&A With Dr. Selene Parekh of Duke University
Evidence-Based Medicine & the Next Frontier in Orthopedics: Q&A With Dr. David Dines of Hospital for Special Surgery
Catering to the Patient & Practicing Internationally: Q&A with Dr. Sonu Ahluwalia of Cedars Sinai Medical Center