Author: The Orthopaedic Center (TOC)

This year, TOC bids a fond and heartfelt farewell to two extraordinary physicians as they step into retirement. Dr. Lebert and Dr. Greco have each dedicated their careers to the health and well-being of our patients and community, and their retirement marks the end of an era for our practice.

Dr. Lebert: 37 Years of Dedicated Care
Trauma Orthopaedics | Joint Replacement | Hip, Knee & Shoulder

For an incredible 37 years, Dr. Lebert has been a trusted and steady presence at TOC, specializing in trauma orthopaedicsand joint replacement of the hip, knee, and shoulder. Early in his career, he played an instrumental role in launching the Orthopaedic Trauma Service alongside TOC and Huntsville Hospital Health System, a lasting contribution that has shaped patient care ever since. Over nearly four decades, he has treated countless patients with skill, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, consistently earning high praise for his competence and caring demeanor. Patients especially valued how attentively he listens to their concerns, how accurately he identifies issues, and how clearly he explains treatment options an approach that has led to effective care and positive outcomes for so many.

Dr. Greco: 29 Years of Compassionate Care
Sports Medicine | Knee & Shoulder

Alongside Dr. Lebert, Dr. Greco has spent 29 years at TOC as a dedicated sports medicine specialist focused on the knee and shoulder, helping countless patients get back to the activities, sports, and lives they love. Beyond the exam room, his deep involvement with local high schools, colleges like Alabama A&M, and other local athletes, alongside his partnership with Huntsville Hospital Health System, was instrumental in creating the HH Sports Center that has served North Alabama athletes for nearly two decades. Patients consistently reported a highly positive experience with Dr. Greco, frequentlycommending his professional, kind, and compassionate approach. He is especially noted for attentively listening, thoroughly explaining medical information, and offering clear treatment options tailored to each patient’s individual needs.

A Legacy That Will Continue

Together, Dr. Lebert and Dr. Greco represent 66 combined years of experience, care, and leadership at TOC. They’vementored younger physicians, strengthened our practice’s reputation in the community, and touched the lives of thousands of patients, athletes, and families in the North Alabama area.

While we will miss seeing them in the halls of TOC every day, we know this new chapter holds wonderful things: more time with family, long-awaited travels, favorite hobbies, and the freedom to enjoy the rest that they have so richly earned.

Thank You, and Congratulations!

On behalf of everyone at TOC Physicians, staff, and the countless patients whose lives you’ve touched, thank you for your years of service, your expertise, and your heart. Please join us in wishing Dr. Lebert and Dr. Greco a happy, healthy, and well-deserved retirement.
Congratulations, Dr. Lebert and Dr. Greco! Wishing you all the best in this exciting new chapter.

There was a time when joint replacement surgery meant a lengthy hospital stay, months of rehabilitation, and significant uncertainty about the final outcome. Today, thanks to robotic-assisted surgery, that story is being rewritten with one precision-guided incision at a time.

At The Orthopeadic Center, we believe that an informed patient is an empowered patient. Whether you are exploring treatment options for a painful hip, a worn-out knee, or another joint condition, understanding the tools and technology behind modern orthopeadic care can help you make the best decision for your health. That is why we are taking a closer look at robotic-assisted surgery, what it is, how it works, and how it can play a meaningful role in your recovery.

What Is Robotic-Assisted Surgery?

Robotic-assisted surgery is not a robot performing an operation on its own. Let us be clear about that from the start. Your surgeon is always in complete control. What robotic technology provides is a highly sophisticated system that enhances the surgeon’s precision, improves real-time data, and allows for a level of accuracy that goes beyond what the human hand alone can achieve.

The most widely used systems in orthopeadic surgery typically combine three key components:

Pre-Operative 3D Planning. Before you ever enter the operating room, a CT scan of your joint is used to create a three-dimensional model of your unique anatomy. Surgeon use this model to build a personalized surgical plan tailored specifically to your bone structure, alignment, and implant placement needs. No two patients are alike, and this technology ensures your surgery is not treated as one-size-fits-all.

Intraoperative Guidance. During surgery, the robotic arm provides real-time feedback to the surgeon. If the surgical instrument moves outside the pre-planned boundaries — even by a fraction of a millimeter — the system immediatelyalerts the surgeon. This boundary protection helps ensure that bone removal is precise and that only the intended tissue is affected.

Implant Positioning. One of the most critical factors in the long-term success of a joint replacement is how well the implant is positioned. Robotic assistance helps surgeons achieve optimal alignment and fit, which can directly influence how the joint feels and functions for years to come.

 

Who Is a Candidate for Robotic-Assisted Surgery?

Robotic-assisted technology is often used for:

• Total knee replacement — for patients with advanced arthritis or significant joint damage affecting the entire knee
• Partial knee replacement — for patients whose arthritis is isolated to just one compartment of the knee
• Total hip replacement — for patients with hip arthritis, avascular necrosis, or hip joint deterioration

During your consultation, our orthopeadic team will evaluate your imaging, your symptoms, your overall health, and your goals for recovery to determine whether robotic-assisted surgery is the right fit for you. Not every patient requires robotic assistance, but for those who do, the benefits can be significant.

 

How Does Robotic-Assisted Surgery Affect Recovery?

Recovery is one of the most important chapters in any surgical journey. And this is precisely where robotic-assisted surgery has shown some of its most promising advantages.

Less Trauma to Surrounding Tissue. Because the system helps the surgeon work within tightly defined boundaries, there is typically less disruption to the muscles and soft tissues surrounding the joint. Less trauma during surgery generally translates to less pain after surgery.

Reduced Blood Loss. The precision of robotic-guided bone preparation can result in less intraoperative bleeding compared to traditional manual techniques, which supports a smoother recovery process.

Faster Return to Function. Many patients who undergo robotic-assisted joint replacement report being able to bear weight and begin physical therapy sooner than they anticipated. While every recovery is individual and depends on a range of factors including age, overall health, and adherence to physical therapy, robotic surgery’s precision helps lay a strong foundation for a quicker return to everyday activities.

Longer-Lasting Results. Proper implant positioning is one of the strongest predictors of how long a joint replacement will last. When an implant is placed with greater accuracy, it wears more evenly and is less likely to require revision surgery down the road. Robotic assistance significantly improves the consistency of implant placement, which benefits patients for decades, not just months.

Better Symmetry and Natural Feel. Patients often report that a robotically assisted joint replacement feels more natural than they expected. This is in part because the personalized pre-surgical planning accounts for each patient’s specific anatomy and helps the surgical team replicate natural joint mechanics as closely as possible.

 

What to Expect on the Day of Surgery

Understanding the process can help ease anxiety and set realistic expectations.

Your care team will review your pre-operative imaging and surgical plan one final time before you enter the operating room. Once you are under anesthesia, your surgeon will use the robotic arm system in combination with their own skill and clinical judgment to carry out the joint replacement. The robotic technology does not replace the surgeon’s decision-making — it augments it.

Most robotic-assisted knee and hip replacements are performed in two to three hours. Many patients are encouraged to stand or take a few steps with assistance the same day as surgery.

Depending on your overall health and the complexity of your procedure, you may be discharged to go home the same day or after a brief hospital stay. Your care team will provide a detailed recovery plan, including guidelines for pain management, activity levels, and physical therapy scheduling.

Our Commitment to Advanced Orthopedic Care

At our orthopedic center, we are proud to offer robotic-assisted surgery as part of a comprehensive approach to joint health. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons have extensive training in robotic-assisted techniques and are committed to using technology not for technology’s sake, but because it genuinely produces better outcomes for our patients.

From your very first consultation through your final follow-up visit, you will be guided by a team that combines advanced surgical expertise with compassionate, individualized care. We take the time to listen to your concerns, explain your options in plain language, and build a treatment plan that fits your life.

Our orthopedic services include:

• Comprehensive joint evaluations and diagnostics
• Robotic-assisted total and partial knee replacement
• Robotic-assisted total hip replacement
• Minimally invasive surgical techniques
• Sports medicine and injury treatment
• Physical therapy and post-operative rehabilitation support
• Fracture care and trauma orthopaedics
• Spine care and treatment

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you are living with joint pain that is affecting your quality of life, you do not have to accept that as your new normal. Advances in robotic-assisted surgery have made joint replacement safer, more precise, and more effective than ever before — and the right care team can help you get back to doing the things that matter most.

Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and find out whether robotic-assisted surgery may be the right option for you. Our team is here to answer your questions, walk you through your imaging, and help you take confident steps toward a more comfortable, active life.

Schedule an appointment today!

How to Protect Your Back, Shoulders, Elbows, and Knees on the Golf Course

Golf is one of the most popular ways to enjoy the outdoors across North Alabama. Whether you’re playing at a local course in Huntsville, Athens, Decatur, Florence, Guntersville, or Scottsboro, a day on the course should end with a great score, not an injury.

Although golf is considered a low impact sport, the repetitive swinging, twisting, walking, and bending can place significant stress on your muscles and joints. In fact, overuse injuries are some of the most common conditions orthopaedicspecialists treat in golfers. The good news? Many golf injuries are preventable with a few simple habits.

Common Golf Injuries

Golf can affect nearly every major joint in your body.

Some of the most common injuries include:

• Golfer’s elbow
• Lower back pain
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Shoulder tendonitis
• Wrist strains
• Knee pain
• Hip pain

Many of these injuries develop gradually from repetitive swings rather than one specific event.

1. Warm Up Before Every Round

One of the easiest ways to reduce your risk of injury is to warm up before your first swing.

Spend 5 to 10 minutes:

• Walking
• Stretching your shoulders
• Loosening your hips
• Rotating your spine
• Taking several easy practice swings

If you already have arthritis or previous joint injuries, warming up is even more important.

2. Improve Your Swing Mechanics

Poor swing mechanics can increase stress on your:

• Spine
• Elbows
• Shoulders
• Wrists

Working with a golf professional can improve both your game and help reduce unnecessary strain on your joints.

3. Stay Hydrated During Hot North Alabama Summers

Summer temperatures throughout the Tennessee Valley often climb into the 90s with high humidity.

Dehydration contributes to muscle fatigue and cramping, making injuries more likely.

Bring plenty of water and drink throughout your round, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

4. Listen to Your Body

It’s tempting to play through discomfort, especially if you’re having a good round.

But pain is your body’s way of telling you something isn’t right.

Stop playing if you experience:

• Sharp pain
• Sudden weakness
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Significant swelling

Continuing to play could turn a minor injury into one that requires weeks or months of recovery.

5. Protect Your Back

Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints among golfers.

Reduce your risk by:

• Strengthening your core
• Maintaining flexibility
• Avoiding overswinging
• Using proper posture during your swing
• Stretching after your round

6. Be Smart Around the Golf Course

Injuries don’t only happen during your swing.

Remember to:

• Keep your legs inside the golf cart.
• Stay aware of other golfers.
• Watch for stray golf balls.
• Seek shelter immediately if thunderstorms develop.

Simple precautions can prevent serious injuries both on and off the course.

Did You Know?

Walking 18 holes can total 4 to 6 miles, making golf an excellent low-impact form of exercise when your joints are healthy.

When Should You See an Orthopaedic Specialist?

Mild soreness after a round is common.

However, you should schedule an evaluation if your pain:

• Lasts longer than several days
• Returns every time you play
• Limits your swing
• Causes weakness
• Prevents you from enjoying golf

Early treatment often leads to a quicker recovery and helps prevent chronic injuries.

Keep Playing the Game You Love

Golf is a lifelong sport enjoyed by thousands of people throughout North Alabama. With proper preparation, stretching, hydration, and attention to your body’s warning signs, you can reduce your risk of injury and spend more time on the course.
If pain is keeping you from playing your best, the orthopaedic specialists at TOC can help diagnose your injury and develop a personalized treatment plan so you can get back to doing what you love.

Schedule an appointment today!

Many people try to stay active despite demanding work schedules. During the week, they spend hours sitting at a desk. When the weekend arrives, they jump into intense activity—playing pickup basketball, running several miles, tackling yard work, or returning to the gym after weeks of inactivity.

This pattern is commonly known as the “weekend warrior.”

While the motivation to stay active is positive, sudden bursts of intense exercise can significantly increase the risk of orthopedic injuries. Understanding why weekend warrior injuries happen can help you stay active while protecting your joints, muscles, and long-term health.

What Is a Weekend Warrior?

A weekend warrior is someone who performs most of their physical activity during one or two intense sessions each week, often after several days of minimal movement.

These activities often include:

• Recreational sports
• Running or cycling
• Weightlifting
• Yard work or home improvement projects

The issue is not exercise itself. The problem is combining inactivity with sudden high-intensity activity.

When the body moves from limited activity to maximum effort, muscles, tendons, and joints are forced to handle stress they have not been conditioned to manage.

This sudden load often leads to sports injuries and orthopedic problems.

Why Weekend Warriors Experience More Injuries

Orthopedic specialists frequently treat injuries caused by sudden increases in physical activity. Several factors make weekend athletes more vulnerable.

1. Muscles and Tendons Need Consistent Conditioning

Muscles, tendons, and ligaments become stronger and more resilient through consistent physical activity.

When exercise only happens occasionally, these tissues never fully adapt to stress. Jumping into demanding activity after a sedentary week places sudden strain on structures that are not prepared for it.

This can lead to injuries such as:

• Muscle strains
• Hamstring pulls
• Rotator cuff irritation
• Achilles tendon injuries

2. Reduced Flexibility From Sitting All Week

Many people spend most of the workday sitting. Prolonged sitting can tighten muscles and reduce joint mobility.

Tight hip flexors, hamstrings, and lower back muscles are common in people with sedentary jobs. When these muscles are suddenly pushed into explosive movements—such as sprinting, jumping, or heavy lifting—the risk of injury increases significantly.

3. Fatigue Leads to Poor Movement Mechanics

Weekend activities often last longer than a typical workout session.

Examples include:

• A two-hour tennis match
• A long recreational run
• An afternoon of yard work

As muscles fatigue, coordination and stability decline. This increases the likelihood of awkward landings, improper lifting mechanics, and sudden movements that can damage joints or soft tissue.

4. Too Much Activity in Too Short a Time

Many orthopedic injuries occur because of rapid increases in activity level.

For example:

• Someone who runs a few miles every day allows their body to adapt gradually.
• A weekend warrior may attempt a long run after weeks without training.

That sudden spike in physical stress is a common cause of overuse injuries and joint pain.

Common Weekend Warrior Injuries

Orthopedic specialists frequently treat injuries linked to sudden increases in activity.

Some of the most common weekend warrior injuries include:

• Knee injuries, including meniscus tears
• Achilles tendonitis or tendon rupture
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Ankle sprains
• Lower back strain
• Plantar fasciitis

These injuries often occur during recreational sports, home improvement projects, or intense workouts after periods of inactivity.

How to Prevent Weekend Warrior Injuries

The good news is you don’t have to give up your favorite activities. Preventing sports injuries starts with preparing your body through consistent movement.

Exercise More Frequently

Aim for moderate activity several days each week rather than one intense workout.

Even 20 to 30 minutes of walking, strength training, or mobility exercises can help condition muscles and reduce injury risk.

Warm Up Before Activity

A proper warm-up prepares muscles and joints for movement.

Effective warm-ups may include:

• Light jogging
• Dynamic stretching
• Mobility exercises

Warming up increases blood flow and improves flexibility before intense activity.

Increase Activity Gradually

Avoid large jumps in workout intensity or duration.

Gradually increasing weight, distance, or workout time allows the body to adapt safely and reduces the risk of overuse injuries.

Strengthen Supporting Muscles

Strength training improves joint stability and protects ligaments and tendons.

Focusing on core, hip, and shoulder strength can significantly reduce the likelihood of sports-related injuries.

Listen to Your Body

Pain, swelling, or persistent soreness may indicate an injury.
Ignoring these warning signs can turn a minor issue into a more serious orthopedic condition.

When to See an Orthopedic Specialist

If you experience ongoing pain, swelling, instability, or limited mobility after physical activity, it may be time to consult an orthopedic specialist.

Early evaluation can help diagnose injuries such as ligament tears, tendon damage, or joint inflammation before they worsen.

The orthopedic team at The Orthopedic Center treats a wide range of sports injuries and musculoskeletal conditions, helping patients safely return to the activities they enjoy.

The Bottom Line

Staying active is one of the best ways to protect your long-term health. However, exercising intensely only on weekends can increase the risk of injury if your body is not properly conditioned.

Instead of becoming a weekend warrior, focus on consistent physical activity throughout the week. Regular movement strengthens muscles, protects joints, and helps you enjoy sports and recreational activities safely for years to come.

A single bad fall can change your life in seconds. Whether it’s slipping on a wet floor, missing a step on the stairs, tripping over a rug, or falling from a ladder, falls are one of the leading causes of injury across all age groups. While older adults are especially vulnerable, serious fall injuries happen to active adults, athletes, and even children. Understanding the most common injuries caused by falls, and knowing how to reduce your risk, can help protect you and your loved ones.

What injuries can happen from a fall?

The most common injuries caused by falls include:

• Hip fractures
• Spinal cord and back injuries
• Broken bones in the wrist, arm, or shoulder
• Sprains, strains, and soft tissue injuries

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury in both older adults and active individuals.

1. Hip Fractures

Hip fractures are one of the most serious and life-altering fall injuries, particularly in adults over age 65. A hip fracture usually occurs when someone lands directly on the side of the hip. In older adults with osteoporosis (bone thinning), even a simple ground-level fall can cause a break. Hip fractures often require surgery and rehabilitation. An orthopaedic specialist can evaluate the injury and determine the best treatment options. Visit our website for more information or to request an appointment.

Why Hip Fractures Are Serious?

• Often require surgery and recovery may take months
• May lead to prolonged hospitalization
• Frequently result in reduced mobility
• Can increase the risk of complications like blood clots or pneumonia

Warning signs of a hip fracture include:

• Severe hip or groin pain
• Inability to bear weight
• Leg appearing shortened or turned outward

How to Reduce Your Risk:

• Maintain bone health with adequate calcium and vitamin D
• Engage in weight-bearing exercise (walking, resistance training)
• Screen for osteoporosis if you’re at risk
• Remove tripping hazards at home (loose rugs, clutter)
• Consider hip protectors for high-risk individuals
• Use assistive devices (canes or walkers) if balance is impaired

Preventing the first fall is critical, especially for older adults.

2. Spinal Cord and Back Injuries

A fall can place tremendous force on the spine. Injuries may range from painful muscle strains to vertebral fractures or, in severe cases, spinal cord damage. Visit our website for more information or to request an appointment.

Common Fall-Related Back Injuries:

• Vertebral compression fractures
• Herniated discsLumbar strains
• Thoracic spine injuries
• Spinal cord trauma (rare but serious)

Symptoms may include:

• Severe back or neck pain
• Weakness, numbness or tingling in arms or legs
• Loss of bowel or bladder control (medical emergency)

Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis depending on the severity and location of the injury.

How to Reduce Your Risk:

• Strengthen your core muscles to improve spinal support
• Practice balance exercises (yoga, tai chi)
• Avoid climbing unstable ladders or furniture
• Wear supportive footwear
• Use proper lifting techniques
• Address dizziness or balance problems with your healthcare provider

If someone falls and complains of neck or back pain, especially with numbness or weakness, do not move them unnecessarily. Seek emergency care immediately.

3. Broken Bones: Ribs and Upper Extremities

When people fall, their natural reaction is to extend their arms to break the fall. While instinctive, this movement often leads to fractures in the upper extremities.

Common Fractures from Falls:

• Wrist fractures (distal radius fractures)
• Forearm fractures
• Elbow fractures
• Collarbone (clavicle) fractures
• Shoulder fractures
• Rib fractures

Rib fractures are particularly common in older adults and can make breathing painful, increasing the risk of pneumonia.

Signs of a fracture may include:

• Swelling, bruising and/or deformity
• Inability to move the limb or sharp pain with movement

How to Reduce Your Risk:

• Improve balance and coordination
• Keep walkways clearInstall grab bars in bathrooms
• Use handrails consistently
• Strength-train to improve bone density
• Avoid rushing (many falls happen when people are in a hurry)

Early evaluation is important. Some fractures require casting or bracing; others may require surgery to restore proper alignment and function.

4. Sprains, Strains, Soft Tissue Injuries, and Dislocations

Not every fall results in a broken bone, but that doesn’t mean the injury is minor. Soft tissue injuries involve damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

Common Soft Tissue Injuries from Falls:

• Ankle sprains
• Knee ligament injuries
• Shoulder dislocations
• Rotator cuff tears
• Muscle strains
• Hip labral injuries

These injuries can cause:

• Swelling and/or persistent pain
• Instability, limited range of motion, and/or weakness

While some improve with rest and conservative treatment, others may require physical therapy, bracing, injections, or even surgery.

How to Reduce Your Risk:

• Wear supportive, well-fitting shoes
• Warm up before physical activity and maintain strength and flexibility
• Be cautious on uneven or slippery surfaces
• Address chronic joint instability before it leads to a fall

Prompt treatment can prevent long-term instability or chronic pain.

FAQ: Injuries from Falls

What is the most common injury from a fall?

Wrist fractures, hip fractures, and concussions are among the most common injuries caused by falls.

When should you see a doctor after a fall?

You should seek medical care if you experience severe pain, swelling, inability to bear weight, dizziness, confusion, or persistent symptoms after a fall.

Are falls dangerous for adults under 65?

Yes. Falls can cause serious injuries at any age, especially during sports, physical activity, or workplace accidents.

Final Thoughts

One bad fall can lead to a hip fracture, spinal injury, broken bone, or significant soft tissue damage. But many falls, and the injuries that result, are preventable. By improving strength and balance, making simple home modifications, and addressing risk factors early, you can greatly reduce your chances of serious injury. Prevention starts with awareness, and small steps today can protect your long-term health tomorrow.
If you or a loved one experiences pain after a fall, an orthopaedic specialist at The Orthopaedic Center (TOC) can evaluate the injury and recommend the best treatment options.

 

Schedule a visit with a TOC provider to learn more about your treatment options and get back to doing what you love.

Schedule an appointment today!