James Voos, MD, UH Chairman of Orthopaedics and Cleveland Browns Head Team Physician, Receives NFLPS’s Top Research Award
June 27, 2023
Innovations in Orthopaedics | Summer 2023
In March, James Voos, MD, was honored with the NFL Physicians Society’s (NFLPS) Arthur C. Rettig Award for Academic Excellence. The society’s highest research award, the annual prize was established in 2014 to recognize an NFL team physician who exemplifies excellence in academic research and advances the health and safety of players in the National Football League (NFL).
James Voos, MDDr. Voos presented his research, “Return to Play Assessment After ACL Reconstruction Using Wearable Technology,” at the NFLPS Scientific Meeting held during the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
“It is humbling to receive the Art Rettig Award because it is selected by our peers,” says Dr. Voos. “The award is given by the other NFL physicians, who are performing some of the most advanced research in the country and taking care of the highest level of athletes. To be recognized by this body is a great honor.”
In addition to serving as NFLPS Board Vice President and Head Team Physician for the Cleveland Browns, Dr. Voos is Chair of University Hospitals Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, the Jack and Mary Herrick Distinguished Chair in Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, and Charles H. Herndon Professor and Chair at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. In 2024, he will begin his term as NFLPS Board President.
“Dr. Voos is a highly respected orthopaedic surgeon and researcher in ACL reconstruction. He is always looking to utilize cutting-edge technology to help players get back on the field,” says Scott Rodeo, MD, Chair of the NFLPS Scientific Meeting and Head Team Physician for the New York Giants.
Measurable Recovery Following Surgery
Dr. Voos’ research involves utilizing a novel muscle oxygen (SmO2) sensor to monitor patients’ rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction. For the study, Dr. Voos assembled a collaborative, multi-specialty research team, including Jacob Calcei, MD, Dhruv Seshadri, PhD, Ben Geletka, DPT, Ethan Harlow, MD, and Andrew Moyal, MD.
The primary stabilizing knee ligament, ACL tears are one of the most common knee injuries in sports. The oxygen sensor is held in place with an elastic band and uses near-infrared spectroscopy to measure oxygenation and deoxygenation in capillaries and muscle tissue.
Here, Dr. Voos describes his research.
How is this wearable technology measuring recovery? | Utilizing the wearable muscle oxygen sensor, an athlete will do a standardized workout at six, nine and 12 months post-surgery. As muscles in the repaired leg are more able to use oxygen, we know that the ACL is recovering. When oxygenation approximates numbers in the good leg, it is a sign that the athlete may be ready to return to play. In the past, we were limited to more subjective external indicators such as running symmetry or quad measurements. This is the first time we have been able to assess objective internal measurements of how the body is working, which has shed light on helping rehab people more safely.
How are these research findings advancing sports medicine? | The wearable technology we use to rehabilitate our professional athletes provides insight that will translate to our youth athletes and active members of our community. We have already started to use these sensors in our rehabilitation of high school athletes after surgery for ACL tears. We also see expanding this to recovery from other lower-extremity surgeries, such as hip repairs.
What research is on the horizon? | As we continue to expand our ability to monitor recoveries, we hope to help people with soft tissue injuries that may not require surgery, such as a hamstring strain. Ultimately, the long-term goal is to integrate these types of sensors into workout clothing and advance the technology to be predictive of injury. As sensors become more available and easier to use, the hope is that as the body starts to diminish its capacity to consume oxygen, we will be able to identify fatigue and prevent injury.
Ongoing Dedication to Safety and Performance
Dr. Voos and his colleagues working with the Cleveland Browns are among the only groups who routinely present at the annual NFL research meeting. “The NFLPS award helps shine a spotlight on our sports medicine program here at UH and highlights our dedication not only to advancing player safety for the Browns and the NFL but for our youth and community athletes,” says Dr. Voos. “We strive to be true academic leaders, both in Northeast Ohio and throughout the country.”
For more information, contact Dr. Voos at James.Voos@UHhospitals.org.
Contributing Expert:
James Voos, MD
Chair, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Jack and Mary Herrick Distinguished Chair, Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
Charles H. Herndon Professor and Chair
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Head Team Physician, Cleveland Browns
Medical Director, Cleveland Ballet