As a leader in sports medicine, Lakeshore Hospital works with many world class athletes. Given our expertise in this area, we have been asked by the International Track and Field Federation to put together a written report on the potential effect of artificial bone replacements on athletic performance.
The ITFF is currently facing some controversy related to protests filed by the competitors of a world class high jumper, who recently underwent bone replacement surgery after a devastating injury to his femur. While the athlete is on track to make a full recovery and continue competing in ITFF events, several of his competitors are concerned that the artificial bone may give him an unfair advantage in competition. The ITFF will hold hearings as part of their investigation into this matter and has asked the sports medicine team at Lakeshore Hospital to submit testimony, outlining our professional position on a few key questions. Specifically, they want to know:
- Given that the femur is a lever, how might the interaction between the femur and its surrounding structures (e.g., ligaments, tendons, muscles) impact high jumping performance, especially the raising of the leading knee/leg?
- How might the properties of the titanium itself (strength, stiffness, biocompatibility) impact high jumping performance?
I would like you to draft a statement on behalf of the Lakeshore sports medicine team, which we will submit to the ITFF as written testimony for the hearings. The hearing in turn will ultimately determine whether or not it is fair to let the athlete in question compete.
As you answer the questions, remember that your written statement should be thorough, informative, and easily understood by lay people who do not have a medical background. I’ve attached my notes for your consideration as you prepare the statement. It includes some details from the ITFF about the bone replacement for the athlete in question as well as my suggestions regarding the general direction I’d like you to take when drafting the statement.
Thanks,
Lee Mendoza, M.D.
Lakeshore Hospital
