Sports Medicine Physician Helps Young Cyclist Return to Action

Jamie O. Edwards, M.D.
The Orthopedic Institute of Wisconsin

Do you think that most bike accidents are caused by moving cars? In reality, more than 80 percent of all bike injuries happen when cyclists lose control of their two-wheeler from riding or braking too fast or from running into railroad tracks, potholes or other bicyclists. Just ask 11-year-old Danny Suffern of West Bend. On April 14, Danny flew off his bike during an exciting “spinout” and broke his right wrist. “Little League baseball had just begun, and Danny’s accident brought his season to a screeching halt.” says his mother Lori Suffern.

Danny initially saw his pediatrician, Lisa Seefeld, MD, who ordered X-rays and promptly referred the case to her colleague, a sports medicine specialist at the Aurora Health Center in West Bend. As a family practitioner who is fellowship trained in sports medicine, Jamie Edwards, MD enjoys working with pediatric patients. “A lot of people think sports medicine is just for high school and college athletes and the pros,” says Dr. Edwards. “On the contrary, we are trained and qualified to treat patients from early childhood on. They’re very active and they want to stay active. That’s a great reason to see a physician with a sports medicine focus.”

Danny Suffern who suffered a broken wrist was back on the baseball field two weeks after the cast was removed thanks to Dr. Edwards.

A sports medicine physician is a doctor with specialized training who provides care to active individuals from “weekend warriors” to competitive athletes. In addition to primary care, patients who choose a sports medicine physician have access to specialized services such as sports injury assessment and management; care of sports related needs of athletes; sports psychology services and education and counseling on injury prevention.

When Dr. Edwards first saw Danny, he was concerned about the close proximity of the fracture to the growth plate in his wrist. That turned out not to be a problem, but it was important for a doctor to have the skills to fully understand the situation. At age 11, Danny has a lot of growing to do. “Like most fractures in young people, Danny’s was a simple one that didn’t require any surgical intervention,” says Dr. Edwards. “We casted him for a few weeks and he healed very well.”

“Actually he healed incredibly well,” says his mother. “Two weeks after the cast was removed, Danny got the go-ahead to play baseball again and he couldn’t be happier! This is a little boy who’s always on the move… baseball, basketball, football… even in a cast he wanted to run on the track team!”

“I have a feeling we may be needing Dr. Edwards again in the coming years,” says Lori, a mother of four active children. “It’s nice to have a physician in town who understands the importance of athletics in a child’s life.”