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SOUTHEAST LEADERS IN FELLOWSHIP TRAINED ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS

Speciality: Sports Medicine
SPORTS MEDICINE
FELLOWSHIP TRAINED OPTIM ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS
Our team of orthopedic surgeons specializing in sports medicine have the extensive expertise and experience that make Optim the orthopedic practice of choice in the region. All of our sports medicine physicians are board certified and fellowship trained in the treatment and prevention of sports and exercise related injuries in patients of all ages, from children and teens to adults. These doctors have a unique skill set and specialize in treating the knee, hip, shoulder and elbow. In addition to treating active adults and recreational athletes, our sports medicine doctors are on the sidelines providing medical care for high school and college sports teams throughout our region.
DON AARON, MD: Orthopedic Sports Medicine
Our team of orthopedic surgeons specializing in sports medicine have the extensive expertise and experience that make Optim the orthopedic practice of choice in the region.
All of our sports medicine physicians are board certified and fellowship trained in the treatment and prevention of sports and exercise related injuries in patients of all ages, from children and teens to adults. These doctors have a unique skill set and specialize in treating the knee, hip, shoulder and elbow. In addition to treating active adults and recreational athletes, our sports medicine doctors are on the sidelines providing medical care for high school and college sports teams throughout our region. Sports medicine injuries and conditions include: meniscus tears; cubital tunnel syndrome, elbow bursitis, tennis or golfers’ elbow; rotator cuff injuries; shoulder dislocation; hamstring strain; patellar tendinitis; shin splints; and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. From non-operative treatments to state-of-the-art surgical procedures, Optim orthopedic sports medicine doctors provide the most comprehensive multidisciplinary care imaginable. Make an appointment with one of our sports medicine doctors today and get you back to you.
SERVICES SCALED TO YOUR NEEDS
SPEEDIER RECOVERIES
ATHLETES TRAINING ATHLETES
Our multidisciplinary teams offer a variety of non-invasive therapies as well as state-of-the-art surgical treatments for acute and chronic sports injuries.
Our efficient, coordinated approach means that we can expedite referrals and test results, offer same-day appointments and help facilitate your rapid recovery.
As athletes ourselves, we can better identify and guide your unique path back to your favorite activities whether you are an elite or recreational competitor.
OPTIM ORTHOPEDICS SPORTS MEDICINE
Our People Make The Difference
Behind every treatment or procedure is a specially trained, highly experienced professional who’s dedicated to giving you the best care possible so that you can get back to life—quickly, safely, and confidently. They’re experts at what they do, and we’re proud to have them as part of our team.


Don Aaron, MD
SPORTS MEDICINE (KNEE, HIP AND SHOULDER)
Board Certification American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Medical School Mercer University School of Medicine (Macon, GA)
Residency
Campbell Clinic (Memphis, TN)
Fellowship
American Sports Medicine Institute with
Dr. James Andrews (Birmingham, AL)
Thomas Alexander, MD
SPORTS MEDICINE (KNEE, HIP, SHOULDER AND ELBOW)
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Residency
University of Tennessee: The Campbell Clinic (Memphis, TN)
Fellowship
Steadman Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas Fellowship in Shoulder Reconstruction and Sports Medicine
Board Certification American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Medical School Medical College of Georgia (Augusta, GA)

Delan Gaines, MD
SPORTS MEDICINE (KNEE, HIP AND SHOULDER)
Board Certification American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Medical School Medical College of Georgia (Augusta, GA)
Residency
University Of Tennessee Chattanooga (Chattanooga, TN)
Fellowship
Steadman Hawkins Clinic Of The Carolinas
(Spartanburg, SC)
David Palmer, MD
SPORTS MEDICINE (KNEE, HIP AND SHOULDER)
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Residency
University of Missouri at Kansas City (Kansas City, MO)
Children’s Mercy (Kansas City, MO)
Fellowship
Medical College of Virginia (Richmond, VA)
Board Certification American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Medical School University of Florida (Gainesville, FL)
David Sedory, MD
SPORTS MEDICINE (KNEE, HIP AND SHOULDER)

Residency
Brooke Army Medical Center (San Antonio, TX)
Internship
Brooke Army Medical Center (San Antonio, TX)
Board Certification American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Society Memberships Orthopaedic Trauma Association
Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons
Fellow of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
Medical School Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
(Cleveland, OH)
George Sutherland Jr, MD
SPORTS MEDICINE (KNEE, HIP AND SHOULDER)
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Residency
Louisiana State University (Shreveport, LA)
Fellowship
Sports Medicine Fellowship at the Hughston Foundation (Columbus, GA)
Board Certification American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Medical School Eastern Virginia Medical School (Norfolk, VA)
Amir Shahien, MD
SPORTS MEDICINE (KNEE, HIP AND SHOULDER)
Residency
Boston University School of Medicine/ Boston Medical Center (Boston, MA)
Fellowship
American Sports Medicine Institute - Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center (Birmingham, AL)
Board Certification American Board of Orthopedic Surgery Eligable
Medical School Louisiana State University School of Medicine (New Orleans, LA)
James Wilson Jr, MD
SPORTS MEDICINE (KNEE, HIP AND SHOULDER)

Residency
Parkland Hospital (Dallas, TX)
Fellowship
Steadman Hawkins Clinic (Vail, CO)
Board Certification American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Medical School University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC)
Chad Zehms, MD
SPORTS MEDICINE (KNEE, HIP AND SHOULDER)

Residency
Naval Medical Center (Portsmouth, VA)
Fellowship
Steadman Philippon Sports Medicine Clinic (Vail, CO)
Board Certification American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Professional Affiliations Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
Medical School Medical College of Wisconsin (Milwaukee, WI)
Surgical Care + Primary Care Sports Medicine
Our highly experienced orthopedic surgeons use advanced equipment and technology to perform the least invasive surgery possible for chronic orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions. Our specialized treatments are informed by the latest research and designed to deliver the most effective patient outcomes. They include a number of specialized services including trimming damaged cartilage and joint replacement.
Arthoplasty
This is the surgical reconstruction or replacement of a joint, including the hip, knee, elbow, shoulder, wrist and ankle. Our orthopedic surgeons are highly trained at treating joint conditions using the latest techniques and procedures. We offer many types of arthroplasty services, including minimally invasive total and partial joint replacement, complex total joint replacement and joint resurfacing.
Cartilage Restoration
Sports injuries and overuse can damage cartilage in your joints or cause it to wear away. Without cartilage, the protective tissue that covers the tips of your bones, you can experience pain and reduced mobility. We offer advanced, minimally invasive surgical procedures that can help restore cartilage and allow you to avoid a joint replacement.
Primary Care Sports Medicine
Our primary care sports medicine providers specialize in conservative treatments focused on sports injuries and illnesses. From asthma to ankle pain, we address any condition that may prevent full enjoyment of physical activities and living a healthy lifestyle. In addition to addressing your sports medicine needs, our primary care physicians can also provide all aspects of your healthcare, ranging from preventive health visits to treatment of acute illnesses.
Arthoscopy
Athletes can experience damage to their joints due to arthritis, misalignment, overuse or acute injury. Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique that allows our surgeons to looks inside the knee and guide small instruments to remove or repair damaged tissue, improving joint mobility. It uses a small camera and other surgical tools that are inserted into the joint through several tiny incisions under local anesthetic. Most patients can return home the same day and return to regular activities within a few days or weeks.
Fracture or Dislocation Repair
Sports injuries can result in bone fractures and dislocations, which often occur at the same time. Our orthopedic surgeons use advanced techniques to effectively reposition and stabilize broken bones and repair torn ligaments, so that you can return to an active lifestyle as soon as possible.
Osteotomy
This sophisticated surgical technique allows our sports medicine specialists to correct bones that are misaligned due to arthritis, overuse or injury. Osteotomy can help younger athletes avoid a joint replacement while regaining mobility and returning to an active lifestyle.
KNEE CONDITIONS
ACL Tear
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear
Baker’s Cyst
Bursitis of the Knee (Pes Anserlne Bursitis)
Cartilage Injuries
Hamstring Muscle Injuries
Knee Arthritis
Knee Ligamentous Injuries
Knee OCD Lesions
Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Injury
Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injury
Meniscus Tear
Meniscus Tears
Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Patella Instability
Patella Tendon Injuries
Patellar Fracture
Patellar Tendinitis
Patellar Tendon Tear
Patellar Tracking Disorder
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Prepatellar Bursitis (Kneecap Bursitis)
Quadriceps Tendon Tear
Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)
Tibial Fractures
Tibial Plateau Fracture
KNEE PROCEDURES
ACL Reconstruction
ACL Reconstruction (Arthrex® TightRope®)
ACL Reconstruction (Patellar Tendon Graft Technique)
ACL Reconstruction with Hamstring
ACL Reconstructron (Patellar Tendon Graft Technique}
Arthroscopic Chondroplasty
Arthroscopy
Cartilage Repair, Open Incision Technique (Zimmer DeNovo NT Natural Tissue Graft)
Cartilage Restoration
Cartilage Restoration Surgery
KNEE PROCEDURES CONT'
Knee Fractures
Lateral Release and Medial Imbrication
Ligament Reconstruction
Loose Body Removal (Knee)
Meniscal Repair
Meniscus Repair (Arthroscopic Technique)
Microfracture Drilling Procedure for Isolated Chondral Defect
MPFL ReconstructionMRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Multi-ligamentous Knee Reconstruction
Partial Knee Replacement
Partial Meniscectomy
Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Reconstruction
Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy
Total Knee Replacement
Total Knee Replacement (Computer-Assisted Robotic Knee Replacement – Mako)
Total Knee Replacement (Uncemented)
Unicondylar Knee Resurfacing
SPORTS MEDICINE LOCATIONS:
Savannah (Chatham)
210 East DeRenne Avenue
Savannah, GA 31405
ORTHOPEDICS: 912.348.8249
THERAPY: 912.644.5333
Pooler (Chatham)
101 W. Mulberry Blvd. Ste. 140
Pooler, GA 31407
912.748.5111
Bluffton (Beaufort)
8201 Pinellas Dr.
Bluffton, SC 29910
843.705.9401
Reidsville (Tattnall)
247A South Main St.
Reidsville, GA 30453
912.557.8990
Claxton (Evans)
602 E. Long St.
Claxton, GA 30417
912.739.3275
Optim Surgery Center - Savannah
210 East DeRenne Ave.
Savannah, GA 31405
912.644.5343
Optim Medical Center Tattnall
247 South Main St.
Reidsville, GA 30453
912.875.7947