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.
Optim Orthopedics 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.
01. Services Scaled To Your Needs
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.
02. Speedier Recoveries
Our efficient, coordinated approach means that we can expedite referrals and test results, offer same-day appointments and help facilitate your rapid recovery.
03. Athletes Training Athletes
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)
- 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)
- Board Certification - American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Thomas Alexander, MD
Sports Medicine (Knee, Hip, Shoulder and Elbow)
- Medical School - Medical College of Georgia (Augusta, GA)
- 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
Delan Gaines, MD
Sports Medicine (Knee, Hip and Shoulder)
- Medical School - Medical College of Georgia (Augusta, GA)
- Residency - University Of Tennessee Chattanooga (Chattanooga, TN)
- Fellowship - Steadman Hawkins Clinic Of The Carolinas (Spartanburg, SC)
- Board Certification - American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Justin Lancaster, MD
Sports Medicine / Non-surgical
- Medical School - Mercer University School of Medicine (Macon, GA)
- Residency - Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital (Albany, GA)
- Fellowship - American Sports Medicine Institute with Andrews Sports Medicine (Birmingham, AL)
- Board Certification - American Board of Family Medicine Primary Care
David Palmer, MD
Sports Medicine (Knee, Hip and Shoulder)
- Medical School - University of Florida (Gainesville, FL)
- 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
David Sedory, MD
Sports Medicine (Knee, Hip and Shoulder)
- Medical School - Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (Cleveland, OH)
- 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)
Amir Shahien, MD
Sports Medicine (Knee, Hip and Shoulder)
- Medical School - Louisiana State University School of Medicine (New Orleans, LA)
- 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 Eligible - American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
- Society Memberships - Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA)American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM)
Wesley Stroud Jr, MD
Sports Medicine (Knee, Hip and Shoulder)
- Medical School - Mercer University (Svannah, Georgia)
- Board Eligible - American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
- Society Memberships - Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA)American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM)
- Residency - Orthopedic Surgery at UAB Hospital (Birmingham, Alabama)
- Fellowship - Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center (Birmingham, Alabama)
George Sutherland Jr, MD
Sports Medicine (Knee, Hip and Shoulder)
- Medical School - Eastern Virginia Medical School (Norfolk, VA)
- Residency - Louisiana State University (Shreveport, LA)
- Fellowship - Sports Medicine Fellowship at the Hughston Foundation (Columbus, GA)
- Board Certification - American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
James Wilson Jr, MD
Sports Medicine (Knee, Hip and Shoulder)
- Medical School - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC)
- Residency - Parkland Hospital (Dallas, TX)
- Fellowship - Steadman Hawkins Clinic (Vail, CO)
- Board Certification - American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Chad Zehms, MD
Sports Medicine (Knee, Hip and Shoulder)
- Medical School - Medical College of Wisconsin (Milwaukee, WI)
- Board Certification - American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
- Professional Affiliations - Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
- Residency - Naval Medical Center (Portsmouth, VA)
- Fellowship - Steadman Philippon Sports Medicine Clinic (Vail, CO)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.