Dr. Waslewski has a professional interest in shoulder arthroscopy for rotator cuff tears, labral tears, impingement and instability as well as all standard knee procedures. He is also interested in ACL reconstruction and treatment for cartilage defects. He also performs the Tommy John surgery, or ulnar collateral ligament surgery, a procedure associated with throwing injuries. He learned the procedural techniques while studying under James Andrews, MD, of the American Sports Medicine Institute in Birmingham, Ala.
“I believe that orthopedic surgery is a field devoted to improving quality of life,” says Dr. Waslewski on his American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons profile. “We achieve this in many different ways: by eliminating daily arthritic pain (joint replacement), alleviating nagging rotator cuff tendonitis (therapy, possibly an injection and sometimes surgery) and returning athletes and weekend warriors back to their preferred sport or activities after major and minor injuries or setbacks.”
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Waslewski also conducts research on sports medicine topics such as throwing injuries. For one project, he found that 20 minor league pitchers without history of elbow trouble showed abnormal or damaged ligaments in their throwing elbow in an MRI. He presented the study at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine annual meeting, showing that understanding “expected” abnormal findings in a pitcher’s elbow is important when deterring appropriate treatment. His additional research into total knee replacements earned the Insall Award from The Knee Society.
Beyond his work with professional athletes, Dr. Waslewski has served as the head team physician for Central Arizona College director of orthopedics at several area high schools. He has also served as the chairman of orthopedic surgery at Scottsdale (Ariz.) Healthcare.
Dr. Waslewski earned his medical degree at Medical College of Virginia in Richmond and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Arizona Medical Center in Tucson. His additional training includes a fellowship at the American Sports Medicine Institute.
Learn more about Dr. Gary Waslewski.
Read other coverage on orthopedic and spine industry leaders:
– Orthopedic and Spine Industry Leader to Know: Dr. Frederick M. Azar of UT-Campbell Clinic
– Orthopedic and Spine Industry Leader to Know: Dr. Robert G. Marx of the Hospital for Special Surgery
