Get to Know Dr. Michael C. Ciccotti, Rothman’s Newest Sports Medicine Surgeon – Part Two

Click here to read part one on Dr. Michael C. Ciccotti’s road to covering the Ski and Snowboard Halfpipe teams.  

Are there injuries specific to these athletes you’re expecting to see?

As a Sports Medicine Surgeon, I treat the full spectrum of injuries that athletes and workers might sustain. These are typically injuries involving the knee, shoulder, elbow, and hip joints. Some of the most common injuries I treat include ACL and other ligament tears in the knee; meniscus injuries in the knee; shoulder dislocations and labral tears in the shoulder; rotator cuff tears in the shoulder; biceps and triceps tears of the elbow; and many others. My practice philosophy is “joint preservation” to maintain and extend the life of our natural joints if possible rather than replace them. To do so, I use the best available scientific evidence to guide my recommendations and believe strongly in shared decision-making with my patients. After discussing all of the options and their pros and cons, we make a decision together on the treatment that’s most appropriate for you and your needs and goals. 

Helping to take care of the US Ski and Snowboard team involves all of these same things but with some significant, additional challenges. These incredibly talented skiers and snowboards push the limits of what can be done in practice and competition. If they unfortunately sustain an injury, its often a little more complicated than treating someone on the sidelines of a football field. We have the added difficulty of stabilizing injuries with limited supplies at freezing temperatures with the risk of hypothermia in remote environments where the nearest medical facility may be quite far or even only accessible via helicopter. These challenges force the US Ski and Snowboard medical team to be prepared for any possibility and at the top of their game. I’m very proud to be a part of that medical team and privileged to work with the other doctors, trainers, and therapists that support our US athletes. 

What were you most looking forward to/excited about the most leading into this experience??

Heading into my most recent trip with the team in Saas-Fee, Switzerland, I was particularly excited to work with the Halfpipe teams again. During my fellowship, I had the opportunity to work with both the Ski and Snowboard Halfpipe teams in Kitzsteinhorn, Austria. The coaches and medical professionals that work with these teams on a permanent basis are just absolutely tremendous. It’s a privilege (and a whole lot of fun) to work with each and every one of them. However, I won’t lie and say that I don’t love to clip into my own bindings and get some turns in skiing in mid-October especially in such a special place as the Swiss Alps. The views are just breathtaking. 

What’s an example day covering the Ski team in Saas-Fee, Switzerland?

0630-0730: Touch base with the trainers and coaching staff on anticipated weather for the day and transit time up to the training venue

0800-0900: Load the gondola and tram with the team to head up the mountain

0900-1400: Supervise training at the Stomping Grounds venue at Saas-Fee and evaluate, stabilize, and transport any acute injuries that occur

1400 – 1500: Head back down the tram and gondola to the village

1500 – 1900: Work with team trainers/therapists to evaluate any athletes with a new or old injury and communicate with the domestic medical team for US Ski and Snowboard as needed

1900-2100: Grab dinner with team staff

2100-2200: Prep ski gear and inventory medical/trauma bag for next day’s training

If you’re in need of orthopaedic attention, learn more about our service offerings here.