A Thrilling Game, a Thriving Partnership
Every four years, soccer takes its turn in the limelight with the action-packed World Cup, captivating millions of viewers around the globe. Even skeptical spectators find it difficult not to be intrigued by the passion and intensity of the world's most popular sport. Between the World Cup and the growing popularity of American soccer, more and more fans both young and old are following the exhilarating game and the ups and downs of its beloved players.
Whether it is time for the World Cup or not, soccer is always on the minds of two of our Commonwealth Orthopaedics members. As team physicians for the D.C. United professional soccer team, William Hazel, MD, and Christopher Annunziata, MD, care for a roster of exceptional players year-round.
Partners from the Start
When D.C. United formed in 1996 in the inaugural season of Major League Soccer, Washington, D.C., quickly developed a dedicated fan base for the club. As the team took shape, it immediately realized its need for a local medical staff that could care for the many injuries the players would incur. Having worked with professional teams in the past, Dr. Hazel, along with Commonwealth Orthopaedics' Frank Pettrone, MD, was chosen as one of the original team physicians. Today, the partnership between Commonwealth Orthopaedics and D.C. United continues as Drs. Hazel and Annunziata manage the team's orthopaedic care.
Caring for Sports-Related Injuries
Along with the incredible success of the team, the intense nature of the sport and the grueling schedule mean the players face frequent injuries and medical concerns. Dr. Annunziata explains the role of the team physicians: "In general, we help the team with a variety of sports-related injuries -- not only surgical care but day-to-day care for their injuries throughout the season, such as soft tissue injuries, muscle injuries, and head injuries. We also do a weekly clinic with the players and try to get them back to full participation as quickly as possible."
In the club's short history, several D.C. United players have suffered multiple injuries, including ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries, ankle fractures, and torn cartilage. In terms of treating the players, complete sports medicine care is possibly the best descriptor of what happens day in and day out. Sometimes that treatment may involve surgery.
In recent seasons, Dr. Annunziata has performed meniscal cartilage surgery on goalie Nick Rimando and arthroscopic ankle surgery on David Stokes. Other times, though, the treatment may be nonoperative, as with the care and rehabilitation of forward Alecko Eskandarian, who suffered multiple concussions.
"The level of play in this league is higher than what most Americans would expect," Dr. Hazel explains. "The nature of the players' injuries varies. In time, you get to know the players and what their bodies can do. They get tired, and we have had to learn to anticipate and deal with that."
Caring for star midfielder Ben Olsen is an ongoing responsibility for Dr. Hazel. "It is interesting to watch Ben as he matures," says Dr. Hazel. "He has gone from relying on his speed to playing more in the midfield. And he has adapted and become a real team leader, even winning a spot on the U.S. Men's Team. It's fun to watch players adapt as their skill levels change. Keeping Ben in the game is very rewarding."
Another factor that keeps the treatment of D.C. United both interesting and challenging is the varying ages of many of the players. "Bobby Convey was only 15 when he was drafted," says Dr. Hazel. "We also have Freddy Adu who was still in high school when he was drafted. So developing younger players was something we had to work on. Their medical treatment is different as their growth plates are still open. We run the gamut from teenage phenomenons to older players."
As D.C. United -- or "the Black and Red" as many refer to them -- continues to win the affection of many Washingtonians and furthers American appreciation for the sport, Drs. Hazel and Annunziata and the Commonwealth Orthopaedics team are proud to partner with such a diverse and outstanding sports organization right here in our own community.
William A. Hazel, Jr., MD, earned his medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina, completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at the Mayo Clinic and is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. A founding member and President of Commonwealth Orthopaedics, Dr. Hazel serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of the American Medical Association and as a speaker and officer for a number of medical societies. He volunteers as Team Physician for Chantilly High School.
Christopher C. Annunziata, MD, earned his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at Georgetown, and followed that with a sports medicine/knee and shoulder surgery fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Sports Medicine Center. He is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He serves as a Team Physician for James Madison High School, a consultant for McLean Youth Soccer and is a Clinical Assistant Professor for the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Georgetown University Medical Center.
