Geoffrey H. Westrich, MD
Media Coverage
Dr. Westrich and his work have been featured in numerous television, newspaper and on-line reports. The media also call on him when they need an expert in hip and knee problems.
Here are some of the reports in which he has been featured:
Yahoo! Health, MSN Health
“Injections May Boost Knee Surgery Success," January 28, 2010.
Numerous health web sites picked up an article about a study conducted by Dr. Westrich concerning patients with early-stage knee arthritis and a torn meniscus cartilage. Dr. Westrich found that two treatments generally used separately to relieve knee pain can work better when combined.
To read the article, click here.
CBS News
“Less Painful Knee Surgery," February 20, 2008.
In a report that aired on dozens of CBS affiliate stations from coast to coast, Dr. Westrich discusses partial knee replacement. Also called “unicompartmental" knee replacement, it’s an alternative to total joint replacement when damage is limited to just one area of the knee. The procedure leads to a quicker recovery, a shorter hospital stay and less pain following surgery.
Watch the Video: Less Painful Knee Surgery
CBS 2 News
HealthWatch: "New Injection Could Significantly Decrease Your Knee Pain,"
May 11, 2010.
Dr. Westrich discussed his study concerning knee arthritis. He found that two treatments generally used separately to relieve knee pain can work better when combined.
Click
here to read the script.
"Bogus Arthritis Treatments Can Do More Harm Than Good," November 24, 2009.
Bogus arthritis treatments are not only a rip-off, they can give patients false hope and delay needed medical treatment. The scams often target patients desperate for relief. CBS 2 health correspondent Dr. Max Gomez interviewed Dr. Westrich to find out which treatments really work, and which ones are a waste of money.
Watch the Video: Bogus Arthritis Treatments Can Do More Harm Than Good
"Easing Arthritis," August 4, 2009.
Dr. Westrich discusses how the latest advances in joint replacement, such as hip resurfacing and partial knee replacement, benefit baby boomers sidelined by arthritis. One of Dr. Westrich's patients, a physical education teacher in his 50's, explains how hip resurfacing helped him get back to activities he enjoys, such as bicycling and hiking.
Watch the Video: Easing Arthritis
"Referred Pain in the Hip," August 27, 2007.
Dr. Westrich discusses the latest advances in total hip replacement, and Tony award-winning singer/actress Melba Moore is featured in the report. Ms. Moore went to see Dr. Westrich after severe pain and trouble walking made her curtail her activities. She had such advanced arthritis in her hip that joint replacement was her best option to become pain-free and resume her busy schedule. Following the surgery, she is back on her feet with a one-woman play and a new DVD.
Watch the Video: Referred Pain in the Hip
Fox News
"Better Fix for a Bum Knee, with Faster Results," March 8, 2008.
Each year, more than 500,000 knee replacement surgeries are performed in the United States. Depending on the diagnosis from an orthopedic surgeon, patients may qualify for a less invasive procedure that could get them back on their feet a lot quicker. Dr. Westrich talks about partial knee replacement, a viable alternative to total joint replacement for many baby boomers who want to stay active.
"Custom Knee Replacement is Literally What Doctor Ordered," May 24, 2005.
A new type of partial knee replacement can provide significant pain relief to patients who have arthritis under their kneecap. Instead of replacing the total joint, Dr. Westrich replaces only the arthritic area of the knee with a custom-made implant. A CT scan takes detailed pictures of the knee joint. The pictures are transferred to a CD-rom and sent to the manufacturer, who designs a model of the implant and sends it to Dr. Westrich for review.
New York Magazine
Dr. Westrich was named in New York magazine's "Best Doctors" Issue in the Category of Orthopedic Surgery.
Physicians named in the guide are selected based on a survey of their peers, taking into account professional qualifications, reputation and patient care skills, according to
New York magazine.
"Medical Marvels," June 11, 2006.
Dr. Westrich's patient gratefully recounts how he saved her leg after five doctors told her it would likely need to be amputated from the hip. After Dr. Westrich gave her hope, she said, "I was so thrilled, I broke down in tears. Somebody positive." Dr. Westrich performed a rare and complex procedure called a total femur replacement, replacing her thigh bone and performing a hip and knee replacement at the same time. Her leg was saved, and now she is pain-free and able to walk again.
To read the article, click here.
Empowered Health News - WB 11 News at 10 - New York
"Doctor Saves Woman's Leg from Amputation," March 25, 2006.
Dr. Westrich performed a rare two-part operation to save a woman's leg after five doctors told her it would likely need to be amputated from the hip. In the complex procedure, called a total femur replacement, Dr. Westrich replaced her thigh bone with a metal prosthesis. He also performed a total hip replacement and a total knee replacement. The grateful patient's leg was saved, and she is able to walk again. The report was picked up by numerous television stations nationwide that subscribe to Empowered Health News.
Watch the Video: Windows Media | QuickTime
WNBC TV - New York
"Alex Rodriguez and Labral Tears," March 9, 2009.
WNBC-TV called on Dr. Westrich to explain labral tears in a live interview during the evening newscast. The Yankees' star third baseman had an operation in Colorado to repair a torn labrum. Dr. Westrich discussed arthroscopic surgery, in which doctors used small incisions, special miniaturized instruments and a video camera to repair A-Rod's torn labrum.
"Doctor Saves Woman's Leg from Amputation," March 17, 2006.
Dr. Westrich saved a woman's leg after five doctors told her it would likely need to be amputated from the hip. In a complex, two-part operation, he first eradicated a severe infection by placing time-released antibiotics into her leg. In the second operation, Dr. Westrich replaced her thigh bone with a metal implant, performing a total hip replacement and a total knee replacement at the same time. The grateful patient's leg was saved, and she is able to walk again. The report aired on NBC affiliate stations from coast to coast.
HealthWorldWeb.com
"Our Medical Heroes-Doctor Saves a Woman's Leg In Daring Surgery", March 4, 2009.
"There are doctors who are willing to follow the common path and those that are willing to blaze an entirely new path. Dr. Geoffrey Westrich follows no one else's path..."
Click to read full article.
Arthritis Health Monitor Magazine
"Make Way for Melba," June/July 2009.
Dr. Westrich's patient, Tony award-winning singer/actress Melba Moore, talks about how hip and knee replacement helped her resume her active lifestyle. No longer sidelined by arthritis, she is performing her one-woman show around the country and even in Europe.
Channel 7 Eyewitness News
"Double Hip Replacement Surgery," June 15, 2006.
For patients with severe arthritis in their hips, double hip replacement surgery can give them a new lease on life. The report features one of Dr. Westrich's patients, a former postal worker, who could barely walk without pain before his hip replacement. He says the operation has vastly improved his quality of life.
"Little Known Hip Problem Means Years of Pain for Many," February 4, 2005.
Dr. Westrich discusses labral tears, an often misdiagnosed hip problem that can cause pain, locking in the joint and can limit one's activities. A labral tear, which can be likened to a torn cartilage in the knee, is difficult to diagnose because it is not visible on x-rays orstandard MRI's. Special high-resolution MRI's at the Hospital for Special Surgery can show a labral tear.
"Giving Your Own Blood Can Be Beneficial In Hip Replacement Surgery," September 26, 2001.
Dr. Westrich discusses his study that found that people who donate their own blood prior to hip replacement surgery have a lower incidence of blood clots.
Channel 7 Viewpoint
"Fall Prevention," July 13, 2003.
In an in-studio interview, Dr. Westrich gives vital information on fall prevention. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries to older people in the U.S. Each year, more than 11 million people over age 65 fall, but there are important measures they can take to stay safe.
Weekend Today in New York
"Preventing Blood Clots on Long Flights," Summer 2001.
In a live interview, Dr. Westrich discussed "economy class syndrome," and preventing blood clots when flying.
News 12 Long Island
"Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement," January 27, 2003.
Dr. Westrich discussed minimally invasive total hip replacement surgery, which entails a 3" - 4" incision as opposed to 10" - 12". "Mini-incision" hip replacement results in a quicker recovery, less pain, faster rehab and a better cosmetic result, compared to standard hip replacement.
WCBS News Radio 880
Spring 2002.
In two separate segments that were part of a special health series, Dr. Westrich discussed preventing knee injuries and pool workouts for people with arthritis.
WRTN-FM
"Advances in Hip and Knee Replacement," June 15, 2006.
Dr. Westrich discussed the latest advances in hip and knee replacement in a half-hour interview on the radio program, "Medicine for the Millenium."
Journal Inquirer, CT
"Rare Surgery Allows Woman to Walk Again," March 18, 2006.
A woman from Vernon, Connecticut, gratefully recounts how Dr. Westrich saved her leg after five doctors told her it would likely need to be amputated from the hip. When Dr. Westrich told her that he wanted to try to save her leg, she said, "To hear some positive feedback, I couldn't hold the tears. I was just so thankful." Dr. Westrich performed a rare and complex procedure called a total femur replacement, replacing her thigh bone and performing a hip and knee replacement at the same time. Her leg was saved, and now she is able to walk again.
Wall Street Journal
"Banking Own Blood May Have Real Benefits Beyond Safety Issues," August 17, 2001.
Dr. Westrich discusses his study that found that people who donate their own blood prior to hip replacement surgery have a lower incidence of blood clots.
New York Daily News
"How to Manage Arthritis Pain," November 12, 2008.
Dr. Westrich gives useful advice on how to manage hip and knee arthritis with conservative treatments. He also discusses the latest advances in joint replacement, such as minimally invasive hip and knee replacement; partial knee replacement, a less invasive option; a ceramic hip implant it is believed will last longer; and hip resurfacing.
"Crossing to the Finish," January 8, 2007.
The article discusses how Dr. Westrich repaired the hip fracture of a world-champion handcyclist who was an amputee. The man had been racing in the New York City marathon when he fell from his handcycle and broke his hip, yet he got back on and managed to finish the race. Dr. Westrich faced a particular challenge in fixing the hip fracture, because it was on the same side as where the man's leg had been amputated. The operation was a success and the man is looking forward to his next race.
"Joint Treatment Study for Arthritis in Knees," December 28, 2003.
Dr. Westrich is conducting a study that combines two standard treatments for knee arthritis to see if they work better together. Study participants will have arthroscopic surgery for a torn cartilage and will receive three injections of a treatment approved to treat arthritis in the weeks following surgery.
"Longer Lasting Hip Fix," August 10, 2003.
Dr. Westrich discusses a new type of hip replacement surgery using an implant with ceramic materials instead of the usual metal and plastic. The new implant lasts longer and gives new hope of pain relief to younger patients.
"New Help for Arthritic Knees," May 25, 2003.
Dr. Westrich talks about an innovative procedure for knee arthritis in which he uses a custom-made knee implant. It is a less invasive procedure for people who have arthritis just under their kneecap and results in less pain following surgery and a quicker recovery.
"Keeping Winter Falls on Ice," February 9, 2003.
Dr. Westrich talks about the hazards posed by snow and ice, and gives advice for preventing falls on slippery streets.
"A Hip Way to Zip Back to Mobility," December 15, 2002.
Dr. Westrich discusses minimally invasive total hip replacement, which entails a 3" - 4" incision, as opposed to the usual 10" - 12" incision. The minimally invasive procedure results in less pain, a quicker recovery, faster rehab and a better cosmetic result.
"Many Aren't Hip to Labral Injury," June 23, 2002.
Dr. Westrich discusses labral tears, a hip problem that is often misdiagnosed and can eventually lead to arthritis if untreated.
"New Joint Procedure is Easier on the Knees," December 16, 2001.
Dr. Westrich discusses unicompartmental knee replacement, a less extensive procedure for people whose arthritis is limited to one specific area of their knee.
"Osteoporosis is Not Just a Woman's Disease," August 12, 2001.
Dr. Westrich talks about osteoporosis in men. This disease that makes bones fragile and weak is often undiagnosed in men, but can have catastrophic consequences if they fall and break a hip.
New York Post
"Easing In Does It," September 4, 2007.
Dr. Westrich is called on to comment on a new exercise program that allows people who have been inactive to start slowly and work at their own pace.
"Shakira, Hips do Lie," December 12, 2006.
Dr. Westrich discusses an under-diagnosed hip problem called a labral tear that causes years of pain for many people who fail to get the correct diagnosis. In addition to pain, may people experience catching or locking in their joint, or a feeling that their hip is “giving way." The correct diagnosis and minimally invasive surgery can relieve their pain and help them return to normal activities.
Newsday
"Winning a Battle with Every Race," November 11, 2006.
The article discusses how Dr. Westrich repaired the hip fracture of a world-champion handcyclist who was an amputee. The man had been participating in the handcycling division of the New York City marathon when he was cut off by other riders and fell from his handcycle. Dr. Westrich faced a particular challenge in fixing the hip fracture, because it was on the same side as where the man's leg had been amputated from above the knee. The operation was a success and the man is looking forward to his next race.
"Mixed Vibes on Body Shaker," June 20, 2006.
Dr. Westrich weighs in on a new technology that uses vibration to stimulate muscles.
"Pulmonary Embolism Can Kill the Young, Too," May 18, 2004.
A blood clot in the leg can be life-threatening if it travels to the lungs and becomes a pulmonary embolism. People traveling in cramped conditions for extended periods of time, such as on an airplane, or who are bedridden following surgery or due to illness are at particular risk. Dr. Westrich discusses ways to prevent blood clots and talks about how they are treated.
"Great Strides for Arthritis Sufferers: Advances in Joint Replacement Surgery Give Patients a New Way of Walking," December 9, 2001.
Dr. Westrich discusses the latest advances in hip and knee replacement surgery, and how joint replacement for severe arthritis has given many people a new lease on life.
"Exercise Can Help Curb Seniors' Tendency to Fall," August 14, 2001.
Dr. Westrich talks about fall prevention. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries in seniors.
"Achieving All-Around Fitness with a Water Workout," June 11, 2001.
Dr. Westrich weighs in on the benefits of aquatic exercise. He discusses how water workouts can strengthen muscles, improve range of motion and reduce stress on the joints. It is ideal for people with arthritis and rehab patients.
ReadersDigest.com
"Could That Pain in Your Leg Be Something Serious?," September 18, 2008.
Dr. Westrich discusses deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, a blood clot in the leg that could be life-threatening. He gives good information about who is at risk, the signs and symptoms of DVT, and how to prevent it.
Arthritis Today
"Obesity Impedes Recovery from Total Knee Replacement," March 5, 2008.
The article discusses Dr. Westrich's study that found being overweight leads to a slower recovery and more limited range of motion after knee replacement.
Queens Courier
"How to Manage Arthritis Pain," March 5, 2009.
Dr. Westrich discusses non-surgical ways to manage hip and knee arthritis. He also discusses the latest options in joint replacement for advanced arthritis, when conservative treatments do not provide relief.
"Winter Fall Prevention Tips," Dec. 31, 2008.
Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries to older people in the United States. Each year, more than 11 million people over 65 fall - one out of every three senior citizens. Dr. Westrich discusses precautions to take to prevent a fall when snow and ice cover the streets.
“Olympic Wannabes: Emulating Athletes Can Lead to Serious Injuries," August 7, 2008.
The buzz surrounding the Olympic Games motivates some weekend warriors and other occasional athletes to spring into action. But anyone who has been inactive for an extended period or tries to do too much too soon is at risk for injury. Dr. Westrich discusses the right way to exercise and gives tips for injury prevention.
“Partial Joint Replacement Hurries Recovery," July 3, 2008.
Dr. Westrich discusses a new advance in joint replacement to treat severe arthritis in the hip. Called "hip resurfacing," it is a less invasive option for the appropriate candidate. Hip resurfacing may be preferable to total hip replacement because it preserves bone, reduces the risk of dislocation and generally allows people to return to a higher level of activity after surgery.
“Partial Knee Replacements More Common," December 6, 2007.
At one time, the best option for people whose knees were worn out by arthritis was a total joint replacement for permanent pain relief. Now a less extensive procedure called partial or “unicompartmental" joint replacement is gaining favor among baby boomers whose arthritis is limited to just one area of the knee.
“Named Tops in Orthopedic Surgery," September 13, 2007.
The article talks about Dr. Westrich’s inclusion in the book, “Top Doctors: New York Metro Area." According to the book publisher, it is the authoritative guide to finding the best physicians in the tri-state area in more than 70 medical specialties.
"Melba Moore Has Hip Surgery," August 2, 2007.
The article discusses how Tony-award winning singer and actress Melba Moore was able to resume her busy lifestyle, including a new one-woman play, following a hip replacement performed by Dr. Westrich. Ms. Moore, who had severe arthritis in her hip, explains how important it is to get the right diagnosis to end pain and disability. Dr. Westrich performed minimally invasive hip replacement with small incisions and used a hip implant made of ceramic materials that will last longer.
To read the article, click here.
Rye Sound Shore Review and Various Health Websites
"After the Fall," April 17, 2009.
Dr. Westrich discusses ways to prevent falls in the home. He recommends going from room to room to ensure one's home is as fall-proof as possible.
To read the article, click here.
Wellness Magazine
"Shape Up with a Water Workout," October 2006.
Dr. Westrich discusses the benefits of water aerobics. He says water exercises build muscle strength and maintain muscle tone without the use of weights. Since water provides more resistance than air, simply moving one's limbs becomes more challenging than it is on land. Overall, it is an excellent workout.
New York Resident
"Trade-In," September 8, 2003.
Dr. Westrich discusses custom-made knee replacement, an innovative procedure he developed for people who have arthritis just under their knee cap. The new technique is much easier on the patient than total knee replacement, and can relieve pain and improve mobility.
Courier Life newspapers
"Joint Replacement Gives Sufferers a New Lease on Life," October 29, 2001.
Dr. Westrich discusses how hip and knee replacement surgery is allowing people to free themselves of the pain and disability brought on by arthritic joints.
Associated Press
"Injured Skater Yagudin Won't Retire," November 7, 2002.
Dr. Westrich is quoted in an article about his patient, Olympic gold medalist Alexei Yagudin. Wire service article picked up by newspapers nationwide.
Reuters
"Russia's Yagudin Can Make Comeback, Say Doctors," November 7, 2002.
Dr. Westrich is quoted in an article about his patient, Olympic gold medalist Alexei Yagudin.
Hartford Courant
"Doctors' Advice Cheers Yagudin," November 8, 2002.
Dr. Westrich is quoted in an article about his patient, Olympic gold medalist Alexei Yagudin.
International Figure Skating Magazine
January 2003.
Dr. Westrich is quoted in another article about Alexei Yagudin.
Balance Magazine
"Fitness Tips to Avoid Injury," Fall 2003.
Dr. Westrich provides tips to women who are embarking on an exercise program, discussing proper warm-up, technique, precautions for injury prevention and what to do if you're injured.
Long Island Woman
"Baby Boomers Up and Running... Too Much Exercise, Too Soon May Have Painful Consequences," August 2003.
Dr. Westrich provides tips for active baby boomers on exercise, injury prevention and what to do if one is injured. He also discusses an often misdiagnosed hip injury called a labral tear.
The Globe
"Pain in the Butt, Don't Ignore It," February 28, 2005.
Dr. Westrich discusses labral tears, an often misdiagnosed hip problem that can cause pain, locking in the joint and can limit one's activities. A labral tear can be likened to a torn cartilage in the knee. Many patients go for years without the right diagnosis, and the tear can cause the hip joint to deteriorate and lead to arthritis.Special high-resolution MRI's at the Hospital for Special Surgery can show a labral tear and confirm the diagnosis.
"Bad Trips. How to Avoid Nasty Falls and Broken Bones," January 17, 2005.
Dr. Westrich gives tips on fall prevention in the winter whenstreets are covered with ice and snow. Recommendations include wearing rubber-soled shoes or boots that provide good traction, walking at a safe pace, avoiding shortcuts over piles of snow and looking where you're going to avoid icy patches.
"Arthritis Revolution," August 2004.
Dr. Westrich discusses how revolutionary advances in hip and knee replacement are helping patients overcome the pain of arthritis and return to activities they have abandoned.Advances include minimally invasive joint replacement, the latest ceramic hip implant, and custom-designed knee implants.
Anton Community News Healthy Living Digest (Long Island)
"Managing Arthritis Pain," April 2009.
Dr. Westrich discusses non-surgical ways to get a leg up on arthritis pain, such as physical therapy and over-the-counter medication.
"Study Aims to Give Patients a Leg Up on Knee Arthritis," August 2004.
Dr. Westrich talks about a study he is conducting to see if combining two standard treatments can relieve arthritis pain.The treatments are arthroscopic surgery for people who have a torn cartilage, followed by injections of Hyalgan, a substance approved by the Food and Drug Administration to reduce pain and restore mobility.
Healthwise Magazine
"New Arthritis Treatments Spell Relief," November 2004.
Dr. Westrich discusses the latest innovations in hip and knee replacement, including "mini-incision" joint replacement, which results in less pain and a quicker recovery; the latest ceramic hip implant, whichlasts longer than standardhip replacements;and custom-designed knee implants for patients who have arthritisunder their knee cap.
"Custom Knee Replacement - Getting You Back on Your Feet Faster," December 2005.
A new type of partial knee replacement can provide significant pain relief to patients who have arthritis under their kneecap. Instead of replacing the total joint, Dr. Westrich replaces only the arthritic area of the knee with a custom-made implant.
North Shore Towers Courier
"New Arthritis Treatments Spell Relief," October 2004.
Dr. Westrich discusses how revolutionary advances in hip and knee replacement are helping patients overcome the pain of arthritis and return to activities they have abandoned.The article also talks about a study Dr. Westrich is conducting that combines two standard treatments for arthritis pain to see if they work better together.
MSNBC.com
"One More Reason to Take That Weight Off!," March 5, 2008.
The article discusses Dr. Westrich's study that found obesity limits range of motion and leads to a slower recovery after knee replacement surgery.
Huffington Post
"Getting Hip to Joint Replacement Alternatives", May 23, 2008.
Dr. Westrich discusses hip resurfacing, a less invasive alternative to total hip replacement. For the right candidate, often a younger patient, hip resurfacing may be preferable to total hip replacement because it preserves bone, reduces the risk of dislocation and generally allows people to return to a higher level of activity after surgery.
North Shore Today
"New Techniques Revolutionize Hip and Knee Replacement," November 18, 2009.
Dr. Westrich discusses the latest advances in hip and knee replacement. These include "mini-incision" joint replacement, hip resurfacing, and partial knee replacement. These new techniques often lead to a faster recovery and shorter hospital stay.
"Managing Arthritis Pain," May 27, 2009.
Dr. Westrich has a list of recommendations for people who suffer from hip and knee arthritis to help relieve the pain.
Queens Tribune
"New Options in Joint Replacement," Feb. 25, 2010.
Dr. Westrich discusses the latest advances in hip and knee replacement, including hip resurfacing, partial knee replacement and minimally invasive hip and knee replacement.
535 East 70th Street, Third Floor 