Dr. Dennis Cardone, associate professor of orthopaedic surgery, examines Ramon Ferreras, a student-athlete at South Bronx High School.

A Bronx Tale

When the Chips Are Down, Our Orthopaedists Step Up to the Plate

A small, inner-city high school in the nation’s poorest neighborhood trails its undefeated crosstown rival by several runs when its injured star comes to bat at a pivotal moment. Because the local hero has four screws and a metal plate anchored to his ankle, two orthopaedic physicians are on hand to help prevent further injury.

Whenever and wherever some of the 40,000 athletes from New York City’s 185 public schools gather to compete, the Partners for Youth program is involved. A collaborative venture between NYU Langone Medical Center’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Bellevue Hospital, the program serves students who are injured while participating in Public School Athletic League (PSAL) games, providing them with 24/7 access to orthopaedic care. In addition, uninsured students are eligible for affordable, reduced-fee healthcare. However, it has always been Bellevue’s motto—and policy—that “no one is turned away.”

The Bellevue Hospital–centered program is the brainchild of Noel Testa, MD, chief of the Orthopaedic Service at Bellevue and clinical professor of orthopaedic surgery. “I thought it would be something if we could partner with two major city agencies—New York City’s Health and Hospitals Corporation and the Department of Education—to give student-athletes access to the finest healthcare,” says Dr. Testa. “We also wanted to establish an education program for students and coaches to help in preventing injuries.”

For Lynda D. Curtis, Bellevue Hospital’s executive director, the program “blends the best traditions of Bellevue’s mission by focusing on public health and education, targeting underserved populations, and creating innovative partnerships.”

NYU Langone physicians are on the sidelines at PSAL games and typically cover major tournaments and playoffs for some 30 sports. For boys, injuries are most common in football and wrestling; for girls, basketball and soccer. Physicians are also available by phone for consultations with athletes and their parents and coaches.

The program took off when Dennis Cardone, DO, associate professor of orthopaedic surgery, came aboard in 2008. “He brought vision and energy,” Dr. Testa says of his co-director. “At least once a month, Dr. Cardone goes out and speaks to athletes, coaches, and athletic directors about everything from injury prevention to steroid abuse. He has a particular rapport with the kids.”

Right now, at the behest of Lou Schlanger, South Bronx High School’s longtime athletic director, Dr. Cardone is paying special attention to junior Ramon Ferreras as he sets himself in the batter’s box and tries to tune out the scraping and screeching of the number 5 train snaking along the elevated tracks. His team is already down 4–0, though there are men on first and second, no outs.

Ramon digs in with his right foot—the good one—to help keep his weight back, and slightly raises his left leg—the one with the four screws and metal plate, which he received on September 12. “I’ll never forget that date,” says Ramon. “I was tackled by a 230-pound defensive lineman who rolled onto my ankle, and then they took me off on a stretcher.” The subsequent diagnosis was a displaced fracture of the tibia.

“Strike one!” the umpire calls.

“Inner-city kids are behind the eight ball in so many ways,” says Schlanger. “Partners for Youth gives them a more level playing field.”

“Strike two!”

“As far as I know,” says Dr. Cardone, “there is not one New York City public high school with its own athletic trainer. We fill that role for every school. We’re available to see a kid within 24 hours, much sooner if it’s an emergency.”

Ramon makes contact with the ball and, as it slowly dribbles toward third, takes off for first. Running full out, he beats the throw by at least a step. Afterward, Dr. Cardone examines his ankle. “It’s a little swollen and stiff. Range of motion is slightly limited. There’s some weakness, but he’s healing pretty well. Physical therapy could really help complete the process.”

Ramon seems tentative. He’s not sure he wants to travel downtown, and of course, there’s the cost. Dr. Cardone writes out a prescription for physical therapy and hands his card to the soft-spoken youngster. “Have your mother call me,” says Dr. Cardone. “If you feel more comfortable in your neighborhood, we can find you a facility up here. And don’t worry about the money. If your insurance doesn’t cover it, we’ll find a way to make it affordable.”

The home team doesn’t always win, but “we can compete with anyone,” says Schlanger, “and the kids really get a confidence boost knowing that one of the finest hospitals of its kind in the world has their back.”

For more information on Partners for Youth, call 212-562-5378.