Wayne B. Leadbetter, M.D., graduated from Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, with highest scholastic honors and at the top of his class in clinical medicine. After receiving his surgical and orthopedic training at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, he spent two postgraduate years at Bethesda Naval Hospital, where he directed both the adult joint reconstruction and spine surgery programs before entering practice. Dr. Leadbetter is an experienced clinical researcher and has held several academic appointments. He has been an invited lecturer on four continents. The author of numerous articles and book chapters, he has edited two scientific texts: Sports Induced Inflammation and Tendon Disorders: Basic Science and Clinical Management. A brief summary of his credentials includes:

Medical Degree:
Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE

Residency:
The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions

Fellowships:
National Institutes of Health sponsored Research Fellowship and the prestigious Asian Traveling Fellowship, sponsored by the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine

Distinctions:

•  Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society
•  AMA Billings Bronze Medal for Teaching Excellence
•  Maryland State Governor�s Physical Fitness Public Service Award
•  Top Doctors, Washingtonian Magazine
•  Maryland State Medical Journal Best Article Award
•  AOA Faculty Teaching Award, Uniformed Services U. of the Health Sciences

Academic Appointment:
Adj. Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery, USUHS, Bethesda

Expanding Our Tradition of Excellence in Orthopedic Care

Wayne B. Leadbetter, M.D., is a board certified orthopedic surgeon who brings over 25 year�s experience with complex joint reconstruction and arthroscopic salvage of sports and aging related arthritis of the knee to the Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics. He is also a recognized expert in the treatment of inflammation caused by sports or overuse injury and tendon disorders.

A Philosophy of Patient-Oriented Service

Dr. Leadbetter has devoted his career to seeking the safest means to relieve the pain and disability of arthritis and injury involving the knee, hip and shoulder. Each patient is carefully evaluated with his or her individual needs in mind. Many patients are improved through prescribed physical therapy, behavior modification, weight loss, medication or therapeutic injections. Dr. Leadbetter is extremely familiar with alternative medicine solutions and dietary supplementation such as glucosamine and chondroitin; he may suggest a trial if appropriate.

Surgery is recommended only when nonoperative care has failed to restore sufficient function or relieve pain. The benefits to the patient must outweigh the risks, and minimally invasive procedures are preferred when possible.

Specializing in Joint-Preserving Options

Dr. Leadbetter is a comprehensive knee and joint surgeon. He has extensive training in joint-saving alternatives to total replacement when only a portion of the joint is damaged. He can apply a wide variety of arthroscopic methods. These options offer the younger and mid-life patient a conservative option that can lead to less complications, less pain, quicker recovery and more natural feeling function. These include:

• Cartilage Repair: restoration is made to the injured joint surface before progressive deterioration
• Realignment Procedures/Osteotomy: redirecting the forces on the joint can retard degenerative progression and improve pain
• Meniscal Transplantation: allograft replacement of a lost knee meniscus (torn cartilage) can reduce the risk of early arthritis
• Unicompartment Resurfacing: replacing only the damaged portion of the knee joint
   

An Emphasis on Patellofemoral Arthritis

Isolated patellofemoral (kneecap) arthritis occurs in over 10 percent of patients with arthritic knee symptoms. This painful condition can lead to lifelong activity restrictions whenever bent knee exercise is required such as stair climbing or fitness activities. It is a particularly common condition in women, often beginning at a young age. Having a wife  afflicted with this condition has motivated Dr. Leadbetter to lead efforts to improve treatment. His interest has taken him to England where he studied the latest replacement techniques. Dr. Leadbetter performed the first Avon patellofemoral arthroplasty in the United States in 2001. He is now one of the more experienced surgeons in the country with this procedure. Not satisfied with only one solution, Dr. Leadbetter has organized and edited the proceedings of a world consensus symposium on all aspects of patellofemoral arthritis and pain. He has a continuing research focus on this problem.