Geoffrey Westrich, MD

John Schieck wanted to dance at his daughter’s wedding, and he wasn’t going to let the pandemic stop him. But his severely arthritic hip was another matter.  So, when the Long Island resident learned he could schedule a hip replacement when elective surgeries resumed at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), he didn’t hesitate. Before the pandemic, he had a knee replacement at HSS. In May of this year, he came to see me for a regular follow-up exam. Mr. Schieck’s knee was fine, but his hip pain and gotten much worse.  He had trouble sleeping at night and found himself limping at work. Mr. Schieck, who is 65, went ahead with hip replacement surgery at HSS in June, and two months later, he attended his daughter’s wedding. “My hip pain was gone. I danced with my daughter, my wife, my friends. I was a ‘dancing machine’,” he recalled. For others suffering from arthritis pain who are reluctant to schedule surgery, HSS has instituted extensive precautions to ensure that patients, visito...

Snow storms and freezing temperatures can turn streets into obstacle courses, and hazardous conditions  can lead to a fall if  people aren't careful. It's something people don't always think about when they are  focused on shoveling snow or in a hurry to get somewhere. Even after much of the snow and ice are removed, there are always some slippery surfaces to watch out for. Here are some safety tips when out in bad weather or on slippery streets after a snow storm: * Wear shoes or boots that provide traction on snow and ice, such as those with rubber and neoprene composite soles. Avoid plastic and leather soles, smooth-soled shoes and, of course, high heels. * Walk at a safe pace. Give yourself enough time to get to your destination without rushing. * When given no choice but to walk on ice, take short steps or shuffle for stability. * Look where you're going. Watch for icy patches, especially on the north side, that remain even if the sidewalk or parking lot has been c...