Via Livestream
About the Lecture
Join us for an enlightening lecture as we explore the intricacies of orthopaedic health, focusing on both prevalent and often underdiagnosed conditions. Our expert speakers will guide participants through a comprehensive examination of key contributors to orthopaedic issues, sharing information on leading-edge research, preventive measures, and treatments critical for overall well-being.
The impact of musculoskeletal conditions on the U.S. workforce is staggering, with nearly 364,000 million workdays lost due to these ailments, surpassing the impact of any other health condition. This underscores the pervasive influence of orthopaedic issues on productivity and emphasizes the imperative for effective preventive measures and treatments.
Beyond the individual toll, musculoskeletal disorders exact a substantial economic burden on the U.S. healthcare system. Recent studies reveal that healthcare spending in the United States for these disorders reached a staggering $380.9 billion (JAMA). This stark financial figure not only emphasizes the magnitude of the problem but also underscores the critical need for proactive approaches to orthopaedic care. Addressing these conditions comprehensively is vital for individual well-being and essential for managing the broader economic implications associated with musculoskeletal health.
Epilogue on Dupuytren Disease with International Expert Charles J. Eaton, MD
The most common crippling hand condition that many have never heard of, Dupuytren disease affects at least ten million Americans, mostly seniors. It is one of the most under-diagnosed hand-conditions, often being mistaken for arthritis, tendinitis or callus. Late-stage disease may leave fingers permanently bent. International expert and visiting professor Charles J. Eaton, MD - a board member of the International, British and Canadian Dupuytren societies and founder of the U.S. Dupuytren Foundation - will educate participants on the coordinated efforts being made to advance the treatment of this often-debilitating condition.
About the Presenters
John C. Elfar, MD
Professor, Orthopaedic Surgery
Chair, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson
John C. Elfar, MD, joined the University of Arizona College of Medicine as chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, in August, 2022.
Dr. Elfar came to the UA from the Penn State University College of Medicine and Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where he served as vice chair of the Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation and the Michael and Myrtle Baker Professor of Surgery. He was also a professor in the departments of Public Health Sciences and Neural and Behavioral Sciences, and the founder and director of the Center for Orthopaedic Research and Translational Science (CORTS), which focused on expanding the scope of basic science, translational research and regenerative medicine.
A graduate of Johns Hopkins University with degrees in biomedical engineering and electrical and computer engineering, Dr. Elfar earned his medical degree at Harvard Medical School. He completed his orthopedic surgical residency at the University of Rochester Medical Center, followed by fellowships in Boston and Cincinnati. He holds sub-speciality certificates of added qualification in both sports surgery and hand and upper extremity surgery from the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
Active in many national societies and professional organizations, Dr. Elfar serves as a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He is a reviewer for several journals and serves on national committees including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery Program committee and the Orthopaedic Research Society’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee, among others.
Charles J. Eaton, MD
Founder and Executive Director
Dupuytren Research Group
Dr. Charles Eaton, a distinguished hand surgeon and internationally-known expert in Dupuytren disease, brings a unique experience and a deep commitment to the challenges of this lesser-known, yet impactful condition. He has treated more patients with Dupuytren disease than any other U.S. physician.
He founded the nonprofit advocacy organization - the Dupuytren Foundation - in 2008 and currently serves as the executive director of this research group, which is dedicated to discovering biologic treatments for Dupuytren disease and related conditions.
A graduate of Emory University with a bachelor's degree in Physics, Dr. Eaton went on to earn his medical degree at Washington University in St. Louis. He then completed a general surgery residency at Boston University, followed by plastic surgery residency and hand surgery fellowship at New York University. Dr. Eaton further expanded his training with a hand and microsurgery fellowship in Melbourne, Australia. He holds American Board certifications in Surgery and Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Eaton generously volunteers full-time as the executive director of the Dupuytren Research Group. He is the architect and principal investigator of the International Dupuytren Data Bank, a crowd-sourced research program aiming to identify circulating Dupuytren biomarkers for the development and testing of preventive biologic treatments for Dupuytren disease and related conditions.