Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute

Total joint replacement is a common topic of conversation, but for those initially considering these life-changing orthopedic surgeries, it can be difficult to know where to start or what questions to ask. In this article, a team of six of our orthopedic surgeons answer some of the most common questions they hear from patients on a day-to-day basis. Special thank you to Eric Lebby, MD, Wayne Luchetti, MD, Kevin Anbari, MD, Chris Ferrante, MD, Thomas Meade, MD, and Jonathon Brown, DO for sharing these insights.

The Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (EPC) Student Athlete Character Council (SACC) came together for their monthly meeting with Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN). Topics of discussion included a monthly mental health check in as well as a discussion revolving around the the various aspects of character. LVHN Sports Performance coach, Nichole Gervais, took the athletes through yoga & mindfulness sessions before departing to LVHN's Hackerman-Patz House. Each year the SACC partakes in a community service initiative that benefits a local organization or program. The Hackerman-Patz House is a hospitality house that provides affordable, temporary lodging for patients and their families who are receiving medical treatment at LVHN facilities. It offers a comfortable, home-like environment for those who need to stay close to the hospital, particularly for extended treatments or critical care. The house includes private rooms, common areas, and amenities to support guests during their stay. This resource relies on donations to offer these families a stress-free environment. Thanks to the efforts of our student members, a box truck worth of supplies were donated to the location. These supplies included essential needs such as toiletries, food items, gift cards, and more! Following the drop off, Kelley Gold, Director of Guest Services, discussed the mission behind the Hackerman-Patz House and provided a brief tour of the facility.

Celebrating our favorite Rivalry with Lehigh University and Lafayette College! The LVOI team was present for the men's and women's basketball double header to cheer on both teams from the sidelines. We proudly care for the region's only D1 student athletes as well as dozens of high school athletes and youth teams in the Lehigh Valley and beyond.

Congratulations to LVHN Impact Athlete, Talitha Diggs, on her graduation from the University of Florida in December. Talitha graduated summa cum laude, posting a 3.89 GPA with dual degrees in international studies and political science and a minor in Asian studies. The USA, World, and multi-time NCAA Champion Track & Field Champion was also a 2x NCAA Academic Athlete of the Year as a Florida Gator. Talitha continues on her track & field journey as an Adidas Professional Athlete training in Orlando, Florida. We look forward to continuing our amazing partnership with Talitha as she will be back in the Lehigh Valley this summer to hold her annual Impact Athlete Speed & Agility Clinic. In addition, Talitha will host an engaging parent-athlete information session at the LVHN Center for Health Education where she will share her inspirational story and insights about preparing to be collegiate athlete alongside her mother, mentor, and 4x USA Olympian, "Joetta” “OLY”. Joetta will also provide an in-depth perspective of parenting an aspiring college athlete. 

Congratulations to our Impact Athlete, Jahan Dotson and the whole Bird Gang! On to New Orleans! Philadelphia Eagles

We are pleased to introduce Margaret Vido, DO with Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute. Dr. Vido is caring for patients at our new LVPG Orthopedics and Sports Medicine-Gilbertsville location and brings nationally ranked orthopedic care to the Gilbertsville area. Dr. Vido is an alumnus of Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Emergency Medicine Residency, as well as our Sports Medicine Fellowship. Dr. Vido’s philosophy of care is rooted in being the best possible orthopedic partner for her patients: “I aim to help patients maintain an active lifestyle to improve their overall health. Whether your goal is to remain active in your daily life, train for an athletic objective or compete at any level of sport, I am here to partner with you to achieve these goals.” Outside of the office, Dr. Vido is an avid runner and enjoys camping, hiking, skiing, fishing and spending free time with family. Learn more about Dr. Vido: https://lnkd.in/eWyJHrKC

This holiday season, Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute hosted the Impact Athlete Field Hockey and Lacrosse Clinics. The events, held at community partnered facilities, were free of charge and brought in a total of over 200 athletes in 3rd through 12th grades. During the Scranton based field hockey clinic, prominent Penn State University field hockey player and 2024 U.S. Olympian, Phia Gladieux, University of Michigan and Indoor USWNT member, Abby Burnett, University of North Carolina and Indoor USWNT member, Melea Weber, and Penn State University's Aubrey Semler led the campers in a variety of drills designed to help them improve their field hockey skills. The Lehigh Valley based lacrosse clinic was hosted by 2023 and 2024 Premier Lacrosse League Champion (Utah Archers) and All Star, Mike Sisselberger as well as Temple University graduate and High Point University Assistant Coach, Taylor Moncman. Campers were taken through drills designed to improve their stick skills as well as shooting abilities. Mike Sisselberger was recently named to the National Lacrosse League's (box lacrosse) Rochester Knighthawks as their faceoff specialist. These clinics are part of Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN)’s Impact Athlete program. The program features athletes who were molded by their community to become successful collegiate and professional athletes. The goal of the Impact Athlete program is to provide regional youth athletes with strong inspirational role models who encourage them to pursue their goals. For more information on the Impact Athlete program, visit lvhn.org/impactathlete

Lehigh Valley Health Network would like to congratulate Impact Athlete, Nicholas Dawkins, and his Penn State Football teammates on a great 2024-2025 season. Nick and his team finished the season with a 13-3 record and making it to the semifinals of the NCAA College Football playoff. Additionally, we'd like to congratulate Nick on his accomplishments off the field after being named as the 2024 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Recipient and Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Captain! The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, celebrating its 20th anniversary, honors exceptional community service, inspired by Danny Wuerffel's legacy. It is awarded to one of 11 NCAA FBS players from the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team who demonstrate outstanding leadership, service, and performance both on and off the field. This milestone marks two decades of recognizing athletes making a lasting impact. Dawkins joins a distinguished group of 19 previous recipients and hundreds of Good Works Team members since 1992. The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, selected from a record 178 nominees, recognizes 22 student-athletes and one head coach for their dedication to community service and positive contributions beyond football. Dawkins continues to leave a lasting impact on the Lehigh Valley community through his unwavering dedication to service. In collaboration with his nonprofit, the Dawkins Family Foundation, Lehigh Valley Health Network, and community partner Five Star Heart Project, he leads annual back-to-school resource drives to support local youth. Dawkins also shares his expertise and passion for football by hosting clinics in the Lehigh Valley and Scranton areas, inspiring and mentoring young athletes. His foundation also spreads holiday cheer by providing Christmas gifts to countless families and participating in community celebrations like the Boys and Girls Club’s Trunk or Treat event, showcasing a commitment to making a lasting impact both on and off the field.

A novel approach to sacroiliac joint fusion is available at Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute for people with sacroiliitis or sacroiliac joint dysfunction. This common condition may be the result of age-related degeneration or may be the result from a previous lumbar spinal fusion surgery which adds stress on the join. Nirmal Shah, DO and LVPG Pain Specialists colleagues provides patients with a minimally invasive treatment option that involves a small incision in the patient’s back before a single bone allograft the size of an almond is inserted directly into the sacroiliac joint. The procedure is done in the outpatient setting and avoids the need for a more invasive surgery under general anesthesia.

Inflammation is the cause of an array of musculoskeletal conditions, but did you know you can prevent inflammation and the pain associated with it? Try improving your odds of avoiding or limiting pain by: ► Being physically active ► Eating a nutritious diet ► Losing weight ► Quitting smoking If these lifestyle changes don’t help your pain, you have access to the region’s leader in orthopedics. We turn setbacks into comebacks, one movement at a time.