Ronak Mukesh Patel - Orthopedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine Specialist

10/07/2026

Pain at the top of your shoulder after an injury could involve the AC joint. Common signs of an AC joint injury include:
▪️ Pain with shoulder movement
▪️ Swelling or bruising
▪️ Joint instability
▪️A visible bump or deformity with more severe injuries

AC joint injuries range from simple sprains to complete joint separation, so symptoms can look very different from person to person.

AC Joint Specialist Have you experienced a blunt force trauma to the shoulder from high-contact sports or a car accident? If so, you may have sustained an acromioclavicular (AC) joint injury. Injury to the ligaments in the AC joint range in severity and result in a decreased range of motion, instabi...

10/06/2026

Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) reconstruction recovery is a process, not a single milestone.

Most patients can expect to return to normal daily activities within 6–8 weeks, but the timeline depends on the extent of the injury, the reconstruction performed and the condition of the knee.

Early recovery focuses on protecting the knee, controlling pain and swelling, restoring motion and gradually building strength through physical therapy.

MCL Reconstruction Surgeon The MCL (medial collateral ligament) in the knee is responsible for stabilizing the knee during rotation. Athletes are more likely to injure their MCL than other individuals and complete tears should be reconstructed in order to maintain knee strength and functionality. MC...

10/02/2026

An X-ray tells us a lot about an AC joint separation, but not everything.

Yes, it can show that the collarbone has moved. But there’s more to the injury than what we see in the picture.

The ligaments around the shoulder may also be damaged, which affects joint stability. So when it comes to treatment, we look at the whole injury, not just the X-ray.

The goal is a shoulder that feels and functions better, not just one that looks better on a scan.

AC Joint Surgeon Are you an athlete that participates in high-contact sports? If so, you may be at an increased risk of experiencing an acromioclavicular (AC) joint injury. Mild AC joint injuries can be treated non-surgically with medication and therapies. More severe cases often require surgery to....

10/01/2026

Why might a surgeon choose OATS instead of donor tissue?

Osteochondral autograft transfer surgery (OATS) uses a patient’s own healthy cartilage and bone to repair an area of cartilage damage.

Using your own tissue can offer advantages over an osteochondral allograft (OCA), which uses donor tissue.

The catch? OATS works best for smaller areas of damage. When the defect is too large, an OCA may provide a better option.

OATS Surgeon Patients who have a small area of cartilage and bone damage in the knee due to wear and tear or from an injury may qualify for an OATS procedure. Osteochondral Autograft Transfer has a high success rate if patients follow physical therapy protocols. Doctor Ronak Mukesh Patel, provides d...

09/29/2026

There are currently no effective non-surgical treatment measures for patients with pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS). Surgical intervention is often necessary, especially for patients that can no longer perform activities of daily living. Here is why ⬇️

Hip PVNS Treatment Doctor PVNS of the hip is a rare condition that occurs when the synovial membrane in some individuals secretes extra fluid causing inflammation of the joint lining known as synovitis. The inflammation causes a tumor-like growth inside the joint space of the hip and is called pigme...

09/24/2026

Your graft choice matters.

Allografts use donated tendon tissue and can be an excellent option in certain ACL and complex knee reconstructions.

But they aren’t right for everyone. Younger athletes, in particular, may have a higher risk of graft failure with an allograft.

That’s why graft selection should be personalized to the injury, previous surgeries, activity level and goals, not simply based on what’s easiest or most available. https://houstonsportsortho.com/acl-pcl-ligament-reconstruction-graft-types-knee-surgeon-sugar-land-pearland-houston-tx/ #4

09/23/2026

When it comes to a pectoralis major tear, location matters.

Your pec can tear at different points, and each injury type can present differently.

A physical exam helps determine where the injury may be and how it affects strength and movement. An MRI may then confirm the location and severity of the tear.

Knowing exactly where the tendon or muscle is injured guides the next step in treatment.

Pectoralis Major Tendon Injury Specialist The pectoralis major is one of two fan-shaped muscles in the front of the chest wall, sometimes called "pecs". Pectoralis major tendon injuries can occur in sports related injuries and are most commonly seen in weight lifters. Pectoralis major tendon injury....

09/22/2026

A hip abductor tendon tear doesn’t always require a large incision to repair.

With an endoscopic approach, the surgeon uses small portals and a camera to see the damaged tendon.

Damaged tissue can be cleaned up, along with other issues such as bone spurs or inflamed tissue. The remaining tendon is then secured back to the femur using sutures and anchors.

A double-row repair can provide additional fixation.

Small incisions. Direct visualization. Secure tendon fixation.

What is a hip abductor tear? The hip abductors are a group of four muscles that work collectively to perform hip abduction, or the movement of the leg away from the middle of the body. This muscle group includes the gluteus minimus, gluteus medius, gluteus maximus, and the tensor fascia lata which a...

09/18/2026

What does hip impingement feel like?

Femoroacetabular impingement can cause pain and stiffness in the hip, but symptoms aren't always obvious. Common signs include:
→ Groin or front-of-hip pain
→ Hip stiffness or reduced movement
→ Pain with sitting for long periods
→ Pain with squatting
→ Pain during sports or exercise
→ Pain that ranges from a dull ache to a sharp, stabbing feeling

Some people may not notice symptoms until damage develops in the hip joint. If hip pain keeps coming back, it may be worth getting evaluated.

FAI Hip Impingement Specialist Femoroacetabular impingement is a hip condition common in active individuals and people diagnosed with degenerative joint disease. This condition causes bone spurs to develop in the hip socket which rub and cause discomfort with movement. Hip specialist Dr. Ronak Mukes...

09/17/2026

Not every rotator cuff tear can be repaired. But an irreparable tear doesn't always mean a shoulder replacement is the only option.

For some carefully selected patients, a lower trapezius transfer can help restore an important shoulder movement: external rotation.

The procedure uses a functioning muscle and tendon to help take over for part of the rotator cuff that can no longer do its job.

The right treatment depends on much more than the MRI. Your shoulder's strength, motion, joint health and your goals all matter.

Learn more: ⬇️
https://houstonsportsortho.com/lower-trapezius-transfer-ltt-rotator-cuff-surgeon-sugar-land-pearland-houston-tx/

Irreparable Rotator Cuff Surgeon Do you have an irreparable rotator cuff? Don’t let shoulder pain and limited motion affect your quality of life. Dr. Ronak Mukesh Patel specializes in Lower Trapezius Transfer, an advanced surgical option designed to restore strength and mobility when traditional r...