Ep. 26: Treating Rotator Cuff Tears With Dr. Nik Verma

In this episode, we discuss the treatment of rotator cuff tears with sports medicine and shoulder surgeon Dr. Nik Verma from Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush. Dr. Verma is the lead investigator in a clinical study focused on the first balloon implant for arthroscopic treatment of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears (MIRCTs).

Dr. Verma specializes in treatment of the shoulder, elbow and knee with an emphasis on advanced arthroscopic reconstructive techniques of the shoulder, shoulder replacement, knee ligament reconstruction and articular cartilage reconstruction and meniscal transplantation.

A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Dr. Verma completed his orthopedic residency at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center. He then completed a fellowship at the Hospital for Special Surgery in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. While in New York, he served as an assistant team physician for the St. John’s University Athletic Department. He also received specialized training in treatment of shoulder and elbow disorders in the overhead throwing athlete.

Currently, Dr. Verma maintains an active clinical practice performing over 500 procedures per year. He is Director of the Division of Sports Medicine and Director of the Sports Medicine Fellowship Program. In addition, he serves as a team physician for the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bulls, and Nazareth Academy. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Verma is actively involved in orthopedic research with interests in basic science, biomechanics and clinical outcomes, and has recently received funding for his work from Major League Baseball.

He has authored multiple peer-reviewed manuscripts in major orthopedic and sports medicine journals, numerous book chapters, and routinely serves as teaching faculty for orthopedic courses on advanced surgical techniques. He frequently serves as an invited speaker or guest surgeon for national and international orthopedic sports medicine meetings.

On the academic front, Dr. Verma serves as Associate Editor of the Arthroscopy Journal, and on the editorial board of the Journal of Knee Surgery. He is a member of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, American Shoulder and Elbow Society, Arthroscopy Association of North America, Major League Baseball Team Physician Association, and is a fellow in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He has been elected by his peers to “Best Doctors in America” every year since 2007.