Precision care for joint preservation — powered by biologics, biomechanics, and the SIGMA 100 Days to Success recovery system.
At Sigma Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Dr. Frank McCormick combines Harvard-trained surgical precision with a multimodal pain-management system designed to accelerate healing and minimize medication dependence. Our approach focuses on faster recovery, lower risk, and better long-term outcomes.
Type | Description |
Primary OA | Age-related “wear-and-tear” arthritis with gradual cartilage loss. |
Secondary OA | Follows prior trauma, instability, rotator cuff tear, or surgery. |
Rotator Cuff Arthropathy | Advanced degeneration after chronic cuff tears. |
pain, motion, strength, and lifestyle mapping
X-ray, MRI, or CT for bone and cartilage detail
scapular tracking, load distribution
objective scoring for cartilage loss, cuff integrity, and bone quality
PRP / A2M / BMAC as indicated
your customized recovery blueprint
smoothing frayed cartilage and removing loose debris
PRP or graft augmentation to preserve joint surface
for advanced OA with intact rotator cuff
for cuff-deficient or post-traumatic arthritis
Biologic | Function |
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) | Delivers growth factors to promote repair and reduce inflammation. |
A2M (Alpha-2-Macroglobulin) | Inhibits cartilage-damaging enzymes and slows OA progression. |
BMAC (Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate) | Supplies regenerative cells and proteins to enhance healing. |
SIGMA’s biologic suite includes Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), Alpha-2-Macroglobulin (A2M), and Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMAC) — natural cell-based treatments designed to reduce inflammation, slow cartilage breakdown, and promote tissue repair.
Each treatment is ultrasound-guided for accuracy and customized based on your diagnostic profile and SIGMA Score™.
When conservative care isn’t enough, SIGMA’s arthroscopic specialists use minimally invasive “keyhole” surgery to:
Our approach minimizes trauma, anesthesia time, and downtime — allowing most patients to begin guided motion and physical therapy within days.
For patients with advanced arthritis, SIGMA offers computer-navigated total and partial shoulder replacement procedures.
We use custom implants, intraoperative navigation, and biologic augmentation to improve implant longevity and postoperative outcomes — all guided by the same Six Sigma-inspired rigor that defines our brand.
Harvard-trained orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine and shoulder reconstruction
inspired by Six Sigma and fighter-pilot precision
for same-day advanced orthobiologic treatments
from your first consultation through full recovery
Bayonne University Hospital (NJ), New York City, and South Florida
Tool | Purpose |
Motion Capture Analysis | Quantifies scapular rhythm and joint kinematics. |
SynerG Orthobiologic Suite | Customized PRP/A2M/BMAC injections to enhance healing. |
Cryo-Compression Systems | Reduce swelling and improve comfort post-procedure. |
Outcome Analytics Dashboard | The SIGMA Scoreboard tracks recovery metrics and benchmarks. |
a) Arthroscopic Debridement:
– Removal of loose bodies
– Synovectomy – Chondroplasty
– Capsular release for frozen shoulder
b) Arthroscopic Microfracture:
– Stimulation of cartilage repair through subchondral bone perforation – Enhanced microfracture techniques (e.g., nanofracture)
c) Arthroscopic-assisted Rotator Cuff Procedures:
– Partial repair for irreparable tears
– Superior capsular reconstruction
– Balloon spacer implantation
d) Arthroscopic Biceps Tenodesis:
– For associated biceps tendon pathology
e) Radiofrequency Ablation:
– Genicular nerve ablation for pain management
a) Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI):
– Harvesting and culturing of patient’s own cartilage cells
– Implantation into defect areas
b) Matrix-induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI):
– ACI with a collagen membrane for improved cell adherence
c) Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System (OATS):
– Transplantation of healthy cartilage plugs from non
-weight-bearing areas
d) Particulated Juvenile Articular Cartilage Allograft:
– Implantation of minced juvenile cartilage for enhanced healing potential
e) Scaffold-based Cartilage Repair:
– Use of biocompatible scaffolds seeded with chondrocytes or stem cells
a) Resurfacing Arthroplasty:
– Partial joint replacement preserving bone stock
– Ideal for younger, active patients
b) Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (TSA):
– Latest generation implants with improved biomechanics
– Highly cross-linked polyethylene for reduced wear
– Trabecular metal or porous
-coated components for enhanced osseointegration
c) Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (rTSA):
– For cases with irreparable rotator cuff tears
– Newer designs with reduced scapular notching
d) Computer-assisted Navigation:
– Improved accuracy in component positioning
– Patient-specific instrumentation
e) Stemless Shoulder Arthroplasty:
– Bone-preserving option for humeral component
f) Biologic Glenoid Resurfacing:
– Use of acellular dermal matrix or other biologic scaffolds
a) Accelerated Rehabilitation Protocols:
– Early range of motion exercises
– Progressive strengthening programs
b) Aquatic Therapy:
– Reduced joint loading during early rehabilitation
c) Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES):
– Enhanced muscle activation and strength gains
d) Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training:
– Promotes muscle hypertrophy with lower loads
e) Virtual Reality (VR) Rehabilitation:
– Gamified exercises for improved engagement and proprioception
a) 3D Printing in Shoulder Arthroplasty:
– Custom implants and surgical guides
b) Augmented Reality (AR) in Surgical Planning:
– Enhanced preoperative planning and intraoperative guidance
c) Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Outcome Prediction:
– Machine learning algorithms for personalized treatment selection
d) Nanotechnology in Implant Coatings:
– Improved osseointegration and infection resistance
e) Smart Implants:
– Embedded sensors for real-time monitoring of joint function and healing
a) Sport-specific Functional Testing:
– Objective criteria for return to play decision-making
b) Biomechanical Analysis:
– Motion capture technology for technique optimization
c) Load Management Strategies:
– Gradual return to sport-specific activities – Pitch count limitations for overhead athletes
d) Nutritional Interventions:
– Targeted supplementation for joint health (e.g., collagen, omega-3 fatty acids)
e) Psychological Preparation:
– Mental skills training for successful return to competition
The management of shoulder osteoarthritis in athletes requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach. By integrating advanced conservative treatments, minimally invasive procedures, regenerative medicine techniques, and cutting-edge surgical interventions, sports medicine specialists can optimize outcomes for athletes with shoulder OA. Individualized treatment plans, considering the athlete’s age, sport, level of competition, and personal goals, are crucial for successful management. As technology and research continue to evolve, new treatment modalities will likely emerge, further expanding our ability to address this challenging condition in the athletic population.
