Biography

Austin was born in Southern California where he earned an undergraduate degree in Biology-Chemistry from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, CA. He completed medical school at Creighton University in Omaha, NE and currently resides in West Texas where he is completing his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery. Orthopaedic interests include sports medicine and traumatology.

Topics

Herniated Vertebral Disc

A herniated disc, also known as a bulged, slipped, or prolapsed disc is when one of the cushion-like pads between the vertebrae moves out of position and presses on the... Continue Reading

Idiopathic Scoliosis

Idiopathic scoliosis, or abnormal spine curvature, typically develops in young, female individuals greater than 10 years old. In young children with onset before 10 years old they are at an... Continue Reading

Vertebral Compression Fracture

Vertebral compression fractures occur when the vertebral body of the spine collapses, which can lead to severe pain, deformity, and loss of height. These fractures are particularly seen in elderly... Continue Reading

Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

Degenerative spondylolisthesis is a wear and tear phenomenon which describes the condition of one vertebrae slipping over the vertebrae below. This condition more commonly affects the lumbar spine (low back)... Continue Reading

Cervical Myelopathy

Cervical myelopathy is a form of spinal cord compression that occurs in the neck (cervical) region of the spine. The cervical spine consists of 7 bony vertebrae with fibrous discs... Continue Reading

Meniscus Tear

The menisci are two C shaped discs of fibrocartilage within the knee that function to cushion and stabilize the knee during everyday activities. Tears of the meniscus are one of... Continue Reading

Patella Tendon Rupture

The patella tendon is located near the knee and connects the patella (kneecap) to the tibia (shinbone). Its function is to allow an individual to straighten out the leg during... Continue Reading

Quadriceps Tendon Rupture

Tears in the quadriceps tendon are rare, but potentially devastating injuries. The quadriceps tendon is the confluence of the four thigh muscles located just above the patella (kneecap). The function... Continue Reading

Patella Fracture

The patella, also referred to as the ‘kneecap’, is surrounded by tendinous attachments above and below. The function of the this bone to give mechanical advantage to the knee during... Continue Reading

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Rupture

The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is one of the crucial structures that works to stabilize the knee. This ligament’s primary role is to keep the patella (kneecap) tracking within its... Continue Reading