RUSSELL — Orthopedic surgeon Jarrod R. Smith, M.D., will be the speaker at Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital’s free seminar concerning ACL injuries. The event takes place Tuesday, Aug. 21 at 6 p.m. in the fifth floor board room of Bellefonte Centre, 1000 Ashland Drive on the campus of OLBH.

The title of Smith’s presentation will be “ACL Injury, Treatment, Recovery and Prevention.” Smith will speak about ways to avoid ACL injuries as well as how to return to sports and activities following an injury. An injury to the ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is one of the most common setbacks athletes face. Athletes who participate in high demand sports like soccer, football, and basketball are more prone to knee injuries, including of the ACL, which is found inside the knee join.

“We wanted to offer this program because research tells us that ACL injury rates are increasing in both career athletes and youth athletes,” said OLBH director of Rehabilitation Tim O’Toole.

“Dr. Smith will educate attendees on how we deal with these injuries and what has the most success in getting kids back in the game. Even more importantly, we hope to help them avoid injury altogether.”

Smith is a graduate of the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. He completed his orthopaedic sports medicine fellowship at the Andrews Research and Education Foundation in Gulf Breeze, Fla., under the direction of Dr. James Andrews. He completed a residency in orthopaedic surgery at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Chattanooga, Tenn. Smith has established his practice, Smith Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, at Bellefonte Centre on the campus of OLBH.

Refreshments will be served at the seminar. Male and female athletes, parents, school athletic trainers and coaches are invited to attend. To RSVP, contact the OLBH CareLine at 606-833-CARE (2273).

For more information concerning OLBH or the Bon Secours Health System, visit BonSecours.com.