Brandon L. Barnds, MD

Practice Spotlight

By Jeanie Edgmon

July 2, 2024

397

Story by Jeanie Edgmon

Setbacks to Victories

Advancing Orthopedic Care and Sports Medicine

During an intense game, the last thing an athlete wants is an injury. Yet, when these inevitable setbacks occur, athletes in Kansas City know they are in good hands with Dr. Brandon Barnds.

As an Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine Physician at Kansas City Bone & Joint Clinic, Dr. Barnds specializes in complex shoulder injuries and arthroscopic minimally invasive surgeries, offering a lifeline to those eager to return to their active lives.

Driven By Discipline, Ambition, Dedication

Driven by ambition, athletes channel passion into grueling discipline. They face setbacks with unwavering optimism, fueled by a competitive spirit that thrives on pressure.
Dr. Barnds’ journey into sports medicine was motivated by his own experiences in sports and he feels his patients deserve nothing less than that same level of drive, dedication, and ambition. He is an active member of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM), Arthroscopy Association of North American (AANA), American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) where he is also a reviewer for Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (JSES).
“I was an athlete, and I know how devastating and overwhelming an injury can be. I want to reassure athletes that today we have so many options to get them back to full functionality,” he says.
This firsthand understanding shaped his empathetic and dedicated approach to patient care.

Expertise in Minimally Invasive Shoulder Surgery

A significant focus of the practice is on shoulder injuries, especially rotator cuff and labral repairs. These injuries, common among athletes and active individuals, can greatly affect one’s quality of life. Dr. Barnds utilizes advanced arthroscopic techniques to perform these repairs, aiming to minimize pain and speed up recovery.
“Today, we do things as minimally invasive as possible. Our mission is to see patients early, lessen the amount of pain exposure, and get them back to full activity sooner,” he explains. His meticulous methods help ensure patients can recover quickly and return to their routines.
Rotator cuff and labral injuries can result from acute trauma or degenerative changes and are particularly common in patients involved in repetitive overhead activities, such as baseball players, swimmers, and tennis players. His expertise in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair allows him to address these injuries with precision. This minimally invasive technique involves small incisions, and the use of a tiny camera called an arthroscope, which provides a clear view of the shoulder joint. By repairing the torn structures through these small incisions, Dr. Barnds minimizes tissue damage and reduces recovery time, enabling patients to regain strength and mobility more swiftly.

Comprehensive Care for Athletes

Beyond surgical procedures, Dr. Barnds is experienced in managing the overall care of high-level athletes. His holistic approach includes injury prevention, early diagnosis, and personalized rehabilitation plans.
“It surprises many people to know that most injuries are routine for our team. For the patient, it is a big deal. But we see such a high volume of them, we can treat them confidently and predictably, and very often in a shorter time frame and with less pain,” he shares. This depth of experience allows him to offer effective and reliable treatments.

Advocating for Physical Therapy

A strong proponent of physical therapy, Dr. Barnds integrates it into his treatment plans to ensure comprehensive recovery.
“Overcoming an injury takes a dedicated partnership between the doctors and the patient, and I include the patient in the process as much as possible. I make sure that each patient knows exactly what to expect, from pain levels to the need to stay diligent in physical therapy,” he emphasizes. This collaborative approach enhances recovery and performance outcomes for his patients.
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation process, particularly after shoulder surgery. Dr. Barnds works closely with a team of skilled physical therapists to develop individualized rehabilitation programs that address the specific needs and goals of each patient.

Patient-Centered Philosophy

At the heart of Dr. Barnds’ practice is a patient-centered philosophy. He tailors treatment plans to meet the specific needs and goals of each patient. This approach is particularly evident in his handling of athletic injuries of the hip, shoulder, and knee, which make up 70 percent of his caseload. His detailed protocols ensure that patients receive consistent and high-quality care throughout their treatment journey. He also performs a high volume of shoulder replacements, and has found that his patients recover faster with much less pain than expected.
Dr. Barnds believes effective communication is essential to building trust and fostering a positive patient experience. He takes the time to thoroughly explain diagnoses, treatment options, and expected outcomes, ensuring that patients are well-informed and actively involved in their care.

Pain Management and Education

Pain management and patient education are also high priorities. “Since we deal with so many cases in this specific area of care, we have exceptional pain management because we know what the patient needs,” he says. His focus on minimizing pain through innovative techniques helps patients recover more comfortably and quickly. Dr. Barnds empowers patients to make informed decisions about their care by educating them on their conditions and treatment options.

Effective pain management is a cornerstone of Dr. Barnds’ approach to orthopedic care. He employs a multimodal pain management strategy that may include medications, nerve blocks, and non-pharmacological interventions to address pain at various stages of the treatment process. This comprehensive approach not only enhances patient comfort but also facilitates a smoother and faster recovery.

Encouraging Early Intervention

Dr. Barnds is also dedicated to breaking down barriers that prevent individuals from seeking care. “Many people avoid seeing the doctor about shoulder or knee pain because they have heard that surgery or replacement is painful and involves a long recovery period,” he notes. By utilizing minimally invasive techniques and advanced pain management strategies, he is changing perceptions and encouraging early post-operative therapy intervention for better outcomes.
Early intervention can be critical in preventing minor injuries from progressing to more severe conditions that require extensive treatment. Dr. Barnds emphasizes the importance of seeking medical attention at the first sign of discomfort or dysfunction.

Community Involvement

As a Kansas City native, Dr. Barnds is also committed to his community, volunteering his time with local high school sports teams. He attends games and provides immediate care for injuries, ensuring young athletes receive prompt and expert attention. This hands-on involvement helps prevent more serious complications and supports the health and well-being of the community’s youth.

Family Support

Behind Dr. Barnds’ professional dedication is a strong family foundation. “I have a wonderful wife, a daughter, and a family that all support my efforts, and I credit their support as the reason I can provide a high level of care to my patients,” he acknowledges. Their support allows him to balance the demands of his career while maintaining a high standard of patient care.
Dr. Barnds’ family plays a vital role in his ability to manage the challenges of a demanding medical career. Their unwavering support and understanding provide him with the stability and motivation needed to excel in his profession.

Commitment to Care

Through his work at Kansas City Bone & Joint Clinic and his volunteer efforts with local high school sports teams, Dr. Barnds exemplifies the true spirit of sports medicine. His patient-centered approach, bolstered by a strong support system from his family, enables him to deliver exceptional care and foster recovery in a compassionate and efficient manner. For Dr. Barnds, the journey to recovery is a partnership, and his dedication ensures that athletes and patients alike can return to their activities with renewed strength and confidence