Sports Medicine & Shoulder

Dr. Adam B. Yanke is a sports medicine orthopedic surgeon with an interest in advanced arthroscopy, shoulder replacement, and a special focus on patellofemoral dysfunction and cartilage restoration. Dr. Yanke earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Miami University, Oxford, OH, with majors in engineering physics and zoology and a minor in non-linear mathematics. After obtaining his medical degree from Rush Medical College (Chicago, IL), Dr. Yanke continued on at Rush for his Orthopedic Surgery residency. He followed this by attending the Sports Medicine Fellowship at Rush University, where he was trained in advanced joint arthroscopy, shoulder arthroplasty, and cartilage restoration techniques.

Throughout his orthopedic training, Dr. Yanke completed a Ph.D. in the department of Biochemistry. Finishing his training in 2014, this work has resulted in a new method for analyzing cartilage activity with comparisons between normal, aged, and damaged cartilage. Through a collaboration with the Department of Biochemistry, Dr. Yanke continues to perform both basic science and clinical research in an effort to develop bench-top techniques that will translate directly to improved patient care. Having the combination of the clinical and basic science background allows for bridging the gap between these two fields. He has accomplished this through writing over 50 peer-reviewed manuscripts and book chapters along with presenting over 50 abstracts at national and international meetings. Dr. Yanke is a member of numerous professional societies including the International Cartilage Repair Society, a candidate member of the International Patellofemoral Study Group, and he was selected by the American Orthopaedic Association as an Emerging Leader.

Dr. Yanke’s motivation to perform both clinical and basic science research has always been to deliver the most advanced patient care possible. This includes being involved in clinical trials that utilize stem cell injections for arthritis. He also believes that the cornerstones of good orthopedic care are proper indications and understanding that non-operative measures are commonly the most appropriate treatment. Having been All-State in lacrosse, Dr. Yanke is familiar with the stress that is associated with athletic injuries and that a given ailment is not treated in isolation. Currently, Dr. Yanke continues his involvement with sports though participating in team coverage ranging from high school to professional teams. Teams covered include the Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox, DePaul Blue Demons, Chicago Riot and Chicago Force. No matter what the diagnosis, proper treatment hinges on taking into account the anatomic problem, not in isolation, but within the framework of the patient’s life. Through working with and educating patients, Dr. Yanke believes a healthy surgeon-patient relationship is mandatory in order to arrive at the proper course of treatment.