Derek M. Hansen - November / December 2025 

Introduction

At a time when the best defence against complexity seems to involve some sort of technological fix, I am constantly searching for simpler ways to solve problems.  It can be argued that compared to 30 years ago, life is much easier to navigate.  We do not need to know how to read paper maps prior to a vacation or develop a sense of direction.  We have GPS satellite navigation technology in our cars, phones, watches and smart glasses.  Most evaluations by your physician can involve a simple collection of blood and urine – and possibly a swipe of stool – to determine your health status without having to submit to a digital rectal exam or colonoscopy, as exuberant an experience those manual tests can be.  And, writing an article or email can be expedited and improved through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), even though your output may seem a little generic and sterile.

As I get older, digital solutions seem boring and p...

Derek M. Hansen - August 2023

Now that we are in the midst of NFL pre-season training camps, the combination of heavy training and competition for a roster spot tends to be a fertile ground for catastrophic injury.  While soft-tissue injuries such as hamstring pulls, calf strains and low back pain are a common side effect of training camp, it is the season and/or career ending injuries involving joints and connective tissues that are much more concerning to players and the teams’ head offices.

In particular, we are discussing the dreaded Achilles tendon rupture.  If you have ever been present when the thickest tendon in the human body decides to unravel instantaneously, the sound of the ‘pop’ that occurs will haunt you forever, especially if you are a middle-aged former athlete.  Individuals who have had the unfortunate experience of having their Achilles tendon rupture during an athletic pursuit will comment that the injury initially felt as though they were kicked or hit with a ...