Sports Medicine & Arthroscopic Surgery

Sports Medicine

- Rehabilitation of injuries suffered during athletic activity

The goal of treatment is to heal and rehabilitate the injury so patients can return to their favorite activities quickly, whether it’s Little League, recreational play or a high school, college or professional sport.

As with a sports team, there are many physicians who work together to help the patient regain maximum use of the injured limb or joint. “Players” on the team are typically the physician, orthopedic surgeon, rehabilitation specialist, athletic trainer and physical therapist – and the patient him/herself.

Common injuries treated include:

ACL Tears
Compartment Syndrome
Fractures
Heat Exhaustion
Muscle Contusions (Bruise)

Muscle Cramps
Shin Splints
Sprains & Strains
Stress Fractures
Torn Tendons & Ligaments

Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to diagnose and sometimes treat joint injuries and disease through small incisions in the skin. It is often performed to confirm a diagnosis made after a physical examination and other imaging tests such as MRI, CT or X-rays. During an arthroscopic procedure, a thin fiberoptic light, magnifying lens and tiny television camera are inserted into the problem area, allowing the doctor to examine the joint in great detail.

For some patients it is then possible to treat the problem using this approach or with a combination of arthroscopic and “open” surgery. Sports injuries are often repairable with arthroscopy. Tendon tears in the knee are frequently repaired in this way. Other potentially treatable injuries include torn cartilage or ligaments, inflamed joint lining, carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff tears, and loose bone or cartilage.

Because it is minimally invasive, arthroscopy offers many benefits to the patient over traditional surgery:

No cutting of muscles or tendons
Less bleeding during surgery
Less scarring
Smaller incisions
Faster recovery and return to regular activities
Faster and more comfortable rehabilitation

Arthroscopy is not appropriate for every patient. Your doctor will discuss the diagnostic and treatment options that are best for you.

For More Information

To learn more about sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery, please Contact Us or visit the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine online at www.sportsmed.org