From The Field To The OR: Common Sports Medicine Procedures For Athletes

A minimally invasive fix

Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive technique that allows surgeons to diagnose and treat joint problems using a small camera called an arthroscope. Surgeons can trim or repair a torn meniscus cartilage, for example, using arthroscopy. Rotator cuff tears, often seen in baseball players, swimmers, and tennis players, can be repaired arthroscopically. A torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a devastating injury for athletes that can be reconstructed with arthroscopic surgery.

Overcoming elbow injuries

Tommy John surgery is a procedure commonly done on baseball pitchers and other overhead athletes. The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), located in the elbow, can become damaged due to repetitive throwing motions. During the surgery, a tendon from another part of the body or a donor is used to replace the damaged ligament. While the recovery process is lengthy, often taking a year or more, many athletes fully recover with improved performance.

Fractures in athletes

Broken bones are a common occurrence in contact sports like football, soccer, and basketball. Depending on the severity of the fracture, treatment may range from casting to surgical intervention. Internal fixation uses screws, plates, or rods to stabilize the bone. External fixation uses an external frame to hold the bone in place. Athletes with fractures typically undergo physical therapy to regain strength and mobility after the bone has healed.

Healing joint damage

Cartilage injuries, especially in the knee, can be debilitating for athletes. Unlike other tissues, cartilage has a limited ability to heal on its own. Sports medicine specialists use several techniques to restore damaged cartilage. Microfractures are small holes drilled into the bone to stimulate the growth of new cartilage. Osteochondral autograft transfer system (OATS) involves taking healthy cartilage from an area of the joint and transplanting it to the damaged area.

Shoulder and hip injuries

The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of a joint, providing stability. Labral tears are common in the shoulder and hip, particularly in athletes who perform repetitive overhead or twisting motions. Arthroscopic surgery is often used to repair or debride the torn labrum. For example, shoulder labral repair is common in baseball players and swimmers. Hip labral repair is often seen in soccer players, golfers, and dancers.

Achilles and knee injuries

Tendons connect muscles to bones. Injuries to these structures can sideline an athlete. A rupture of the Achilles tendon, often seen in basketball players and runners, may require surgical intervention to reattach the tendon. The patellar tendon, located in the knee, can tear during activities that involve jumping or sudden stops. Surgical repair is often followed by a lengthy rehabilitation process.

PRP and stem cell therapy

Regenerative medicine is becoming increasingly popular in sports medicine. Procedures like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and stem cell injections are used to promote healing in damaged tissues. While these treatments are not a substitute for surgery in severe cases, these treatments can be effective for conditions like tendonitis, mild arthritis, and muscle strains.

Back in the game

Sports medicine plays an important role in helping athletes recover from injuries and return to action stronger than ever. From minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures to complex fracture repairs, these treatments are designed to restore function and performance. Proper training, conditioning, and injury prevention strategies can help reduce the risk of injuries and keep athletes in the game for the long haul.