Sports Medicine

Sports medicine is a subspecialty of orthopaedics that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and 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 orthopaedic 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

Arthroscopy

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 many patients it is then possible to treat the problem using this approach. 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, visit the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine online at www.sportsmed.org. Click here to view our patient education animations.