Sports medicine surgery

Our sports medicine providers help you get excellent care when you need surgery. We work closely with orthopedic surgeons who use minimally invasive techniques that make surgery easier for you. These techniques mean less pain, scarring and recovery time for you compared to traditional open surgery.

What is sports medicine surgery?

Sports medicine surgeries are procedures to treat injuries you have from physical activity. Usually, sports medicine providers start treatment with noninvasive options, such as rest and physical therapy. Surgery may be the right choice if nonsurgical treatments don’t bring relief.

Types of sports medicine surgery

Sports medicine providers and orthopedic surgeons work together to provide an array of procedures, including:

• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair: Your ACL is a thick band of tissue that helps stabilize your knee. ACL tears are common in athletes, especially those who play sports that involve quick pivots and jumps. During an ACL repair, a surgeon reconstructs your ACL using tissue from elsewhere in your body or donor tissue.
• Arthroscopy: Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery that uses a tube-like instrument with a light and camera (arthroscope). The surgeon inserts the arthroscope through a small incision to diagnose and repair injuries. It’s common to have an arthroscopy of your shoulder, knee or hip.
• Meniscal repair: Your meniscus is a piece of cartilage that helps absorb shock in your knee. If you tear your meniscus, your provider may use surgery to repair it with stitches (sutures). Surgeons often use arthroscopic techniques during meniscal repair.
• Partial knee replacement: During a partial knee replacement, your surgeon removes the damaged part of your knee and replaces it with artificial parts. Replacing only one knee compartment can lead to a faster recovery and a more natural-feeling result.
• Tommy John surgery: Tommy John surgery is a procedure to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). Your UCL is the band of tissue inside your elbow that connects your forearm to your upper arm. UCL damage is common in athletes who throw a lot, such as pitchers.

Conditions treated with sports medicine surgery

Sports medicine surgery may be a treatment for a variety of sports injuries, including:

• ACL tears
• Arthritis
• Broken bones
• Damaged cartilage
• Hamstring tears
• Hip impingement or pinching in your hip joint
• Meniscus tears
• Shoulder instability or dislocation
• Thrower’s shoulder
• Torn tendons
• UCL damage

Side effects of sports medicine surgery

Sports medicine surgeries are generally safe. It’s common to experience temporary side effects after surgery such as:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling

More severe complications are very rare, but possible. These include infection, blood clots and nerve damage.

Minimally invasive, outpatient procedures

At Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic, we prioritize using minimally invasive techniques that get you back in the game sooner. Most of our surgeries are outpatient procedures, where you return home the same day. We specialize in managing both acute and chronic sports injuries to help you achieve your best health and fitness.