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.

Because of the frequent use, wear-and-tear and risk of a fall or accident associated with sports activities, athletes are often susceptible to orthopaedic injuries, including a stress fracture, chronic pain, or a tearing or stretching of internal structures. Different activities place different areas at a higher risk for damage, so it's important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself while playing sports. Treatment for these conditions may involve surgery, orthotics, physical therapy and rest.

As with a sports team, there are many members of the UOC Sports Medicine Team who work together to help the patient regain maximum use of the injured limb or joint. "Players" on the team are typically our Sports Medicine Board Certified orthopaedic surgeon, physical therapist, athletic trainer and of course the patient him/herself. Our doctors have specialized training in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of sports injuries, and can help athletes return to their favorite activities as quickly as possible through the most advanced, minimally invasive treatments available.

The most common sports injuries we see include:

• Knee Ligament Tears and Reconstruction (ACL, MCL, PCL, LCL)
• Meniscal Tears
• Sprains and Strains
• Tendonitis and Bursitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture and Repair
• Shoulder Instability
• Rotator Cuff Tear and Repair
• Shoulder Impingement
• Tennis Elbow
• Golfer's Elbow
• Shin Splints
• Iliotibial Band Syndrome
• Patellar Tendonitis