Sports Injury Surgery

Sports injury surgery is the last and final treatment option for some sports injuries. There are many injuries that ultimately require surgery for a full recovery. ACL reconstructions, shoulder labral tears, and meniscus tears are just a few sports injuries that may require surgical intervention.

The road to sports injury surgery is often long. You may undergo several weeks, or months, of conservative rehabilitation before the decision to have surgery.

Conservative treatment involves early acute care like R.I.C.E, range of motion, and strengthening. Once the initial trauma of the injury has passed, conservative treatment works to restore normal function.

The ultimate goal of course is to avoid surgery if possible. Unfortunately, depending on the severity of your injury and the structures involved, you may have to have surgery to get back to normal.

Some injuries, like ACL tears are treated with surgery exclusively. There may be several weeks of conservative care to reduce swelling and improve range of motion, but to get back to normal, you have to have your ligament reconstructed.

No matter what type of surgery you may be having, you have lots of questions. Use the links below to find out more about different types of surgery, and to help prepare yourself for the upcoming process.

General Sports Injury Surgery Information

Arthroscopic vs. Open Procedures
What are the differences between arthroscopic and open procedures, and how do you know which one you need?

Knee Surgeries
Knee surgery is very common with sports injuries. Learn more about specific knee surgeries like ACL reconstructions, meniscus surgery, and more.

Knee Arthroscopy
Knee arthroscopy is considered a minor knee surgery, and can be used to treat many conditions within the joint. It is minimally invasive, and the rehabilitation time varies depending on what was actually done inside the knee.

Meniscus Tear Surgery
Meniscectomy, or removal of a torn meniscus. Learn more about this very common arthroscopic procedure.

Meniscus Repair Surgery
Meniscus repair involves using sutures or tacks to repair the meniscus. Learn more about this knee scope procedure.

Lateral Release
This procedure is used to treat patella femoral problems and is common arthroscopic surgery for sports injuries.

ACL Reconstruction
ACL reconstruction is considered a major knee surgery. It involves reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament, and extensive rehabilitation.

Choosing a Physician For Your ACL Surgery
Not all orthopedists are created equal. Do you know what to look for in a good surgeon for your ACL surgery?

ACLR: Questions for Your Physician
Your orthopedic surgeion is the best person to answer your questions about ACL surgery. Here is a list of questions to get you started...

Graft Choices: Patellar Tendon
Learn about the benefits and drawbacks of this graft type, and how it plays into the reconstruction and rehab.

Graft Choices: Hamstring Tendon
Is the hamstring tendon graft a good choice for you? Read more about this tissue type, why it is used, and how it affects your rehab.

Pre Surgical Exercises
A good start to pre-surgical ACL exercises to help you prepare for surgery.

What to Expect From ACL Surgery
How much does it hurt? What will my knee feel like? What on earth is all of this yellow stuff?

The First Week
The first week after surgery is important to get yourself started out on the right foot. Learn how to maximize your recovery.

Regaining Range of Motion
Regaining motion after surgery is very important. Here are a few ways you can work to improve your motion.

Regaining Strength (Coming Soon)

Restoring Normal Gait (Coming Soon)

ACL Recovery Timeline
How long will you be on crutches? How long do you have to wear a brace? When can you run again? Read through my ACL timeline and learn more about what lies ahead.

ACL Surgery Stories
If you have had an ACL reconstruction, or are getting ready for this surgery, I want to hear your story. Whether you have questions you want answered, or just want to share your experience, this is the place for you.

Shoulder Surgery
Labral repairs, SLAP Repair, bankart reconstructions. Learn more about these types of shoulder surgeries.

Shoulder Arthroscopy
Learn more about this type of shoulder surgery used to treat many different shoulder injuries.

Subacromial Decompression
This arthroscopic procedure is used to treat impingement syndrome.

Rotator Cuff Surgery
Arthroscopic or open procedure used to repair a torn rotator cuff.

Labral Repair
This procedure repairs the labram, or cartilage, of the shoulder and can be performed arthroscopically or open.

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