Even with the right precautions, there can still be a risk of injury during sports. The good news is that a majority of sport-related injuries can be treated effectively using nonsurgical methods. However, orthopedic surgery may be considered for injuries that are more serious or disabling, or when other treatments no longer work successfully.
When Is Sports Orthopedic Surgery Necessary?
Orthopedic injuries affect the musculoskeletal system and are common types of injuries during sports play. These include injuries to the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, or other connective tissues. Although some injuries may occur suddenly, such as from a fall, direct blow, collision, or overstretching, other injuries can develop slowly over time, such as through overuse and repetitive motions, and can cause soft tissues to wear down and deteriorate.
Most sports injuries can be treated effectively with non-surgical treatment options and regenerative treatments such as physical therapy and PRP therapy. Surgery is typically only considered once all nonsurgical treatment options have been fully explored or for severe injuries such as complete fractures or torn tendons.
Soft tissue injuries such as tendon, ligament, and muscle injuries can result in pain, weakness, reduced range of motion, and joint instability and may significantly limit a person’s ability to participate in sports or employment. Surgery may be considered the best option to repair damage to soft tissues and prevent future problems.
Common Sports Surgeries
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a common, minimally invasive surgical procedure that utilizes a small fiber-optic camera along with specially designed surgical instruments to view, diagnose, and treat joint conditions. The instruments are inserted through small incisions, meaning there is minimal trauma to nearby tissue. Arthroscopy is associated with less bleeding, fewer complication risks, and quicker healing than open surgery. It may be used to repair damage to torn cartilage and ligaments and to remove loose fragments of bone or cartilage from joints.
Fracture Surgery
Minor fractures may be treated successfully non-surgically,with a cast or brace, and by resting the affected area, followed by physical therapy to strengthen the area. For more severe fractures, surgery may be necessary to realign or repair broken bones to ensure they heal correctly. The type of surgery required will depend on the location and the severity of the fracture.
Ligament Reconstruction
Ligaments are the fibrous connective tissues that attach bones to other bones to keep them stable. They can get damaged or torn during sports play leading to pain, limited range of motion, and instability. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee is a common ligament to get damaged in sports play. Reconstructive ligament surgery involves replacing a torn ligament with a tendon from another area of the body to restore function in the affected area.
Tendon Repair Surgery
Tendons connect bones to muscles and allow for a wide range of movements. If a tendon gets badly damaged, surgery may be necessary to repair it to help restore movement in the affected area and to alleviate symptoms such as pain and swelling. Surgery involves a small incision to locate the ends of the torn tendons and then stitching the damaged tendon back together.
What Are The Alternatives To Surgery?
Although orthopedic surgery may be necessary in some cases, there are many other effective, nonsurgical treatment options to explore if you have a musculoskeletal injury or condition. At Reagan Integrated Sports Medicine, our sports medicine specialists are fully up to date with the latest innovative, nonsurgical treatments and therapies to alleviate symptoms such as pain, inflammation, and reduced range of motion and function, helping you to avoid the need for invasive surgery.
We utilize a wide range of treatments and therapeutic services that are personalized to your unique needs in order to successfully treat your symptoms, including:
- Active release technique (ART)
- Chiropractic
- Custom orthotics
- Dry needling
- Fascial distortion model
- Graston technique
- High-intensity laser therapy
- IV nutrient therapy
- Massage therapy
- Myofascial release
- Neurokinetic technique
- Physical therapy
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
- Prolozone therapy
- Shockwave therapy
- Stem cell therapy
- Spinal decompression
Sports Orthopedic in Dallas, TX
If you have been injured during sports play, don’t delay, seek expert care from the experienced team of highly trained chiropractic and sports medicine physicians at Reagan Integrated Sports Medicine. We specialize in a wide range of sports medicine and rehabilitation therapy services, along with advanced non-surgical treatments to help you avoid surgery and get back to your game sooner.
Call Reagan Integrated Sports Medicine today at (972) 503-7272 to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists. Alternatively, you can arrange a consultation using our convenient online Scheduling App.
