Sports Injuries and Arthroscopic Surgery
Overview
Sports-related injuries commonly affect the ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and soft tissues of joints, particularly the knee, shoulder, elbow, and foot. These injuries may result from acute trauma or repetitive overuse.Modern orthopaedic management combines minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques with structured rehabilitation to restore function, stability, and performance.
Common Sports Injuries Managed
Knee Injuries
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries
- Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) injuries
- Posterolateral corner (PLC) injuries
- Meniscal tears
Shoulder Injuries
- Recurrent shoulder instability
- Labral tears (Bankart lesions)
- Rotator cuff tears
Overuse Conditions
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Plantar fasciitis
Clinical Presentation
Patients may present with:
- Joint pain and swelling
- Instability or giving way (knee/shoulder)
- Reduced strength or range of motion
- Mechanical symptoms (locking, catching)
- Pain with activity or repetitive movements
Diagnosis
Clinical Evaluation
- Detailed history (mechanism of injury or overuse)
- Joint stability testing
- Functional assessment
Imaging
- MRI – Gold standard for ligament, cartilage, and tendon injuries
- X-ray – To exclude fractures or assess alignment
- Ultrasound – Useful in tendon-related conditions
Non-Surgical Management
Many sports injuries can initially be managed conservatively:
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
- Activity modification
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Bracing or support
- Local injections (in selected cases)
Surgical Management (Arthroscopic and Reconstructive Procedures)
Surgery is considered in cases of instability, persistent symptoms, or failure of conservative treatment.
Common procedures include:
Knee
- ACL reconstruction
- PCL reconstruction
- Posterolateral corner reconstruction
- Partial meniscectomy
- Meniscal repair
Shoulder
- Arthroscopic Bankart repair
- Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair
- Latarjet procedure (for recurrent instability with bone loss)
These procedures are typically performed using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques, allowing precise treatment with reduced tissue damage.
Management of Overuse Conditions
Tennis Elbow / Golfer’s Elbow
- Activity modification
- Physiotherapy and eccentric strengthening
- Bracing
- Injections (e.g., corticosteroid or PRP in selected cases)
- Surgery (rare, for resistant cases)
Plantar Fasciitis
- Stretching exercises (plantar fascia and calf)
- Orthotics and footwear modification
- Physiotherapy
- Injections (selected cases)
- Surgical release (rare cases)
Expected Outcomes
- Restoration of joint stability
- Pain relief
- Return to sports and physical activity
- Improved strength and function
Risks and Complications
- Infection
- Residual instability
- Stiffness
- Re-injury or graft failure
- Persistent pain
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Rehabilitation is essential for successful outcomes:
- Early mobilization
- Progressive strengthening
- Proprioception and neuromuscular training
- Sport-specific rehabilitation
Return to sports depends on the injury and procedure (typically 3–9 months for major ligament reconstructions).
Prognosis
With appropriate treatment and adherence to rehabilitation, most patients achieve excellent outcomes and are able to return to their previous level of activity.
Summary
Sports injuries range from acute ligament tears to chronic overuse conditions. A tailored approach combining conservative management, advanced arthroscopic techniques, and structured rehabilitation ensures optimal recovery and safe return to activity.