Sports injuries, especially ligament and meniscus injuries, are common in athletes, from amateurs to professionals. According to the American Journal of Sports Medicine (2021), about 30% of athletes suffer a knee injury during their careers, with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears accounting for a high percentage. As an orthopedic surgeon with over 5,000 arthroscopic surgeries under my belt, I have helped many athletes in India, including cricketers and soccer players, return to the field. This article will explain sports injuries, the role of arthroscopic surgery, and how to recover effectively.
Common types of sports injuries
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear: Usually occurs when the knee rotates abruptly, common in sports like soccer and basketball.
Meniscal tear: The meniscus is damaged by twisting the knee or by a strong impact, causing pain and swelling.
Lateral collateral ligament (MCL/LCL) injury: Common in contact sports.
Tendonitis: Inflammation of the patellar tendon due to repetitive jumping or running.
Diagnosing sports injuries
Accurate diagnosis is the first step to effective treatment. I use:
Clinical examination: Assess the stability of the knee joint using tests such as Lachman or Pivot Shift.
MRI: Determine the extent of damage to the ligaments, meniscus or articular cartilage.
X-ray: Rule out fractures.
I once treated a 25-year-old cricketer who had a torn ACL after a pivot. Through MRI, I determined the total injury and performed arthroscopic surgery, which allowed him to return to play within 6 months.
Arthroscopic surgery: The optimal solution
Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive technique that uses a small camera and specialized instruments to repair damage in the joint. I was trained in this technique at AAOS (USA) and applied it in more than 2,000 cases at Artemis Hospital.
Procedure: A small incision (0.5cm) is made to insert the camera and instruments into the joint. I use a monitor to observe and repair ligaments, meniscus or remove damaged tissue.
Advantages:
Reduced pain and scarring compared to open surgery.
Fast recovery time (3–6 weeks for simple cases).
High success rate (90–95% according to Journal of Arthroscopic Surgery, 2019).
Applications: Repairing ACL, PCL, meniscus tears, or treating tendonitis.
Recovery from surgery
Recovery from arthroscopy requires a collaborative effort between the patient and the doctor:
Phase 1 (0–2 weeks): Rest, ice, and splint to protect the joint.
Phase 2 (2–6 weeks): Physical therapy to restore range of motion.
Phase 3 (6–12 weeks): Muscle strengthening and functional training.
Phase 4 (3–6 months): Return to sports with supervision.
I once coached a young soccer patient through recovery from an ACL tear. With a personalized physical therapy program, he was back playing at his peak within 7 months.
Preventing sports injuries
Warm up properly: 10–15 minute warm-up exercises warm up the muscles and joints.
Use protective gear: A knee brace or proper athletic shoes reduce the risk of injury.
Correct exercise technique: Coaching helps reduce stress on joints.
Nutrition: Protein and calcium supplements to strengthen bones and muscles.
Conclusion
A sports injury does not have to be the end of an athlete's career. With arthroscopic surgery and a well-planned rehabilitation plan, you can come back stronger. At Artemis Hospital, I am committed to providing comprehensive care, from accurate diagnosis to advanced surgery and rehabilitation support. If you are experiencing joint problems, contact me at Artemis Hospital or Practo to start your recovery journey!
