What Sport Injuries Require Surgery?

Sports injuries can vary greatly in severity, from minor sprains and strains to severe injuries that require surgical intervention. While many sports injuries can be managed with rest, physical therapy, and other non-surgical treatments, certain injuries are serious enough to necessitate surgery for proper healing and recovery. Below are some common sports injuries that often require surgical treatment, broken down into understandable subtopics.

1. Torn Ligaments Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears

One of the important ligaments that help in stabilizing the knee joint is the ACL. Sports like football, basketball, and soccer that require quick stops and direction changes are prone to ACL rupture. A popping sound at the scene, excruciating pain, swelling, and instability in the knee are among the symptoms. During surgery, which is often done arthroscopically, a graft is used to repair the damaged ligament.

Rotator Cuff Tears

The collection of tendons and muscles that stabilize the shoulder is called the rotator cuff. Sports like baseball, tennis, and swimming can cause repeated overhead motions that can cause tears in these tendons. Shoulder soreness, weakness, and restricted range of motion are among the symptoms. One surgical method to repair the damaged tendon and restore it to the bone is arthroscopic surgery.

2. Fractures Compound Fractures

A compound fracture, also known as an open fracture, occurs when the bone breaks and pierces through the skin. This type of fracture is common in high-impact sports like football and skiing. Immediate surgical intervention is needed to clean the wound, realign the bones, and stabilize the fracture with plates, screws, or rods.

Stress Fractures

Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone that often occur in weight-bearing bones like the tibia (shinbone) and metatarsals (foot bones). These fractures are common in runners and athletes involved in high-impact sports. While many stress fractures heal with rest and physical therapy, severe cases may require surgery to insert supportive hardware to facilitate healing.

3. Dislocations Shoulder Dislocations

A shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket, which can happen in contact sports such as football, rugby, and hockey. Chronic shoulder instability or repeated dislocations may necessitate surgical intervention to tighten the ligaments and restore shoulder stability.

Knee Dislocations

Knee dislocations are severe injuries where the bones of the knee are forced out of alignment, often damaging ligaments, blood vessels, and nerves. This injury is common in high-energy sports like skiing and football. Surgery is required to repair the ligaments, realign the knee, and address any associated vascular or nerve damage.

Conclusion

While many sports injuries can be managed with non-surgical treatments, certain injuries necessitate surgical intervention to restore full function and allow athletes to return to their activities. ACL tears, meniscus tears, rotator cuff tears, Achilles tendon ruptures, shoulder dislocations, and severe fractures are among the most common sports injuries requiring surgery.

Dr. Bharani Kumar Dayanandam, a highly experienced and esteemed Orthopaedic Surgeon and Trauma Consultant, specializes in treating knee and shoulder injuries. Currently serving as the Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgeon at Apollo Hospitals in Ayanambakkam, Chennai, Dr. Bharani Kumar Dayanandam is renowned for his expertise in managing complex sports injuries and providing comprehensive care to help athletes recover and regain their peak performance levels.

    Authored By Dr Bharani  Kumar Dayanandam,MBBS,Orthopedic Surgeon