What is Sports Surgery?

Sports surgery is a branch of orthopedics and traumatology that deals with injuries commonly encountered during sports or by professional athletes. This field employs a wide range of techniques to treat injuries in joints, muscles, and the musculoskeletal system. The goal of sports surgery is to help athletes recover more quickly and effectively.
 

Conditions Covered by Sports Surgery

Sports surgery addresses various injuries that occur during sports through surgical interventions. Common conditions that both amateur and professional athletes may encounter include:

• Muscle tendon injuries
• Soft tissue and ligament trauma
• Meniscus tears
• Cartilage damage
• Shoulder joint injuries
• Elbow joint injuries
• Knee injuries

These types of injuries are typically treated by orthopedic and traumatology specialists. The treatment process usually involves arthroscopic (minimally invasive) techniques, but in some cases, open surgical methods may also be preferred.
 

Treatment Methods in Sports Surgery

High-activity sports can lead to various injuries. Depending on the type of injury, different treatment methods are applied. Treatment methods used for sports injuries include medication and injection therapies as well as arthroscopic (minimally invasive) techniques.
 

Arthroscopic Treatment and Sports Surgery

Not all sports injuries require surgical intervention, but when surgery is necessary, arthroscopic treatment methods are frequently used. Arthroscopy allows for better diagnosis and treatment of injuries inside the joint. It is a less invasive method compared to open surgery and typically offers a quicker recovery time.
 

What is Arthroscopy and How is it Performed?

Arthroscopy is a method of visually examining the internal structure of joints using fiber-optic devices. This technique allows for the identification of injuries within the joints and facilitates treatment. An arthroscope is a specialized device used to visualize the inside of joints.

During an arthroscopy procedure, small incisions are made in the skin over the joint to insert the necessary instruments. The joints are observed on a monitor and evaluated in detail. After the procedure, pain may be managed with painkillers, or a drain may be placed to prevent fluid accumulation.
 

When is Arthroscopy Applied?

For the Knee Joint:

• Repair of anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments
• Repair or removal of meniscus tears
• Cartilage grafts
• Removal of detached cartilage fragments
• Treatment of osteoarthritis
• Relief of joint inflammation
• Improvement of range of motion

For the Shoulder:

• Relief of shoulder motion restrictions
• Muscle impingements and tears
• Recurrent shoulder dislocations
• Early-stage osteoarthritis (arthritis)

For the Ankle:

• Intra-articular fractures
• Early-stage arthritis
• Meniscoid lesions