Orthopedic injuries are common among athletes because of wear and tear, falls, and other accidents. Injuries include ACL and other ligament tears, meniscus tears, fractures, strains, torn tendons, and even joint dislocations. Preventing injuries is the best course of action, but sometimes they cannot be avoided. Orthopedic doctors can help treat sports injuries with rehabilitation, bracing, and surgery (traditional open surgery and arthroscopy).

This is a minimally invasive procedure that allows orthopedic surgeons to treat and diagnose some injuries. It is usually performed after other testing options including x-rays and MRI or CT scans. The doctor will insert a small fiber-optic light, a magnifying lens, and a camera into the affected area (like a joint) to see any damage. These tools allow the professional to get a detailed look at the injury.

Arthroscopy is a common treatment for sports injuries. But, some require a mixture of this procedure and open surgery. Common injuries that can be treated using arthroscopy alone include tendon, ligament, and cartilage tears, rotator cuff tears, and inflamed joints. The knees, elbows, shoulders, ankles, hips, and wrists are the most often areas treated using this method.

There are many benefits that come with choosing to get arthroscopy from an orthopedic surgeon. If you choose this treatment over traditional surgery (not everyone needs surgery, after all), here are some of the benefits you’ll experience.

• The incisions (called portals) are small, so scarring should be minimal, and there is less muscle damage.
• Recovery is faster than after traditional surgery because arthroscopy is a day surgery.
• Rehabilitation is also faster and usually more comfortable too.