Are you sidelined by a sports injury, itching to get back in the game? North Country Orthopaedic Group (NCOG) is your winning ticket to overcoming those setbacks and reclaiming your strength. We understand the frustration that comes with being sidelined, which is why we’re dedicated to providing tailored treatments and rehabilitation strategies to get you back to peak performance.
Unlocking the Power of Sports Medicine
Sports medicine isn’t just about patching up athletes anymore. It’s a dynamic field that blends cutting-edge medical knowledge with a holistic approach to wellness. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, at NCOG we are committed to optimizing your physical function and helping you reach your full potential.
From rotator cuff tears to ankle sprains, sports injuries can strike anywhere from head to toe. At NCOG, our sports medicine specialists are equipped to tackle a wide range of issues, using advanced diagnostic techniques to ensure accurate diagnoses.
Dr Carolyn Hettrich, MD, MPH, a leading specialist in shoulder, elbow, and sports medicine, is shown using the latest diagnostic imaging technology at NCOG.
Common Sports Injuries
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the key ligaments that helps stabilize the knee joint. ACL injuries are common in sports that involve sudden stops and changes in direction, such as basketball, soccer, football, and skiing. An ACL tear often occurs when an athlete decelerates quickly, turns rapidly, or lands from a jump incorrectly. Symptoms include a loud pop or a “giving-way” sensation in the knee, pain, swelling, and loss of range of motion. Recovery may involve surgery followed by an extensive period of physical therapy to regain strength and stability.
Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Tear
The Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL), located at the back of the knee, is less commonly injured than the ACL. PCL injuries often occur from a direct impact to the front of the knee, such as striking the knee against the dashboard in a car accident or falling hard on a bent knee in sports. Symptoms are similar to those of an ACL tear but might be less pronounced, with mild pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Treatment typically involves rehabilitation exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee, and surgery is less commonly required than for ACL injuries.
Meniscus Tear
The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that cushions and stabilizes the joint between the thigh and shin bones. Tears in the meniscus can happen during activities that cause direct contact or pressure from a forceful twist or rotation of the knee. Common in sports as well as in older adults (where degenerative changes cause the cartilage to wear away), symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, and a limited ability to move the knee. Treatment might involve rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Severe cases may require surgical intervention to repair or remove the torn cartilage.
The Art of Arthroscopic Surgery
Knee arthroscopic procedure
Arthroscopy has revolutionized the field of sports medicine by providing a less invasive alternative to traditional open surgery. This procedure is particularly beneficial for athletes and active individuals because it minimally disrupts tissues, leading to quicker recovery times and less post-operative discomfort. According to Dr. Carolyn Hettrich, “arthroscopic surgery not only results in smaller incisions, but often provides for better visualization of small spaces, making the surgeries more precise with less surgical time”
What is Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy involves the use of a specialized instrument called an arthroscope, a small fiber-optic camera that allows surgeons to view the inside of a joint through just a small incision. The camera projects images onto a monitor, giving the surgeon a clear, magnified view of the joint’s interior. This enhanced visibility helps in diagnosing issues accurately.
How It’s Performed
During an arthroscopic procedure, small incisions (about the size of a buttonhole) are made around the joint. Through these incisions, the surgeon inserts the arthroscope and small, specially designed surgical instruments. Since the surgical tools are thin and the incisions are small, there is less tissue damage compared to open surgeries. The surgeon can then perform tasks such as removing fragments of torn cartilage, reconstructing torn ligaments, and trimming damaged cartilage. Arthroscopic procedures are best performed by surgeons that have fellowship training in arthroscopic techniques, such as those at NCOG.
Advantages of Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy procedures come with a host of benefits. “With arthroscopic surgery, smaller incisions are made, allowing for clearer views of tight spaces. This means surgeries are more precise and take less time.” Dr. Carolyn Hettrich of NCOG explains, “While not suitable for every situation, arthroscopy can outperform traditional open surgery in specific cases, offering patients a promising alternative with potentially fewer risks and quicker recovery times.”
Speedy Recovery: Due to its minimally invasive nature, arthroscopy often results in shorter recovery times. Most procedures are done on an outpatient basis, meaning patients can go home the same day.
Reduced Pain and Complications: Smaller incisions lead to less pain and fewer postoperative complications. This also reduces the need for pain medication after surgery. Additionally, arthroscopic procedures result in less blood loss and lower infection rates.
Improved Accuracy: The high-definition cameras provide a detailed view of the joint, which helps in precise diagnosis and treatment, leading to better outcomes.
Less Scarring: Smaller incisions result in minimal scarring, which is cosmetically preferable for many patients.
Postoperative Care and Recovery
Recovery varies depending on the joint involved and the extent of the surgery. Postoperative care typically includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), followed by physical therapy to restore joint mobility, strength, and function. Most patients can return to normal activity within a few weeks, though returning to sports might take longer based on the joint and type of sport.
In summary, arthroscopy is a valuable tool in modern sports medicine, offering effective treatment with fewer risks and a faster return to daily activities. Whether you’re a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, arthroscopic procedures can help maintain your joint health with minimal downtime.
Schedule Your Comeback Today!
Don’t let sports injuries keep you on the sidelines. Take the first step towards recovery by scheduling an appointment with NCOG today. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just getting started, we’re here to help you overcome obstacles and reach new heights. Contact us at (315) 782-1650 or use our online appointment request form to get started.
Need help today? We encourage you to call for our same day orthopedic and sports injury clinic. Open Monday-Friday, 8:00-11:30 AM and 1:00-3:30 PM.
Your comeback story starts here!
