Last updated 5 months ago
Athletes from all over the Southeast count on OrthoCarolina to keep them in the game. The following articles will help you understand orthopedic surgery procedures and the risks of injuries for athletes. If you’re hurt, trust our team of experts to offer you quality, compassionate care. Schedule a consultation today by calling (704) 323-2778.
This WebMD article explains what to expect after Tommy John surgery.
Learn about ulnar collateral ligament tears in this article from HopkinsOrtho.org. Tears in this ligament often require Tommy John surgery.
Check out this article from ScienceDaily.com to find out which throwing injuries affect athletes the most.
Tears in the meniscus are a major risk for athletes in contact sports. The American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons explains meniscal tears in this article.
Brush up on your knowledge of shoulder anatomy with this Medscape.com article.
Last updated 6 months ago
Medial ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, otherwise known as Tommy John surgery, is an increasingly common procedure performed to restore a torn ligament in the elbow. The surgery’s nickname comes from pitcher Tommy John, who was one of the first people to undergo this innovative sports medicine procedure in 1974. The recovery time for Tommy John surgery is usually lengthy, but most people regain their pre-injury performance abilities. Here is what you need to know about the outcome of this procedure:
First Stage of Recovery
For the first six weeks after Tommy John surgery, you will need to limit your movement. Your arm will be in a splint for up to 10 days following the procedure to ensure that you keep your elbow immobile. A physical therapist will show you gentle exercises to do daily to strengthen your arm and regain your range of motion. Your physical therapist will also give you full-body conditioning exercises to complete.
Second Stage of Recovery
Starting at six weeks after surgery and lasting for the next few months, you will work with a physical therapist to begin strengthening your elbow. This process will be progressive as you regain more and more of your motion. You will still need to avoid activities that put undue stress on your elbow for at least four months.
Third Stage of Recovery
After five months, most Tommy John surgery patients are ready to gradually return to throwing with their injured arm. The first step is to start throwing without winding up. The second step is to add gentle wind-ups. Most athletes can return to practice and, eventually, to games once they are pain-free.
At OrthoCarolina, we’ve helped athletes from across the region overcome sports injuries. Our sports medicine team and our entire orthopedic practice offer unparalleled care with proven results. Whether you need a sports medicine expert, physical therapy, or other orthopedic help, we are here to assist you. Schedule your appointment today by calling (704) 323-2778.
Last updated 6 months ago
It’s a sound all pitchers dread: a pop from their elbow, followed by intense pain. This sound signifies the snap of the ligament in the inside of the elbow. This injury used to end the careers of pitchers, quarterbacks, and other athletes who throw overhand for a living. Now, Tommy John surgery can get injured athletes back into the game.
This video explains Tommy John surgery and how it can help injured athletes. During the procedure, a ligament is taken from another part of the body, usually the wrist, and placed in the spot of the torn ligament. Recovery can take up to 15 months, but this procedure lets injured athletes regain their careers.
Tommy John surgery is one treatment OrthoCarolina uses to get our patients out of pain and back to their lives. Schedule a consultation today by calling (704) 323-2778.
Last updated 6 months ago
The shoulder is a complex joint that is prone to injury, especially in athletes. Sports medicine doctors frequently find themselves treating shoulder injuries, from torn rotator cuffs to frozen shoulders. Although some shoulder surgeries are major procedures with long recovery times, many shoulder problems can be corrected with arthroscopic surgery. This style of surgery is less invasive, so recovery times are shorter. Here is what you need to know about the anatomy of the shoulder, including which areas are prone to injury:
Bones and Joint Cavity
Your shoulder is the place where two bones come together: the humerus and the scapula. These bones form your shoulder blade. The area where these bones meet is called a joint. This joint has articular cartilage that acts as a cushion to keep the bones from rubbing against each other. The entire joint is surrounded by a ring of cartilage called the labrum. Athletes are at risk for labrum tears, which usually require orthopedic surgery to repair.
Ligaments and Biceps Tendon
A set of ligaments connect the shoulder bones to tendons, which in turn connect to muscles around the shoulder. A particularly important tendon is the biceps tendon. This tendon attaches the shoulder and biceps muscle, which helps the shoulder stay stable,
Rotator Cuff
There is a group of four short muscles attached to the scapula called the rotator cuff. This name comes from the way that the muscles wrap around the shoulder joint like a cuff. These muscles give your shoulder its range of movement. Rotator cuff injuries can occur during sports or through wear and tear.
Shoulder injuries can be debilitating, but the orthopedic experts at OrthoCarolina can get you out of pain and back to your regular activities fast. Our orthopedic clinic is home to sports medicine doctors, physical therapists, and some of the leading orthopedic surgeons in the region. Make an appointment today by calling (704) 323-2778.
Last updated 6 months ago
When you have suffered a musculoskeletal injury, you’ll want to seek the care of an experienced orthopedic doctor. Learn more about common overuse injuries and when surgery may be necessary for back pain by checking out these great links. Give OrthoCarolina a call at (704) 323-2778 for more information about our services.
