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Professional athletes and people with active lifestyles are more prone to musculoskeletal conditions due to
their higher risk of injury and repetitive stress. These issues, if left untreated, can lead to chronic pain,
decreased mobility, and even long-term damage, preventing them from staying at the top of their game.
To ensure peak performance and maintain musculoskeletal health, consulting a sports medicine doctor is
important. They can develop personalised treatment plans and guide you on prevention strategies, allowing you to
stay active without limitations.
By Arete Orthopaedic Centre
Medically Reviewed by Dr Wang Lushun
What Is Orthopaedic Sports Medicine?
Orthopaedic sports medicine is a branch of medicine that diagnoses, treats, and prevents musculoskeletal
injuries related to physical activity. It combines orthopaedics, rehabilitation, and performance optimisation to
help athletes and active individuals recover efficiently and maintain peak function.
Sports medicine doctors undergo advanced training to address injuries affecting bones, muscles, joints,
ligaments, and tendons. They manage conditions such as fractures, ligament sprains, muscle strains, cartilage
damage, and overuse injuries, tailoring treatment to restore mobility and prevent future issues.
Sports Orthopaedic Surgeons vs Sports Medicine Physicians
It should also be noted that there are some differences between sports medicine surgeons and physicians. While both are trained in managing sports-related injuries, their approaches differ.
Sports Medicine Physicians
Sports medicine physicians primarily adopt a non-surgical approach when diagnosing and treating
musculoskeletal injuries. Their specialisation generally encompasses rehabilitation management, non-surgical
treatments and preventative care. They may provide medical support at sporting events and determine safe
return-to-play timelines.
Sports Orthopaedic Surgeons
Sports orthopaedic surgeons are skilled in surgical procedures for sports injuries such as ACL tears,
rotator cuff tears, bone fractures, and so on. They are generally better equipped to handle severe sports
injuries and work closely with sports physicians and physiotherapists for enhanced post-surgical recovery.
How to Choose the Right Sports Orthopaedic Surgeon
Choosing the right sports orthopaedic surgeon is a key step in ensuring effective treatment and recovery. Consider the following factors to help guide your selection:
Credentials: Look for a MOH-certified and fellowship-trained surgeon with expertise and experience in the diagnosis and management of sports injuries.
Specialisation: Orthopaedic surgeons may have specific areas of specialisation, such as knee injuries or sports injuries. Some surgeons may even be athletes themselves, allowing them to have firsthand experience of what sports people go through.
Doctor-Patient Relationship: Look for orthopaedic surgeons who offer personalised and compassionate care with clear communication.
Reviews: Check online reviews from previous patients for a sense of their reputation, personalities and treatment outcomes.
What Conditions Does Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Treat?
Orthopaedic sports medicine doctors can treat a range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
Strains and Sprains: Strains involve overstretched or torn muscles or tendons, while sprains occur when ligaments are stretched beyond their limits, often causing pain, swelling, and instability.
ACL Tears: These are injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee, typically caused by sudden pivots or direct impact, leading to instability and impaired movement.
Rotator Cuff Tears: These may be partial or complete tears in the group of shoulder muscles and tendons responsible for arm movement. They result in weakness and limited range of motion.
Fractures: These are breaks or cracks in a bone, usually caused by trauma or repetitive stress. They may range from minor stress fractures to severe breaks which require surgical intervention.
Tennis Elbow: This is an overuse injury to the tendons in the elbow. It is triggered by repetitive wrist and arm movements, leading to inflammation and discomfort.
Dislocation: This is a joint injury where the bones are forcibly pushed out of alignment, causing severe pain, swelling, and loss of function.
Shin Splints: This refers to pain along the shinbone. It often occurs due to an inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around the shinbone.
Achilles Tendon Rupture: This may be a full or partial tear to the Achilles tendon, the thick tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel. This injury usually occurs during explosive movements, leading to sudden pain and difficulty walking.
Cartilage Tear: This is damage to the smooth, cushioning tissue in the joints, often in the knee or shoulder. Cartilage tears often cause pain, swelling, and restricted movement.
Treatment Options in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
Sports medicine services fall into two main categories: non-surgical treatment and surgical intervention. The most appropriate approach depends on the severity, location, and type of injury, as well as the patient’s activity level and recovery goals.
Non-surgical Treatments
The first line of treatment for most sports injuries focuses on pain relief and reducing inflammation. Common non-surgical options include:
RICE Method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation): This is the foundation of initial treatment for many acute injuries. This at-home treatment is designed to reduce swelling, alleviate pain, and promote healing.
Physiotherapy: This programme is essential for restoring strength, flexibility, and range of motion. It often includes targeted exercises, manual therapy, and modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation.
Medications: Patients may take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation in specific areas.
Orthotics and Bracing: This treatment aims to provide support and stability to injured joints or limbs to support recovery.
Surgical Treatments
For more severe injuries like ACL tears, rotator cuff damage, and complex fractures, surgery may be necessary. Surgical treatment options for musculoskeletal conditions may range from minimally invasive to more complex procedures.
Arthroscopy: This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small camera and instruments to repair or reconstruct damaged tissues within a joint.
Ligament Reconstruction: This is a surgical repair or replacement of torn ligaments, such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Tendon Repair: This refers to the surgical repair of torn tendons, such as the Achilles tendon or rotator cuff. This treatment focuses on restoring normal function to the affected joint and surrounding tissues.
Internal Fracture Fixation: This is a surgical procedure used to stabilise and repair broken bones. It involves surgically implanting devices directly onto or into the bone to hold the fragments together while they heal.
Joint Replacement: This procedure surgically implants prostheses, crafted from materials like metal, plastic, and ceramic, to replace damaged joints. These implants are designed to precisely restore movement, especially in cases of severe arthritis.
Meniscus Repair & Removal: These are surgical procedures to address torn meniscus cartilage within the knee, where an orthopaedic surgeon either repairs or removes the damaged portion. This treatment is typically recommended for severe tears or when non-surgical treatments fail to alleviate symptoms.
Who Should Undergo Sports Orthopaedic Treatments?
For athletes and active individuals, musculoskeletal injuries can be more than just setbacks as they can impact
performance, mobility, and long-term health. Whether you are recovering from a sports injury, managing joint pain,
or seeking expert care to enhance your physical function, specialised orthopaedic treatment is crucial.
Our sports orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Wang Lushun brings extensive experience in helping patients regain their strength
and mobility efficiently. We offer comprehensive evaluations, personalised treatment plans, and modern techniques to
address a wide range of sports-related injuries.
Dr Wang Lushun is an experienced Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with over 18 years of experience. He is
skilled in sports orthopaedics and complex joint reconstructions. As the former Head of the Hip and Knee Division at
Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, he has treated numerous national athletes and sports professionals, ensuring optimal
recovery and performance.
Trusted
Leadership on Orthopaedic Advisory Boards
Skilful
Double Fellowships at Centres of Excellence
Experienced
Senior Consultant with Over 18 Years of Experience
