When people hear “sports medicine,” they often think of physical therapy, athletic trainers, or injury clinics at schools. But sports medicine also includes a highly specialized group of surgeons—sports orthopedic surgeons—trained to diagnose and surgically treat injuries to bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments, especially in the shoulder, knee, and hip.
At OrthoArkansas, our sports orthopedic surgeons treat patients of all ages—not just competitive athletes—who suffer from injuries caused by activity, overuse, or trauma.
What Is a Sports Orthopedic Surgeon?
A sports orthopedic surgeon is a medical doctor who has completed advanced fellowship training in orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine. This training focuses on treating injuries related to movement—whether caused by sports, work, or everyday activity.
Many of these specialists use arthroscopic (minimally invasive) techniques to repair damaged joints and soft tissue, which can mean faster recovery and less post-operative pain.
Common Conditions Treated
Our sports orthopedic surgeons diagnose and treat a wide range of injuries, including:
- ACL, MCL, or meniscus tears in the knee
- Shoulder instability or labral tears
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Cartilage damage in the knee or hip
- Hip impingement
- Tendon ruptures or ligament tears
Whether you need a knee surgeon for a torn meniscus or a shoulder surgeon for a rotator cuff repair, our team has the expertise to help you return to the activities you love.
Who Should See a Sports Orthopedic Surgeon?
You don’t have to be a professional athlete to need an injury specialist. Many of our patients are:
- Weekend warriors or recreational athletes
- Active adults experiencing knee or shoulder pain
- Workers with repetitive motion injuries
- Teens with ligament injuries or growth plate concerns
If conservative treatments like physical therapy, bracing, or injections haven’t worked—or if imaging shows a tear or structural damage—it may be time to see a sports orthopedic surgeon.
Why Choose OrthoArkansas?
Our board-certified, fellowship-trained team combines the precision of orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine with personalized care. We:
- Perform thousands of arthroscopic procedures each year
- Use advanced biologics, surgical techniques, and rehabilitation protocols
- Collaborate with in-house physical therapists for seamless post-op recovery
- Offer same-week consultations at multiple Arkansas locations, including Little Rock, Conway, and North Little Rock
When you choose OrthoArkansas, you’re choosing a care team dedicated to getting you back to your sport, job, or active lifestyle as quickly and safely as possible.
When Surgery Might Be the Right Option
Not every injury requires surgery, but when damage is significant, a sports orthopedic surgeon can offer advanced solutions to restore stability, reduce pain, and improve function. Common surgical options include:
- Arthroscopic ligament reconstruction
- Meniscus repair or partial meniscectomy
- Rotator cuff repair
- Shoulder labral repair
- Cartilage restoration techniques
Our surgeons carefully evaluate your condition, explain your options, and help you decide whether surgical or non-surgical treatment is best for your recovery.
Schedule a Sports Injury Evaluation Today
Quick relief starts here. Choose how you’d like to schedule and meet with a sports orthopedic surgeon.
