When playing hard leads to injury, we can get you back in the game.
Sports-related injuries are common at every age. It takes a special orthopaedic understanding of bones, muscle and related tissue to effectively develop a successful treatment plan. At Bayhealth, we continually pursue the latest solutions and surgical options to help you regain function. We treat ACL tears, Achilles tendons injuries, meniscus tears, rotator cuff tears, bicep tears, complex fractures and other injuries. Our experts use the most tested and proven methods to get you back to your active life.
Procedures
Rotator cuff repair
The four muscles and tendons that make up the rotator cuff provide stability to the shoulder joint. When any of them are torn, repair is frequently necessary. During the procedure, the surgeon removes fragments of bone (called bone spurs) that have accumulated in the rotator cuff space, and sews together the edges of the damaged tendon. If you are a candidate for arthroscopic surgery (minimally invasive), hospitalization may be minimal or you may go home after the procedure. If you require open surgery (traditional surgery), you will be hospitalized for a short period of time.
ACL reconstruction
The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, cannot be sewn together with any measure of success. Surgeons use a tendon from another part of the leg from either the patient (autograft) or from cadaver sources (allograft) to replace the damaged ligament. This procedure is typically done arthroscopically through small incisions, which allows the procedure to be performed on an outpatient basis.
Torn bicep repair
If ice, rest and physical therapy are not improving the injury, surgery may be required. If required, the surgeon reattaches the torn tendon to the bone, usually using minimal incisions.
Meniscus tear
Located in the knee joint, the meniscus is cartilage that provides a cushion. When a tear occurs, the patient may experience pain, swelling and catching of the knee. If non-operative treatment fails, surgical repair or removal may be the best option. If a tear is repairable, the surgeon sews the torn meniscus tissue together arthroscopically. If the tear cannot be repaired, arthroscopic removal of the torn meniscus tissue is successful in relieving symptoms.
Cartilage repair/regeneration
Injuries to the knee can sometimes result in damage to the articular cartilage (the cartilage surface covering the ends of the bone). This can result in symptoms of pain, swelling and “locking” of the knee. We provide unique techniques to treat these very challenging injuries. A technique called microfracture involves creating channels or “holes” in the bone to allow tissue called fibrocartilage to “fill in” the defect. More advanced techniques attempt to fill the defect with more “normal” cartilage tissue. These involve either cartilage transfer procedures, during which cartilage tissue from one part of the knee is transplanted to the defect, or cartilage regeneration techniques during which cartilage cells are transplanted to the defect in the hopes of growing a new cartilage surface. These procedures are for patients with well-defined isolated lesions in the knee and not patients with degenerative arthritic conditions.
Achilles tendon repair
The Achilles tendon, located on the back of the ankle, can rupture and require surgery. For the procedure, the surgeon will sew the tendon back together through a large incision or through several small incisions. The approach will depend upon the extent of the tear.
Complex fractures of the hand
Injuries or accidents may cause severe fractures or dislocations of bones in your hand. Our skilled surgical team can determine an effective method to repair them that could include immobilization through a splint or cast, K-wire fixation used to correct finger placement and surgery to repair unstable or multiple fractures.
Rehabilitation and education
As soon as the patient is stable, our physical and occupational therapy team will begin the rehabilitation process. The team instructs patients and their families on the goals of rehabilitation and gives them exercises and guidelines for activity. The team also educates them on how to prepare the home for the patient’s return and explains precautions they should take.