The athlete is a special case in orthopedic surgery. Contact sports put tremendous stress on the tendons, bones, and muscles, occasionally resulting in fractures (see emergency/fracture care) and/or torn ligaments. Knee injuries are especially devastating to the running athlete. An all too common injury is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear or rupture, which can permanently sideline even a world class athlete.

The ACL tear requires the attention of a sports medicine physician or orthopedic surgeon to determine treatment since surgical reconstruction is frequently required.

All sports injuries are not as serious as the ACL rupture. Many conditions can be due to chronic overuse and strain. These conditions can be effectively treated with non-operative measures, including bracing, exercise and physical therapy.

X-Rays and MRI scans are frequently required for evaluation as well as an examination by an orthopedic surgeon familiar with sports injuries such as Dr. Hausmann.