Overview

Medical Services & Treatments

Frequently Asked Questions

Find a Physician

Locations

Make an Appointment

For Physicians

Medical Services and Treatments

The Division of Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery provides comprehensive evaluation and operative and nonoperative treatment of athletic conditions. When nonsurgical measures have failed, our physicians are experts in the field of arthroscopic surgery and minimally invasive procedures to treat the full spectrum of sports injuries. Among the conditions/procedures provided:

Shoulder

• Arthroplasty (joint replacement) for degenerative joint disease
• Arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tears
• Arthroscopic stabilization of dislocations, subluxations
• Treatment for throwing-related shoulder injuries (labral tears, overuse injuries)
• Treatment for other shoulder conditions

Elbow

• Arthroscopic treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
• Arthroscopic treatment of stiffness, degenerative disease
• Bicep tendon repair
• Ligament reconstruction for traumatic instability
• Treatment for throwing-related injuries (MUCL reconstruction, "Tommy John Surgery")
• Treatment for other elbow conditions

Knee

• Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction
• Arthroscopic PCL and multiligament knee reconstruction
• Arthroscopic repair of meniscus tears
• Arthroscopic stimulation and restoration of articular cartilage injuries
• Repair of tendon ruptures (patellar and quadricep)
• Treatment for other knee conditions

Ankle

• Arthroscopic treatment of ankle impingement
• Arthroscopic treatment of cartilage injuries
• Repair and rehabilitation of ligament injuries
• Treatment for other ankle conditions

Evaluation and Diagnosis

History and Physical Exam

The patient's symptoms will be thoroughly investigated through an in-depth medical history process. The physicians feel this is the essential part of determining what is troubling the patient, how it affects quality of life and what expectations the patient has regarding return to play/function. Due to our emphasis on this part of the evaluation process, each new patient complaint will require adequate time to gather the necessary information. Our physicians take the time to listen to the patient. We do not sacrifice quality of care for volume.

The physical exam is a vital part of assessing a sports medicine or shoulder injury. Not all injuries affect every patient in the same manner. The exam allows the physicians to determine both the diagnosis and extent of dysfunction. Depending upon the complexity of the injury, the physical exam process may require multiple exams for thorough assessment and diagnosis.

Plain Radiographs

Generally speaking, a thorough sports medicine evaluation requires a series of plain radiographs (x-rays). Even if a patient has already had a set of films taken, there are times when we will request an additional set as special views may be required for completeness. All of the UF sports medicine clinics have x-ray equipment on site to prevent untimely delays.

Advanced Imaging

Our physicians rely upon the history, exam and plain radiographs for diagnosis in the vast majority of cases. However, in some instances, advanced imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be required for definitive diagnosis or presurgical planning. Our staff will arrange for and submit the necessary referral to obtain these studies. Our physicians are highly qualified to interpret these studies. They will take the time to provide in-depth discussions of the interpretations with each patient.

In-office Procedures

Only in rare instances, aside from routine suture removal or aspiration, are office-based procedures performed. Cortisone injections are used sparingly as our physicians have found a lack of evidence to support their routine use in most sports-related diagnoses/conditions. We will incorporate viscosupplementation into the treatment regimen when clinically indicated. This involves an injection of hyaluronic acid into the joint. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in the synovial (joint) fluid. It acts as a lubricant to enable bones to move smoothly over each other and as a shock absorber.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of the rehabilitation of the injured athlete and shoulder injury patient. All UF sports clinics are within close proximity to the Shands Jacksonville physical therapy department. Our team of sports medicine physicians has a very close working relationship with the department, as well as many other private physical therapy services throughout the greater Jacksonville area. Our physicians and therapists have taken great efforts to study the current rehabilitation literature to develop evidence-based protocols for the rehabilitation of all sports and shoulder injuries. In addition, our physicians are clinical educators for a local school of physical therapy.

Surgical Procedures

Our faculty is comprised of highly-trained specialists in the field of arthroscopic surgery, shoulder, elbow and ankle reconstruction. They are well versed in all cutting-edge techniques and employ them when clinically indicated and evidence based. Furthermore, our faculty is comprised of educators who train the surgeons of the future. Surgery is often indicated for many sports medicine and shoulder conditions/injuries. However, our physicians will inform each patient of all nonoperative and operative treatment alternatives available for a given condition or injury. Our physicians take the time to understand the patient as an individual to better advise him or her concerning what treatment alternative is the best option.

Continuation of Care

Our physicians believe in following through on patient care. They will arrange for the necessary follow-up care to ensure that each patient has an optimal outcome.

[top of page]