Services

Sports Surgery

Overview

What is Sports Surgery?

Sports surgery is a specialised branch of orthopaedic surgery focused on diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating injuries related to sports and physical activities. It is designed to help athletes and active individuals recover from musculoskeletal injuries, restore function, and return to their sport safely. Sports surgery typically involves minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures but may also include reconstructive or open surgeries for more severe injuries.

Types of Sports Surgery

Sports surgeries vary depending on the injury, location, and severity. Some common types include:

  • Arthroscopic Surgery – A minimally invasive technique used to diagnose and treat joint injuries
  • Ligament Reconstruction Surgery – Such as ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) or PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction for knee stability.
  • Meniscus Repair or Removal – Addresses torn meniscus in the knee
  • Rotator Cuff Repair – A procedure for torn rotator cuff tendons in the shoulder
  • Labral Repair – For labrum tears in the shoulder (SLAP tear) or hip
  • Tendon Repair or Transfer – Repairs ruptured tendons, such as the Achilles tendon
  • Fracture Fixation Surgery – Stabilizes broken bones using plates, screws, or rods.
  • Cartilage Restoration Procedures – Such as microfracture, autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), or osteochondral transplantation
  • Joint Realignment Surgery (Osteotomy) – Alters bone alignment to relieve pressure on joints
  • Total or Partial Joint Replacement – Typically for severe, chronic sports injuries

Sports Injuries Commonly Treated by Surgery

Certain sports injuries require surgical intervention to restore function and prevent long-term complications. These include:

  • ACL, PCL, and MCL Tears: Severe ligament injuries in the knee that cause instability
  • Meniscus Tears: Large or displaced tears that cannot heal on their own
  • Rotator Cuff Tears: Full-thickness tears affecting shoulder mobility
  • Shoulder Dislocations with Labral Tears: When instability persists after conservative treatment
  • Achilles Tendon Ruptures: Complete tears requiring suturing or reinforcement
  • Severe Fractures: Particularly those involving joints or requiring surgical fixation
  • Cartilage Defects: When conservative management fails and restoration is needed
  • Chronic Instability in Joints: Such as recurrent shoulder dislocations or ankle instability
Sports Injuries That May Not Require Surgery

Sports Injuries That May Not Require Surgery

Not all sports injuries require surgical treatment. Some can heal with conservative management, including:

  • Mild to Moderate Ligament Sprains – Such as Grade I or II sprains of the ACL or ankle
  • Tendonitis and Overuse Injuries – Conditions like tennis elbow or patellar tendonitis
  • Minor Meniscus Tears – Small, stable tears that may heal with physiotherapy
  • Muscle Strains – Such as hamstring or quadriceps strains
  • Partial Rotator Cuff Tears – If they do not cause significant weakness or pain

Complementary Treatment with Sports & Exercise Medicine & Interventional Radiology

Sports surgery is often complemented by other medical disciplines to optimize recovery and prevent reinjury:

  • Sports & Exercise Medicine – Specialists focus on non-surgical treatments, rehabilitation programs, biomechanical assessments, and return-to-sport strategies
  • Interventional Radiology – Image-guided procedures such as PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections, stem cell therapy, or radiofrequency ablation help manage pain and promote healing
  • Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation – Essential for strengthening muscles, improving range of motion, and preventing future injuries
  • Nutritional Support – Optimizing diet and supplementation can enhance healing and recovery
Complementary Treatment with Sports & Exercise Medicine & Interventional Radiology

Why Choose IOC For Sports Surgery?

Like many of his patients, Dr Alan Cheung is a keen sportsman, having participated in athletics and rugby in his youth, as well as mixed martial arts (Evolve MMA) presently. Dr Cheung also enjoys golf, skiing and cycling. He is a Ringside Doctor for One Championship and pitchside doctor for international events such as the HSBC Sevens and SuperRugby; as well as a member of the Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine, UK.

We Treat All Athletes

At the International Orthopaedic Clinic (IOC), we see many athletes of all ages and abilities involved in all types of sport. These include the weekend soccer player, the ironman competitor in their 60’s, members of national teams, and martial arts World Champions. Our philosophy is to give you the best possible care to get you back to your desired sport as soon (and as safely) as possible. We also understand that not everyone needs surgery and sometimes may recover well with physiotherapy alone.

For a detailed evaluation about your sports injury and recommended treatment, please reach out to our sports orthopaedic clinic today.
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Sports-Specific Physiotherapy

We understand that each athlete is different in terms of their body size, shape and how their body functions. Every sport has unique demands that are placed upon different parts of the body. This is why IOC partners with sports-specific physiotherapists who are experts in their own sporting fields. This enables patients to understand their injury and treatment better, as well as having someone who understands their sport at a high level looking after them.

What Kinds of Sports Injuries are Seen & Will I Need Surgery?

All types of musculoskeletal injury are seen at IOC. These range from sprains and partial tears of tendons or ligaments which may be managed without surgery, to full tears, broken bones and worn out or dislocated joints which may require surgery.

A careful history and examination will be performed, and you will likely need some form of imaging such as an XR and/or MRI of the affected area. In most cases, a trial of non-operative management will be recommended, involving sports specific physiotherapy, painkillers and bracing. Steroid injections can sometimes be helpful.

Preparing for Sports Surgery

Preparing for Sports Surgery

Proper preparation is key for successful surgical outcomes:

  • Medical Evaluation

    : A thorough assessment, including imaging (MRI, X-rays) and preoperative tests

  • Prehabilitation (Prehab)

    : Strengthening muscles and joints before surgery can speed up recovery

  • Lifestyle Adjustments

    : Ceasing smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, and managing comorbidities

  • Understanding the Procedure

    : Knowing what to expect can reduce anxiety and aid compliance

  • Post-Surgery Arrangements

    : Organizing home care, assistive devices, and physiotherapy in advance

Recovering from Surgery & Getting Back to Sports

Recovery depends on the type of surgery, the individual’s health, and adherence to rehabilitation. The typically involves:

Medications, icing, and compression help reduce swelling

Recovering from Surgery & Getting Back to Sports
Risks of Sports Surgery

Risks of Sports Surgery

Although rare in the hands of an experienced surgeon, like any surgical procedure, sports surgery carries some risks, including:

  • Infection : Though rare, infections can occur post-surgery
  • Blood Clots : Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) risk increases with prolonged immobility.
  • Nerve or Blood Vessel Damage : Rare but possible complications
  • Joint Stiffness or Scar Tissue Formation : Can limit mobility
  • Failure of Surgery or Recurrence of Injury : Some surgeries may not fully restore function
  • Allergic Reactions or Anesthesia Complications : Rare but potential concerns
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For more information about our services, or to make an appointment, please reach out to us. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Sport Injuries Faqs

Frequently Asked Questions

Recovery varies by procedure. Minor surgeries take weeks, while major ones require months of rehab. Full recovery depends on the injury, surgery type, and commitment to physiotherapy.
Services

Sports Injuries
Orthopaedic Trauma
Knee
Hip
Shoulder
Foot & Ankle

Our Clinics

Mt Elizabeth Novena #05-24, 38 Irrawaddy Road, Singapore 329563 View on Google Maps

Farrer Park Hospital Connexion, #08-20, 1 Farrer Park Station Road, Singapore 217562View on Google Maps

Operating Hours

Monday to Friday : 9am to 5pm
Saturday : 9am to 1pm
Sunday & Public Holidays : Closed

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