Sports Medicine

In recent years, there has been a growing public interest in sports. However, this positive trend also brings a downside: an increase in sports-specific injuries.

The most common sports injuries include:

• Torn tendons and ligaments

• Muscle tears

• Cartilage damage in various joints

For both amateur and professional athletes, accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment are essential for a full recovery and a safe return to physical activity.

Many surgical procedures are performed using arthroscopy—a minimally invasive technique. During this procedure, a small arthroscope (a metal tube with an advanced camera) is inserted through a tiny incision (about 5 mm). The camera displays a detailed image of the joint on a large screen, allowing orthopedic surgeons to assess the damage and perform necessary repairs using additional small incisions.

Thanks to this approach, most patients are treated on an outpatient basis. Recovery after such procedures is generally quick and smooth.

Knee Arthroscopy and Meniscus Repair

The meniscus is a crescent-shaped cartilage structure in the knee that acts as a shock absorber. It can be damaged by trauma or knee dislocations, leading to impaired joint function. A torn meniscus often causes the knee to “lock up.”

Previously, damaged meniscus tissue was routinely removed during arthroscopy. Today, advanced techniques in several sports medicine centers—including at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center—focus on meniscus repair to preserve joint function as much as possible.

ACL Reconstruction Surgery

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the knee’s main stabilizers, crucial for proper joint function. ACL tears—especially in the front ligament—limit mobility and the ability to play sports like football, running, and more. Without proper treatment, ACL tears increase the risk of early degenerative changes in the knee.

That’s why ACL reconstruction is so important for athletes and active individuals. The procedure is typically performed using arthroscopy. Through a small 3 cm incision, surgeons reconstruct the ligament using the patient’s own tissues (such as the patellar tendon or quadriceps tendon) or a donor graft.

After surgery, a custom-designed physical therapy program is prescribed to help patients gradually and safely return to full activity.

Cartilage Repair

Healthy cartilage is vital for smooth joint function. Damage to cartilage causes friction in the joint, leading to accelerated wear.

Young patients, including athletes, may experience cartilage injuries, sometimes accompanied by a small fracture in the underlying bone (osteochondral fracture).

One of the latest innovations in cartilage repair is autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI). During this procedure (typically via arthroscopy), the patient’s own cartilage cells are harvested, cultivated in a laboratory on specialized matrices, and then re-implanted into the damaged area.

The Orthopedic Sports Medicine Department at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center in Israel actively participates in international research projects, including the development of implantation matrices and studies on sports rehabilitation and reconstruction after sports injuries.