What does a sports medicine orthopaedic surgeon do?

An orthopaedic surgeon educated in Sports Medicine has expertise in the surgical and medical care for all structures of the musculoskeletal system directly affected by participation in a sporting activity. This specialist is proficient in areas including conditioning, training and fitness, athletic performance, the impact of dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, and nutrition on performance and health, coordination of care within the team setting utilizing other health care professionals, field evaluation and management, soft tissue biomechanics, and injury healing and repair. Knowledge and understanding of the principles and techniques of rehabilitation, athletic equipment, and orthotic devices enables the specialist to prevent and manage athletic injuries.