Sports traumatology
Sports can lead to both traumatic and overuse injuries. Traumatic injuries result from the actions inherent to the sport, making contact sports more susceptible to these types of injuries. Overuse injuries, on the other hand, can occur in any sport and are related to the duration and intensity of participation. These injuries can affect various structures.
Structures
MUSCLES
These are the motor components of the limbs, responsible for producing joint movement.
Injuries typically occur indirectly due to over-stretching. Treatment primarily involves stretching and eccentric muscle exercises.
TENDONS
Tendons connect muscles to bones and help transmit muscle force. Injuries are often caused by overuse, and the best prevention is regular stretching.
Joint injuries
ARTICULAR CARTILAGE
This tissue primarily prevents friction during joint movement. Injury or deterioration of articular cartilage can lead to joint degeneration or osteoarthritis. It can be affected by trauma or diseases such as osteochondritis dissecans.
MENISCI – LABRUM
These structures are located between the articular surfaces, and their primary function is to absorb joint forces and enhance joint congruence. Injuries to the menisci can cause joint pain, blockages, and increased production of synovial fluid. During meniscus surgery, it is crucial to preserve as much of the meniscus as possible, as the absence of the meniscus or labrum can lead to degeneration of the articular cartilage.
LIGAMENTS
Ligaments are structures primarily responsible for providing joint stability. If a ligament injury is left untreated, it can lead to joint instability, which may eventually cause cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis. Some ligaments are crucial for pivoting activities, such as those in football. Specifically, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee often requires surgical repair in athletes to allow them to continue playing their sport. Other ligaments, such as the medial collateral ligament and the lateral collateral ligament of the knee, typically do not require surgery. With the application of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), immobilisation, and proper physiotherapy, excellent results can be achieved.
SYNOVIUM
The synovium is the tissue that lines the entire joint, and its inflammation can lead to an overproduction of synovial fluid, known as joint effusion.
This condition can result from trauma, or be associated with other joint pathologies or rheumatic diseases such as gout or arthritis.
The Sports Medicine Unit at Instituto Cugat is likely one of the most experienced in treating sports injuries in Spain.
Medical Team
Instituto Cugat boasts a team of highly experienced professionals. Specialising in sports traumatology, they employ the most advanced surgical techniques to aid in the recovery of athletes.
