Sports Medicine Doctor or Orthopedic Surgeon? Who to See

If you have hurt a knee, shoulder or ankle playing sport, or just staying active, the first question is often who to call. A sports medicine doctor? An orthopedic surgeon? For many injuries the most practical answer is a physician who is both.

What sports medicine covers

Sports medicine is the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of injuries that happen during physical activity. That includes competitive sport, fitness training and everyday movement. Common problems include:

• knee ligament injuries (ACL, MCL, PCL, LCL)
• meniscus and cartilage damage
• rotator cuff and shoulder labral tears, and shoulder instability
• tendon injuries such as Achilles, hamstring, patellar tendon or elbow
• muscle strains, overuse injuries and stress fractures

You do not need to be a competitive athlete. Work strain, exercise routines and active lifestyles all produce the same injuries.

Where an orthopedic surgeon comes in

Many sports injuries are treated without surgery: rehabilitation, activity changes, regenerative therapies, and strength and mobility work. Some are not. A complete ACL tear, a repairable meniscus tear or a kneecap that keeps dislocating may need an operation.

Not every sports medicine physician operates. Seeing an orthopedic surgeon who practices sports medicine means the same doctor can treat the injury without surgery and, if it comes to that, perform the surgery. You are not handed off partway through.

What to look for

• Board certification in orthopedic surgery
• Fellowship training
• Experience treating athletes
• Both options under one roof: surgical and non-surgical care

Dr. Marc F. Matarazzo is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who spent over a decade as a team physician for the NY Jets and NY Islanders. He is also MAKO-certified, and was the first surgeon in Florida to implant the MISHA Knee System.

Do I need an MRI first?

Not always. The first step is a physical examination. If imaging is needed, the practice will arrange it.

Near West Palm Beach, Jupiter or the Treasure Coast

ELITE Sports Medicine has two offices:

• Palm Beach Gardens: 11380 Prosperity Farms Rd, Ste 204. About 15 minutes from Jupiter and about 20 from West Palm Beach.
• Port St. Lucie: 1100 SW St. Lucie West Blvd., Ste. 105. Convenient for Stuart, Jensen Beach and Fort Pierce.

Read more about sports medicine at ELITE, call 561-202-8886 or request an appointment. Same-week appointments are usually available.