Sports Medicine

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The Sports Medicine Division of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine, made up of Robert Brophy, MD, Terra Blatnik, MD, Kayla Daniel, MD, Mark Halstead, MD, Derrick Knapik, MD, Matthew Matava, MD, Jeffrey Nepple, MD, MS, and Matthew Smith, MD, brings world-class care to patients of all ages. Our providers specialize in the treatment of a wide variety of injuries to the shoulder, elbow, knee, hip, foot and ankle, in addition to athletic concussions.

Patient Care

Most importantly, our providers are dedicated to providing the highest level of care and service to you and your family. As a specialty, sports medicine treats injuries in all patients, not just elite athletes. Whether you need surgery, therapy or just reassurance that you can get back to the gym or playing field, our sports medicine specialists are here for you.

Team Care - Be Treated Like A Pro

Washington University Orthopedics is the official medical provider for CITY SC, the St. Louis Blues, Washington University Varsity athletics, and a number of local colleges and high schools. We also provide care for various athletic events such as the GO! St. Louis Marathon, as well as local and national soccer events.

Leadership

Our physicians hold several leadership positions in the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, American Orthopedic Association and American Academy of Pediatrics. In addition, our sports medicine physicians serve or have served in editorial positions of various orthopedic sports medicine journals and have been selected as Traveling Fellows to learn from leaders at other institutions in the United States and around the world. They hold leadership positions in the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

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Commonly Treated Conditions

Click on the links below to read more about common injuries and treatments related to each body part.

Advanced Procedures

Acromioclavicular (AC) joint reconstruction
Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI)
Articular cartilage restoration
Biceps tenodesis
Cartilage transplantation
Distal femoral osteotomy
Exertional compartment syndrome testing
Femoroacetabular impingement of the hip
High tibial osteotomy (HTO)
Hip arthroscopy
ImPACT concussion testing
Labral repair of the hip
Meniscal transplantation
Multi-ligamentous reconstruction of the knee
Osteochondral autograft transfer (OATS) procedure / Mosaicplasty
Patellar stabilization
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections
Revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction
Revision posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction
Revision rotator cuff repair
Revision shoulder stabilization
Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction of the elbow ("Tommy John" procedure)

Treatment Approach

Sports medicine specialists employ a multidisciplinary approach to treating sports injuries and offer non-surgical and surgical treatment as well as minimally invasive procedures to treat a wide range of sports-related medical conditions. Our physicians work closely with physical therapists, athletic trainers, physiatrists and rehabilitation medicine specialists, as well as primary care sports medicine providers, human performance experts and sports nutritionists to coordinate care and optimize an athlete’s recovery.

Our sports medicine service has a conservative approach to treating the majority of sports-related injuries, with treatment options tailored to each individual patient's needs and their goals to return to an active lifestyle. In fact, only one out of 10 patients require surgery for their condition.

If surgery is recommended for an injury, we have experience in performing some of the most common surgical procedures including knee and shoulder arthroscopies, meniscectomies, ACL reconstructions, acromioplasties, rotator cuff repairs, shoulder stabilizations, and meniscal repairs. More complex procedures include complex cartilage restoration, meniscal transplantation, ligament reconstruction of the elbow, cultured chondrocyte transplantations, osteochondral plug transplantations, and complex and revision ligament reconstructions.

Arthroscopy of all major joints, including the knee, shoulder, elbow and ankle when appropriate, can aid in an athlete’s rapid recovery and return to mobility. Our rehabilitation program is tailored to the athlete’s injury and sport, and includes motion and strengthening exercises.

Research & Clinical Trials

For information on current clinical trials related to orthopedics, or to make an appointment with a specialist with Washington University Orthopedics, please call 314-514-3500 or toll free (866) 867-3627.