Participating in sports provides scores of advantages—greater health, enhanced fitness, and more mental well-being. But with so much physical activity comes injury risk. While some injuries from sports can recover with rest, therapy, or medication, some serious cases need surgery to restore normal function and movement.
In this article, we’ll explore the most common sports injuries that often require surgery, how they are treated, and what recovery typically looks like. We’ll also share insights from Dr. Dharmaraj Yadav, a specialist in sports injury management and orthopedic surgery, to help athletes and active individuals make informed decisions.
- ACL Tear (Anterior Cruciate Ligament)
The ACL is a knee ligament that stabilizes the movement. Tears to the ACL happen frequently in sports that involve high impact, such as football, basketball, skiing, and soccer.
When Surgery Is Necessary: When the tear is complete or the patient is young and physically active, ACL reconstruction surgery is generally advised. The damaged ligament is replaced with a graft taken from another tendon in the body.
Recovery: Postoperative rehabilitation is necessary and may take 6 to 9 months, including physical therapy to achieve strength and stability.
- Meniscus Tear
Meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage that supports the joint of the knee. It may tear because of sudden twist or trauma.
When Surgery Is Necessary: Smaller tears might heal with therapy and rest, but larger or displaced tears usually need arthroscopic surgery to fix or remove the torn part.
Recovery: Recovery may be anywhere from a few weeks to 3 months, depending on whether the meniscus was repaired or partially excised.
- Rotator Cuff Tear
The rotator cuff is a set of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. Tears commonly happen in repetitive overhead motion sports, such as baseball, tennis, or swimming.
When Surgery Is Required: If the tear is big or symptoms endure after conservative management, rotator cuff repair operation is usually required. It can be arthroscopic or through open operation, depending upon severity.
Recovery: Complete recovery can take 4 to 6 months, with a planned rehabilitation program to restore shoulder strength and flexibility.
- Shoulder Dislocation and Labral Tears
Dislocated shoulder can injure the labrum—a ring of cartilage supporting the joint.
When Surgery Is Necessary: For recurring dislocations or labral tears (such as a SLAP tear), arthroscopic repair of the labrum is indicated to avoid recurring instability.
Recovery: Recovery lasts usually between 3 to 6 months, and resumption of contact sports might take even longer.
- Achilles Tendon Rupture
This occurs as a complete or partial rupture of the Achilles tendon, usually in jumping or abrupt pivoting sports.
When Surgery Is Necessary: Though some partial ruptures might heal without surgery, full ruptures usually need surgery to reattach the tendon.
Recovery: Rehabilitation is typically 6 to 12 months, with progressive return to high-impact activities.
Expert Insight: Dr. Dharmaraj Yadav on Sports Surgery
Dr. Dharmaraj Yadav, a seasoned orthopedic doctor with expertise in sports injury, says early detection and proper treatment plan are the keys. “A lot of athletes attempt to push through the pain, and then further damage can be caused,” he says. “If surgery is the ideal solution, early intervention means faster healing and faster return to sport.”
Dr. Yadav places a big emphasis on individualized care and a structured rehabilitation program. Whether one is dealing with a torn ACL or a shoulder condition, all cases are different and should be handled as such.
Conclusion: Knowing When Surgery Is the Right Call
Not only are sports injuries painful, but they can also be emotionally and mentally draining, particularly for those who love to be active. Although not every injury needs to be operated on, knowing which ones do and how they are handled can help equip you with the best decision for your recovery.
If you’re facing a sports injury and are unsure about your treatment options, consulting an expert like Dr. Dharmaraj Yadav can provide clarity and confidence. With advancements in minimally invasive surgical techniques and tailored rehabilitation plans, many athletes make full comebacks—and sometimes return even stronger.