Sports injuries are an unfortunate reality for athletes of all levels. While many sprains, strains, and bruises heal with rest and physical therapy, some are severe enough sports injuries that require surgery. Whether you’re a professional athlete, amateur, or weekend warrior, understanding which sports injuries may need surgery can help you make informed decisions about your health and recovery.
In this article, we’ll walk through the most common sports injuries that often require surgery, signs you should watch for, and what recovery typically looks like.
Why Some Sports Injuries Require Surgery
Sports injuries put unique stresses on the body. High-impact collisions, sudden twists, repetitive motion, and overuse can cause damage to bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Sometimes, conservative treatments like rest, ice, physical therapy, and bracing aren’t enough. When the body’s natural healing process can’t restore full function — or when instability, pain, or the risk of re-injury remains high — surgery may be necessary to properly repair the damage.
Surgical intervention for sports injuries aims to:
- Restore function and strength
- Minimize pain
- Prevent further damage
- Help athletes return safely to their sport
Common Sports Injuries That Require Surgery
Here’s a closer look at some of the most common sports injuries that often require surgical treatment:
1. ACL Tears (Anterior Cruciate Ligament)
Sports commonly affected: Football, basketball, soccer, skiing
The ACL is a critical ligament in the knee that provides stability. ACL tears often occur from sudden stops, jumps, or changes in direction. While partial tears may sometimes heal without surgery, complete ACL tears usually require reconstruction to restore knee stability — especially for athletes returning to pivot-heavy sports.
Signs of an ACL tear:
- A loud pop at the time of injury
- Severe knee swelling
- Instability (feeling like the knee will “give out”)
- Learn more about ACL Tears
2. Rotator Cuff Tears
Sports commonly affected: Baseball, tennis, swimming, weightlifting
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. Tears can result from acute trauma or chronic overuse. Smaller tears may respond to rest and physical therapy, but large or complete tears often require surgical repair to restore shoulder strength and function.
Signs of a rotator cuff tear:
- Persistent shoulder pain, especially at night
- Weakness when lifting or rotating the arm
- Limited range of motion
3. Meniscus Tears
Sports commonly affected: Basketball, soccer, football
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage in the knee that cushions and stabilizes the joint. Tears can occur during twisting movements or direct impacts. While minor tears may respond well to rest and rehabilitation, more severe or displaced tears typically require surgery to repair or remove the damaged cartilage.
Signs of a meniscus tear:
- Swelling and stiffness
- Locking or catching sensation in the knee
- Difficulty straightening the knee fully
4. Shoulder Dislocations
Sports commonly affected: Football, hockey, wrestling
A dislocated shoulder happens when the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket. After the first dislocation, the shoulder is more prone to repeated injuries. Surgery is often recommended for young, active individuals or after multiple dislocations to repair and tighten the torn or stretched tissues.
Signs of a dislocated shoulder:
- Intense shoulder pain and inability to move the arm
- A visibly deformed shoulder
- Swelling and bruising
5. Achilles Tendon Ruptures
Sports commonly affected: Basketball, soccer, running
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. A sudden pop followed by sharp pain in the back of the ankle often signals a rupture. While non-surgical options exist, surgery is frequently recommended for younger, active patients to reduce the risk of re-rupture and regain maximum strength.
Signs of an Achilles tendon rupture:
- A popping sound at the time of injury
- Inability to push off the injured foot
- Swelling and bruising around the ankle
6. Fractures
Sports commonly affected: Virtually all sports (depending on the type of injury)
Certain fractures, particularly displaced or complex ones, require surgical intervention to realign the bones and secure them with plates, screws, or rods. Surgery ensures proper healing and minimizes the risk of future complications from sports injuries.
Common surgically treated fractures:
- Clavicle (collarbone) fractures
- Wrist fractures
- Ankle fractures
- Stress fractures that don’t heal with rest
7. Hip Labral Tears
Sports commonly affected: Hockey, soccer, ballet, golf
The labrum is a ring of cartilage around the hip socket. Tears can result from repetitive motion or trauma. Arthroscopic surgery is often needed to repair or remove the torn tissue and alleviate pain caused by sports injuries.
Signs of a hip labral tear:
- Deep groin pain
- Clicking or locking sensation in the hip
- Limited hip range of motion
- Learn more about Hip Labral Tears
How Do You Know if Surgery is the Right Option?
Not every sports injury requires surgery immediately. In fact, most orthopedic surgeons recommend starting with conservative treatments first. However, surgery may become necessary if you experience:
- Persistent pain despite rest and therapy
- Loss of strength, mobility, or stability
- Structural damage (confirmed by imaging like MRI or X-ray)
- Recurrent injuries (such as repeated dislocations)
- A desire to return to a high level of athletic competition
A thorough evaluation by an orthopedic specialist will help determine the best treatment plan based on your injury, age, activity level, and athletic goals.
What to Expect After Surgery
Recovery from surgery for sports injuries varies depending on the injury and procedure. However, most recoveries involve:
- Immobilization: A sling, brace, or cast to protect the area initially
- Physical Therapy: Guided rehabilitation to rebuild strength, flexibility, and function
- Gradual Return to Activity: A progressive plan to safely resume sports participation
Patience is essential. Full recovery can range from a few months (for minor procedures) to 9–12 months (for surgeries like ACL reconstruction or Achilles tendon repair).
Working closely with your surgeon and physical therapist provides the best chance for a full and successful recovery after sports injuries.
Final Thoughts
Sports injuries are challenging — physically, mentally, and emotionally. While surgery isn’t always necessary, it’s often the best path to full recovery after serious injuries. Thanks to modern surgical techniques and personalized rehabilitation programs, athletes of all levels can recover and return to the sports they love.
If you’ve suffered a sports injury and are wondering whether surgery might be the right next step, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Takenishi at Sacramento Ortho Sports & Shoulder. Early evaluation and treatment can make all the difference in your recovery journey.
Interested in learning more about treatment options for sports injuries? Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Takenishi!