Orthopaedic services tackling shoulder injuries
11/09/2024
As the excitement builds for the AFL Grand Final, it’s not just the elite players who face the risks of contact sports. From local footy fields to professional arenas, athletes in various contact sports grapple with an often-overlooked challenge: shoulder injuries.
Dr Raf Asaid, a renowned orthopaedic surgeon at Cabrini, specialising in shoulder conditions, sheds light on this crucial aspect of player health. “Shoulder injuries, ranging from dislocations to labral tears and fractures, are more common than many realise in contact sports,” Dr Asaid explains. “They can be just as impactful as the famous knee injuries.”
Shoulder injuries pose a significant challenge across various contact sports. In just football alone, recent injury lists show multiple players dealing with shoulder or collarbone issues, highlighting the prevalence of these injuries.
At Cabrini, Dr Asaid performs a number of shoulder stabilisation surgeries per month, mostly on young athletes aged 18-24. “I love working in this area because the chance of recovery is very high,” he says. “Most patients return to a high level of sports activity afterwards.”
Cabrini’s Orthopaedic Services extend beyond just stabilisations. Dr Asaid also performs rotator cuff tear surgeries for older patients and shoulder replacements for those aged 70 and above, showcasing the comprehensive care available at Cabrini.
While some injuries are unavoidable in contact sports, awareness and proper training can help. For degenerative conditions like rotator cuff tears, regular strengthening and flexibility exercises can play a preventive role.
As we approach the footy finals season, it’s crucial to appreciate the unseen battles players fight at all levels of the sport. Behind every spectacular mark or tackle, there’s often a story of resilience and expert medical care.
One such story is that of Liam, a patient under Dr Asaid’s care at Cabrini. His journey from injury to recovery highlights the challenges faced by many players and the transformative power of skilled orthopaedic intervention. Read Liam’s inspiring story of perseverance and triumph over adversity.