WATCH NOW: Knee-Repair Surgery Helps Tennis Players Return to Form

(VIDEO: John Uribe, M.D., orthopedic surgeon and medical director of the Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute, explains treatments for knee injuries, like the one leading pro tennis player Roger Federer sustained in February.)

Knee pain is one of the most common reasons for people to see their doctors. Injuries to the knee, such as tears, sprains and fractures, drive more than 10 million patient visits to doctors’ offices each year, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery.

For people who play certain sports, like tennis and football that involve a lot of quick stops and rotations, a knee injury can knock them out out of the game. A torn meniscus sidelined pro tennis player Roger Federer earlier this year.

A common surgical procedure, called arthoscopy, repaired the torn meniscus in Federer’s knee in early February. It was the first surgery of the 34-year old’s career. Federer returned to match play at this month’s 2016 Miami Open, but had to withdraw due to a stomach virus. His movements on the practice courts seemed indicative of healthy knees.

“Many knee injuries can be treated with rest and rehabilitation, but when a tear or break occurs in the structure of the joint, surgery is usually needed,” said John Uribe, M.D., orthopedic surgeon and medical director of Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute. “The recovery for most patients is four to six weeks, and they can get back to play. Professional tennis players like Roger Federer who need to stop and rotate quickly can sometimes return sooner with the proper treatment and recovery.”

Honored with lifetime board certification from the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dr. Uribe has repaired knee injuries in thousands of patients throughout his 40-year career as an orthopedic surgeon. He joins fellow Institute physicians, physical therapists and other Baptist Health caregivers who provide medical services to tournament players and first aid to attendees.

The Baptist Health News Team joined Dr. Uribe court side at the Miami Open to learn more. Watch the video now.