Sports Medicine

Florida Orthopaedic Institute has the largest and most advanced Sports Medicine Service Division in the region. Under the direction of Dr. Seth Gasser, it has become widely recognized as a leader in treating athletic injuries for patients of all ages. Our team provides the best orthopedic solutions for every bone, joint, ligament, tendon, and muscle injury in the body, FOI’s board-certified surgeons are fellowship trained and hold additional subspecialty certification in Sports Medicine. This expertise allows FOI to provide a level of care unattainable elsewhere in the Tampa Bay area.  

LEADERSHIP

Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, FOI’s compassionate health care providers employ innovative state-of-the-art treatments for all patients. Our team consists of orthopedic sports medicine surgeons, primary care sports medicine doctors, physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, chiropractors, physical therapists, and certified athletic trainers. Two orthopedic urgent care centers ensure timely and convenient access for initial evaluation and treatment, while facilitating prompt referral to the appropriate specialist. Additionally we offer advanced imaging (X-rays, ultrasound, CT, and MRI scans) and physical therapy. A durable medical equipment department is staffed by trained specialists for the proper fitting of all casts, splints, braces, crutches, etc. Patients can receive the entirety of their care at one of 12 convenient locations throughout the Tampa Bay area.

CARE OF THE INJURED ATHLETE

Articular Cartilage Injuries of the Knee – Articular cartilage is the smooth cartilage that covers the end of the bone in all our joints, and allows them to move feely and without pain. Damage to this cartilage leads to arthritis over time. Nearly 25 years ago, FOI was one of the first orthopedic groups in the country to offer an advanced surgical technique, known today as MACI, that helps regenerate damaged articular cartilage. Our sports medicine surgeons continue to provide state-of-the-art, cutting-edge technologies for the treatment of these cartilage injuries.

Knee Meniscus Tears – The meniscus is a C shaped piece of rubbery cartilage that acts as a shock-absorber for the knee. It can be torn if you suddenly twist your knee, causing significant pain and swelling. Meniscal tears are one of the most common knee injuries, and often require surgery to correct. At FOI, we offer cutting edge treatment for meniscal tears including minimal resection of the torn tissue, suture repair techniques for meniscal preservation, and meniscal transplantation in appropriately selected patients.

Knee Ligament Injuries – Having extensive experience in treating multi-ligament knee injuries, FOI sports medicine surgeons offer patients state-of-the-art treatment with surgical techniques that anatomically reconstruct all damaged ligaments. This allows most athletes to return to their sport from what was previously a career-ending injury.

Concussion Management – Primary care sports medicine doctors offer the most scientifically-validated computerized evaluation and treatment for concussions and traumatic brain injuries. This helps ensure an appropriate time period before returning an athlete back to sports, lowering the risk for repeated concussions and long-term problems.

Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery – The sports medicine surgeons at FOI are actively involved in research and product development to improve the instrumentation, surgical techniques, and outcomes in the arthroscopic treatment of shoulder injuries, including rotator cuff and labral tears. For example, there are now several new surgical techniques (superior capsular reconstruction, subacromial baloon spacer, lower trapezius transfer) for severe rotator cuff tears in younger patients that previously had no satisfactory treatment.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Regenerative Cell Therapy (bone marrow aspirate concentrate-BMAC) – Through regenerative cell therapy, a patient can take advantage of the body’s ability to heal itself by using healthy BMAC cells found naturally in the body. Laboratory and clinical research has shown that in some cases it is possible to use regenerative cells from the patient to restore and repair damaged or aging cells and effectively regenerate tissue. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is an emerging technique that is also used to treat patients with musculoskeletal problems. PRP is easily obtained from the patient through a simple blood draw. After preparation, it is injected into the damaged area to stimulate healing. PRP has been used to treat numerous musculoskeletal disorders, including osteoarthritis, tennis elbow, hamstring strains, rotator cuff tears, Achilles tendon injuries, anterior cruciate ligament tears, and ulnar collateral ligament tears. 

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

High Schools – Our team of sports medicine specialists has provided volunteer medical coverage to local high school football teams for over 25 years.

College/University – We are proud to serve as the exclusive orthopedic providers and team physicians for the University of Tampa, University of South Florida, and Saint Leo University. We also educate undergraduate and graduate level students interested in persuing a career in the medical field.

Professional Sports – Having previously served as team physicians for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Storm, Tampa Bay Mutiny, and Tampa Bay Rowdies, assures our patients they are receiving the best care available.

Education – We are actively involved in educating coaches, athletic trainers, undergraduate and graduate level college students, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and medical school residents and fellows. In addition, we present the “Annual Orthopaedics for the Primary Care Practitioner and Rehabilitation Therapist” conference. This three-day intensive course allows participants a unique opportunity to learn about a wide variety of commoin orthopedic conditions provided by FOI’s expert faculty.