Through Saint Louis University Hospital’s Orthopaedic Center, we have orthopaedic surgeons, neurologists and primary care physicians who specialize in sports medicine. These specialists can treat any sports-related injury, including tears, fractures, sprains and pulls, in patients of all ages, from pediatric to geriatric. From diagnostic and treatment services to follow-up rehabilitation, including physical and occupational therapy, our sports medicine staff works together to ensure patients make a full recovery and return to their daily activities. Many of these physicians care for Saint Louis University varsity athletes.

Our physical therapy and rehabilitation services include:

• Comprehensive evaluation of the patient

• Individualized programs based on physician recommendations and specific diagnosis with one-on-one treatment sessions

• Professional staff of licensed physical and occupational therapists who administer treatment, emphasizing continuity of care

• Weekly written progress reports sent to referring physicians in a timely manner 

Common Sports Medicine Injuries

The following are some of the most common sports injuries treated at the Orthopaedic Center:
Ankle sprain

• Groin strain
• Hamstring strain
• Shin splints
• Shoulder injury (fracture, rotator cuff, arthritis)
• ACL tear (knee)
•  Runner’s knee (kneecap)
• Tennis elbow
• Achilles tendonitis
• Concussion

We also treat dislocations, knee arthritis in aging athletes, spinal injuries and disorders, nerverelated injuries and ankle and wrist fractures. 

Saturday Sports Clinic If you are an athlete experiencing swelling, numbness, intense pain, tenderness, stiffness or the loss of flexibility, you should be evaluated for treatment by a sports medicine physician. The clinic is open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Saturday during the fall football season, and no appointment is necessary. Saint Louis University Hospital invites you to our Saturday Morning Sports Clinic, where all athletes are evaluated by Scott Kaar, M.D., an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and the team physician for the Saint Louis University Billikens. You will receive same day imaging results using some of the most advanced imaging tools available in the St. Louis region. This makes for a faster diagnosis and treatment plan, allowing you to get back on the field faster. For more information, visit sluhospital.com.   

Advanced Diagnostics and Treatments Provided by Sports Medicine Services

Some sports injuries can be treated at home, while others require immediate medical attention in order to heal properly. At SLU Hospital’s Orthopaedic Center, we use the latest advanced technology available to diagnose and treat any sports injury. We also have outfitted our operating rooms with state-of-the-art equipment. The following are some of the sports injury treatments we provide: Knee and shoulder ligament reconstruction (traditional and complex) Minimally-invasive procedures (e.g. arthroscopy) including minimally invasive treatment of hip disorders Treatment of knee and shoulder arthritis in the aging and middle-aged athlete Nerve treatment Spine injury treatment Fracture care (non-operative and operative) Treatment of tendon injuries 3T MRI System Open MRI  Advanced Diagnostics &Treatments Provided by Sports Medicine Services Our Orthopaedic Center uses a 3 Tesla (3T) MRI system – considered to be one of the most advanced MRI systems available. The following are just a few of the benefits provided by our 3T MRI system: Our scanner generates a magnetic field that is twice the strength of the standard 1.5 Tesla machines and 10 to 15 times the strength of low-field or open MRI scanners. The magnetic field produced by our 3T MRI system yields exceptional anatomic detail, which is particularly beneficial for conditions involving the brain, spine, and musculoskeletal system. This high-quality vascular imaging allows our orthopaedic specialists to learn the extent of injuries, and to quickly develop the most appropriate treatment plan. Additionally, by utilizing shorter scan times, the 3T system maximizes patient comfort without compromising quality. Our Center also uses a 40-slice, large-bore CT scanner, ideal for small structures, or trauma, where speed and fast reconstruction are vital. Some of the many benefits of this CT scanner include its ability to:

• Capture images of various regions
• Reduce patient breath-holds
• Require less contrast media
• Ensure minimal patient dose exposure

In addition to the 3 T MRI system, we recently added the strongest open MRI machine available. This next generation MRI machine is an open, vertical field whole body magnet that allows patients a 270° unobstructed view for a wide array of patients, including the anxious, elderly, large and small. Additionally, this machine includes the largest patient table at 32- 

Casting, Bracing and Orthotics

The hospital’s Orthopaedic Center houses a cast room, where our sports medicine technicians can customize casts, braces and splints. Once the cast, brace or splint has been applied, we provide the appropriate guidelines to ensure proper healing of the injury.  The Saturday Sports Clinic may be your start to better performance. The clinic is open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Saturday during the fall football season, and no appointment is necessary. For more information, call 314-268-5555 or visit sluhospital.com. 

For more information or to schedule a Sports Medicine appointment, please contact the Orthopaedic Center at Saint Louis University Hospital 1-800-637-5463 (for physician consultations) Sports Medicine Services The Orthopaedic Center at Saint Louis University Hospital Anheuser-Busch Institute 1755 South Grand St. Louis, Missouri 63104