[UTAH, 03/22/2018]—Dr. Michael J. Carlson, MD offers arthroscopic surgery for athletes, the elderly, and Provo residents suffering from joint problems.

Coping with an injury is never easy. Permanent or not, it can disrupt a person’s way of life. For athletes, injuries can also bring setbacks to their career or even bring it to a halt.

Athletes are no strangers to injuries. It is only normal for them to suffer injuries occasionally. However, not all injuries are created equal and some injuries can be career-threatening. Tiger Woods, Serena Williams, and Adrian Peterson are just some of the top athletes who encountered such injuries.

As a former physician for numerous sports teams, Dr. Carlson knows the importance of minimally invasive surgical procedures to the career of athletes. He focuses on athletes and the elderly, but Provo residents are welcome to visit his practice.

Traditional Surgery vs. Arthroscopic Surgery

Treatment and rehabilitation rests mostly on the type of injury sustained. Certain injuries require surgery to correct the damage.

Traditional surgery or open surgery is done by making an incision with a scalpel. It is losing popularity in some instances, as minimally invasive procedures are being explored as options. However, there are still times when open surgery is favored.

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that orthopedic surgeons use to visualize, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint. Compared to traditional orthopedic practices, healing and recovery are faster with arthroscopic surgery.

The inside of nearly all joints can be viewed with an arthroscope. The six joints that most frequently require treatment of this kind are the knees, shoulders, elbows, ankles, hips, and wrists. Arthroscopic surgery can treat a rotation cuff tear and reconstruct an ACL. It can also treat some problems associated with arthritis.

About Michael J. Carlson, MD

Michael J. Carlson, MD completed a 5-year Orthopedic Surgery Residency at the University of Nebraska/Creighton Health Foundation. He also completed a top sports and arthroscopy fellowship from the renowned Southern California Orthopedic Institute (SCOI). To know more about Dr. Carlson and his practice, visit http://www.michaelcarlsonmd.com.