SPORTS MEDICINE
Caring for athletes requires experience and specialized training. To become an expert in the field, orthopedic surgeons complete a fellowship dedicated to sports medicine. In addition to pain relief, athletes demand other unique considerations when they suffer an injury. Rehabilitation back to competition-level strength and conditioning, return-to-sport timing and improving durability to prevent future injury are all special considerations for athletes. Some of the most common sports injuries that often require surgery include ACL tears, PCL ruptures, meniscus injuries, patella dislocations, cartilage injuries, shoulder dislocations, labrum injuries of the shoulder and hip, rotator cuff tears, biceps tendon injuries and other ligament and tendon injuries. Many of these conditions can be addressed with arthroscopy, a minimally invasive technique to address injuries inside and outside of a joint.
ARTHROSCOPY
Many of the common procedures in sports medicine can be performed arthroscopically. Arthroscopic procedures utilize a small camera (arthroscope) and small instruments to perform procedure without the use of a large open incision. The arthroscope and instruments can be placed into a joint or nearby space using small incisions. In general, the smaller incisions allow for faster healing, reduced scar tissue formation and a reduce risk of infection.
Sterile water is flushed through the camera to provide the surgeon with a clear video of the injured area. The procedure is then performed using specialized instruments and implants to achieve the operative goal. After completion of the procedure, each portal is then closed with a dissolvable suture.
Dr. Nicolay served as a fellow team physician for the New York Rangers and New York Liberty while at the Hospital for Special Surgery. He also trained directly with the team physicians for the New York Giants, Nets, Knicks, Mets and Red Bulls as well as Team USA Basketball and Swimming.
During his 5-year orthopedic surgery residency at Northwestern, he worked closely with the Chicago Blackhawks, volunteered as a physician for the Chicago Marathon and he trained under past and present head team physicians for the Chicago Bears, Bulls and Cubs.
In addition to his experience with professional team coverage, Dr. Nicolay has worked with the athletes of Northwestern University, where he collaborated with the athletic department to study risk factors for injury in collegiate athletes. At the high school and youth sport level, Dr. Nicolay has worked with Chicago Public Schools and the New York Public Schools Athletic League to provide preseason physicals and football game coverage for their athletes.
TEAM PHYSICIAN EXPERIENCE
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Dr. Nicolay is a specialist in sports medicine and arthroscopic procedures of the shoulder, elbow, hip and knee. He understands the importance of getting back in the game for an athlete. Once surgery is performed, using the least invasive technique possible, he will work with the therapy team to build a rehabilitation and return-to-play program tailored to the athletes’ specific sport and personal goals. His ultimate goal is to get his patients back to what they love doing while preventing future injury.
Disclaimer: All materials presented on this website are the opinions of Dr. Richard Nicolay and any guest writers, and should not be construed as medical advice. Each patient’s specific condition is different, and a comprehensive medical assessment requires a full medical history, physical exam, and review of diagnostic imaging. If you would like to seek the opinion of Dr. Nicolay for your specific case, we recommend contacting our office to make an appointment.