Abstract
The emphasis presently placed on physical fitness in society in terms of overall health is at an all-time high. Participation in both organized as well as recreational sports has escalated over the past several decades as a result. This increase in participation has led to an emphasis on treating injuries associated with sporting activities. The advances within medicine regarding the diagnosis of these injuries, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as arthroscopy for their treatment, have improved results only to focus more attention within this field. A number of skilled physicians and other health professionals have developed interests regarding the specific care of athletes. The goal of sports medicine as a subspecialty is the prevention of injury, diagnosis and treatment of athletic injury, and returning athletes to pre-injury activity with no acute or long-term sequelae.