Sports Orthopedic Surgery | Savino Orthopedics

Sports Orthopedic Surgery in Hauppauge & Stony Brook, NY

Whether you're a competitive athlete, a weekend warrior, or an active individual dealing with a sports-related injury, finding a skilled orthopedic surgeon who understands how your body moves and what it takes to get you back in the game makes all the difference. Dr. Richard Savino, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and fellowship-trained sports medicine specialist serving patients throughout Long Island from his offices in Hauppauge and Stony Brook, NY.

With over 20 years of experience, a fellowship in Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery completed at Johns Hopkins University, and his role as Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Langone Hospital–Suffolk, Dr. Savino brings a depth of expertise that few orthopedic surgeons in Suffolk County can match. From ACL reconstruction and rotator cuff repair to arthroscopic procedures and cartilage restoration, Dr. Savino offers a full spectrum of sports orthopedic care, focusing on getting patients back to peak performance with minimal downtime.

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What Is Sports Orthopedic Surgery?

Sports orthopedic surgery is a specialized field of orthopedics focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of musculoskeletal injuries resulting from athletic activity, repetitive motion, or physical stress. These injuries can affect bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and cartilage, and they occur at every level of athletic participation, from youth sports and high school athletes to college competitors, professionals, and recreational adults.

While many sports injuries respond well to conservative, nonsurgical care, others require surgical intervention to restore proper function, stability, and long-term joint health. Dr. Savino takes an individualized approach to every case, pursuing surgery only when it represents the best path to a full and durable recovery.

Sports Injuries & Conditions We Treat

Dr. Savino's sports orthopedic practice addresses a wide range of acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Patients are seen from across Suffolk County, including Hauppauge, Stony Brook, Smithtown, Ronkonkoma, Islip, and surrounding Long Island communities.

Knee Injuries

ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tears and reconstruction
Meniscus tears, partial and complete
PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) injuries
Patellar tendon injuries and tendinitis
Cartilage damage and chondral defects
Knee arthritis related to a prior sports injury

Shoulder Injuries

Rotator cuff tears, partial and full-thickness
SLAP tears and labral injuries
Shoulder instability and recurrent dislocations
AC joint (acromioclavicular) injuries and separations
Biceps tendon tears and tendinitis
Shoulder impingement syndrome

Elbow Injuries

UCL (ulnar collateral ligament) tears are common in throwing athletes
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis)
Distal biceps tendon ruptures
Elbow arthroscopy for loose bodies and cartilage damage

General Sports & Overuse Injuries

Ligament and tendon sprains and ruptures
Stress fractures and acute fractures from sports trauma
Muscle strains and tears
Repetitive motion injuries and tendinopathy
Joint pain and sports-related arthritis

Sports Orthopedic Procedures Offered

Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique in which Dr. Savino inserts a small camera, an arthroscope, through a tiny incision to visualize and treat problems inside a joint. Because it avoids the need for large open incisions, arthroscopic surgery typically results in less post-operative pain, a lower risk of complications, and a significantly faster return to activity compared to traditional open surgery. Dr. Savino performs arthroscopic procedures on the knee, shoulder, and elbow.

ACL Reconstruction

A torn anterior cruciate ligament is one of the most common and serious sports injuries, particularly in athletes who participate in cutting, pivoting, and jumping sports. Dr. Savino performs ACL reconstruction using graft tissue, typically from the patient's own patellar tendon or hamstring, to rebuild a stable, functional ligament. The procedure is performed arthroscopically and is followed by a structured rehabilitation program designed to restore strength and return the athlete to competition.

Rotator Cuff Repair

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and power overhead movement. Tears can result from acute trauma or gradual wear and tear. Dr. Savino performs arthroscopic rotator cuff repair to reattach the torn tendon to the bone using suture anchors, restoring shoulder strength and function while minimizing the recovery burden on the patient.

Meniscus Surgery

The meniscus acts as the knee's shock absorber, and tears are among the most frequent sports injuries seen in orthopedic practice. Depending on the nature and location of the tear, Dr. Savino may perform an arthroscopic meniscectomy (partial removal of the damaged tissue) or a meniscus repair (suturing the torn tissue back together). Repair is preferred whenever the anatomy allows, as it preserves the joint's natural structure and supports long-term knee health.

Cartilage Restoration

Articular cartilage damage, whether from a single traumatic event or cumulative wear, can cause significant pain and limit athletic activity. Dr. Savino offers cartilage restoration procedures, including microfracture and other techniques, designed to stimulate the growth of new cartilage tissue and reduce joint pain. His research background in cartilage restoration, reflected in peer-reviewed publications, informs his clinical approach to these complex cases.

Shoulder Stabilization

Athletes who experience recurrent shoulder dislocations or instability often require surgical stabilization to repair the damaged labrum and capsular tissue that normally hold the joint in place. Dr. Savino performs arthroscopic Bankart repair and capsular plication procedures to restore shoulder stability and allow athletes to safely return to overhead and contact sports.

Tendon Repair & Reconstruction

Ligament and tendon injuries, from Achilles ruptures to biceps tears and UCL injuries in throwing athletes, require precise surgical repair to restore the structural integrity of the affected tissue. Dr. Savino's fellowship training in sports medicine and shoulder surgery encompasses the full range of these procedures, with an emphasis on techniques that optimize healing and long-term functional outcomes.

Dr. Savino's Approach:

Every patient receives a personalized evaluation before any surgical recommendation is made. Dr. Savino reviews imaging, assesses functional limitations, and discusses all available treatment options, nonsurgical and surgical, so that patients can make fully informed decisions about their case.

Nonsurgical Sports Medicine Treatment

Not every sports injury requires surgery. Dr. Savino takes a conservative-first philosophy whenever appropriate, offering a range of evidence-based nonsurgical treatments before recommending operative intervention:

Cortisone and corticosteroid injections to reduce acute inflammation and manage pain
Bracing, activity modification, and assistive devices to protect healing tissue
Anti-inflammatory medications and pain management strategies
Viscosupplementation for sports-related knee joint pain

When conservative measures have been exhausted or when the injury's nature makes surgical repair the clearly superior option, Dr. Savino's advanced surgical capabilities ensure the best possible outcome for each patient.

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Recovery & Return to Sport

One of the most common questions athletes ask following a sports injury is: "How soon can I get back to playing?" While every recovery is different depending on the procedure performed, the patient's overall health, and their rehabilitation commitment, Dr. Savino's use of minimally invasive and arthroscopic techniques is designed to minimize downtime and accelerate the return to activity.

What most patients at Savino Orthopedics can expect post-procedure:

A structured physical therapy program beginning early in the recovery process to maintain mobility and rebuild strength.
Regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Savino to track healing and progress
Sport-specific functional rehabilitation milestones before full return to competition are cleared.
Personalized guidance on activity modification, protective bracing, and training load during recovery

Dr. Savino's goal is not simply to repair an injury; it is to restore full athletic function and help patients return to the sport or activity they love with confidence.

Why Choose Dr. Savino for Sports Orthopedic Surgery?

Athletes and active individuals across Long Island choose Savino Orthopedics because Dr. Savino uniquely combines clinical excellence, academic expertise, and a genuine commitment to each patient's performance goals. Key reasons include:

Fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery at Johns Hopkins University
Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Langone Hospital–Suffolk, with access to world-class hospital resources and specialist collaboration
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon (A.B.O.S.) and Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (F.A.A.O.S.)
Peer-reviewed research published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, including studies on SLAP lesions and knee arthroscopy
Certified in advanced robotic surgery platforms, including Mako, ROSA, and Bluebelt
Conveniently located in Hauppauge and near Stony Brook, serving all of Suffolk County.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is a good candidate for sports orthopedic surgery?

Candidates are typically patients whose injury, whether an ACL tear, rotator cuff rupture, meniscus tear, or other structural damage, has not responded to nonsurgical treatment, or whose injury anatomy makes surgical repair the most appropriate path to full recovery. Dr. Savino evaluates each patient individually and will walk through all available options during the consultation.

Do I need to be a professional or competitive athlete to see Dr. Savino?

Not at all. While Dr. Savino treats competitive athletes, the majority of his patients are recreational athletes, active adults, and individuals who simply want to stay active without pain. Sports orthopedic surgery is for anyone whose musculoskeletal injury is limiting their ability to do what they enjoy.

What is the advantage of arthroscopic surgery for sports injuries?

Arthroscopic surgery uses tiny incisions and a miniature camera to visualize and treat the injury, rather than requiring a large open incision. The result is typically less surgical trauma to surrounding tissue, reduced post-operative pain, a lower risk of complications, and a faster recovery, which is particularly important for athletes looking to return to sport.

How long does recovery from ACL surgery take?

ACL reconstruction recovery varies by patient and graft type, but most patients can expect a return to sport-specific activity within 9 to 12 months, following a comprehensive rehabilitation protocol. Dr. Savino will provide a detailed, individualized timeline during your consultation, tailored to your specific anatomy and goals.

Does Savino Orthopedics also treat hip and knee conditions in athletes?

Yes. In addition to sports orthopedic surgery, Dr. Savino's practice includes hip and knee reconstruction for athletes and active patients with more advanced joint conditions, including arthritis, joint degeneration, and post-traumatic damage. The full scope of orthopedic services is designed to support patients at every stage of their orthopedic health journey.

Where is Savino Orthopedics located?

Savino Orthopedics operates two convenient Long Island locations: 517 Route 111, 3rd Floor, Suite 3B, Hauppauge, NY 11788 (631-486-8855) and 2500 Nesconset Hwy, Building 20-A, Stony Brook, NY 11790 (631-675-9193). Both offices serve patients throughout Suffolk County and surrounding communities. Visit our contact page for hours and directions.

Schedule Your Sports Orthopedic Consultation

A sports injury doesn't have to end your season or your active lifestyle. If you're dealing with a knee, shoulder, elbow, or other musculoskeletal injury, Savino Orthopedics is here to help. Dr. Richard Savino will evaluate your injury, review your imaging, and outline a treatment plan designed to get you back to full performance as efficiently and safely as possible.

Request a consultation at our Hauppauge or Stony Brook office by calling 631-486-8855 (Hauppauge) or 631-675-9193 (Stony Brook), or submit an online request. The first step toward getting back in the game starts here.

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