Sports Injuries
What are Sports Injuries?
Hip injuries are extremely common in competitive sports due to tremendous forces placed on the hips. Professional athletes across various sports have undergone hip surgery for injuries, including Alex Rodriguez, Patrick Kane, Mike Lowell, Andy Murray, and Kurt Warner. Hip trauma may occur due to a specific injury or may develop over time due to repetitive microtrauma to the joint.
Athletic hip injuries are commonly misdiagnosed as a pulled groin, sports hernia, or muscle strain. However, if hip pain persists despite a period of rest, activity modification, and physical therapy, the hip should be further evaluated for a missed injury. When a hip injury affects athletic performance, arthroscopic intervention may assist in the athlete's return to full strength and possibly their athletic career.
Learning Resources
Read Blogs from top Sports Medicine Doctors
- Common hip injuries in sports
- Recovery timeline for athletes after hip arthroscopy
- Impact of hip impingement in athletes
- Common hip injuries in sports, Dr. Benjamin Domb
Browse Research on Return to Sport
- Athletes had nearly 80% return to sport rate with many returning to pre-injury performance levels, 10 year research study shows
- PAO surgery can enable athletes with hip dysplasia to return to sports with positive overall outcomes, medical literature review demonstrates
- Hip arthroscopy shown to be an effective treatment for adults over the age of 40 years old, research article reports
Professional Athletes Who Underwent Hip Surgery
Football
- Corey Wooton, NFL Defensive Tackle, Chicago Bears
- Steven Jackson, NFL Running Back, St. Lous Rams
- Brandon Marshall, NFL Wide Receiver, Chicago Bears
- Kurt Warner, NFL Quarterback, Arizona Cardinals
- Priest Holmes, NFL Running Back, Kansas City Chiefs
Baseball
- Alex Rodriguez, MLB Third Baseman, New York Yankees
- Javier Baez, MLB Shortstop, Detroit Tigers
- David Peterson, MLB Pitcher, New York Mets
- Alex Cobb, MLB Pitcher, San Francisco Giants
- Kevin Kiermaier, MLB Outfielder, Tampa Bay Rays
- Corey Seager, MLB Shortstop, Los Angeles Dodgers
- Buster Posey, MLS Catcher, San Francisco Giants
- Mike Lowell, MLB Third Baseman, Boston Red Sox
- Carlos Delgado, MLB First Baseman, Boston Red Sox
- Chase Utley, MLB Second Baseman, Philadelphia Phillies
- Darren O'day, MLB Pitcher, Baltimore Orioles
Basketball
- Isaiah Thomas, NBA Point Guard, Boston Celtics
- Wilson Chandler, NBA Small Forward, Denver Nuggets
- Kevon Looney, NBA Power Forward, Golden State Warriors
- Troy Hudson, NBA point guard, Golden State Warriors
- Theo Raliffe, NBA center forward for Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Lakers
Golf
- Brandt Snedeker, PGA Tour
- Tyler McCumber, PGA Tour
- Davis Love III, PGA Tour
- Greg Norman, PGA tour
Soccer
- Chris Mueller, MLS Forward, Chicago Fire
- Rachel Hill, NWSL Forward, Chicago Red Stars
- Morgan Reid Allen, NWSL Defender, Chicago Red Stars
Hockey
- Patrick Kane, NHL Wing, Chicago Blackhawks & Detroit Red Wings
- Nicklas Backstrom, NHL Centre, Washington Capitals
- Tyler Seguin, NHL Centre, Dallas Stars
- Ed Jovanovski, NHL Defenceman, Florida Panthers
- Mario Lemieux, NHL Centre, Pittsburgh Penguins
Figure Skating
- Tara Lapinski, Olympic figure skater
Tennis
- Rafael Nadal, Multiple Time Grand Slam Titles, Masters Titles, & Olympic Champion
- Andy Murray, Multiple Time Grand Slam Titles & Olympic Champion
- Marcos Giron, Professional Tennis Player & NCAA Singles Champion
- Bob Bryan, Tennis Player, Multiple Time Grand Slam Titles & ATP Top Ranking
- Magnus Norman, Tennis Player, Multiple Time Grand Slam Titles & ATP Top Ranking
Meet Experts in Sports Injuries at the American Hip Institute
We specialize in diagnosing and treating sports-related hip injuries, using advanced imaging, targeted non-operative care, and surgical options when needed to restore performance and function.
AHI serves Chicago and the greater Chicagoland area and is a destination center for patients seeking expert orthopedic evaluation. Our team is among the most published in hip pathology research and delivers a personalized care plan for every patient. Request an appointment now.