StarTalk's Playing with Science interviews Joshua S. Dines, MD, sports medicine surgeon at HSS, in the 'Sports Injuries and Recovery' episode.

Dr. Dines explains that the most common sports injuries that he sees are in the shoulder and knee (particularly shoulder dislocations, ACL tears and meniscus tears). He notes that those are surgical issues and athletes also frequently have minor issues that come and go such as tendonitis, tweaks, and sprains. 

They discuss how some of those injuries - especially ACL tears - used to be career ending but now athletes are returning to sport.

Dr. Dines says that patients used to be in the hospital for a week after an ACL repair and now the recovery is much shorter. Surgical techniques have improved - such as performing surgeries arthroscopically instead of creating a big incision.

As we look to the future, Dr. Dines notes three areas that are progressing: minimally invasive surgical techniques, the use of biologics and improving rehabilitation.

"It's not a one size fits all," he says, explaining the importance of tailoring surgery to each patient's individual anatomy. 

Listen to the full podcast at StarTalkRadio.net.