Knee
Explore ACL injuries and instability, meniscal tears and cartilage problems. The ACL and knee arthroscopy guides explain different treatment decisions.
Knee · Shoulder · Ankle
Sports injuries & arthroscopy
Care for the movement that matters to you. Assessment, rehabilitation and surgical options for knee, shoulder and ankle injuries at Aster MIMS Kannur.
You may be returning to football, working on your feet or finding everyday tasks difficult. Your goals help shape the discussion with Dr. Vishnu Baburaj.
Find the relevant care
Three joints. A plan built around your injury.
Shoulder
Understand rotator cuff tears, recurrent dislocation and other shoulder problems. Treatment considers pain, stability and the movements your work or sport requires.
Ankle
Find guidance on repeated sprains, an ankle that gives way, impingement and cartilage injuries. Persistent symptoms deserve an assessment before choosing treatment.
Start with the diagnosis
What happens at an assessment?
Understand the injury
Explain how the problem began, where it hurts and whether the joint locks, gives way or feels weak. Discuss previous injuries and the activities you are missing.
Examine and investigate
Examination helps assess movement, strength and stability. X-rays, MRI or other tests are selected for the clinical question; you do not need to arrange a new scan before being seen.
Discuss the options
Bring together the findings, previous treatment and your goals. Ask what each option could improve, its limitations and what recovery would require.
Assessment and arthroscopy: AAOS patient information
When an injury needs urgent care
Seek urgent assessment for severe or worsening pain, major swelling or inability to bear weight. A deformed joint, a cold or discoloured limb, or new numbness after injury needs emergency assessment. Do not wait for an online enquiry reply.
Read the injury warning signsA considered treatment choice
Rehabilitation and surgery each have a role
Care without an operation
Depending on the injury, treatment can include activity changes, appropriate pain relief, a brace and physiotherapy. Rehabilitation develops movement, strength and control. Review appointments help establish whether the plan is meeting your goals.
For an ACL injury, symptoms of instability and the demands of pivoting sport are part of the decision. For ankle instability, strengthening, balance training and bracing may be useful.
When surgery is considered
A particular repairable injury, persistent instability or symptoms that continue despite appropriate treatment may lead to a surgical discussion. Arthroscopy uses a camera and small instruments inside the joint; some procedures need an open approach as well.
Discuss the intended benefit, the chance of persistent symptoms and risks such as infection, stiffness, nerve injury or blood clots. Small skin incisions do not remove the need for tissue healing and rehabilitation.
Recovery with a purpose
Plan the return, as well as the treatment
Walking comfortably, lifting at work and competing in sport place different demands on a healing joint.
Protect what is healing
Clarify whether you need a sling, brace or crutches, which movements are restricted and when the plan will be reviewed. Follow the instructions for your particular injury or repair.
Use the surgery preparation checklistRebuild function
Work towards the agreed movement and strength goals. Discuss pain, swelling or difficulty with exercises at review so that rehabilitation can be adjusted.
After ACL reconstruction or rotator cuff repair, use the matching exercise programme only if it agrees with your treating team’s instructions.
Explore the exercise companionProgress to your activity
Ask how readiness will be assessed for running, changing direction or overhead activity. After ACL reconstruction, strength, range of motion and control are among the factors considered before return to sport.
Read about readiness for sportAAOS: rehabilitation and return after ACL surgeryAAOS: recovery depends on the shoulder procedure
Read before your visit
Questions patients often start with
ACL Tear: Do You Always Need Surgery?
Not every ACL tear needs reconstruction. Dr. Vishnu Baburaj explains who truly needs surgery and who can do well with rehab, for patients in Kannur and across North Kerala.
Read the guide ACL Tear: Do You Always Need Surgery?Rotator Cuff Tear: Do You Always Need Surgery?
An orthopaedic surgeon on when a rotator cuff tear needs surgery and when it does not: what the randomised trials show, and the factors that tip the decision either way.
Read the guide Rotator Cuff Tear: Do You Always Need Surgery?Ankle Sprains That Won't Heal: When It Becomes Chronic Instability
A Kannur sports surgeon on why most ankle sprains heal, why rehab matters, and when a wobbly, giving-way ankle becomes chronic instability needing surgery.
Read the guide Ankle Sprains That Won't Heal: When It Becomes Chronic InstabilityCommon questions
Before you make a decision
Do I need to be an athlete to use this service?
No. Knee, shoulder and ankle injuries can affect walking, household tasks and work as well as sport. Your assessment starts with what happened and the activities you want to get back to.
Does a tear on an MRI mean that I need surgery?
No. The scan is considered alongside your symptoms, examination, associated injuries and activity goals. Some injuries can be managed with rehabilitation; persistent instability or particular repairable injuries may lead to a discussion about surgery.
What does arthroscopy involve?
Arthroscopy uses a small camera and instruments through small incisions to see and treat problems inside a joint. Some operations also need an open incision. The procedure and recovery depend on the injury being treated.
When can I return to my sport?
There is no single timetable for all injuries. Tissue healing, symptoms, movement, strength, control and the demands of your activity all matter. Agree the progression and any testing with your treating team before returning to training or competition.
What should I bring to the consultation?
Bring previous scan images and reports, treatment or operation records, and a list of medicines if available. Note which movements cause difficulty, what rehabilitation you have tried, and the work or sporting activities you hope to resume.
Your next step
Discuss your injury and your goals
Consult Dr. Vishnu Baburaj at Aster MIMS Hospital, Chala, Kannur. OPD: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 am to 4 pm.
Bring existing scan images and reports, a medicine list and any previous treatment records. You can send an initial enquiry and available scans through WhatsApp or professional email. Appointment arrangements are confirmed after your enquiry.