Surgeon Offers Sports Medicine Techniques to Everyone, Not Just Athletes

Robert Grant, M.D.
Sentara Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists, Division of Albemarle Physician Services - Sentara, Inc
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine

"Sports medicine surgical techniques were developed as a way of getting high-caliber athletes quickly back in the game," says Robert Grant, M.D. "But the good news is we now use those techniques to help regular people get back to work and family. This approach is great for athletes, as well as for the general public."

Dr. Grant joined Sentara Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists, a division of Albemarle Physician Services – Sentara, Inc., in 2016. He has more than 30 years of experience taking care of his patients' injuries, whether they are young or young-at-heart.

"Some assume that sports medicine implies it is only for athletes," says Dr. Grant. "In reality, the arthroscopic techniques we use can benefit people in all walks of life who have injuries that limit their ability to function normally."

"Although I do love that I also get to be on the sidelines helping athletes," says Dr. Grant. He has served as team physician for the Florida division of the New York Mets, William & Mary College, the University of Kentucky and now for local high schools in northeastern North Carolina.

Minimally Invasive Techniques Help Patients Perform at the Top of Their Game

Dr. Grant considered several orthopedic specialties, but settled on sports medicine because it allowed him to use minimally invasive techniques to help people in every age group be active again. "I saw people missing out on what they love to do because they were injured. I knew I could help get them back to a high level of function."

"The real difference is that I am focused not just on making patients comfortable, but on getting them back to a healthy, functional lifestyle," says Dr. Grant. "Patients are so relieved when they can throw a ball again or resume rescue diving with the Coast Guard."

Dr. Grant's extensive experience leads to high-quality outcomes post-surgery. He has performed more than 5,000 knee repairs (on the anterior cruciate ligament or ACL) in his 30-year career. "When you do something enough times, it becomes second nature. It is rare, but also fun, when I come across a challenging case."

He uses techniques with small incisions to treat joint injuries, often the knee or shoulder, in order to improve function. He performs rotator cuff repairs in the shoulder as well as advanced knee surgeries.

Patients Have Access to Top Notch Orthopedic Care in Elizabeth City

Using the examination, Dr. Grant determines if patients could be helped using his minimally invasive techniques. If so, they will undergo surgery at Sentara Albemarle Medical Center.

"Our practice is committed to giving patients access to quality care and a positive experience," says Dr. Grant. "And we extend that commitment to our high school athletes. These students now have an integrated care program with a dedicated athletic trainer, sports medicine physician and surgeon who provide immediate medical attention."

Dr. Grant is excited that the Sentara system is where he will spend the twilight of his career. His goal is to help build the sports medicine program into something even stronger than what it is now.

When he has free time, Dr. Grant enjoys fishing and visiting his home in the Outer Banks where his family has vacationed for the past decade. He and his wife have two children, both studying at North Carolina State University.

Biography

Dr. Grant did his medical training at the University of South Florida. He completed his orthopedic residency at the Medical University of South Carolina. He received extra training in the form of a fellowship at University of Kentucky Sports Medicine clinics. Dr. Grant joined Sentara Orthopedic & Sports Medicine in April 2016. He is certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery in both orthopedic medicine and sports medicine.