The Sports Medicine Center, established in April 2024, offers comprehensive sports medical care for all individuals involved in sports. Our services cater to everyone, from children to adults, and from sports enthusiasts to professional athletes. Our multidisciplinary team support patients through every step of their sports journey.

Ulnar Collateral Ligament （UCL） Reconstruction

Ulnar Collateral Ligament （UCL） injuries, often caused by intense throwing in baseball, are treated with “Tommy John surgery.” Named after Major League pitcher Tommy John, who first underwent the procedure in 1974, it was devised by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Frank Jobe. The surgery reconstructs the torn elbow ligament using a tendon from another part of the body to restore strength and stability.

Japan’s baseball prowess is universally acclaimed. The advanced sports medicine supporting these top athletes is vital to their performance. Our center boasts team doctors from professional baseball teams, particularly renowned for their expertise in world-class UCL reconstruction surgery.

Bristow Procedure for Shoulder Dislocation

The shoulder joint is highly mobile but prone to dislocation, especially in contact sports like rugby. Bristow procedures is a surgery to restore the stability of shoulder joint in individuals with recurrent shoulder dislocation. Our center has extensive experience with this procedure, particularly suited for Asian patients who generally have a relatively smaller coracoid process.

Japan stands as a leading rugby powerhouse in Asia. The Medical Director of “Asia Rugby,” the Regional Association of “World Rugby,” is a distinguished Japanese physician.
Our center proudly hosts the team doctor of the Japan National Rugby Team, specializing in exceptional Bristow procedures for shoulder dislocations.

Dr. Masaki Akeda trained at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic where the Legendary Dr. Frank Jobe was one of the founders. Dr. Akeda is renowned for his exceptional expertise and consistently performs high-standard surgeries.

BACKGROUND:

• Kagawa Medical University （M.D. 2001）
• Orthopedic Surgery, Shonan Kamakura General Hospital （2001-2006）
• Sports Orthopedic Surgery, Yokohama Minami Kyosai Hospital （2007-2013）
• Studied at University of California Irvine, Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory （2014-2015）
• Sports Orthopedic Surgery, Yokohama Minami Kyosai Hospital （2016-2023）
• Director of Sports Orthopedics, Shonan Kamakura General Hospital （2024-present）

TEAM DOCTOR:

• Yokohama DeNA BayStars （Pro-baseball）
• Denso Airybees （Volleyball）

Dr. Sohei Takamori honed his expertise in rugby-stronghold New Zealand and served as a team doctor for the illustrious Crusaders in Christchurch. With a rugby journey that began at age five and continued through his medical career, Dr. Takamori brings unparalleled insight. As a sports doctor, he doesn’t just treat injuries—he treats the athlete.

BACKGROUND:

• Ehime University School of Medicine （M.D.,2005）
• Sports Orthopedic Surgery, Yokohama Minami Kyosai Hospital （2005-2024）
• Director of Sports Orthopedics, Shonan Kamakura General Hospital （2024-present）

TEAM DOCTOR:

• Team Doctor for Japan U20 Rugby National Team/Jr. JAPAN （2013-2016）
• Pitchside and Team Doctor for Canterbury/Crusaders （2016-2018）
• Team Doctor for Sunwolves and Medical Advisory Group/Tournament Medical Assistant for RWC2019 Organizing Committee （2019）
• Team Doctor for Japan Men’s 15 Rugby National Team （RWC2019/2023） （2019-2023）