Staff Spotlight: Vincent Key, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon

You'll see him court side at T-Mobile Center sporting events. And if 1 of the Royals players is injured, he may be in the news. When it comes to sports medicine in Kansas City, Vincent Key, MD, has the courts and playing fields covered.

An orthopedic surgeon at The University of Kansas Hospital, Dr. Key is the go-to expert for knee and shoulder conditions. Kansas City's professional teams rely on him for his overall medical expertise and whenever these joint issues come into play. And while his patient roster includes star athletes, he cares for everyday competitors, too. Dr. Key's clinical practice focuses on minimally invasive procedures to repair damaged joints.

The medical needs of an athlete in season versus those of a weekend warrior are the same, according to Dr. Key. Tissue is tissue and bone is bone, he notes. But the timetables for returning each to their respective sport may vary. Physicians and staff at the Sports Medicine and Performance Center have the training to manage and care for athletes of all ages, including adults.

Dr. Key, who is board-certified in orthopedic surgery, completed fellowship training in sports medicine. He and the Sports Medicine and Performance Center team care for all sports injuries. Sports medicine specialists work in tandem to shorten the time across diagnosis, treatment and return to action. They involve parents, athletic trainers and coaches in the process.

His advice to young athletes: Spend more time preparing for competition. With patience and proper training , you will stay in the game longer.

"The biggest thing I would tell a young athlete is your career is a marathon, not a sprint," Dr. Key says. "You have to prepare your body for the activity instead of just jumping right in and doing the activity. Preparation is the key."