E. Lyle Cain, Jr., MD I Orthpaedic Sports Medicine Surgeon

E. Lyle Cain, Jr., MD

Elbow, Knee, Shoulder, Sports Medicine

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Biography

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One of the Nation's Leading Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Surgeons

Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Surgeon

E. Lyle Cain, Jr., MD is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic sports medicine surgeon and one of the nation’s leading experts in the treatment of complex sports-related injuries of the shoulder, elbow and knee.

For more than two decades, Dr. Cain has cared for athletes competing at the youth, high school, collegiate, Olympic and professional levels while helping active individuals safely return to the activities they love.

Nationally recognized for his expertise in advanced arthroscopic surgery, ligament reconstruction, cartilage restoration procedures and sports injury care, Dr. Cain has devoted his career to advancing orthopaedic sports medicine through exceptional patient care, groundbreaking research and physician education.

Whether caring for a collegiate athlete competing for a national championship or an active adult pursuing a healthier lifestyle, Dr. Cain is committed to helping every patient safely overcome injury and achieve Victory Over Injury®.

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Trusted by Champions

Dr. Cain has spent more than 25 seasons serving as Head Team Orthopaedic Surgeon for The University of Alabama Athletics, helping care for Crimson Tide student-athletes competing at the highest levels of collegiate athletics.

His commitment to sports medicine extends far beyond the sidelines through decades of caring for youth, high school, collegiate, Olympic and professional athletes throughout Alabama and across the country.

He currently serves as Medical Director for Jacksonville State University Athletics, The University of West Alabama Athletics, Tuskegee University Athletics and Shelton State Community College Athletics and is an orthopaedic consultant for the Birmingham Barons and ACE Cheer Company.

Throughout his distinguished career, he has also served as team physician for numerous Alabama high schools and leads a sports medicine outreach program through The University of West Alabama that provides medical services to more than 40 schools throughout West Alabama.

Areas of Expertise

Dr. Cain specializes in the treatment of complex sports-related injuries and orthopaedic conditions affecting the shoulder, elbow and knee, including:

ACL Tears & Knee Ligament Injuries
Cartilage Injuries & Cartilage Restoration Procedures
Meniscus Tears & Meniscal Transplantation
Rotator Cuff Tears & Shoulder Instability
Labral Tears & Complex Shoulder Injuries
Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Injuries of the Elbow
Baseball & Overhead Athlete Injuries
Sports-Related Shoulder, Elbow & Knee Injuries
Youth Sports Injuries, Overuse Conditions & Injury Prevention
Biologic Treatment Options, including Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC)
Return-to-Sport Care for Athletes & Active Adults

Advanced Sports Medicine Procedures

Dr. Cain performs advanced arthroscopic and reconstructive procedures designed to restore function, relieve pain and help patients safely return to competition and everyday activities, including:

ACL Reconstruction
Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
Rotator Cuff Repair
Labral Repair Surgery
Knee Arthroscopy
Meniscus Repair & Meniscal Transplantation
Articular Cartilage Restoration Procedures
Elbow Ligament Reconstruction
Complex Shoulder & Knee Reconstruction
Sports Injury Surgery

Research, Leadership & Education

In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Cain has dedicated much of his career to advancing orthopaedic sports medicine through research, physician education and mentorship. His research interests include youth sports injury prevention, cartilage restoration procedures, biologic treatment options and the treatment of complex shoulder, elbow and knee injuries. He has made significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries in baseball players and other overhead athletes.

Dr. Cain serves on the Board of Directors of the American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI) and previously served on the Board of Directors of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM). He has presented nationally and internationally on sports medicine topics and remains actively involved in educating and mentoring the next generation of orthopaedic sports medicine surgeons.

Education & Fellowship Training

A Birmingham native, Dr. Cain earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from The University of Alabama before receiving his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine.

He completed his general surgery internship at The University of Tennessee in Memphis and his orthopaedic surgery residency at the nationally renowned Campbell Clinic, where he served as Chief Resident. Dr. Cain subsequently completed an orthopaedic sports medicine fellowship at the American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI) under James R. Andrews, MD and William G. Clancy, Jr., MD—one of the premier sports medicine fellowship programs in the world.

Following his fellowship training, Dr. Cain joined Alabama Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center and later co-founded Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, helping establish one of the nation’s most respected orthopaedic and sports medicine practices.

By the Numbers

25+ Seasons – Head Team Orthopaedic Surgeon for The University of Alabama Athletics
25+ Years – Caring for athletes at the youth, collegiate, Olympic and professional levels
40+ Schools – Served through sports medicine outreach programs across West Alabama
Fellowship-Trained – American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI)
Co-Founder – Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center
National Leader – Orthopaedic sports medicine research, education and physician mentorship

The Andrews Difference

Dr. Cain believes every patient deserves world-class orthopaedic care. As a co-founder of Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, he has helped build a collaborative model of care centered on innovation, research and exceptional patient outcomes. Patients benefit from access to nationally recognized orthopaedic specialists, evidence-based treatment options and personalized care plans designed to help them safely return to the activities they enjoy most.

Whether treating a championship athlete or an active individual seeking relief from pain and injury, Dr. Cain remains committed to helping patients achieve Victory Over Injury®.

Medical Training & Education

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Leadership Honors Certifications Research Publications Memberships Patient Handouts

American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI) - Board of Directors & Fellowship Director
American Baseball Foundation (ABF) - Board of Directors

RESEARCH/PUBLICATIONS

Outcomes of Surgical Treatment for Multiligament Knee Injuries in a Cohort Including Competitive Athletes With Long-Term Follow-Up.
Mussell EA, Crawford AE, Ithurburn MP, Layton Bo, BS, Fleisig GS, Rothermich MA, Emblom BA, Ryan MD, Dugas JR, Andrews JR, Cain EL, Jr.
Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2024;12(9).

Return to play following metacarpal fractures in football players.Etier BE, Scillia AJ, Tessier DD, Aune KT, Emblom BA, Dugas JR, CAIN EL Jr. Hand. 2015 Dec;10(4):762-6. Epub 2015 May 21.

Torsional Fracture of the Humerus after Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis with an Interference Screw: A Biomechanical Cadaveric Study.  Beason DP, Shah JP, Duckett JW, Jost PW, Fleisig GS, CAIN EL Jr. Clin Biomech. 2015 Nov;30(9):915-20. Epub 2015 Jul 26.

Risk Factors for Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. Ponce BA, CAIN EL JR., Pflugner R, Fleisig GS, Young BL, Boohaker HA, Swain TA, Andrews JR, Dugas JR. J Knee Surg. 2015 Aug 1.

Return to play after chondroplasty of the knee in National Football League athletes. Scillia AJ, Aune KT, Andrachuk JS, CAIN EL, Dugas JR, Fleisig GS, Andrews JR. Am J Sports Med. 2015 Mar;43(3):663-8. Epub 2015 Jan 8.

Visualization and reduction of a mensical capsular junction tear in the knee: an arthroscopic surgical technique.
Plymale M, Fleisig GS, Kocaj SM, Cooney WP, Evans TJ, CAIN EL JR. , Dugas. Am J Orthop. 2014 Nov;43(11):498-500.

Deficiencies in pitching biomechanics in baseball players with a history of superior labrum anterior-posterior repair.
Laughlin WA, Fleisig GS, Scillia AJ, Aune KT, CAIN EL Jr, Dugas JR. Am J Sports Med. 2014 Dec;42(12):2837-41. Epub 2014 Oct 15.

Ulnar collateral ligament in the overhead athlete: a current review.
Dugas J, Chronister J, CAIN EL Jr, Andrews JR. Sports Med Arthrosc. 2014 Sep;22(3):169-82.

Return to Play After Partial Lateral Meniscectomy in National Football League Athletes.
Aune KT, Andrews JR, Dugas JR, CAIN EL Jr. Am J Sports Med. 2014 Jun 9;42(8):1865-1872.

Long-term Outcomes After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Competitive Baseball Players: Minimum 10-Year Follow-up. Osbahr DC, CAIN EL Jr, Raines BT, Fortenbaugh D, Dugas JR, Andrews JR. Am J Sports Med. 2014 Apr 4;42(6):1333-1342

The recognition and treatment of superior labral (slap) lesions in the overhead athlete.
Wilk KE, Macrina LC, CAIN EL, Dugas JR, Andrews JR. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2013 Oct;8(5):579-600.

Return to athletic activity after plate fixation of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures.
Meisterling SW, CAIN EL, Fleisig GS, Hartzell JL, Dugas JR. Am J Sports Med. 2013 Nov;41(11):2632-6. Epub 2013 Aug 27.

Traumatic full-thickness infraspinatus and teres minor tendon tears.
CAIN EL, Andrachuk J, Wilk KE. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2013 Aug;43(8):583. Epub 2013 Jul 31.

Surgical repair and rehabilitation of a combined 330° capsulolabral lesion and partial-thickness rotator cuff tear in a professional quarterback: a case report. Wilk KE, Macrina LC, Yenchak AJ, CAIN EL, Andrews JR. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2013 Mar;43(3):142-53.

Cannulated screw fixation of refractory olecranon stress fractures with and without associated injuries allows a return to baseball. Paci JM, Dugas JR, Guy JA, CAIN EL Jr, Fleisig GS, Hurst C, Wilk KE, Andrews JR. Am J Sports Med. 2013 Feb;41(2):306-12. Epub 2012 Dec 6.

The ulnar collateral ligament procedure revisited: the procedure we use.
Andrews JR, Jost PW, CAIN EL. Sports Health. 2012 Sep;4(5):438-41

Rehabilitation of the Overhead Athlete's Elbow. Sports Health.
Wilk KE, Macrina LC, CAIN EL, Dugas JR, Andrews JR. 2012 Sep;4(5):404-14.

Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction With Gracilis Tendon in Athletes With Intraligamentous Bony Excision: Technique and Results. Dugas JR, Bilotta J, Watts CD, Crum JA, Fleisig GS, McMichael CS, CAIN EL Jr, Andrews JR: Am J Sports Med. 2012 May 11.

Recent advances in the rehabilitation of anterior cruciate ligament injuries.
Wilk KE, Macrina LC, CAIN EL, Dugas JR, Andrews JR: J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2012 Mar;42(3):153-71.

MRI of the reconstructed ulnar collateral ligament.
Wear SA, Thornton DD, Schwartz ML, Weissmann RC 3rd, CAIN EL, Andrews JR: Am J Roentgenol. 2011 Nov;197(5):1198 204.

Thromboembolic phenomena after arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
Kuremsky MA, CAIN EL Jr, Fleischli JE: Arthroscopy. 2011 Dec;27(12):1614-9.

Outcome of ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction of the elbow in 1281 athletes: Results in 743 athletes with minimum 2-year follow-up. CAIN EL Jr, Andrews JR, Dugas JR, Wilk KE, McMichael CS, Walter JC 2nd, Riley RS, Arthur ST: Am J Sports Med. 2010 Dec;38(12):2426-34.

Shoulder injuries in the overhead athlete. Wilk KE, Obma P, Simpson CD, CAIN EL, Dugas JR, Andrews JR: J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2009 Feb;39(2):38-54. Review

The effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the infraspinatus on shoulder external rotation force production after rotator cuff repair surgery. Reinold MM, Macrina LC, Wilk KE, Dugas JR, CAIN EL, Andrews JR: Am J Sports Med. 2008 Dec;36(12):2317-21. Epub 2008 Aug 29.

Avulsion of the medial epicondyle after ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction: imaging of a rare throwing injury. Schwartz ML, Thornton DD, Larrison MC, CAIN EL, Aaron DG, Wilk KE, Andrews JR: Am J Roentgenol. 2008 Mar;190(3): 595-8.

Debridement of small partial-thickness rotator cuff tears in elite overhead throwers. Reynolds SB, Dugas JR, CAIN EL, McMichael CS, Andrews JR. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2008 Mar; 466(3): 614-21.

Anatomy of the anterior bundle of the ulnar collateral ligament. Dugas JR, Ostrander RV, CAIN EL, Kingsley D, Andrews JR.: J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2007 Sep-Oct;16(5):657-60.

SLAP lesions, 2007. Lebolt JR, CAIN EL, Andrews JR.: Am J Orthop. 2006 Dec;35(12):554-7.

Current concepts in the rehabilitation following articular cartilage repair procedures in the knee.  Reinold MM, Wilk KE, Macrina LC, Dugas JR, CAIN EL. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2006 Oct;36(10):774-94.

Allograft Reconstruction for Massive, Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears. Moore DR, CAIN EL, Schwartz ML, Clancy WG Jr.: Am J Sports Med, Oct 31;2005.

Diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of the thrower's elbow. McCall BR, CAIN EL: Curr Sports Med Rep. Oct;4(5):249-54; 2005.

Effect of tibial tunnel dilation on pullout strength of semitendinosus-gracilis graft in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. CAIN EL, Phillips BB, Charlebois SJ, Azar FM: Orthopedics. Aug;28(8):779-83;2005.

Correlation of interference screw insertion torque with depth of placement in the tibial tunnel using a quadrupled semitendinosus-gracilis graft in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Phillips BB, CAIN EL, Dlabach JA, Azar FM: Arthroscopy. Dec;20(10):1026-9;2004.

History and examination of the thrower's elbow. CAIN EL, Dugas JR: Clin Sports Med Oct.;23(4):553-66;2004.

Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction in high school baseball players: clinical results and injury risk factors. Petty DH, Andrews JR, Fleisig GS, CAIN EL: Am J Sports Med. Jul-Aug;32(5):1158-64. 2004.

Posterior olecranon resection and ulnar collateral ligament strain. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. Levin JS, Zheng N, Dugas J, CAIN EL, Andrews JR: Jan-Feb;13(1):66-71. 2004

Posterior lateral corner reconstruction. Clancy WG Jr, Shepard MF, CAIN EL: Am J Orthop. Apr;32(4):171-6. 2003

Ulnar Nerve Injury in the Throwing Athlete. CAIN EL, Dugas JR, and Andrews JR: Sports Med and Arthroscopic Review. 11: 40-46, 2003.

THE ELBOW, Elbow Arthroscopy in the Throwing Athlete. CAIN EL, Andrews Jr: Operative Arthroscopy, 3rd Ed.; Chapter 46; 697-707, 2003.

Management of Intraoperative Complications Associated With Autogenous Patellar Tendon Graft Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, CAIN EL, Gillogly SD, Andrews JR: Instructional Course Lectures (52); 359-367,2003.

Effect of Fibular Plate Fixation on Rotational Stability of Simulated Distal Tibial Fractures Treated with Intramedullary Nailing. Kumar A, Charlebois SJ, CAIN EL, Smith RA, Daniels AU, Crates JM. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 85: 604-608, 2003

Elbow injuries in throwing athletes: a current concepts review. CAIN EL, Dugas JR, Wolf RS, Andrews JR: Am J Sports Med 31(4);621-635, 2003.

Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Two-Bundle Technique. CAIN EL, Clancy WG: The Journal of Knee Surgery 15(2);108-113,2002.

THERAPIES & MODALITIES Stimulating Treatment. CAIN EL: Orthopedic Technology Review 4(4); 32-33, July/August 2002.

Anatomic Endoscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Patella Tendon Autograft. CAIN EL, CLANCY WG: Orthopedic Clinics of North America; Oct;33(4): 717-725, 2002.

Thrower’s Elbow: Part I. CAIN EL, ElAttrache N, Dlabach JA, Azar FM:  Am J Orthop 30(10);761-767,2001.

Thrower’s Elbow: Part II. CAIN EL, ElAttrache N, Dlabach JA, Azar FM: Am J Orthop 30(11);821-825,2001.

Treatment algorithm for osteochondral injuries of the knee. CAIN EL, Clancy WG: Clin Sports Med 20(2);321-342,2001.

Arthroscopic management of posterior elbow impingement in throwers. CAIN EL, Andrews JR: Tech Shoulder Elbow Surg 2(2);118-130,2001.

Open treatment of anterior shoulder instability in the overhead athlete. Andrews JR, CAIN EL: Op Tech Orthop 11(1);9-16,2001.

Medial Collateral Ligament Injuries. Rohrbough JT, Altchek DW, CAIN EL, Andrews JR: In: Altchek DW, Andrews JR, eds. The Athlete’s Elbow, vol 1.Philadelphia, Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 2001: 153-173.

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E. Lyle Cain, Jr., MD

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E. Lyle Cain, Jr., MD

Comeback Stories

In 2025, injuries robbed me of my freshman season at the University of Alabama. It felt like everything I’d worked so hard for was put on hold. But now, thanks to Dr. Lyle Cain and the amazing team at Andrews Sports Medicine, I'm stronger, more motivated and ready to compete with fierce joy.
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Love Birt | Camden, DE
In March 2024, University of Alabama wide receiver Jalen Hale suffered a devastating knee injury during practice — one that left his football career in doubt. Thanks to the expert surgical care of long-time Crimson Tide team physician, Dr. Lyle Cain and the dedicated team at Andrews Sports Medicine, Jalen underwent successful knee surgery and an intensive rehabilitation process.
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Jalen Hale | Longview, TX
Barbering is my career, but golf is my passion. After a major knee injury, Dr. Lyle Cain and Andrews Sports Medicine helped me return to the game I love.
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Roosevelt Phillips | Pleasant Grove, AL
Alabama Crimson Tide star pitcher, Riley Quick, sustained an elbow injury in his first start of the 2024 season against Manhattan College, delivering three hitless innings before experiencing discomfort and being removed from the game.

This led to a diagnosis requiring UCL reconstruction, commonly known as Tommy John surgery, which was performed by Dr. Lyle Cain. After an extensive rehabilitation, Riley successfully returned to the mound for the Tide's 2025 season opener.

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Riley Quick | Trussville, AL
My husband, Chandler, and I immediately knew where to turn for help — Dr. Lyle Cain at Andrews Sports Medicine. The diagnosis was devastating —an ACL tear. At just 13 years old, Embry faced a challenge unlike any she had encountered before, and as her mother, I worried not just about the physical pain but about the emotional toll it would take on her.
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Embry McGarrah | Homewood, AL