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®.
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®.
Comeback Stories
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Learn MoreIn 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.
Love Birt | Camden, DE -
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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.
Jalen Hale | Longview, TX -
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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.
Roosevelt Phillips | Pleasant Grove, AL -
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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.
Riley Quick | Trussville, AL -
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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.
Embry McGarrah | Homewood, AL
Media Center
- American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI) - Board of Directors & Fellowship Director
- American Baseball Foundation (ABF) - Board of Directors