Current sports medicine reports
-
This article reviews the status of concussion management in child and adolescent athletes. Children and adolescent athletes represent a distinct group from adult athletes, although past concussion guidelines have not specifically addressed these differences. It is the position of this article that younger athletes need to be considered as a separate group and that conservative management of concussion is often called for. Neurodevelopmental differences between adult and child athletes are highlighted and new developments in the management of concussion in youth sports are discussed.
-
Vascular causes of exertional lower extremity pain are relatively rare, but may be the answer in athletes refractory to treatment for the more common overuse syndromes of the lower extremities. It is important to differentiate these vascular causes from chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS), medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), and stress fractures in order to develop appropriate treatment plans, avoid complications, and return athletes to play expeditiously. ⋯ The diagnostic workup involves angiography or noninvasive vascular studies such as Doppler ultrasound or magnetic resonance angiography in both the neutral and provocative positions. Treatment of these vascular abnormalities typically involves surgical correction of the vascular anomaly.
-
Curr Sports Med Rep · Oct 2007
ReviewNoninsertional Achilles tendinopathy: pathology and management.
Many patients present to their physician's office with the chief complaint of pain at the Achilles tendon. This review discusses the pathology, diagnosis, and treatment of Achilles tendinopathy. Achilles tendinopathy is generally caused by chronic stress to the tendon, leading to a defective arrangement of collagen fibers in the Achilles tendon. ⋯ Ultrasound imaging can help identify the abnormal portion of the tendon. Various treatments are available for Achilles tendinopathy, the most current of which are discussed in this article. Appropriate treatment can potentially lead to a full recovery.
-
Curr Sports Med Rep · Jun 2007
Update on sideline and event preparation for management of sudden cardiac arrest in athletes.
Sudden death in athletes occurs approximately once every 3 days in the United States. Each school or venue should have an emergency action plan that is coordinated with local emergency medical services (EMS). Access to early defibrillation to treat sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is critical. ⋯ Any collapsed and unresponsive athlete should be considered to be in cardiac arrest and an AED should be applied for rhythm analysis as soon as possible. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be provided while waiting for an AED and interruptions in chest compressions should be minimized. Rehearsal of the emergency action plan with potential first responders is essential to ensuring an efficient response to SCA in athletics.