Hand and Wrist Injuries
General Principles Overview • Fortunately, most sports-related hand and wrist injuries, when addressed in a timely manner, do not represent a significant threat to limb viability, long-term function, or eventual…
Stress Fractures
General Principles Definition Stress fractures are fatigue-failure injuries of the bone affecting physically active people, including military recruits, track and field athletes, and ballet dancers. With the increased role of…
Cartilage Problems in Sports
General Principles Articular Cartilage • Functions to decrease joint friction and distribute load across the joint; also referred to as hyaline cartilage • Composition: Water (65%–80%), collagen (10%–20%, predominantly type…
Acute Fractures and Dislocations in Athletes
Transportation of an Athlete With Fracture or Dislocation • The need for and mode of transporting an injured athlete is determined following primary and secondary evaluations by the first responder….
Thoracic and Lumbosacral Spine Injuries
General Principles • With an increased number of adults and adolescents participating in fitness programs and competitive sports, there has been an increase in thoracic and lumbar spinal problems. •…
Ankle and Leg Injuries
General Principles • Leg and ankle injuries often occur concomitantly. Evaluation of one must include the other ( Fig. 56.1 ). Figure 56.1 Compartments of the leg and ankle. •…
Pelvis, Hip, and Thigh Injuries
General Principles Overview • Understanding of hip pathology has substantially improved recently owing to more specific clinical tests, better imaging diagnosis, and discovery of new entities. • Hip pathologies include…
Knee Injuries
Physical Examination Anatomy of the Knee See Fig. 55.1 . Figure 55.1 Anatomy of the knee. Observation and Measurement Standing Alignment of lower extremities: View the patient from the front,…
Shoulder Injuries
History • A careful history will help establish the diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan. • Important factors include the chief complaint, mechanism of injury, hand dominance, what sport the…
Thorax and Abdominal Injuries
General Principles Overview • Injuries to the thorax and abdomen are more often seen in sports involving sudden deceleration and impact (football, ice hockey, skiing, and snowboarding). • Early recognition…
