Web Alert

Abstract

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Patient Handouts, Sport & Exercise: www.orthoinfo.aaos.org/menus/sports.cfm Description: This Web site offers a wealth of information on physical activity intended for the general public. The site is divided into the following sections: Common Sports Injuries and Conditions, Exercise, Prevention and Safety, Wellness, Children, Other, Patient Stories, and Resources. The Common Sports Injuries and Conditions section provides well-worded descriptions of injuries and illustrations including sprains/strains, burners/stingers, muscle cramps, and joint-specific injuries. The Exercise section addresses both the physical and mental benefits of exercise. It also includes information on starting exercise programs in both the adult and aging populations. The Prevention and Safety section discusses general safety tips (correct footwear, use of helmets), as well as sports-specific injury prevention recommendations. The section devoted specifically to children covers a wide array of topics, including common injuries, such as fractures and overuse injuries, and an extensive injury-prevention section. There also is a small section on sports supplements. Although this site is on the AAOS Web site, the AAOS does not regulate the information contained within the site. Cost: Free. Equestrian Medical Safety Association: www.emsaonline.net/index.html Description: The Equestrian Medical Safety Association (EMSA) is an organization whose mission is to promote safety for people participating in equestrian events through "education, research, and resource." This Web site contains valuable information for equestrian enthusiasts of all skill levels, including a video titled "Equestrian Safety" and newsletters on topics such as helmet use, concussion management, and injury reporting. This Web site also includes an example of contents in a first aid kit to bring to an event. There are numerous links to other equestrian sites, including the U.S. Eventing Association, U.S. Equestrian Foundation, Federation Equestrian International (FEI), and American Association for Horsemanship Safety. Cost: Navigating the Web site is free, but if interested in joining the EMSA, membership dues apply. Vanderbilt Sports Medicine: www.vanderbilthealth.com/orthopaedics/26075 Description: This Web site reviews many vital concepts in the field of sports medicine through multiple modalities, including PowerPoint presentations, PubMed links to important articles, podcasts, patient education handouts, and examples of rehabilitation guidelines. This Web site is intended for medical professionals, and contents are guided by the curriculum for both primary care sports medicine and orthopedic fellowships. In addition to expected joint sections, there also are two other sections titled "General" and "Medical Aspects Sports." These sections contain links for resources on ethics, protective equipment, sports psychology, and cardiovascular concerns in athletes. The patient handouts are particularly helpful throughout the Web site. These handouts are written in clear, concise, and easily understood language and have excellent pictures/diagrams to emphasize key concepts pertinent to a specific injury. Cost: Free. International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation: www.theuiaa.org/index.php Description: The International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA) Web site contains a wealth of information for individuals interested in mountaineering and climbing. It offers information on equipment, access to mountains, environmental protection, youth opportunities, ethics and law, and important medical issues. Specifically, the medical section provides links to many consensus statements by the UIAA on topics such as acute mountain sickness (AMS)/high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE)/high altitude cerebral edema(HACE), water disinfection, hyperbaric oxygen chambers, children at altitude, and women at altitude. Other formats used to share information include a brochure and personal accounts. Many of the links are available in multiple languages. Cost: Free access to Web site; membership fees apply if interested in becoming a member of the UIAA. STOP Sports Injuries: www.stopsportsinjuries.org Description: STOP Sports Injuries is a Web site devoted to preventing sports injuries, with a particular emphasis on traumatic and overuse injuries, in the pediatric athlete. This Web site contains vital information for athletes, parents, coaches, and health care providers, including team physicians. The Web site focuses on 12 sports with considerable injury rates, including baseball, basketball, football, gymnastics, and soccer. Perhaps the most helpful section for physicians is the Resources. This section contains consensus statements on topics such as tackling in football, heat injuries, sickle cell trait, sudden cardiac death, mass participation event coverage, sideline coverage, return-to-play, and psychological concerns. In addition to consensus statements, this section also contains podcasts of presentations given at the 2009 American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) meeting specific to overuse injuries and psychological concerns in the pediatric athlete. Cost: Free.