Sports-related Injuries Research Articles

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, an Important Differential Diagnosis in Sports Injuries: a Case Report

Background: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a disproportionate and persistent, regional pain related to a minor trauma. Although CRPS is not an infrequent condition its pathophysiology remains unknown and leading to underdiagnosis or late diagnosis. The diagnosis is clinical, according to Budapest criteria of the International Association for the Study of Pain. Bone scintigram is the most effective test to support the diagnosis. The aim of this article is to discuss the importance of clinical suspicion for an early CRPS diagnosis in a sprain’s young athlete clinical case. The Case: We present the case of a sixteen-year-old male patient with no medical history who suffered two minor ankle injuries in the right foot. The patient developed severe and persistent pain associated with vasomotor, sudomotor and trophic abnormalities. He remained undiagnosed for 10 months until CRPS diagnosis confirmation supported by a bone scintigram. He received multiple treatments until spontaneous remission in the fourth year of evolution. Discussion: CRPS poses a diagnostic challenge that requires early suspicion to improve treatment outcomes and prognosis. Maintaining a high index of clinical suspicion is crucial, and CRPS should be considered in the evaluation of any persistent pain sport-related injury. Despite extensive research on CRPS conducted in recent decades, this condition may still be unfamiliar to many healthcare providers. Increasing awareness of CRPS among medical professionals can facilitate timely and accurate diagnosis, which is essential for effective management.

Sleep Disturbances and Risk of Sports Injury Among Collegiate Student-Athletes.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between collegiate student-athletes' sleep and injury status. This study was a secondary analysis of observational survey data of student-athletes collected across 2 time periods, October 2020 and January 2021. Data were collected as part of an ongoing national (USA) longitudinal survey investigating student-athletes' well-being in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were made-up of a subsample of participants from the parent study. Data from 89 exact matched pairs (across 5 demographics) of injured and noninjured student-athletes (68.5% NCAA Division I, 82.0% women) were assessed. Student-athletes' sleep disturbance levels were the primary independent variable of interest. Analytic models also covaried for gender, racial, and ethnic identities, sport in-seasons, and previous injury status. Participant endorsed injury status was the main outcome measure of interest. Hypotheses were formulated during the data collection of the parent study. Student-athletes injured in January 2021 reported higher average sleep disturbances in both October 2020 and January 2021 than noninjured student-athletes but not student-athletes injured in October. In addition, October 2020 sleep disturbances were a significant predictor (P = 0.007) of injury, such that odds of student-athletes being injured increased 1.07 times for each unit increase in their sleep disturbances controlling for their identities, sport in-season, and previous injury status. Findings signal support for the screening and targeting of student-athletes' sleep problems to reduce potential occurrences of sports-related injuries in student-athletes.

Machine learning approaches to injury risk prediction in sport: a scoping review with evidence synthesis

ObjectiveThis study reviewed the current state of machine learning (ML) research for the prediction of sports-related injuries. It aimed to chart the various approaches used and assess their efficacy, considering...

Acute Traumatic Epidural Hematoma in Geriatri, case report

Acute epidural haematomas (AEDH) are rare cases in geriatric age group as the dura adheres firmly to the inner table of the cranial bone. Trauma Brain Injuries are attributed to several mechanisms of injury, including falls, motor vehicle or other types of road injuries, sports-related injuries, and interpersonal physical violence or violence by other means (e.g., blast injury). Presentation may range widely from normal mental status to severe intracerebral injury in the elderly although acute deterioration may occur in previously conscious patients. There are only a few studies in the literature concerning acute epidural haematomas in geriatric age group. In our case, a 66-year-old male patient with cranial Computerized Tomography (CT) showed AEDH at the right parietotemporooccipital region.

A prospective study to evaluate the effectiveness of preventive aspects in relation to sports related ocular injuries.

Ocular trauma, a major cause of visual morbidity and unilateral blindness globally, sees sports as a prominent contributor. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of preventive measures, combining health education and ocular protective devices, in reducing sports-induced ocular injuries over 5years. Conducted in a large military hospital in India, this prospective observational study spanned from January 2010 to December 2018. Preventive strategies included pre-participation eye examinations, health education targeting players, parents, and coaches, and the mandatory use of ocular protective gear. Ocular injuries were classified using The Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology. Over the study period, ocular injuries reduced significantly by more than 70%. The reduction was observed across various sports, with an 80% decrease in some. Notably, sports with compulsory ocular protection, such as swimming and squash, showed a 100% reduction in eye injuries (p < 0.01). This study underscores the success of a combined approach involving health education and mandatory use of ocular protective gear in preventing sports-related ocular injuries. The results highlight the need for continued efforts, including governmental initiatives, to achieve the ultimate goal of 90% prevention and alleviate the burden on healthcare resources.

Position Statement and Recommendations for Custom-Made Sport Mouthguards.

Sports-related traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) are a significant global concern, particularly in contact sports, where the risk of orofacial injuries is high. Custom-made sports mouthguards (CSMs) are recognized as the most effective means of preventing these injuries, providing both protection and comfort without impairing athletic performance. Despite their proven benefits, there is no globally standardized approach to mouthguard design, fabrication, or usage, primarily due to varying regulations, awareness levels, and cultural attitudes toward sports safety across different countries. This document from the European Association for Sports Dentistry (EA4SD) outlines the latest guidelines for selecting, constructing, clinical use, and maintaining CSMs. It emphasizes the need for mouthguards fabricated from FDA-approved materials, designed to absorb and distribute impact forces effectively, and customized to ensure optimal fit and comfort. The EA4SD also highlights the importance of education for dental professionals and athletes on the benefits of CSMs, advocating for their mandatory use in high-risk sports to reduce the prevalence of TDIs and related complications.

The Impact of Sports Injuries on the Academic Performance and Mental Health of High School Students in Jeddah.

Objectives This study aimed to investigate the effects of sports injuries on the academic performance and mental health of high school students in Jeddah. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study utilized a closed-ended electronic questionnaire (e-questionnaire) sent to students from four international high schools in Jeddah. The e-questionnaire included questions assessing the level of academic courses, the frequency and types of sports injuries encountered, and the impact of these injuries on both academic performance and mental health. The chi-square test was used to establish relationships between categorical variables, with a p-value threshold of <0.05 determining statistical significance. Results Of the 117 high school students who participated in the study, 56.4% (n=66) were male and 43.6% (n=51) were female. Approximately 83.8% (n=98) of students engaged in sports. Interestingly, 65.0% (n=76) reported experiencing a sports injury during their high school years, with 73.7% (n=56) of these injuries occurring during school-related activities. These sports injuries significantly affected students' academic performance and mental health, impacting 65.8% (n=50)and 76.1% (n=51) of respondents, respectively. Major consequences included delayed assignments (96%, n=48 ), missed exams (88%, n=44), suicidal thoughts (56.9%, n=29), and self-harm thoughts (23.5%, n=12). Surprisingly, only 25.4% (n=17) of students received support from their schools. Furthermore, when support was provided, it was primarily in the form of medical assistance, with a notable lack of mental health support. Conclusion Our study revealed a significant gap in the school support system for students, which requires urgent attention. High school students are highly active and often experience sports-related injuries, particularly during school activities. These injuries can profoundly affect students' academic performance and mental health. Therefore, the findings of our study are essential for raising awareness among students, parents, and teachers about sports injury management. Additionally, although our study focused solely on private international schools, it is crucial for stakeholders in both government and private education sectors to address this issue at a broader level, ensuring adequate support for students facing such injuries. This will help protect the well-being and safety of future students.

Common sports-related nerve injuries seen by the electrodiagnostic medical consultant.

The high physiologic demands of sports create dynamic stress on joints, soft tissues, and nerves which may lead to injuries in the athlete. Electrodiagnostic (EDx) assessment is essential to identify the correct diagnosis, localization, and prognosis, to guide management of sports-related neuropathies. A comprehensive review was performed to provide the EDx medical consultant with a practical approach to the common peripheral nerve disorders seen in athletes. Sports-related neuropathies reviewed include transient traumatic irritation of the brachial plexus and/or cervical nerve roots ("Burners and stingers,") suprascapular and axillary neuropathies, ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) in throwers, ulnar neuropathy at the hand/wrist in cyclists, multi-ligamentous knee injury, and foot/ankle neuropathies including tarsal tunnel syndrome. A thorough understanding of peripheral anatomy, possible entrapment sites, mechanisms of injury, and key physical examination findings is essential for correct diagnosis. EDx assessments beyond routine studies are generally required for sports-related neuropathy, which may not necessarily follow typical entrapment patterns. Adjunct diagnostic imaging, such as point-of-care ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, are helpful tools to identify associated musculoskeletal pathology such as compressive cysts or nerve entrapment, which may be amenable to interventional or surgical treatment. When no clear reversible structural pathology exists, management of sports-related neuropathy is athlete-specific and generally multi-modal, involving a combination of physical rehabilitation techniques to address muscle imbalances, load management, protective equipment, and interventional pain procedures.

ANÁLISE EPIDEMIOLÓGICA DE LESÕES EM UMA EQUIPE DE ATLETISMO UNIVERSITÁRIO: UM ESTUDO DE COORTE RETROSPECTIVO

This study aims to analyze the physical profiles and sports-related injuries in a track and field team. A total of 31 participants, from both genders, from the medical college’s track and field team were included. Data on their physical characteristics were collected, and participants responded to a survey adapted from the “NCAA Injury Surveillance System.” Among them, 65% reported at least one injury, with 73.9% of the injuries categorized as severe. The injury rate was 0.27 injuries per 1000 hours of exposure. Injured athletes demonstrated a practice time twice that of their uninjured counterparts. Injuries to the quadriceps and shin accounted for 52.17% of the reported injuries. This study suggests that collegiate athletics poses a substantial risk of severe sports injuries, particularly in the lower body. A key contributing factor appears to be the duration of practice time.

Craniofacial Injuries Resulting from Polytrauma: Mechanisms, Imaging, and Complications

Purpose: This literature review aims to identify and analyse the most common mechanisms causing injuries in the craniofacial region their diagnosis and possible sequelae. Methods: The study analysed publications from the Medline database made available in PubMed and Google Scholar considering the following keywords "maxillofacial injuries" and/or "maxillofacial trauma" and/or "maxillofacial fractures". Results: Craniofacial injuries in polytrauma patients are often complicated by their heterogeneous nature and coexistence with other injuries. Their incidence and mechanisms vary depending on the country of investigation. Diagnosis includes advanced imaging techniques such as CT scans. Treatment often requires multidisciplinary collaboration. Conclusions: Craniofacial injuries in polytraumatic patients require a complex diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial to achieve the best clinical outcome. The most common causes include road traffic collisions, assaults, falls and sports-related injuries. Despite properly applied treatment protocols, they generate changes in the stomatognathic system, sensory disturbances, blindness and, in extreme cases, can lead to death

Comparative Analysis of Suboccipital Muscle Inhibition Technique and Static Hamstring Stretching in Normal Healthy Individuals with Hamstring Tightness: A Randomised Clinical Trial

BACKGROUNDHamstring tightness is a major contributing factor for lower back pain, lumbar spine disorders and sports related injuries. Many studies has been done to improve the flexibility of hamstring muscle by various techniques such as different stretching techniques myofascial Release Therapy, neuro-muscular therapy and Muscle Energy Technique etc. All of these technique mentioned act at the hamstring muscle level to provide its effectiveness. In a present study we aimed at to find out the effectiveness of suboccipital muscle inhibition technique for improving tightness in hamstring muscle. Hence this study is done to find out the effectiveness of applying suboccipital muscle inhibition technique on distant muscle flexibility in turn to prove the distant muscle relationship. Study is done with the aim to find whether suboccipital muscle inhibition technique can be used along with conventional methods for improving tightness of hamstring muscle.AIMTo compare the effectiveness of suboccipital muscle inhibition technique and static hamstring stretching in normal individuals with hamstring tightness.MethodsIn this comparative study total 165 individuals were screened for tightness of hamstring. Individuals who satisfied the inclusion criteria were selected from the normal healthy population. A total of 100 healthy subjects of both genders between the age of 18 and 25 were recruited in this trial. After doing block randomization subjects were assigned to two groups ,in Group A 50 subjects were given suboccipital muscle inhibition technique for 5 sessions for 5 consecutive days. Another group 50 subjects were given static stretching to both the lower limbs for 30 seconds followed by 15 seconds relaxation, for 5 sessions for 5 consecutive days.RESULTSActive knee extension test using Mann Whitney U test in both suboccipital muscle inhibition technique and static hamstring stretching group shows no difference(p=0.623) for pretreatment, while significant result immediately post treatment (0.002) and statistically significant result in baseline parameters after 5 sessions of treatment (0.000)Forward flexion distance test using Mann Whitney U test in both suboccipital muscle inhibition technique and static hamstring stretching group shows no significant difference(p=0.088) for pretreatment and also for immediately post treatment (0.893) but shows statistically significant result in baseline parameters after 5 sessions of treatment (0.009)CONCLUSIONSuboccipital muscle inhibition technique and static hamstring stretching are both effective in improving the flexibility of hamstring muscle. The Suboccipital muscle inhibition technique is more effective compared to static hamstring stretching in normal healthy individuals with hamstring tightness.

Does pad displacement correlate to impact severity metrics in football helmets?

As efforts to reduce sport-related head injuries continue, there is a need to better understand the mechanisms of an impact that influence the risk of sustaining a concussion. This study presents a method which can be used to separate football helmet pad displacement into normal and rotational components. Finite element models of three popular football helmets were used to simulate a variety of impacts per the National Football League (NFL) helmet testing protocol. Pad displacement components were evaluated for correlation with impact severity metrics including Head Injury Criterion (HIC), Diffuse Axonal Multi-Axis General Evaluation (DAMAGE), and Head Acceleration Response Metric (HARM). When combining all locations, displacement was not found to correlate well with severity metrics ( R2 &lt; 0.44). However, trends did exist with normal displacement when evaluating data by impact location. Normal displacement was found to correlate strongly with HARM, HIC, and Peak Resultant Linear Acceleration (PRLA) at the side upper (SU) location ( R2 = 0.79–0.8). Overall, it was observed that helmets which maximize normal displacement without bottoming out performed better. Tangential displacement was not found to correlate well with any impact severity metrics even when evaluated by location. This study has provided a method to evaluate components of helmet pad normal displacement during simulations which may help guide design and optimization efforts for helmets under impact in critical locations.

INFLUENCE OF POPLITEUS MUSCLE MANIPULATION AND QUADRICEPS STRENGTHENING ON ANTERIOR KNEE PAIN IN RUNNERS

Background: Anterior knee pain is prevalent among young athletes, with sports-related injuries accounting for 25–30% of cases. Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) contributes to up to 40% of knee disorders, with annual prevalence rates reported at 22.7% in the general population and 28.9% in adolescents. Among runners, the incidence of PFPS ranges from 37% to 56%. Objective: The popliteus muscle is primarily associated with anterior knee pain but may also influence posterior knee discomfort. This study aims to investigate the effects of soft tissue manipulation of the popliteus muscle combined with quadriceps strengthening exercises on anterior knee pain in athletic runners, addressing a gap in the literature regarding the interaction between these muscle groups. Methods: In this experimental study, 30 subjects with non-traumatic anterior knee pain were recruited. Baseline assessments included quadriceps strength and pain levels. Participants then underwent six sessions of popliteus manipulation alongside quadriceps strengthening exercises. Post-intervention, all parameters were reassessed. Results: A significant reduction in knee pain (P &lt; 0.005) was observed after the six-week intervention, with more pronounced improvements in Group A compared to Group B. Conclusion: The results suggest that incorporating popliteus soft tissue manipulation can effectively reduce anterior knee pain while strengthening the quadriceps enhances muscle function. These findings support the integration of popliteus manipulation into treatment protocols for athletes experiencing anterior knee pain.

Injury prevention and rehabilitation strategies in physical education: A machine learning-based approach using biomechanical characteristics

The field of sports biomechanics employs concepts from physics, biology, and engineering to investigate the mechanical characteristics of human motion and how they affect the body’s anatomy and functions. With the development of technology, sports biomechanics has emerged as a crucial component of sports medicine, training, and rehabilitation. To reduce the risk of injury and enhance athletic performance, sports biomechanics examines motions in sports in great length. The purpose of the study is to establish injury prevention and rehabilitation strategies for physical education (PE) teaching based on biomechanical characteristics. The early warning mode of sports injuries is recognized using advanced deep learning (DL) techniques, specifically resilient convolutional neural networks (RCNN). Biomechanical data from wearable sensors is used in this study to find trends related to sports-related injuries. A questionnaire survey of 228 students from various colleges was conducted. Individualized rehabilitation strategies will be provided to injured participants, taking into account their unique biomechanical deficiencies. These programs will be created in conjunction with physical therapists, and they will be updated in response to the patient’s progress toward recovery. The study found that their sports injuries were acute and chronic. This research demonstrated the treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation strategies of injuries in sports. The study emphasizes that biomechanical analysis is crucial for improving PE programs, which will eventually enhance students’ performance and overall health.

Protocol for scoping review: Mapping the landscape of acute pain management in sports-related musculoskeletal injuries.

Acute pain management is critical in sports-related musculoskeletal injuries to facilitate recovery and minimize long-term impact. While current practices vary, incorporating both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, the quality and breadth of existing evidence have not been thoroughly assessed. This scoping review aims to explore the clinical role of different pain management strategies and provide a comprehensive overview of the field. The review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews and adhere to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Searches will be conducted in major peer-reviewed databases and relevant gray literature. Studies involving athletes of any level undergoing treatment for acute musculoskeletal injuries will be considered. Data extraction will include study and participant characteristics, intervention details, reported outcomes, efficacy comparisons, and economic analyses. This review will provide a descriptive synthesis of the data, utilizing statistical analysis, figures, and tables where relevant to introduce the different treatment modalities. In line with PRISMA-P and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, this scoping review incorporates studies of diverse designs. The data synthesis involves descriptive statistics and narrative presentations, aimed at exploring the relationship between study results and research objectives. This scoping review will evaluate various pain management interventions for acute musculoskeletal injuries in sports, mapping the current evidence and identifying gaps in research. The findings will help inform clinical practices and guide future research efforts to optimize pain management strategies in sports medicine.

Impact biomechanics in sports and exercise: Understanding the mechanical forces behind sports-related injuries

Impact biomechanics in sports and exercise: Understanding the mechanical forces behind sports-related injuries

Incidence of Meniscal Ramp Lesions in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructions players

Objectives To evaluate the incidence and epidemiological aspects of meniscal ramp injuries in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, and determine the related risk factors. Methods 824 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction were retrospectively analyzed. Patients who presented medial meniscal instability underwent evaluation of the posteromedial compartment of the knee. In case of injury, surgical repair was performed. Potential risk factors associated with injuries were analyzed. Results The overall incidence of ramp injuries in the study was 10.6% (87 injuries in 824 patients). Multivariate analysis using the Chi-Square test demonstrated that the presence of meniscal ramp injuries was significantly associated with the following risk factors: right laterality and chronic injuries. Sex, age and sporting activity were not statistically significant. Football was the most frequent cause of sports-related ramp injuries, accounting for 78.2% of cases. However, it did not prove to be a risk factor. The annual incidence ranged from 4.0% to 20.6%. Conclusion The incidence of meniscal ramp lesions was 10.6% in ACL reconstruction, being more frequent in chronic injuries. The increasing annual incidence ranged from 4.0% in 2014 to 20.6% in 2019.

Epidemiology of paediatric winter sports-related injuries in France: The WINTRAUMA-1 retrospective cohort study.

To describe the epidemiology of injuries related to winter sports in patients younger than 15 years in France. We conducted a retrospective observational multicentre cohort study of patients younger than 15 years who were seen by mountain-community general practitioners for winter-sports injuries in 1999-2022. Of the 108 619 patients (mean age, 11.4 ± 2.8 years), 76 724 (70.6%), 26 186 (24.1%) and 2132 (2.0%) were injured while skiing, snowboarding and sledding, respectively. Helmet use was noted in 50 164 (46.2%) patients and increased over time but remained low among sledders. A collision was the mechanism in 12.3% of patients overall and 32.1% of sledders. The most common injuries overall were wrist fractures (48.5%), head and trunk injuries (42.3%), and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears (23.7%), with wrist fractures being more common in beginners (24.7%) and head/trunk injuries and ACL tears in advanced participants (18.3% and 2.6%, respectively). Only 3699 (3.4%) patients were admitted after the general-practitioner visit, notably for leg or ankle fractures (9.5%). Winter sports-related injuries vary according to age, sex, skill level and sport. Admission rates are low but might be further decreased by better prevention. Protective measures should be tailored to each sport and individual.

Technique of Distal Tendon Excision for the Treatment of Chronic Pain Caused by Isolated Proximal Gracilis Tears

Proximal gracilis tear is a rare sports-related injury that can easily lead to misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis. Clinical manifestations are dominated by localized pain, tenderness, and dysfunction. Here, we report a therapy of proximal segmental tear of the gracilis and demonstrate its treatment process and clinical outcome. This Technical Note describes in detail the minimally invasive distal gracilis resection technique for the treatment of chronic proximal gracilis ruptures, focusing on the most important technical aspects and thus attempting to introduce this procedure and make it more widely used in the treatment of similar muscle injuries.

National estimates of nonurgent emergency department utilization for sportsrelated injuries in high school-age population.

Athletic trainers (ATs) can manage nonurgent, musculoskeletal emergency department (ED) visits. Little is known about what populations are most likely to use the ED for nonurgent, sports-related musculoskeletal injuries. Our object is to provide national-level evidence on whether high-school age population with public insurance or lower socioeconomic status were more likely to have ED visits for nonurgent injuries. Cross-sectional study. Secondary data analysis of the 2017-2019 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS). ED visits for high school-age patients with a sports-related musculoskeletal injury. We used a multi-step process and AT scope of care threshold to classify ED visits for musculoskeletal injuries as urgent and nonurgent. National estimates of the proportions of visit, patient, and hospital characteristics by urgent, nonurgent, and total injury ED visits were reported. Survey weighted logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios of an ED visit being for a nonurgent injury based on a patient's insurance type and socioeconomic status. For ED visits for musculoskeletal injuries in a high school-age, sports exposed population, 52.93% (95% CI: 51.11, 54.73) were for nonurgent injuries. Patients with public insurance were more likely (OR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.35, 1.44) to have an ED visit for a nonurgent injury compared to ED visits for patients with private insurance. Patients from the lowest estimated neighborhood income quartiles were more likely (OR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.20) to have an ED visit for a nonurgent injury compared to ED visits for patients in the highest estimated income quartile. Our results suggest opportunities to reduce nonurgent ED use using AT services exist, especially in high school-age athletes from vulnerable populations.