Medical Blog

Medial Gastrocnemius Strain
Introduction
Background

A medial calf injury is a musculotendinous disruption of varying degrees in the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle that results from an acute, forceful push-off with the foot.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 This injury occurs commonly in sports activities (eg, hill running, jumping, tennis), but it can occur in any activity. A medial calf injury is often seen in the intermittently active athlete, often referred to as the “weekend warrior.”
Read more…

Lateral Collateral Knee Ligament Injury
Introduction
Background

Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries occur from a varus force to the knee (ie, a force directed at the medial side of the knee or leg). These injuries are much less common than medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries because the opposite leg usually guards against direct blows to the medial side of the knee. However, LCL injuries can occur in situations in which trauma occurs as the leg is extended in front of the body, such as when attempting to gain control of the ball from another player in soccer or rugby (eg, tackling). (See also the eMedicine article Medial Collateral and Lateral Collateral Ligament Injury.)
Functional Anatomy
Read more…

Snapping Hip Syndrome
Introduction
Background

Snapping hip syndrome is characterized by an audible snap or click that occurs in or around the hip. This syndrome is well recognized but poorly understood. Snapping hip syndrome may be due to an external cause (eg, snapping of the iliotibial band or gluteus maximus over the greater trochanter) or an internal cause (eg, snapping of the iliopsoas tendon over the iliopectineal eminence, acetabular labral tear, intra-articular loose body). Acetabular labral tears and intra-articular loose bodies are relatively uncommon causes of internal snapping hip syndrome and are not discussed in detail. Snapping hip syndrome may be painful or painless. While some athletes may seek attention for a painless audible snap, most do not seek medical attention unless the snapping hip is painful.
Frequency Read more…

Metatarsal Stress Fracture
Introduction
Background

With an increase in public interest in physical fitness, clinical practitioners are diagnosing stress fractures with greater frequency.1 First described by Aristotle in 200 BC, stress fractures were initially recorded in the medical literature in 1855 by the Prussian military physician Breithaupt, who described what is now known as a march fracture, or stress fracture of the metatarsals. Read more…

Achilles Tendon Rupture
Introduction
Background

Achilles tendon ruptures commonly occur to otherwise healthy men between the ages of 30 and 50 years who have had no previous injury or problem reported in the affected leg. Those who suffer this injury are typically “weekend warriors” who are active intermittently.

Most Achilles tendon tears occur in the left leg in the substance of the tendoachilles, approximately 2-6 cm – the ‘;watershed zone” – above the calcaneal insertion of the tendon. That the left Achilles tendon is torn more frequently may be related to handedness; right-handed individuals ‘;push off’ more frequently with the left foot. Read more…

Otitis Externa
Introduction
Background

Otitis externa is an inflammation or infection of the external auditory canal and/or auricle.1, 2, 3 This condition is one of the most common medical conditions that affect aquatic athletes. Individuals with allergic conditions, such as eczema, allergic rhinitis, or asthma, also have a significantly higher risk of developing this condition.4, 5 (See also the eMedicine articles Otitis Externa [in the Emergency Medicine section], Otitis Externa and Allergic Rhinitis [in the Pediatrics section], Allergic and Environmental Asthma [in the Allergy and Immunology section], and Allergic Rhinitis [in the Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery section], as well as Guidelines Issued for Acute Otitis Externa and Hyperbaric Oxygen as an Adjuvant Treatment for Malignant Otitis Externa on Medscape.)
Read more…

Nasal Fracture
Introduction
Background

Nasal fractures seen in participants of athletic activities occur as a result of direct blows in contact sports and as a result of falls. The nasal bones are the most commonly fractured bony structures of the maxillofacial complex.1, 2, 3, 4, 5

The nasal bone’s protruding position coupled with its relative lack of support predisposes it to fracture. Prompt appropriate treatment prevents functional and cosmetic changes. Because of the nose’s central location and proximity to important structures, the clinician should carefully search for other facial injuries in the presence of facial fractures. Read more…

Facial Soft Tissue Injuries
Introduction
Background

Facial soft-tissue injuries are not uncommon in athletics.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 The position and anatomy of the face make it particularly vulnerable to trauma. In addition, few sports mandate the use of protective equipment, leaving the face susceptible to injury. Although most such injuries are minor in nature, they should be evaluated promptly with a focused history and thorough examination. In addition, facial injuries should be treated early to reduce the likelihood of possible adverse outcomes (ie, infection, loss of function, poor cosmesis). In this article, common sports-related soft-tissue facial injuries are discussed, with an emphasis on the initial evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. Read more…

Face and Head

Introduction
Background

Facial fractures occur for a variety of reasons related to sports participation: contact between players (eg, a head, fist, elbow); contact with equipment (eg, balls, pucks, handlebars); or contact with the environment, obstacles, or a playing surface (eg, wrestling mat, gymnastic equipment, goalposts, trees). Although most sports-related facial injuries are minor, the potential for serious damage exists. A physician examining these injuries must rapidly assess the patient in a consistent and methodical manner, allowing for prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment, while considering the physical demands of the sport, as well as the athlete’s return to play.
Read more…