Medical Sports Injuries in American Football Players

Abstract

Most injuries in American football are orthopedic, but the medical team must also be prepared to recognize and manage injuries beyond the musculoskeletal system that may result from trauma to the face, chest, abdomen, and pelvic regions. Failure to promptly identify such injuries in athletes can be life-threatening or permanently disabling. The literature on many of the nonorthopedic sports injuries is limited but can aid in understanding injury presentation, imaging modalities of choice, and initial management. Safe return-to-play decision-making requires a thoughtful approach through the use of available data and an understanding of pathophysiology and tissue healing.

Return to Play in the Professional Athlete

“…This is commonly used in players after a chest or body wall injury to rule out rib fractures, pneumothorax, and hemoperitoneum. 19 US is also now being increasingly used to screen for musculotendinous injuries during the game, such as high-grade muscle tears or tendon tears, and the lack of sonographic findings can potentially allow immediate RTP. 20 Studies have also shown the increasing use of sideline US in suspected ACL tears, guiding immediate management and potentially preventing further injury until an MRI can be obtained.…”