Clinics in sports medicine
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Osteoarthritis is a common condition that affects many individuals resulting in pain, reduced mobility, and decreased function. Corticosteroids have been a mainstay of osteoarthritis treatment. ⋯ Hyaluronic acid injections have extensively been studied in knee osteoarthritis but to a lesser degree in other joints. Despite some debate between societies, a large number of recent studies have shown hyaluronic acid to be a viable treatment option showing longer-term improvement in both pain and function.
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Graphical representation of results are a central component of original research articles in sports medicine. There has been recent criticism in the scientific community of a heavy reliance on simple bar graphs and line graphs to illustrate results because they often fail to clearly represent the measures and changes to interventions of individual participants. This article aims to suggest alternatives to bar and line graphs, including those that emphasize the illustration of (1) individual subject measures and data set distribution, (2) magnitude of group differences, (3) the relationships between multiple variables, and (4) unique ways of displaying time series data.
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This article reviews the diagnosis and treatment of facial soft tissue injuries in athletics. General diagnostic algorithms are presented, including initial assessment aligned with Advanced Trauma Life Support guidelines. ⋯ Return-to-play issues are outlined relative to level of participation, with the emphasis on safe return. Goals of treatment are defined, including prompt, accurate diagnosis; efficient, effective treatment; safe return; and optimum functional and esthetic outcome.
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Wrist and hand injuries are common among athletes, and can lead to considerable disability. Dislocations and soft tissue injuries are common and require prompt recognition and treatment. ⋯ Some injuries require surgery; operative intervention allows the player to return to their sport more quickly or with less long-term disability. This article discusses the spectrum of injury from distal radius fractures to mallet fingers, and offers some general guidelines for the surgeon in how to counsel and treat athletes with these problems.
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Long head biceps tendon is a common cause of anterior shoulder pain. Failure of conservative treatment may warrant surgical intervention. Surgical treatment involves long head biceps tenotomy or tenodesis. ⋯ Many studies demonstrate similar outcomes for both procedures. Surgeon preference is likely more influential in choosing between tenotomy and tenodesis. Higher-powered studies are necessary to elucidate any differences in outcomes if present.