Clinics in sports medicine
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Elbow dislocation in the athletic population is not an uncommon injury. The literature does not clearly establish treatment guidelines, with treatment being extrapolated from the experience in the general population. A short period of immobilization with early range of motion exercises limits disability and allows return to sports participation within 6 weeks.
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Biceps or triceps ruptures are rare but can cause a significant disability. Surgical repair has become the preferred method of treatment for the complete rupture, but the decision when to treat partial tears is less clear. Reconstruction of the tendon is the preferred method when patients have a delayed presentation.
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Over the years a variety of cartilage restorative procedures have been developed for athletes to address focal, full-thickness cartilaginous defects in the knee joint, including microfracture, osteochondral autografts, osteochondral allografts, autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), and most recently, next-generation ACI involving scaffolds or cell-seeded scaffolds. Since its introduction, ACI has yielded some very promising results in athletes and nonathletes alike. ⋯ A patient-, lesion-, and sports-specific approach is required on the part of the trainer or physical therapist to gradually restore knee joint function and strength so that the athlete may be able to return to competitive play. This article reviews the rehabilitation protocols for injured athletes following an ACI procedure.
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The evaluation and diagnosis of turf toe injuries is improving as it becomes a more recognized pattern of injury to the hallux metatarsophalangeal joint. With an understanding of the anatomy of the injury and the ability to focus on important diagnostic and radiographic clues, turf toe can be diagnosed, assessed, and treated accurately, with surgical repair when indicated. Regardless of the grade of injury, rehabilitation of the athlete under the guidance of a physical therapist or athletic trainer is critical to complete recovery. With appropriate care, athletes can successfully return to play and efficiently reach their preinjury level of participation.
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This article describes the treatment of the two most debilitating hand-related boxing injuries: boxer's knuckle and traumatic carpal boss. Recognition of the normal anatomy as well as the predictable pathology facilitates an accurate diagnosis and precision surgery. For boxer's knuckle, direct repair of the disrupted extensor hood, without the need for tendon augmentation, has been consistently employed; for traumatic carpal boss, arthrodesis of the destabilized carpometacarpal joints has been the preferred method of treatment. Precisely executed operative treatment of both injuries has resulted in a favorable outcome, as in the vast majority of cases the boxers have experienced relief of pain, restoration of function, and an unrestricted return to competition.