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Sideline Management of Football Injuries

This is the first of a two-part series to discuss the management of football injuries. Injury to the upper extremity is the topic of this first article. Common injuries to the lower extremity will be covered in the next article.

Football is associated with a high rate of injuries. Up to 80 per cent of the players are hurt, sometimes fatally. Fracture, dislocation, and concussion are the most common injuries.

Trauma can be classified as contact or noncontact. Contact refers to injuries as a result of tackling someone else, being tackled, or blocking. Noncontact injuries occur during running, jumping, cutting, or landing.

Each player is susceptible to specific injuries based on their position. For example, the quarterback wears less protective gear. This allows him greater freedom when throwing the ball. But shoulder injuries are high when they get tackled. Running backs are injured the most often. They frequently have to change speed and direction causing knee injuries.

Wide receivers, defensive backs, and linebackers are each at risk for injuries based on the skills required by their role. The authors of this article discuss each one thoroughly.

The physician's job managing these injuries on the field is also presented. Emergency care is often needed. Decisions must be made whether the player can return to the field. Blunt-force trauma can cause very serious injuries leading to paralysis or death.

Specific injuries to the head, neck, spine, shoulder/elbow, and wrist/hand are discussed in detail. The incidence of brain injuries is very high among football players. Players must be observed carefully for any signs of internal bleeding, fractured skulls, and signs of serious concussion.

Each team has trainers, therapists, coaches, and other specialists involved with the players. A well-planned coordination of everyone concerned is needed to manage all injuries whether minor or severe. Players must be taught not to hide injuries. Playing when there are potentially serious injuries can have major negative, long-term effects.

References: Grant E. Garrigues, MD, and Claude T. Moorman III, MD. Tackling Football Issues On and Off the Field: Upper Extremity Injuries. In The Journal of Musculoskeletal Medicine. September 2007. Vol. 24. No. 9. Pp. 393-399.

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