AMSSM Position Statement Update: Blood-Borne Pathogens in the Context of Sports Participation.

This AMSSM position statement update is directed toward health care providers of patients involved in sport and exercise. There have been significant advances in clinical and scientific research in the understanding of blood-borne pathogens (BBPs), and this update incorporates these advancements. This document is intended as a general guide to clinical practice based on the current state of evidence, while acknowledging the need for modification as new knowledge becomes available.

AMSSM position statement update: blood-borne pathogens in the context of sports participation.

This American Medical Society for Sports Medicine position statement update is directed towards healthcare providers of patients involved in sport and exercise. There have been significant advances in clinical and scientific research in the understanding of blood-borne pathogens (BBPs), and this update incorporates these advancements. This document is intended as a general guide to clinical practice based on the current state of the evidence, while acknowledging the need for modification as new knowledge becomes available.

Genetic polymorphisms associated with the risk of concussion in 1056 college athletes: a multicentre prospective cohort study.

Background/aim: To evaluate the association of genetic polymorphisms APOE, G-219T promoter, microtubule associated protein(MAPT)/ exon 6 SerPro, MAPT/ HistTyr, 572 G/C and 358 with the risk of concussion in college athletes.

Methods: A 23-centre prospective cohort study of 1056 college athletes with genotyping was completed between August 2003 and December 2012. All athletes completed baseline medical and concussion questionnaires, and post-concussion data were collected for athletes with a documented concussion.

Summary of evidence-based guideline update: evaluation and management of concussion in sports: report of the Guideline Development Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology.

Objective: To update the 1997 American Academy of Neurology (AAN) practice parameter regarding sports concussion, focusing on 4 questions: 1) What factors increase/decrease concussion risk? 2) What diagnostic tools identify those with concussion and those at increased risk for severe/prolonged early impairments, neurologic catastrophe, or chronic neurobehavioral impairment? 3) What clinical factors identify those at increased risk for severe/prolonged early postconcussion impairments, neurologic catastrophe, recurrent concussions, or chronic neurobehavioral impairment? 4) What interventions enhance recovery, reduce recurrent concussion risk, or diminish long-term sequelae? The complete guideline on which this summary is based is available as an online data supplement to this article.

Methods: We systematically reviewed the literature from 1955 to June 2012 for pertinent evidence. We assessed evidence for quality and synthesized into conclusions using a modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation process.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and the athlete: an American Medical Society for Sports Medicine position statement.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an important issue for the physician taking care of athletes since ADHD is common in the athletic population, and comorbid issues affect athletes of all ages. The health care provider taking care of athletes should be familiar with making the diagnosis of ADHD, the management of ADHD, and how treatment medications impact exercise and performance. In this statement, the term "Team Physician" is used in reference to all healthcare providers that take care of athletes.

Thyroid disorders in athletes.

Maintaining performance levels in athletes remains challenging when metabolic disturbances may be suspected clinically. In athletes there are reported deviations from normal range lab values and multiple factors that may lead to clinical suspicion of thyroid disease, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroiditis. Reports of exogenous thyroxine use in athletes and anabolic use further complicate the clinical picture, and clinicians must exercise judgment in regards to thyroid screening and interpretation of value variables such as age and exercise level.

Meningitis in the athlete.

Infectious diseases among athletic teams commonly present challenges for team physicians and primary care doctors. There is some evidence to suggest that athletes are more susceptible to infection during an outbreak of the general population. The frequent physical contact and close travel arrangements associated with many team sports may put athletes at even greater risk.

Sport-related concussion: factors associated with prolonged return to play.

Objective: To assess predictive value of concussion signs and symptoms based on return-to-play timelines.

Design: Physician practice study without diagnosis that includes presentation, initial and subsequent treatment, and management of concussion.

Setting: National multisite primary care sports medicine provider locations.

Traumatic deep vein thrombosis in a soccer player: A case study.

A 42 year-old male former semi-professional soccer player sustained a right lower extremity popliteal contusion during a soccer game. He was clinically diagnosed with a possible traumatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and sent for confirmatory tests. A duplex doppler ultrasound was positive for DVT, and the patient was admitted to hospital for anticoagulation (unfractionated heparin, warfarin).

Maxillofacial injuries in sport.

Maxillofacial injuries occur in contact and noncontact sports. Despite advancements in protective equipment and rule changes, there is still an unacceptably high rate of maxillofacial injuries. These injuries are clinically challenging.

On-field predictors of neuropsychological and symptom deficit following sports-related concussion.

Objective: Investigate the relationship between on-field markers of concussion severity and postinjury neuropsychological and symptom presentation in an athlete-specific population.

Design: Case control study.

Setting: Multicenter analysis of high school and college athletes.

Kids' sports: a training ground for life...And for parents.

I'm a dad and proud of it! I'll defend my kids against all comers-opponents, coaches, refs, and sometimes even teammates. Anything wrong with that?

Medical students' experience with musculoskeletal diagnoses in a family medicine clerkship.

Many US medical schools require a family medicine clerkship, yet little is known about the quantity and diversity of the diagnoses the students experience. This study examines patients encountered with musculoskeletal diagnoses using quantitative data collected by family practice clerkship students. Over a two-year period, 445 students completed 7,202 patient encounter forms for patients with a musculoskeletal diagnosis, noting their confidence level and responsibilities.

Athletes With Disabilities.

In brief For the most part, active people who are disabled require medical care for typical sports-related cuts, sprains, and strains. However, disability-related conditions such as bladder problems or pressure sores require specialized management to make activity safe.

When Sciatica Is Not Disk Disease.

In brief Piriformis muscle syndrome is an often unrecognized cause of sciatic pain. The sciatic nerve, which normally passes beneath the piriformis muscle deep in the midbuttock, can be compressed when the muscle goes into spasm or is injured. The resultant pain is often confused with discogenic disease, but a thorough history and physical exam can pinpoint the true cause.