Sideline management of facial injuries.

Physicians who cover sporting events frequently encounter facial injuries. These injuries include contusions, hematomas, abrasions, lacerations, ruptured tympanic membranes, and fractures. For most physicians covering events, the diagnoses and decisions on returning athletes to play must be made without many of the diagnostic tools available in the office, such as radiographs, nasopharyngoscopes, or CT scans.

Sideline skin and wound care for acute injuries.

The management of acute skin trauma in sports is reviewed from the perspective of the sideline medical provider. Skin injuries covered in this article include abrasions, lacerations, blisters, chafing, and sunburn. Sideline evaluations, treatment techniques, recommended equipment, and prevention are discussed.