Preliminary Evaluation of a Novel Point of Care Diagnostic Device for Sports-Related Concussion.

Objective: Visinin-like protein 1 (VILIP-1) is a neuron-specific calcium sensor protein rapidly released into blood after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and may be a suitable biomarker for identification of sports-related concussion (SRC). The objective of the study is to test if quantification of a specific post-translationally modified (ubiquitinated) form of VILIP-1 (ubVILIP-1) from a fingerstick blood sample using a point of care (POC) lateral flow device (LFD) can be used to rapidly identify athletes with SRC.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

A Case Series and Literature Review: Isolated Traumatic First Rib Fracture in Athletes.

Objective: To present a case series of 14 isolated traumatic first rib fractures sustained in sport and review the literature on clinical presentation, mechanism of injury, diagnosis, and management of sport-related traumatic first rib fractures.

Design: We compiled a series of isolated traumatic first rib fractures seen in 2 Division 1-associated sports medicine clinics. We also performed a literature search for additional publications of isolated traumatic first rib fractures in sport.

Trends in concussion return-to-play timelines among high school athletes from 2007 through 2009.

Context: Whereas guidelines about return-to-play (RTP) after concussion have been published, actual prognoses remain elusive.

Objective: To develop probability estimates for time until RTP after sport-related concussion.

Design: Descriptive epidemiology study.

Hip strengthening prior to functional exercises reduces pain sooner than quadriceps strengthening in females with patellofemoral pain syndrome: a randomized clinical trial.

Study Design: Randomized clinical trial.

Objectives: To determine if females with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) who perform hip strengthening prior to functional exercises demonstrate greater improvements than females who perform quadriceps strengthening prior to the same functional exercises.

Background: Although PFPS has previously been attributed to quadriceps dysfunction, more recent research has linked this condition to impairment of the hip musculature.

Pulmonary infections in the athlete.

Despite their general high level of health, athletes are not free from the threat of developing pulmonary infection. Prompt diagnosis and proper treatment are important given the effects of pulmonary infection upon athletic performance and time away from training. This article reviews common etiologies of community-acquired pneumonia and a more in-depth discussion of mycoplasma pneumonie and influenza.

Mononucleosis and athletic participation: an evidence-based subject review.

Infectious mononucleosis (IM) is a common medical condition that afflicts thousands of young athletes each year. Despite the self-limited nature of this disorder, the variability of the clinical presentation and the rare risk of splenic rupture routinely present sports medicine clinicians with difficult return-to-play decisions. Currently there are no evidence-based guidelines regarding the management of the athlete with IM.

Evaluation and management of stress fractures of the pelvis and sacrum.

Most stress fractures of the pelvis and sacrum can be treated nonoperatively with activity modification and thorough assessment of training activities and nutritional factors.

Infectious disease and the collegiate athlete.

Collegiate athletes are common reservoirs for infectious disease agents. Specific training regimens, living arrangements, and high-risk behaviors may influence the athlete's risk of contracting a variety of infectious diseases. The sports medicine physician plays an important role in recognizing, appropriately treating, designing prevention strategies for, and making return-to-activity decisions for athletes who have infectious diseases.

Outcomes of a weight-bearing rehabilitation program for patients diagnosed with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Objective: To determine the effects of a weight-bearing rehabilitation program on quadriceps and gluteus medius electromyographic activity, pain, and function in subjects diagnosed with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).

Design: Pretest and posttest 6-week intervention study.

Setting: Musculoskeletal research laboratory.

Nitric oxide therapy: fact or fiction?

Nitric oxide (NO) has been the topic of many studies regarding its therapeutic benefit in patients with cardiac disease. Recent studies are now revealing potential advantages for healthy individuals and endurance athletes. This article discusses current research focused on NO augmentation in relation to muscular strength and endurance.

Training room management of medical conditions: infectious diseases.

Management of infectious diseases in athletes encompasses a wide range of pathogens, clinical presentations, and treatment options. Certain athletic activities and training regimens may predispose athletes to increased risk of contracting infectious diseases, some of which may limit athletic participation and pose the threat of significant morbidity. The sports medicine physician plays an important role as a first line of defense in preventing, recognizing, and appropriately treating infectious diseases in athletes.

Ergogenic aids: an update on ephedra.

Ephedra has been used medicinally for thousands of years dating back to ancient Chinese medicine. Since its introduction to Western medicine in the 20th century, ephedra has been used for various ailments. The amphetamine-like activity of ephedra made it a popular supplement for promotion of weight loss and enhancement of athletic performance, despite limited supporting data.

Soft-tissue injuries of the lower extremity.

A diverse set of conditions affect the lower extremities in athletes. Good history taking and knowledge of the anatomy of the affected areas can aid in accurate diagnosis. Most conditions can be treated conservatively with great success.

Medial and lateral collateral injuries: prognosis and treatment.

This article presents a comprehensive review of medial and lateral knee ligament injuries. It reviews the basic anatomy, physical examination, imaging techniques, and current treatment of medial and lateral knee injuries. It includes a step-by-step guide to proper physical examination of the knee as well as MRI images.

The ergogenics of fluid and electrolyte balance.

Fluid and electrolyte balance within a fairly narrow range is a requirement for human life. Athletes, particularly endurance athletes, routinely stress their bodies to the point of altering fluid and electrolyte levels. In some cases, significant fluctuations can lead to deterioration in performance and even the athlete's health.

Medical aspects of sports: epidemiology of injuries, preparticipation physical examination, and drugs in sports.

The epidemiology of sports injuries helps identify the necessity for medical event coverage, injury risk factors, and potential prevention strategies. The preparticipation examination provides an opportunity for the team physician to identify athletes at risk of injury, to teach injury prevention, and to address athlete wellness. Knowledge of performance-enhancing drugs, nutritional supplements,and banned and legal medications is critical in caring for athletes.

High-speed video analysis of head-first and feet-first sliding techniques in collegiate baseball players.

Objective: To determine the method of sliding that propels the baseball athlete to the desired base in the shortest amount of time. To assess the athlete's perception of the quickest, safest, and preferred sliding technique.

Design: A single occasion with repeated measures design was used.

Sudden cardiac death.

Sudden cardiac death is a rare but devastating event. The majority of cases in young athletes are caused by congenital cardiac abnormalities that are routinely clinically silent before causing sudden death. An optimal screening practice to help identify underlying asymptomatic cardiac abnormalities has met with much debate.