Sports injuries present unique challenges to the emergency physician. From the little-leaguer to the cardiac rehabilitation patient, millions of Americans participate in sports or fitness activities. While an athletic injury rarely requires a life- or limb-saving intervention in the ED, the personal impact on the player can be monumental. Emergency physicians must be expert in the diagnosis and initial treatment of sports-related injuries.
Each year in the United States, an estimated 150 million adults participate in some type of non-work-related physical activity, and approximately 30 million children and adolescents participate in organized sports.1 From July 2000 through June 2001, an estimated 4.3 million sports- and recreation-related injuries were treated in U.S. EDs, comprising 16% of all unintentional injuryrelated ED visits.1 The percentage was highest for those 10-14 years old and lowest for those over 45. Among all ages, rates were higher for males than for females.1 Males are most often injured during playground activities, cycling, football, and basketball. In girls, most injuries are caused by playground activities, basketball, cycling, and general exercise.1
Sports medicine, which has long been more of an art, is slowly becoming more of a science. However, few large, randomized, controlled trials provide evidence for many of the treatments used for sports injuries. A recent study attempted to examine the evidence base of sports medicine research. In evaluating four major journals that present core research in sport and exercise medicine, it was noted that randomized, controlled trials comprised 10% or less of all original research articles. Observational/descriptive studies were the most commonly published study design. When good quality research methods (randomized, controlled trials as well as case-control and cohort studies) were categorized together, the difference between sports journals and other medical journals was not significant (P = 0.09). This seems to indicate that the quality of sports medicine research is comparable to that in other specialities.2
Well-designed clinical decision rules such as the Ottawa knee and ankle rules are excellent examples of evidencebased medicine. Such rules begin with a derivation set (in these cases, indications for radiography) later confirmed in a prospective validation study.
Prehospital care personnel should first ensure adequate airway, breathing, and circulation. Medics should splint suspected fractures before moving the patient and vstraighten severely angulated fractures. Confirm neurovascular status in injured extremities prior to and after splinting. Helmets should be stabilized rather than removed in the field unless the helmet prevents control of a bleeding site or airway management.
The shoulder is composed of three joints—the glenohumeral (GH), the acromioclavicular (AC), and the sternoclavicular— and one articulation (the scapulothoracic). The GH and AC joints are the most relevant in the practice of sports medicine. The AC joint has a limited range of motion and is stabilized by several ligaments and muscle attachments. (See Figure 1.)
Unlike the AC joint, the GH joint is designed for function and mobility rather than stability. The humeral head articulates with the shallow glenoid fossa of the scapula. The three-to-one humeral-head-to-glenoid-surface ratio allows this joint to enjoy the greatest mobility of any joint in the body. It is especially susceptible to dislocation. Like the AC joint, the GH joint is stabilized by several ligaments and muscles.
The subacromial space is defined superiorly by the coracoacromial arch and inferiorly by the greater tuberosity of the humerus. This space includes the rotator cuff tendon, the long head of the biceps, and the subacromial bursa. The rotator cuff includes the supraspinatus muscle, which helps abduct the arm; the teres minor and the infraspinatus (external rotators); and the subscapularis (internal rotator). The rotator cuff muscle complex serves as a humeral head depressor (lowers the head in the glenoid).
The biceps muscle has a long head and a short head. The long head of the biceps tendon originates at the supraglenoid tubercle, exits the GH joint, and runs distally through the bicipital groove. The short head arises from the coracoid process. The long head and short head form one tendon distally that inserts into the bicipital tubercle of the radius. The biceps tendon provides flexion and supination of the elbow joint, and the long head of the biceps acts as an additional depressor of the humeral head.
As with most musculoskeletal injuries, the patient history is crucial. Many shoulder injuries occur in overhead athletic activities, such as baseball or basketball, and are chronic in nature. However, in the ED, patients often present with new traumatic injuries or with acute exacerbations of chronic conditions. Historical factors relating to the sport—such as repetitive motion, conditioning, and requirements for that sport—are important considerations. Knowledge about the position of the arm at the time of injury, the degree of muscle contraction or relaxation, and the direction of momentum of the athlete help determine the type and severity of the injury.3 Also note any history of previous orthopedic procedures on the shoulder as well as any previous injury or dislocation.
Examination of the shoulder should be performed with both of the shoulders completely exposed. Compare both sides, looking for asymmetry, bony deformities, and chronic muscular changes. It may help to palpate the opposite shoulder to determine the distinctive anatomy. Palpate the bones of the affected shoulder for tenderness, crepitus, and deformity. The rotator cuff muscles should be palpated along the muscle belly, tendon, and at the insertion at the greater tuberosity. Evaluate the AC joint for tenderness and asymmetry. The entire clavicle should also be examined. Note the active and passive ranges of motion of both the normal and affected shoulder.
A detailed neurovascular examination is very important with all shoulder injuries, but especially with a proximal humerus fracture, due to the proximity of the brachial plexus, axillary nerve, and vasculature. The axillary nerve supplies motor branches to the deltoid and teres minor and sensory fibers to the skin that overlies the lateral aspect of the upper arm. (Note: The "regiment's band," or upper lateral cutaneous nerve of the arm, is the more precise term for this sensory portion of the axillary nerve.) The tip of the shoulder is actually innervated by the supraclavicular nerve. Test and document both, especially with a suspected
shoulder dislocation.
An optimal shoulder series includes three views: a true AP (which unlike the standard AP projects the GH joint without bony overlap), transscapular lateral, and axillary lateral.4 Scapular views can be obtained if there is suspicion of a scapular fracture.
Which patients with a shoulder injury require radiographs? One prospective study of 206 patients with shoulder pain obtained radiographs on all patients, and 88% of the radiographs were deemed therapeutically uninformative. Low-risk patients were then defined as:5
Another area of contention is whether pre- and postreduction radiographs are required in patients with clinically obvious and likely uncomplicated anterior shoulder dislocations. In one prospective study of 97 patients with possible shoulder dislocations, pre-reduction radiographs did not affect the management in any patients and added about 30 minutes to the treatment time.6 In a different retrospective study of 175 shoulder dislocations, only one patient had a change in management dictated by the post-reduction film (a persistent dislocation).7 However, the studies to date have been small, and many believe that more data are needed before routine x-raying in such patients is discontinued. One argument for a pre-reduction film involves identification of two-part proximal humeral fracture-dislocations. These fracture-dislocations should never be reduced in the ED, since it is possible to dislocate the articular head from the humeral shaft, leading to permanent avascular necrosis.
Clavicle fractures account for 5% of all fractures and result from a direct blow to clavicle or a fall on an outstretched arm.4 The proximal fragment may be displaced upwards by the action of the sternocleidomastoid, and deformity and crepitus may be palpable over the fracture site. Some experts maintain that all patients with pain, deformity, or crepitus require a chest radiograph, as some reports note that routine clavicle films may miss fractures due to overlap of surrounding structures. The literature, however, provides no strong studies that prove the best approach to radiography. While pneumothorax is a rare complication of clavicle fracture, a lung examination and a careful assessment of the x-ray for pneumothoraces are necessary.8
Fractures of the middle third of the clavicle account for approximately 80% of all clavicular fractures and should be treated with shoulder sling immobilization and pain control.9 Until the late 1980s, the figure-of-eight clavicle strap was used to immobilize all middle-third clavicle fractures. The more comfortable simple sling has generally replaced this figure-of-eight strap as randomized, controlled clinical trials show equivalent outcomes.11 The patient should be referred to an orthopedist or family physician experienced with these fractures.
Distal clavicle fractures often produce minimal deformity and may be confused with AC joint pathology. Some types of distal clavicle fractures may require operative repair, so early referral to an orthopedist is useful.
Proximal clavicle fractures are the least common and are difficult to diagnose because of bony overlap. Treatment is usually conservative.10
Open clavicle fractures, posterior sternoclavicular dislocations, and fractures associated with a pneumothorax require urgent orthopedic and surgical consultation.
The classic mechanism of injury for a glenoid fracture involves falling onto the point of the shoulder with the arm adducted. An anterior shoulder dislocation may also fracture the glenoid (the so-called Bankart's fracture).
Symptoms of a glenoid fracture include pain, decreased range of motion, and occasionally deformity. Glenoid fractures may be associated with other injuries such as rib fractures, pneumothorax, GH or AC shoulder dislocation, and nerve or tendon injury.
All glenoid fractures require urgent orthopedic consultation. In most cases, a CT scan of the shoulder is also necessary for treatment decisions (the timing of which may be deferred to the consultant)
Athletes may suffer a proximal humerus fracture when a significant amount of force is transmitted to the humerus, such as a fall onto an outstretched, abducted arm.
Symptoms of a proximal humerus fracture include pain, inability to move the arm, pain with passive range of motion, deformity, swelling, and discoloration. Once identified radiographically, further studies are generally not indicated.
The majority of simple, non-displaced proximal humerus fractures can be treated conservatively with ED immobilization and referral. (Some simple, non-displaced fractures can be managed by a primary care physician.) More than 80% of all proximal humerus fractures are nondisplaced and can be immobilized in a sling and swathe.4 Comminuted or multi-part fractures usually require open reduction and internal fixation.
Complications from a proximal humerus fracture include avascular necrosis of the humeral head, brachial plexus injury, frozen shoulder syndrome (adhesive capsulitis), and non-union.12
The AC joint is often injured by a fall onto the outstretched hand or onto the point of the shoulder and is one of the most common injuries in bicyclists. Symptoms include point tenderness on or around the joint, pain with movement (especially adduction), swelling, deformity, and discoloration.
While there is a six-stage classification system of ACjoint separation, most physicians are familiar with the three grade system. (See Figure 2.) Severity of injury may range from strains of the ligamentous complex with tenderness over the AC joint and normal radiographs, to joint dislocation and clavicle displacement.4
All suspected injuries to the AC joint should be x-rayed to exclude a distal clavicle fracture. Special AC views are best, as standard AP and axillary lateral views of the shoulder rotate the AC joint. Studies indicate that stress radiography views are low yield and therefore are generally unnecessary.13
ED management is conservative regardless of grade of injury. Minor injuries can be treated with sling immobilization, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs SAIDs), ice, and relatively early mobilization. Grade III injuries require outpatient orthopedic referral and may benefit from operative intervention in selected cases.
More than half of all dislocations treated by the emergency physician involve the GH joint. The GH joint may dislocate anteriorly, posteriorly, inferiorly, or superiorly. Anterior dislocations account for more than 95% of all shoulder dislocations. They are exceedingly common in contact sports like football, rugby, lacrosse, and wrestling. Posterior dislocations are rare and usually result from a seizure or electrical injury.
When the humeral head dissociates anteriorly from the glenoid fossa, it can rest under the inferior rim of the glenoid, beneath the coracoid process, and, less commonly, in an intrathoracic or subclavicular fashion. (See Figure 3.) The mechanism of injury for anterior dislocation is commonly abduction, extension, and external rotation. (Think of a football quarterback about to pass downfield who gets struck in the arm before he tarts the power portion of his throw.)
Patients complain of exquisite pain around the shoulder, and the shoulder is often held in external rotation and abduction. There is often a prominent acromion and depression of the area normally occupied by the humeral head, leading to a "squared off" deformity to the arm.
The axillary nerve supplies sensation to the skin that overlies the lateral aspect of the shoulder, and motor innervation to the deltoid and teres minor muscle. Assess and document the status of the axillary nerve before and after reduction, as axillary nerve injury is seen in 5%-54% of patients.16 Fortunately, nerve function usually returns with time. Athletes who sustain injury to the axillary nerve have variable prognosis for recovery, though return of function is typically good to excellent.17 Other neurovascular injuries include damage to the brachial plexus, radial nerve, and axillary artery. The most common bony deformity is a Hill- Sach's lesion. This involves indentation of the humeral head by the inferior glenoid or the coracoid process. Fracture of the greater tuberosity is also possible, and disruption of the rotator cuff can occur with inferior GH shoulder dislocations, especially in those over the age of 40.
Posterior shoulder dislocations comprise only 2% of all GH dislocations and are frequently missed.18The injury may occur after a fall onto an outstretched hand with the arm in flexion, adduction, and internal rotation or from a direct blow to the anterior shoulder.4 On examination, abduction is severely limited and external rotation is blocked. The shoulder has a flattened, squared-off appearance with a prominent coracoid process. The humeral head may be palpated posteriorly.4 Standard radiographs may appear deceptively normal. However, there are some signs that can be helpful when present. The "rim sign" refers to the increased distance between the anterior glenoid rim and the articular surface of the humeral head on a true AP view. There may be a loss of the elliptical overlap of the humeral head and the glenoid fossa or a "light-bulb" appearance to the humeral head because the shoulder is internally rotated.4
Inferior GH dislocation, also known as luxatio erecta, is rare but striking in its presentation. The classic presentation is an arm that is hyperabducted and locked above the head. Mechanism of injury is hyperabduction of the humerus,which then impinges on the acromion causing a tear in the inferior GH capsule with disruption of the rotator cuff. Rarely, a violent force directly applied to the shoulder from above can produce this injury.18
Obviously, all dislocations of the GH joint requirereduction. There are several common and accepted methods of reducing GH shoulder dislocations. The vast majority of anterior dislocations can be reduced by the emergency physician without orthopedic consultation. Though previous doctrine held that patients generally required conscious sedation prior to reduction attempts, new research indicates that this may not be necessary. Several studies show that intraarticular lidocaine is an acceptable alternative to conscious sedation. Reduction success rates are statistically similar in the conscious sedation and intraarticular lidocaine groups.19 Intraarticular lidocaine is similarly effective in facilitating reduction and reducing pain but significantly shortens ED stays and reduces costs significantly.20,21 The procedure of intraarticular analgesia begins with prepping the shoulder with povidone-iodine. Inject 20 mL of 1% lidocaine via a long 20-gauge needle, from just off the lateral edge of the acromion.21 Certain methods of reduction (such as scapular manipulation) require neither conscious sedation nor local anesthetics.
The traction-counter-traction method of shoulder reduction involves an assistant who holds a sheet placed around the torso in the axilla and the physician placing traction on the affected limb. This can dislodge the humeral head from its resting position under the glenoid or coracoid. Quite a lot of traction is generally required to overpower the muscles and tendons that are maintaining the dislocated position. (See Figure 4.)
The Stimson method involves placing the patient prone with the dislocated limb hanging off of a stretcher. A 10- pound weight is attached to the extremity and allowed to hang. As the muscles relax, the shoulder will auto-reduce in about 20 minutes.22 (See Figure 5.)
The external rotation method involves gently and slowly externally rotating the shoulder and flexing the shoulder to 90º. This will reposition the humeral head about the glenoid or coracoid and generally effect reduction. An alternative technique involves adducting the shoulder so the patient's elbow is against his or her chest wall, then slowly externally rotating the arm completely. The Milch technique is similar to external rotation, but it involves hyperabduction first, then external rotation when the arm is fully hyper-abducted, as if "picking an apple from a tree." One study indicated that the Milch technique was easy to employ and had equal success rates when used by both junior and senior staff. Additionally, they found that 73% of patients who underwent shoulder reduction with this technique did not require any sedation.23
Scapular manipulation involves having the patient lie prone with affected arm hanging off the bed or having the patient sit up while an assistant applies forward traction to the arm. The physician uses one hand to rotate the inferior tip of the scapula medially while stabilizing the superior and medial edges with the other hand.4 (See Figure 6.) Unlike the other techniques, scapular manipulation attempts to reposition the glenoid fossa rather than the humeral head. Studies show that the procedure is simple and the reduction is accomplished in less than a minute in most cases. This technique may also reduce the need for premedication. McNamara demonstrated that no premedication was needed in 64% of patients who were reduced with this technique.24
A recently introduced technique for the reduction of anterior shoulder dislocations is the Spaso technique.25To perform this reduction, place the patient in the prone position and gently grasp the wrist on the affected side. The limb should gently and slowly be elevated until it is vertical; then, traction should be applied. While maintaining traction, the shoulder should be gently externally rotated. It may be necessary to palpate the humeral head and gently nudge it into the glenoid fossa. A recent article indicated that this technique is highly effective in reducing anterior shoulder dislocations and (in their study) induced no complications.25
Reduction of posterior dislocations involves axial traction with pressure on the humeral head and slow external rotation. Reduction of luxatio erecta is accomplished via traction applied in an upward and outward direction on the extended arm and countertraction applied across the top of the shoulder and chest wall in the opposite direction.18 Orthopedic consultation may be helpful.
It is very important to reassess the shoulder examination following successful reduction, as it is possible to injure the axillary nerve or fracture the humerus, glenoid, or other bony structure.
Teens and young adults who dislocate their shoulder have a recurrence rate of 79%-100% and must receive orthopedic follow-up.22 Patients should also receive appropriate analgesia and sling immobilization for two or three weeks.26The duration of sling immobilization varies but concerns over frozen shoulder have reduced the length in recent years. In most cases, two weeks followed by a rehabilitation program is suggested.
The rotator cuff muscles play an important role in virtually every sport but are absolutely crucial to the overhead athlete. Participants in tennis, basketball, volleyball, and baseball frequently experience rotator cuff injuries.
Acute injury of the rotator cuff is marked by a sudden tearing sensation in the shoulder followed by severe pain radiating to the arm. The pain is often poorly localized but may be present at the insertion of the rotator cuff tendon, along the mid-substances of the rotator cuff muscles, or may radiate up to the neck or down to the arm. Subjective weakness of the shoulder muscles as well as history of recurrent dislocations may be present. An acute tear of the rotator cuff is uncommon. Neer proposed that 95% of rotator cuff tears are related to chronic impingement of the rotator cuff between the humeral head and the coracoacromial arch.97 It can result from falling on an outstretched arm. Typically, tears are chronic and result from progressive degeneration.27
Litaker et al identified three components of the physical examination that can identify rotator cuff tears. These include supra- and infraspinatus atrophy, weakness with elevation or external rotation of the shoulder, and the impingement sign.28 Impingement refers to inflammatory changes due to repetitive compression of the rotator cuff and associated structures between the humeral head and coracoacromial arch.27 The Neer's impingement test involves moving the patient's straightened arm to full abduction. The Hawkins' impingement test involves positioning the patient's arm in 90º of abduction and 90º of elbow flexion, then rotating the arm inwardly across the patient's body. Pain reproduced by either one of these maneuvers is considered an impingement sign.27
Radiographs may exclude bony problems such as thick acromion, bone spur, glenoid erosions, Hill-Sach's lesions, and others. While the radiographs may show evidence of degeneration, the hallmark of a complete tear of the rotator cuff complex is superior displacement of the humeral head that is best seen in the externally rotated AP view.4 Other imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or arthrogram should be reserved for outpatient evaluation.
Acute tears should be immobilized in a sling and referred for prompt orthopedic evaluation. Unless otherwise indicated, most patients should be started on NSAID therapy. Many require narcotic analgesia. Rest, avoidance of painful activities and positions, and orthopedic referral are important. It is usually not possible or necessary to differentiate between an acute tear, a chronic tear, or a flare of rotator cuff tendinitis in the ED. These patients should be treated in the same manner and given timely referral.
In pitchers, weight-lifters, and other athletes, the long biceps tendon may become inflamed. Symptoms of biceps tendinitis include pain with shoulder extension or elbow flexion, pain when trying to reach into the back pocket, and pain around the anterior shoulder. On physical examination, palpation of the tendon within the bicipital groove reproduces the pain, as does forearm supination.
Treatment of biceps tendinitis is similar to other overuse syndromes. Most patients should be begun on oral NSAID therapy. Athletes should be encouraged to rest, ice, and avoid painful movements and positions. Orthopedic referral is appropriate in most patients if symptoms persist.29,30
The patient history should include the position of the hand at the time of injury, mechanism of injury, previous hand injuries, occupation, and hand-dominance. Physical examination should assess for tenderness, tendon integrity, joint stability, range of motion, two-point sensation, capillary refill, and motor function.31
Mallet finger (also known as baseball finger) is a rupture of the extensor tendon that attaches to the dorsal side of the distal phalanx of the finger. This tendinous injury occurs when there is a forced flexion of a fully extended finger, commonly involving a baseball or volleyball striking the tip. This forced flexion can cause a rupture of the extensor tendon or an avulsion of the bone at the tendon insertion. With the extensor mechanism disrupted, the patient will be unable to fully extend the distal phalanx, although passive extension will be possible.
While the physical examination will be diagnostic, a radiograph should be obtained to rule out an associated avulsion fracture of the distal phalanx. Treatment is conservative and involves immobilizing the joint in an extension splint in a neutral position (some recommend slight hyperextension) for 6-8 weeks. The patient should be referred to a hand specialist for follow-up.
Jersey finger, or a tear of the flexor digitorum profundus, is essentially the opposite of mallet finger, as there is a forced extension of the finger during an effort to actively flex the digit. The classic description is that of a football player trying to grab his opponent's jersey as the opponent is running downfield. The physical examination, again, is diagnostic, as the patient is unable to flex the distal phalanx at the distal interphalangeal joint. Radiographs should be obtained to rule out an associated avulsion fracture of the distal phalanx.
Jersey finger is usually managed operatively within 14 days of the injury. The finger should be splinted with the finger and wrist flexed and urgently referred to a hand specialist.
Gamekeeper's thumb, also known as skier's thumb (sinceskiing is now more common than twisting off the heads of rabbits), refers to injury of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb's metacarpal phalangeal joint. On examination, there is tenderness over the ulnar side of the joint and weakness of pinch. Valgus stress testing of the thumb UCL should be done both in full extension and in 30° of flexion. Greater than 35º of joint laxity or 15º more laxity than the contralateral side UCL indicates a complete UCL rupture.4,32
Radiographs should be obtained before stressing the joint to exclude associated avulsion or condylar fractures. Treatment of a partial UCL rupture involves immobilization in a thumb spica cast for four weeks. Complete tears require surgery. All patients suspected of this injury should be immobilized and referred to an orthopedist, as underdiagnosis can lead to chronic disability.4
While a full discussion of neurologic sports injuries is beyond the scope of this article, the January 2000 issue of Emergency Medicine Practice, "Mild Head Trauma: Appropriate Diagnosis And Management," provides an excellent overview. For a complete discussion of cervical spine injuries, see the October 2001 issue of Emergency Medicine Practice, "Cervical Spine Injury: A State-Of-The-Art Approach To Assessment And Management."
Brachial plexus injuries are common in contact sports, especially football and rugby. A "stinger" or "burner" is classically defined as unilateral burning dysesthesias from the shoulder to the hand, with occasional weakness or numbness in the C5 and C6 distribution.33 The mechanism of injury is usually sudden forced flexion forward or laterally of the cervical spine, resulting in a stretch injury, presumably to the sixth cervical spinal nerve root.
For the vast majority of brachial plexus injuries, the consequences of cervical root strains are minimal. Patients experience pain, numbness, and tingling of the extremity opposite to the direction of lateral bending (i.e., if the head is forced to the left side, the right arm will be affected). Rarely, there can be more severe damage to the nerves. The symptoms typically last minutes but can persist for days to weeks. The unilaterality, brevity, and pain-free range of motion in the athlete can assist in discriminating between a "stinger" and a cervical cord injury.33 Neck pain is usually not a prominent feature in traction injuries.34
ED examination of brachial plexus injuries should include a thorough neurological examination. Compare the strength and sensation to the non-affected side. Additionally, examine the cervical spine and image when indicated. (See the October 2001 issue of Emergency Medicine Practice.) MRI is reserved for patients in whom a cervical spinal cord injury cannot be excluded or an as outpatient test for those with persistent symptoms.34
Rest and NSAID therapy may be helpful. Patients should have a thorough and normal neurological examination before resuming athletic activities. Some may benefit from a short course of physical therapy.34,35
Transient quadriplegia most frequently occurs with an axial load injury to the cervical spine, or after hyperextension or hyperflexion.36 Typically, the patient experiences transient upper- and lower-extremity paralysis and numbness, which resolves over a period of minutes. Plain radiographs and computed tomography of the spine, as well as MRI of the spine, are usually normal (but still may be indicated depending on the clinical circumstances, such as cervical spine tenderness, etc.). Before the athlete is allowed to return to play, spinal stenosis must be ruled out, since this is an absolute contraindication for return to training.36 Cervical spinal stenosis can increase the risk of permanent neurologic injury.37,38
The elbow is second only to the shoulder as the major jointmost frequently dislocated. Football players and other contact sports participants are particularly vulnerable. Most dislocations are posterior, although the elbow may also dislocate medially, laterally, or anteriorly.4,39 (See Figure 7.)
The classic mechanism of injury is a fall onto the outstretched hand with the elbow extended. Patients will have a marked deformity on the injured side and a prominent olecranon. They often maintain the elbow in about 45º of flexion.
Frequent neurovascular examinations are crucial. The median nerve and brachial artery are at particular risk. Brachial artery injury is noted in 5%-13% cases.40 Nerve and vascular injury after reduction have been reported.40,41
Treatment is prompt reduction. If the neurovascular status of the extremity is compromised, immediately reduce the elbow. Reduction of a posterior dislocation is accomplished by stabilization of the humerus and gentle traction of the wrist with flexion of the elbow if the joint does not easily reduce. In most cases, elbow reduction is uneventful. Most patients will require conscious sedation or intraarticular anesthesia. Obtain post-reduction films and range the elbow through flexion and extension to ensure stability. Immobilize the elbow in 90º of flexion. Phone consultation with an orthopedist may be helpful, since the stability of reduction and neurovascular status of the elbow must be closely monitored, especially for development of a forearm compartment syndrome. Most patients who dislocate their elbow without comorbid fractures have an excellent long term prognosis.
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint that consists of the acetabulum and the proximal femur 2-3 inches below the lesser trochanter. There is a strong fibrous capsule surrounding the joint.
Acute hip pain in athletes is almost always the result of a strain or musculotendinous injury. In children and adolescents, these injuries are often avulsion fractures involving the iliac crest, anterior superior and inferior iliac spines, and lesser trochanter or ischial tuberosity. Hip fractures and dislocations are uncommon in sports activities and usually occur as a result of a high-speed collision.32
Avulsion fractures, such as avulsion of the anterior superior iliac spine, are the result of sudden, forceful contraction of the sartoruis muscle. This fracture is usually seen in children and adolescents before the physis closes. The same mechanism in adults results in a strain instead of a fracture.
As with any injury, the surrounding events should be noted. Determine the position the leg was in when the injury occurred, whether there was a pop heard or felt, and whether the patient could ambulate or resume play immediately after the injury. True hip joint pain often localizes to the groin. Examine the involved leg for deformity, shortening, rotation, and ecchymoses. Active and passive range of motion should be evaluated as long as the physician is reasonably sure there is no fracture or dislocation present. Look for tenderness of the iliac crest, pubic rami, or ischial rami. Hip pain with weight-bearing despite negative radiographs may indicate an occult fracture of the joint.
Musculotendinous injuries around the hip are usually the result of an actively contracting muscle that encounters abrupt resistance. This is most commonly seen in track and field but can occur in any sport that involves rapid acceleration and deceleration, such as soccer or missing a kick in football.
Symptoms include a pop or snap and sudden, severe localized pain and immediate disability. Walking is difficult or impossible. The site of the injury is tender, and swelling is variable. The muscle is usually tense. Suspect an avulsion fracture if there is tenderness on palpation at any of the tendon insertions.
Muscular injury is frequently encountered in the three major muscle groups of the leg: the hamstrings, quadriceps, and the iliopsoas. Strain of the hamstrings is common with running and sudden acceleration. The patient develops sudden and severe pain in the posterior thigh. Range of motion of the hip is painful, and no bony tenderness is present. Treatment involves crutches with toe-touch weightbearing(only the toes bear weight) as tolerated.
The quadriceps are the most common muscular groups to suffer complete tears. When the muscles are contracted suddenly against the body's weight, such as stumbling to prevent a fall, the quadriceps can suffer various degrees of tearing. On examination, there is pain with passive and active knee extension; with a complete tear, active knee extension against gravity is impossible. Treatment is limited to weight-bearing with crutches.
Injury of the iliopsoas is commonly seen in gymnasts and dancers and is the result of sudden, forceful hip flexion against resistance. There is sudden, severe pain in the groin, thigh, or low back. There may also be abdominal pain at the origin of the iliopsoas. On examination, the groin is tender to palpation and there is pain with active hip range of motion. Radiographs of the femur should be obtained to exclude a fracture of the lesser trochanter. Treatment is bedrest for 7-10 days with partial flexion at the knee and hip.4
With most muscular injuries, complete the evaluation with a pelvic or hip film to exclude associated avulsion fractures. The standard treatment of compression and ice is difficult to accomplish in the hip. Ambulation with crutches and bedrest are recommended.42 As with other musculotendinous injuries, active and isometric stretching should be started in 48 hours.
A contusion of the iliac crest is also known as a hip pointer. The iliac crest is very vulnerable to direct blows due to its poor protection. This injury may result in severe disability because the iliac crest serves as an anchor for abdominal and hip musculature. The history is significant for a direct blow to the hip, such as from a football helmet or fall onto a hard surface (which is common in soccer, football, and ice hockey). This painful blow is instantly disabling. On examination, the iliac crest is tender and there is a variable amount of swelling. The abdomen is often rigid due to abdominal wall spasm.
Radiographic evaluation of the pelvis may reveal a compression fracture. Consider intraabdominal injury in the presence of significant abdominal tenderness. In addition to ice and analgesics, a six- to eight-day steroid burst may reduce the duration of disability.42
Quadriceps (or extensor tendon) rupture results from powerful muscle contractions secondary to a fall or in conjunction with severe ligamentous disruption at the knee. This is typically an injury seen in older patients, but it may occur in younger patients involved in jumping activities.43 In athletes, the rupture most often occurs in high-power sports events, such as the high jump, basketball, and weightlifting. 44 Patients report hearing a loud pop and are immediately unable to extend the leg or bear weight. They may complain of buckling of the knees or inability to walk up stairs or up an incline.45 Often there is a palpable soft-tissue defect proximal to the superior pole of the patella, but this may be obscured by edema.43 All patients have marked weakness of the knee extensors, and most have an inability to perform a straight leg raise test when supine. Radiographs of the knee may reveal a poorly defined suprapatellar mass, an obliterated quadriceps tendon, and a joint effusion.45 Early diagnosis is important, as surgical repair within 48-72 hours is necessary to preserve the extensor mechanism of the knee.43
There are 1.3 million visits to U.S. EDs because of knee trauma each year.46,47Knee injuries produced by recreational sports tend to follow a different pattern than other mechanisms of casual injuries. In one study of 208 males who underwent knee arthroscopy after trauma, a significantly greater number of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears were associated with sports activity (P = 0.032). Sports injuries also resulted in a significantly greater number of meniscal injuries (P = 0.028), while sedentary patients had a greater prevalence of osteochondral fractures (10%) than the sports group (5%).48
The knee (see Figure 8) is a complex diarthrodial hinged joint that is frequently injured during sports activities. The knee is positioned between the two longest bones in the body—the femur and the tibia—but has minimal bony stability. There are three primary articulations within the joint complex. The patellofemoral articulation involves the patella and the distal femur, while the other two articulations involve the distal femur and the proximal tibia. The non-bony elements include two menisci, four ligaments (medial and lateral collateral ligaments and the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments) and the surrounding capsule. The fibrocartilaginous menisci distribute weight and stabilize the knee. The medial meniscus is injured more frequently than the lateral meniscus.40
The medial and lateral collateral ligaments resist valgus and varus stress, respectively. The anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments resist anterior and posterior stress and are the major stabilizing ligaments of the knee. The ACL is ruptured more often.
A careful history is often needed to ascertain the acuteness of the injury, as chronic overuse injuries can present with acute exacerbations. (See Table 2 and Table 3.) An audible pop at the time of the injury and immediate swelling suggest a significant internal derangement. Sudden onset of a large effusion suggests an ACL injury. Note the patient's ability to ambulate immediately following the injury and the position of the leg at the time of injury. For example, a football player tackled from the side while his foot is planted is at risk for a medial collateral ligament injury. It is especially important to consider the hip as a source of referred knee pain.
Determine any previous knee injuries, any knee surgery, and the functional status before injury.
The examination begins with an inspection of the entire limb for deformity, bruising, and swelling. (See also Table 4.) Comparison to the opposite leg is helpful. Palpate for localized tenderness, beginning in the non-painful areas. The knee's active and passive range of motion, within the limits of pain, should be tested next. It is important to specifically test the knee extension against gravity to ensure integrity of the extensor mechanism (quadriceps, patella, and patellar tendon). Specific tests are then performed to evaluate the mechanical integrity of the components of the knee joint. Obtain radiographs before stressing the knee if a fracture is likely.
Ligamentous injuries of the knee usually occur as a result of hyperextension or abnormal rotation. Identifying an internal derangement is more important than identifying the specific injury.
A recent literature review compared physical examination to either MRI or arthroscopy for meniscal or ligamentous injuries of the knee. While there were limitations in the data, the authors found the Lachman test excellent for both ruling in and ruling out a tear of the ACL. The anterior drawer test was not particularly useful under any conditions, and there is no reliable examination for meniscal injuries. Potentially useful physical findings include alignment during standing or walking, active and passive range of motion, the presence of effusion, joint line tenderness, and the Lachman test.49
The value of any of these maneuvers is best determined by comparison to the uninjured knee, as abnormalities may be subtle.
The collateral ligamentstress test tests the integrity of the medial and lateral collateral ligaments. Injuries to the medial collateral ligament are based on the amount of laxity present. The knee should be tested by applying a valgus stress in full extension and 30º of knee flexion. A grade I injury has 0-5 mm of laxity, a grade II injury has 5-10 mm of laxity, and a grade III injury, which means complete ligamentous disruption, has greater than 10 mm of laxity. When the knee is tested in full extension, any laxity with valgus stress implies complete medial collateral ligament disruption.50 Injury to the lateral collateral ligament, which is uncommon, is tested by applying a varus force to the knee in extension and 30º of flexion. Lateral laxity of more than 10 mm without a firm endpoint reflects complete lateral collateral ligament rupture, while less than 10 mm of laxity suggests a partial tear.51 Whenever testing laxity, compare to the uninjured knee, as some patients have considerable normal laxity.
The Lachman test evaluates the ACL and is the single best clinical test for determining the integrity of the ACL. It is also one of the only reliable tests in a patient with an acute hemarthrosis.4,52Have the patient lie supine and flex the knee to 20º-30º. The examiner stabilizes the femur with one hand and pulls the tibia forward with the other hand, while estimating the amount of anterior movement. A distinct endpoint at which forward displacement stops suggests that the ACL is intact. The anterior drawer test is much less reliable than the Lachman test for evaluating the ACL (70% vs. 99% accuracy in one study) and should not be used.40,53 (See Figure 9.)
The posterior drawer test is the gold standard used to evaluate the posterior cruciate ligament. The examiner flexes the patient's knee to 90º, anchors the thigh, and pushes the tibia backward. The location of the anterior proximal tibia in relation to the patella and femoral condyles is used to estimate the posterior movement of the tibia on the femur. A positive test results when the tibia moves posterior to the femoral condyles.40 A blinded, randomized, controlled study of 39 patients showed it to be 96% accurate, 90% sensitive, and 99% specific. (The examiners in this study, however, were orthopedic surgeons trained in sports medicine.54)
The McMurray testevaluates the menisci. The examiner grasps the lower leg and flexes and extends the knee while internally and externally rotating the tibia on the femur. The other hand is used to palpate the knee for a clicking sensation, which constitutes a positive test. It is also considered significant if the patient experiences pain during internal and external rotation.55 This test is not specific for meniscal problems as it also detects soft-tissue injuries.4
The apprehension signis used to diagnose a partial dislocation (subluxation) of the patella or recent patellar dislocation that has spontaneously reduced. This sign describes the anxiety exhibited by the patient as the examiner attempts to slide the patella laterally, which results in pain and forceful contraction of the uadriceps femoris muscle.
More than $1 billion is spent on emergency radiography of the knee each year in the United States, with 90%-92% of these studies showing no fracture.46,47A standard knee series includes the AP, lateral, and, in most hospitals, oblique views. These films should be examined for loose bodies, osteochondral injuries, and avulsion fractures. Additional views, such as a "sunrise" view or "tunnel" view, are sometimes needed. A sunrise view is a tangential view that provides good visualization of the patella and patellofemoral joint. A tunnel view images the intercondylar notch and detects tibial spine fractures and loose bodies within the notch.4
Clinical decision rules such as the Ottawa or Pittsburgh knee rules are a cost-effective way to improve radiograph utilization. The Ottawa rules were developed from a prospective evaluation of 23 clinical indicators in 1047 adult patients with knee injuries.56 The Ottawa knee rules, which have been validated by numerous other investigators,57,58 recommend radiographs if any of the following conditions are met:59
A study of 1522 adults designed to validate the Ottawa knee rules found the sensitivity for detecting clinically important fractures to be 100%.57 Like all decision rules, the Ottawa knee rule has its limitations. The rule as not designed to apply to patients younger than 18 years, pregnant patients, patients with isolated skin injuries, patients with injuries more than seven days old, patients with altered level of consciousness, or patients who have multiple injuries.60 The Ottawa definition for ambulation is also quite liberal, with any minimal foot transfer, including severe limping, considered as "able to bear weight."60
While the Ottawa knee rules were not originally intended for the pediatric population, a recent study evaluated its applicability in children. In a prospective study of 234 patients 2-18 years old, the rule reduced the need for radiography but only had a sensitivity of 92% for detecting fractures.61
Another clinical decision rule, developed at the University of Pittsburgh, uses different criteria. The Pittsburgh rules were designed using a retrospective review of 11 clinical indicators in 201 patients with knee injuries. The Pittsburgh knee rules recommend radiography in the following circumstances:60
A prospective study of 934 patients found that the Pittsburgh knee rules outperformed the Ottawa knee rules. In the 745 patients in whom the Pittsburgh rules were applied, the sensitivity was 99% and the specificity was 60%. The Ottawa rules were applied in 750 patients and demonstrated a sensitivity of 97% with a specificity of only 27%.60
MRI is the imaging modality of choice to diagnose significant acute and chronic soft-tissue injuries of the knee.However, at the present time MRI is costly and has limited availability. Since the definitive evaluation of these injuries is rarely necessary on an emergent basis, the use of MRI is best deferred to the consultant.
The ACL is the most frequently injured major ligament in the knee and is frequently torn in skiing and contact sports, most commonly football.4The ACL is injured during recovery from falling backwards (in expert skiers) or hyperflexion and internal rotation of the knee (in lowerlevel skiers).62 This injury can also occur in basketball players when the hyperextended knee is twisted or when the patient collides with another player. An audible pop, immediate swelling, and inability to continue the activity mark this injury. The Lachman test is diagnostic.40
The medial collateral ligamentis a medial stabilizer of the knee and is most commonly injured by a blow to the lateral aspect of the knee or by the patient planting the foot and then colliding with another athlete.40 Patients usually report hearing a pop at the time of the injury, although this finding is not specific. There is often an associated ACL injury as well. A first- or second-degree sprain will have tenderness, usually at the medial femoral epicondyle. Swelling will occur quickly, but bruising is often delayed 24-36 hours. A third-degree sprain may not cause severe pain, but the patient can't continue the activity after the injury, limps, and cannot fully extend the leg.40 The degree of injury can be estimated by the amount of joint line opening. An isolated tear usually heals without surgical intervention.
Injury of the lateral collateral ligament is less common but more disabling. It occurs via hyperextension with varus stress or from a direct blow or rotation.
Injury to this ligament is less common than to the ACL due to the strength of the ligament. It is usually caused by a direct blow to the anterior tibia or a fall. The posterior drawer test is diagnostic, and treatment is conservative.
The menisci are often co-injured with other structures, usually as a result of a twisting motion to a flexed knee. Unlike collateral ligament injuries, pain with meniscal injury is usually worse with weight-bearing.51 The classic clinical triad is joint line pain, swelling, and locking. On examination, there is tenderness and effusion along the medial or lateral joint lines and pain in the posterior aspect of the knee on passive extension and flexion. There may be locking immediately after the injury due to a displaced meniscal fragment.4 A positive McMurray test is helpful in the diagnosis, but a negative test does not exclude injury. Evaluate for a locked knee, where the knee becomes fixed in flexion due to a mechanical block from the displaced cartilage.63
The definitive treatment of ligamentous and meniscal injuries is not emergent. Patients are to be mmobilized, instructed to elevate the leg, and referred to an orthopedist in 2-4 days. The exception is the acutely locked knee, in which case the orthopedist should be consulted while the patient is in the ED.
Despite its dense protective shell of 11 cruciate and collateral ligaments and tendons, significant blunt forces can cause subluxation of the tibia over the femur, causing dislocation of the knee.64 This often occurs as a result of a high-speed motor vehicle accident, but it can also occur during a sports activity, such as football, waterskiing, or skateboarding. Knee dislocations are classified according to the direction that the tibia is displaced in relation to the femur. Of knee dislocations, 50%-60% are anterior, but popliteal artery injury is most commonly associated with posterior dislocations. 65,66 The incidence of popliteal artery injury in association with knee dislocations varies from 21% to 80%.67 The risk of vascular injury appears to be less when the dislocation is relatively low-energy, such as those associated with athletic events.4
There is a high incidence of spontaneous reduction of a dislocated knee prior to ED evaluation, and the evaluating physician must maintain a high index of suspicion for this injury. The patient may give a history of the knee popping out and then popping back into place. On examination, the knee is usually grossly swollen, painful, and unstable. Sometimes with complete disruption of the joint capsule, the hematoma leaks into the thigh or calf and the knee is almost normal in size. The vascular examination may be normal or show signs of popliteal artery or peroneal nerve injury. Peroneal nerve injury is the most common major neurological problem associated with knee dislocation. The peroneal nerve is evaluated by testing sensation in the first dorsal web space and having the patient extend the big toe or dorsiflex the ankle.4
The association between knee dislocations and popliteal artery injury has been known for almost a century.68Despite this knowledge, controversy remains concerning the necessity of angiography of the popliteal artery to determine the presence of a vascular injury.
Historically, all patients with knee dislocations have undergone angiography, even those with a normal vascular examination.69-72 The current recommendation is that patients with low-energy knee dislocations and a normal vascular examination do not require arteriography but do require serial examinations.27,51 A study by Miranda et al describes their experience using selective arteriography in 35 patients with knee dislocations over a 10-year period. In this study, patients with hard signs of vascular injury at the time of evaluation had angiography. "Hard signs" included active hemorrhage, expanding hematoma, absent pulse, distal ischemia, or bruit/thrill over the popliteal artery. None of the 27 patients with a negative physical examination during their hospitalization ever developed limb ischemia, needed surgery for a vascular injury, or experienced limb loss. This limited series demonstrates that serial physical examinations have a 94.3% positive predictive value and 100% negative predictive value in diagnosing popliteal artery injury.68
Dennis et al reported a study of 38 knee dislocations. Two of these patients had hard vascular signs and popliteal artery occlusion on angiography. The remaining dislocations had no hard signs of vascular injury. Fifty percent of these were treated conservatively with no angiography and no adverse sequelae. The remaining patients had selective angiography, revealing intimal defects or narrowing of the popliteal artery, all of which were treated conservatively with no reported complications.73
Some authorities believe that serial physical examinations can obviate the need for arteriography in patients with a knee dislocation that has been reduced and who have a normal physical examination. Doppler pressure measurements may serve as rapid methods for assessing the vascular status. When the ankle/brachial pressure ratio (obtained by dividing the ankle Doppler arterial pressure by the brachial Doppler arterial pressure) is less than 0.8, arteriography should be considered.66
The dislocation should be reduced immediately with longitudinal traction after appropriate analgesia and sedation. The reduction is usually accomplished with very little difficulty. The leg should be placed in a long leg posterior splint with 15º-20º of flexion.
The common mechanism of injury for a patella dislocation involves a twisting injury when the foot is planted. The patella can also dislocate following a direct blow.27,74 The patella usually dislocates laterally and in many cases will spontaneously relocate. Patients often give a history of the knee "going out of place" and then returning to normal. (Also consider knee dislocation in this scenario.)
If the physical examination reveals only a tender swollen knee and the patella appears to be in place, then the apprehension test may be useful. It is important to evaluate the knee for ligamentous or meniscal injuries, since 12% of patella dislocations will have a concomitant major injury.62 Acute hemarthrosis is most commonly seen with an osteochondral fracture or ACL injury. Standard radiographs should be evaluated for avulsion fracture, intraarticular fragments, osteochondral fracture, and patella dislocation.4,75,76
In order to reduce a patella, extend the patient's leg while applying gentle pressure on the patella in the medial direction. Conscious sedation may be required. Once reduced, place the knee in an immobilizer in full extension with ice application for 20 minutes per hour during the first 24 hours. The knee immobilizer should be worn for 3-7 weeks, with progressive weight-bearing as tolerated. Refer the patient to an orthopedist.
Ruptures of the patella tendon usually result from pivoting, twisting, or a deceleration, such as rebounding in basketball. They are usually associated with other significant ligamentous injuries. On examination, place the knee in 90º of flexion and palpate for a gap in the tendon or a high-riding patella (patella alta). It is important to note that patients with quadriceps or patellar tendon ruptures can still walk. (They have a peculiar forward-leaning gait that allows gravity to extend the knee.) The best way to test the extensor mechanism is to have the patient extend his or her knee against gravity—passive range of motion may be normal. Radiographs may reveal a patella riding high on the femur rather than in its usual location over the knee joint.
Early diagnosis of patellar tendon rupture is important, as undetected injuries can lead to proximal retraction of the patella with resultant quadriceps contraction and adhesions.43 Emergent orthopedics consultation is indicated. (See Figure 10.)
After any significant knee injury, protect the knee with a knee immobilizer, placing the knee in 20º-30º of flexion. The RICE mnemonic (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) is generally recommended. Orthopedic referral is indicated for all patients with suspected ligamentous instability or a fracture.42
Arthrocentesis in the setting of an acute injury has limited diagnostic value. Any immediate post-traumatic effusion is assumed to be a hemarthrosis. While fat globules in the aspirate are characteristic of intraarticular fractures, they can also represent significant soft-tissue injury.77 In order to visualize the globules, place the aspirate in an emesis basin for a few minutes,
allowing the globules to rise to the surface.42
Arthrocentesis may permit better examination of the injured knee. Decompression of a large effusion and instillation of a local anesthetic affords significant pain relief. This relief is only temporary, however, and the hemarthrosistends to recur within the first 24 hours due to the loss of the tamponade effect. The usual treatment of rest, ice, compression, and elevation—especially compression—is important post-arthrocentesis.42
Intraarticular injection of morphine and bupivacaine has been used for its analgesic effect after traumatic knee injuries and elective knee arthroscopy. Recent studies have shown that both drugs reduce the need for systemic analgesia; morphine is more effective and can provide relief for up to 24 hours.78,95-97 However, these few studies have all been done in post-operative patients without acute injury. The typical dose is 1-5 mg of morphine (1 mg/mL diluted in normal saline to a total volume of 30 mL), although a more concentrated dose with less volume is a reasonable option.
Of all spontaneous tendon ruptures, complete Achilles tendon tears are most closely associated with sports activities.44 This injury usually occurs with sudden acceleration or jumping, such as in soccer, track and field, basketball, or racquet sports, but it can even occur just by stepping off a curb.44 Conditions that predispose to Achilles tendon rupture include rheumatoid arthritis, gout, systemic lupus erythematosus, hyperparathyroidism, chronic renal failure, and corticosteroid or fluoroquinolone use.79,80 The patient usually experiences a sudden pop or snap in the foot or ankle with associated pain. The pain may be minimal and resolve spontaneously.
Achilles tendon rupture is missed in up to 25% of patients by the initial examiner,81 perhaps because patients can still plantar flex (using the toe flexors and other muscles). While the defect in the tendon may be palpated, edema and hemorrhage can quickly obscure the gap. This injury is best assessed using the Thompson's test (also known as the Thompson's squeeze test). The patient is placed prone on the bed with his or her knees flexed to 90º (feet in the air). The calf muscles are squeezed just distal to their widest girth, and the movement of the foot is observed. The absence of plantar flexion of the foot defines a positive test. This was shown to be accurate in 19 of 19 cases in an autopsy series reported by Thompson and Doherty.82 While this test can be negative with partial tears, incomplete injuries are thought to be uncommon.
MRI is diagnostic but is usually left to the consultant. Some physicians obtain plain radiographs to exclude a fracture, as associated ankle or foot fractures are sporadically reported.83-85 Treatment involves casting and/or surgery. It is important to make this diagnosis at the time of initial evaluation, because this can be a debilitating injury if left untreated. If the patient is discharged, splint the foot in plantar flexion and have the patient see the orthopedist within
several days.63
Gastrocnemius strain, also known as "tennis leg," is a strain involving the musculotendinous junction of the medial head of the gastrocnemius and the Achilles tendon. The injury occurs following a vigorous propulsive movement such as a jump or sudden start. The patient reports a pop in the medial upper calf. There is instant pain, and spasm of the calf muscles results in plantar flexion. On examination, there is exquisite point tenderness at the medial junction of the middle and proximal thirds of the calf. Swelling and ecchymosis usually occurs distally. Assess the Achilles tendon function using the Thompson's test. Treatment involves a posterior splint with the foot at 90º. Dorsiflexion must be started within 24 hours post-injury to regain
ankle motion.42
The May 2002 issue of Emergency Medicine Practice, "Ankle Injuries In The ED: How To Provide Rapid And Cost- Effective Assessment And Treatment ," features a full discussion of ankle injuries. Key points concerning sportsrelated ankle injuries follow.
Ankle sprains are the most common of all ankle injuries (85% of all acute ankle injuries are sprains86) and are especially likely to be sustained in sports and recreational activities.43 At present, functional treatment is the rule, and less importance is attributed to differentiating between single and multiple ligament injuries.43 The ankle is often injured during football when a player attempts to change direction quickly on an outside leg that is planted during pivoting. A player's ankle may also be injured by being stepped on.
Some controversy exists regarding the optimal treatment of ankle sprains. A recent systematic review of 12 studies of high methodological quality evaluated functional treatment vs. immobilization. The data favor the functional approach (early mobilization as tolerated) for the following outcomes: return to work and sports, short-term resolution of swelling, and intermediate subjective stability. Immobilized patients were more likely to have impaired range of motion. Patients in the functional management group were more likely to be satisfied with their care in the short and intermediate term and tended to report less pain. No differences were noted between subjective stability or rates of recurrent ankle pain.87
The foot is divided into three anatomic regions: the hindfoot, which includes the talus and calcaneus; the midfoot, which includes the navicular, cuboid, and cuneiforms; and the forefoot, which includes the metatarsals, phalanges, and sesamoids. (See Figure 11.)
Determine whether the injury was a result of direct trauma or a torsional force. Ask the patient about the location of the pain, ability to ambulate, as well as previous injuries and operations. A directed physical examination should include inspection for edema and ecchymosis, palpation to localize pain, a neurovascular examination, and range-of-motion examination. Tenderness over the navicular and the base of the fifth metatarsal should be targeted for special attention, as these bones are statistically the most likely injured.88
A standard radiographic series of the foot includes AP, lateral, and 45º internal oblique views. Overlapping bones, accessory centers of ossification, and sesamoids can complicate interpretation.4
A variety of athletic activities can result in foot injuries. An injury identified with increasing frequency in snowboarders (but difficult to detect on plain radiographs) is fracture of the lateral process of the talus.89 The midfoot is also frequently injured, especially the tarsometatarsal joint, also known as Lisfranc's joint. A Lisfranc injury is any injury to this joint or bones contiguous with the joint.43 These injuries can occur in a sport that involves fixation of the forefoot, such as equestrian activity and windsurfing. This injury also occurs in football when the player sustains a blow to the back of the heel, or in baseball while sliding into a base.43
On examination, there is tenderness along the dorsal aspect of the midfoot and variable amounts of swelling. Joint laxity may be present. Spontaneous reduction of this fracture often occurs, resulting in subtle radiographic changes. On the lateral view, look for anatomic alignment of the dorsal margin of the first metatarsal with the lateral cuneiform. AP views should reveal exact alignment of the medial edge of the second metatarsal and intermediate cuneiform. Fractures of the bases of the metatarsals or cuboid fracture suggest severe ligamentous injury as well. Initial management involves splinting and outpatient orthopedic referral to assess the need for surgical repair.43 (See Figure 12.)
The Jones fracture is a transverse fracture at the proximal metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction of the fifth metatarsal. (See Figure 13.) This is commonly confused with a fracture of the tuberosity of the fifth metatarsal base. These are different injuries and require diverse management. The Jones fracture has a significant risk of delayed union or non-union. The mechanism of injury is a load applied to the lateral forefoot without inversion, such as in sports involving running and jumping.4 Most metatarsal fractures can be treated with a cast shoe, but the Jones fracture requires splinting and possible surgical management. An acute fracture can be treated by immobilization in a posterior splint with nonweight- bearing and orthopedic referral.4
Turftoe refers to a sprain of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. This term was coined in 1976, when the injury was attributed to hard, artificial turf playing surfaces. 43 In most cases, the injury occurs as a result of hyperextension (dorsiflexion) of the joint. Examination reveals pain and swelling of the great toe with painful range of motion. Radiographs may show a capsular avulsion fracture involving the first metatarsal head or the base of the proximal phalanx. The mainstay of treatment for this injury is rest, which is difficult to enforce in some athletes. Compression dressing, elevation, and ice are also useful, as well as NSAIDs. Taping the toe to resist dorsiflexion also helps to relieve pain and control swelling.43 Cortisone or anesthetic injections are not indicated and can prolong recovery.90
Schmidt and Hollwarth compared the frequency of sportsinjuries in children with their physical location.91 They found that almost 44% of all injuries involve the upper extremities, 16% involve the head, and 34.5% involve the lower extremities. The peak incidence for injuries is age 12. In general, sprains, contusions, and lacerations account for most injuries. In the lower extremities, the knee joint is the most commonly injured area.51,74
The ligaments and articular capsule are firmer than bone and the epiphyseal plate in children.92 As a result, trauma to this region of the maturing skeleton usually injures the cartilaginous epiphyseal plate.4 These injuries result from shearing and avulsion forces as well as compression. The cartilaginous cells of the epiphysis may be damaged, resulting in premature closure of the epiphyseal plate and disturbance in bone growth. (See Figure 14 )
The clavicle is the most commonly fractured bone in children.81 Most of these fractures are greenstick injuries of the midshaft clavicle. Associated neurovascular injury is rare. However, as in adults, posterior displacement of the clavicle from the sternoclavicular joint can cause compression of the trachea or mediastinal vessels. Treatment is sling of the shoulder and analgesia.
GH dislocations are unusual before physeal closure. As in adults, most dislocations are anterior. Diagnosis and treatment are the same. Orthopedic referral is essential, as many of these patients can develop chronic instability.
More than 50% of elbow fractures are supracondylar and occur as a result of a fall on an outstretched arm with hyperextension at the elbow. Direct vascular injury is uncommon, but the pulse may be diminished secondary to arterial spasm. Neurologic deficits are usually transient but can be due to direct nerve injury. Emergent orthopedic consultation is usually required for these injuries. Forearm compartment syndrome is a feared complication.
The elbow is dislocated more often than any other major joint in children and adolescents, but it is still an unusual injury. Associated fractures are common. Neurovascular examination is important to evaluate for ulnar nerve and brachial artery injury.81
The presence of unfused epiphyses predisposes the pediatric hip and pelvis to traction injuries. Large fragments of bone can be avulsed with sudden and unexpected loads. The anterior superior iliac spine can be avulsed during football when the kicking foot is suddenly blocked or tackled. The psoas muscle can also avulse off of the lesser trochanter. The whole apophyseal plate of the ischium can separate via a pull of the hamstrings. This can be caused by overstretching the leading leg while running. Treatment for any of these injuries is conservative, and surgery is rarely needed.55
An avulsion injury may mimic a tear of the ACL. The ACL remains intact, but a large piece of the proximal tibia is avulsed secondary to flexion, twisting, or hyperextension.
In pediatric knee injuries, radiographs may be normal, but be suspicious of a significant injury if the knee is unstable. An unwary emergency physician may mistake a tibial tubercle for an avulsion fracture. Meniscal problems in this age group are uncommon.55
Physeal fractures in the region of the knee may be associated with ligamentous injuries.4 Immobilization and prompt orthopedic referral are mandatory.
The twisting injuries that cause a fracture in adults produce a different pattern of injury in the immature skeleton. Inversion trauma to the ankle of a skeletally immature patient frequently causes separation of the distal fibular physis and spares the lateral ligaments. Physeal fractures are commonly misdiagnosed as ankle sprains, because spontaneous reduction usually occurs and radiographs reveal no bony abnormality.43 In general, ankle fractures in children are minimally displaced. However, when they involve the articular surface, they may require surgery.
While sports injuries are common, they do present several distinct challenges to the emergency physician. Above all, the emergency physician must accurately determine whether the injury is stable or unstable. This key determination drives further management, including the type of follow-up and referral that are necessary. Knowing which types of serious injuries can masquerade as seemingly trivial injuries will serve the patient and physician alike Radiography associated with orthopedic sports injuries is costly, and the films are often negative. Important aspects of the history and physical examination, including some physical examination maneuvers, can help obviate the need for radiography under some circumstances—and increase the index of suspicion for serious injury in others. Clinical decision rules such as the Ottawa ankle rules, Ottawa knee rules, and Pittsburgh knee rules are medically appropriate and cost-effective.
The RICE regimen (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) is generally recommended for patients with orthopedic sports injuries. Analgesia—usually NSAIDs—may also be appropriate depending on the circumstances.
A systematic literature review suggests that melted ice water applied through a wet towel for 10-minute intervals is most effective in lowering the temperature of the underlying structures, but there is no proof that this affects clinical outcome.93 The target temperature reduction is 10ºC-15ºC. Using repeated rather than continuous ice applications helps sustain reduced muscle temperatures without compromising the skin. There are no large, randomized studies to help the physician decide how often and how long to use ice.94
Heat is generally not recommended for acute injury, but it has theoretical benefit. No large, controlled trials of heat therapy for acute injury were found in one MEDLINE search.93
1. "He said that he just turned his ankle. He didn't mention hearing a pop. I didn't think he would havean Achilles injury."
2. "I know she was in too much pain to let me stress her knee, but it seemed like a simple knee strain. I didn't think she needed referral to an orthopedist."
3. " I'm pretty sure that he broke his humeral head as a result of the fall that caused his shoulder dislocation. I really don't think I did it as a result of the reduction."
4. "I didn't think he had a knee dislocation. His knee joint appeared normal on x-ray."
5. "You manage a Jones fracture the same as any other metatarsal fracture—with a cast shoe. Right?"
6. "He said he had knee pain. His knee exam was normal, so I diagnosed him with a strain and discharged him."
7. "Her shoulder series of radiographs was normal. The technician forgot to do an axillary view, but I didn't think it was important."
8. "He was too sleepy after the conscious sedation I gave him to reduce his elbow dislocation. He didn't complain of any numbness or weakness in his hand."
9. "His x-rays were normal. I didn't think he broke his ankle. Sure, he couldn't bear weight on it, but he's just a kid. They heal quickly, right?"
10. "How could he have ruptured his quadriceps muscle? He was able to walk, and I could move his knee without any problem."
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Evidence-based medicine requires a critical appraisal of the literature based upon study methodology and number of subjects. Not all references are equally robust. The findings of a large, prospective, randomized, and blinded trial should carry more weight than a case report. To help the reader judge the strength of each reference, pertinent information about the study, such as the type of study and the number of patients in the study, will be Evidence-based medicine requires a critical appraisal of the literature based upon study methodology and number of subjects. Not all references are equally robust. The findings of a large, prospective, randomized, and blinded trial should carry more weight than a case report. To help the reader judge the strength of each reference, pertinent information about the study, such as the type of study and the number of patients in the study, will be included in bold type following the reference, where available. In addition, the most informative references cited in the paper, as determined by the authors, will be noted by
an asterisk (*) next to the number of the reference.
Money-back GuaranteeLisa Freeman; Adam Corley
April 1, 2003
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