Invited Review: Common sports-related nerve injuries seen by the electrodiagnostic medical consultant-Link to article

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The review by Jordan I. Farag and colleagues delves into common sports-related nerve injuries encountered by electrodiagnostic medical consultants (EMCs). EMCs play a crucial role in diagnosing and managing these injuries through electrodiagnostic (EDx) assessments, which help in determining correct diagnoses, prognoses, and management strategies for athletes. The article covers several nerve injuries prevalent among athletes, including:<br /><br />1. <strong>Cervical Root and Brachial Plexus Injuries:</strong> These injuries, known as "stingers" or "burners," typically arise in contact sports such as American football and rugby. They are often transient, resolving quickly. However, persistent cases require thorough evaluation through EDx and imaging to exclude cervical spine or spinal cord injury.<br /><br />2. <strong>Shoulder Neuropathies:</strong> Due to their mobility, shoulders are prone to nerve injuries, particularly in overhead athletes like volleyball and baseball players. Suprascapular neuropathy and axillary nerve injuries are discussed, with treatment strategies ranging from physical rehabilitation to surgical interventions.<br /><br />3. <strong>Ulnar Neuropathy in Throwers:</strong> This condition is prevalent in sports like baseball, where repeated valgus stress can lead to ulnar nerve issues. Diagnosis typically involves EDx studies, with treatment encompassing non-surgical and sometimes surgical options.<br /><br />4. <strong>Ulnar Neuropathy in Cyclists:</strong> Known as cyclist palsy, this condition results from sustained handlebar pressure, leading to various ulnar nerve lesions. Management involves altering cycling activities and equipment, with most cases not requiring surgery.<br /><br />5. <strong>Multi-ligamentous Knee Injury:</strong> Common in knee dislocations, these injuries frequently affect the common fibular nerve. EDx and imaging are advised for diagnosis and prognosis.<br /><br />6. <strong>Foot and Ankle Neuropathies:</strong> These often occur in running and dancing activities and include inferior calcaneal, medial plantar, and tibial nerve entrapments. Diagnosis involves EDx and imaging, while treatments are generally conservative but sometimes surgical.<br /><br />The review emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of peripheral nerve anatomy and biomechanics in athletes to manage these injuries effectively. Diagnosis often combines EDx, imaging techniques, and an athlete-centered approach to treatment.

Keywords

sports-related nerve injuries

electrodiagnostic assessments

Cervical Root injuries

Brachial Plexus injuries

Shoulder Neuropathies

Ulnar Neuropathy

Cyclist palsy

Multi-ligamentous Knee Injury

Foot and Ankle Neuropathies

athlete-centered treatment