Best Practice Case Studies-Case 145 Asset 4 Sideline Emergencies and C-Spine Injuries

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The session featured two sports medicine lectures for fellows.<br /><br />Dr. Ed Leskowski discussed sports-related cervical spine injuries. He reviewed common cervical conditions in athletes, including stingers/burners, cervical strains, disc injuries, transient quadriplegia, fractures, and dislocations. He emphasized key anatomy, neurologic root findings, and the importance of cervical lordosis and “CSF reserve” in protecting the spinal cord. He covered mechanisms of injury, evaluation with imaging when indicated, and return-to-play guidance. Important points included that bilateral symptoms suggest cord injury, persistent pain or neurologic deficits require imaging, and instability is a contraindication to return. He also addressed field management of suspected spinal injury, including immobilization, helmet/pad considerations, and transporting athletes safely. A question about collar-only management was answered by stressing that a hard collar alone is not enough when spine injury is suspected.<br /><br />Dr. Jeremy Whitley then presented on sideline emergencies using case-based examples. He reviewed how to assess and manage concussion and other head injuries, including when to send athletes for emergency evaluation and use of CT decision rules. He discussed heat illness, stressing rapid recognition, rectal temperature assessment when possible, immediate cooling, and emergency action plans. He also covered chest and abdominal trauma, including tension pneumothorax, FAST exam use, and signs of internal bleeding. Finally, he reviewed sudden cardiac arrest on the sideline, emphasizing early CPR, rapid defibrillation, and having an emergency action plan. He concluded that sideline care should be systematic, cautious, and guided by a low threshold for transfer when serious injury is possible.

Meta Tag

Edition 4th Edition

Related Case 4th Edition, Case 145

Topic Neurology

Keywords

4th Edition

4th Edition, Case 145

Neurology

sports medicine

cervical spine injuries

concussion management

sideline emergencies

heat illness

sudden cardiac arrest

spinal immobilization

return-to-play

tension pneumothorax

emergency action plan