Best Practice Case Studies-Case 146 Asset 1 Sideline Emergencies and C-Spine Injuries

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The lecture series opened with housekeeping from the moderator, who introduced two talks aimed at helping sports medicine fellows prepare for board exams and clinical practice.<br /><br />Dr. Ed Laskowski presented on sports-related cervical spine injuries. He reviewed the epidemiology of cervical spine trauma, noting that although relatively uncommon, these injuries can be catastrophic. He discussed common sports risks, including football, wrestling, gymnastics, hockey, diving, skiing, and cycling. Key topics included cervical anatomy, nerve root testing, and the distinction between common injuries such as stingers/burners, cervical strains, disc pathology, transient quadriplegia, fractures, and dislocations. He emphasized evaluation principles, including neurologic examination, imaging when indicated, and recognizing red flags such as bilateral symptoms, midline tenderness, or instability. He also reviewed return-to-play criteria and cautioned against unsafe clearance in cases of instability, stenosis, or significant neurologic injury. In response to a question, he stressed that a cervical collar alone is not sufficient for suspected spinal injury and that proper immobilization and EMS coordination are essential.<br /><br />Dr. Jeremy Whitley then covered sideline emergencies using case-based examples. He reviewed concussion and intracranial bleed recognition, emphasizing immediate removal from play, neurologic assessment, and CT decision rules when needed. He next discussed exertional heat illness, highlighting the importance of wet-bulb globe temperature, rapid cooling, and rectal temperature assessment for suspected heat stroke. He also reviewed thoracoabdominal trauma, stressing systematic trauma evaluation, recognition of life-threatening injuries, and the role of FAST ultrasound. Finally, he covered sudden cardiac arrest, emphasizing early CPR, AED use, and emergency action planning as the most important lifesaving steps.<br /><br />Overall, the session focused on practical sideline recognition, stabilization, and safe return-to-play decision-making.

Meta Tag

Edition 4th Edition

Related Case 4th Edition, Case 146

Topic Neurology

Keywords

4th Edition

4th Edition, Case 146

Neurology

sports medicine

cervical spine injuries

sideline emergencies

concussion management

exertional heat illness

sudden cardiac arrest

return-to-play criteria

neurologic examination

trauma evaluation

AED use