Effects of Static and Dynamic Stretching on Injury Prevention in High School Soccer Athletes: A Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if there is any benefit to static stretching after performing a dynamic warm-up in the prevention of injury in high school soccer athletes. DESIGN: Prospective cluster randomized nonblinded study. SETTING: 12 high schools with varsity and junior varsity boys' soccer teams (24 soccer teams) across the state of Michigan. PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred ninety-nine student-athletes were enrolled, and 465 completed the study. One high school dropped out of the study in the first week, leaving a total of 22 teams. INTERVENTIONS: Dynamic stretching protocol vs dynamic + static (D+S) stretching protocol. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Lower-extremity, core, or lower-back injuries per team. RESULTS: Twelve teams performed the dynamic stretching protocol and 10 teams performed the D+S stretching protocol. There were 17 injuries (1.42 ± 1.49 injuries/ team) among the teams that performed the dynamic stretching protocol and 20 injuries (2.0 ± 1.24 injuries/ team) among the teams that performed the D+S protocol. There was no statistically significant difference in injuries between the 2 groups (P = .33). CONCLUSIONS: There is no difference between dynamic stretching and D+S stretching in the prevention of lower-extremity, core, and back injuries in high school male soccer athletes. Static stretching does not provide any added benefit to dynamic stretching in the prevention of injury in this population before exercise.

A Schatzker Type III Tibial Plateau Fracture in a Soccer Player: A Case Report.

The tibial plateau is an important load-bearing surface in the knee, and when fractured, there is subsequent loss of motion and stability. These fractures typically result from axial loading and twisting. Our case outlines a tibial plateau fracture in a 15-year-old soccer player. The physical examination was positive for a decreased range of motion, pain with valgus stress, and positive ballottement. Radiography of the knee revealed joint effusion but no definite fracture. MRI revealed a Schatzker Type III fracture and a partial medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear. Our patient was referred for open repair and internal fixation. The Schatzker classification system is divided by type and location of fracture. Types I through III are located laterally, Type IV is medial, Type V identifies bicondylar fractures, and Type VI identifies tibial diaphysis separation from the metaphysis. These fractures are managed both nonoperatively and operatively. Nonoperative management is recommended for minimally displaced fractures that will heal without notable deformity. Operative management is indicated for displaced and unstable fractures, which include all fracture Types IV through VI, and certain Type I through III fractures that have valgus alignment or large articular surface involvement. Recovery time is lengthy and largely dependent on the fracture type. The first six weeks usually involve non-weightbearing, the second six weeks include weightbearing as tolerated, with knee range of motion exercises and muscle strengthening. Although open repair and internal fixation usually provide good results, some athletes cannot return to their previous levels of activity.

Soccer player with unusual right shoulder and arm pain and swelling.

INTRODUCTION Paget-Schroetter syndrome, or effort thrombosis, refers to a deep venous thrombosis in an upper extremity. It is most commonly located in the axillary or subclavian veins and is associated with vigorous repetitive movements and anatomic abnormalities. CASE PRESENTATION This case study describes an 18-year-old Division 1 soccer player who presented with worsening axillary swelling and pain. He was found to have subclavian stenosis at the level of the thoracic inlet between the clavicle and first rib, with deep venous thrombosis in his right axillary, subclavian, proximal brachial, and basilic veins. It was diagnosed with ultrasound and confirmed with venography. He was treated initially with enoxaparin and warfarin before having mechanical thrombolysis, balloon venoplasty, infusion of tissue plasminogen activator, and a right first rib resection. CONCLUSION As Paget-Schroetter syndrome is rare, early recognition and management leads to fewer long-lasting sequelae and less morbidity. Left untreated, it can result in pulmonary embolism and residual upper extremity obstruction.

Unusual cause of elbow pain in a baseball pitcher.

An adolescent, right hand-dominant, baseball pitcher presented to sports medicine clinic with posterolateral right elbow pain over 4 months. He rated his pain as 8/10 with pitching, especially at the late cocking phase of throwing. Prior to consult, he had rested 3 months from pitching, progressing to strengthening exercises, with no pain relief. On physical examination, he had 120° of active external rotation, 80° of active internal rotation, mild tenderness to palpation over the capitellum and normal elbow radiography. Magnetic resonance arthrogram of the right elbow revealed subtle, posterolateral joint capsular tear and adjacent synovial hypertrophy. The patient was diagnosed with elbow synovial fold syndrome that was causing impingement at the radiocapitellar joint and was referred to an orthopaedic surgeon. Arthroscopy revealed redundant tissue; scar formation at the radiocapitellar joint was debrided. The patient participated in physical therapy for 2 months and was able to start throwing 3 months later.

Skin Cancer.

Skin cancer accounts for most malignancies across the globe. They are primarily divided into melanoma and nonmelanoma skin malignancies. Nonmelanoma skin cancer includes basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Fair skin and chronic ultraviolet B exposure are the most important risk factors. Primary prevention is achieved by avoiding sun exposure and tanning beds.