Commotio cordis (conmoción cardíaca) en un niño. Reporte de un caso / Commotio cordis (cardiac concussion) in a child. A case report

Commotio cordis o conmoción cardíaca es un síndrome arritmogénico mecano-eléctrico raro y mortal. Es la segunda causa de muerte súbita en atletas jóvenes. Se asocia con una lesión que se produce durante la práctica deportiva, en la que un proyectil impacta a alta velocidad en el precordio y provoca una arritmia que conduce a la muerte inmediata del individuo sin una reanimación cardíaca. En las autopsias, los corazones son estructuralmente sanos. Con el conocimiento de este síndrome y las capacitaciones de reanimación cardiorrespiratoria a la comunidad, las tasas de supervivencia han mejorado. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir un paciente que llegó a nuestro hospital con conmotio cordis y su evolución, enfatizando la importancia de medidas de prevención y capacitación de la población en técnicas de reanimación cardiopulmonar y uso del desfibrilador externo automático para la supervivencia de los pacientes que sufren esta entidad.

Commotio cordis or cardiac concussion is a rare and fatal mechano-electric arrhythmogenic syndrome. It is the second most common cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes. It is most commonly associated with a sports-related injury, wherein, there is a high-velocity impact between a projectile and the precordium, causing arrhythmia that leads to the immediate death of the individual without cardiac resuscitation. On autopsy, the heart is structurally normal. With increasing awareness of this condition and community training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, survival rates have been improving. The objective of this study is to describe the case of a patient who arrived at our hospital with commotio cordis and his course, emphasizing the importance of prevention and training of the population in cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques and the use of the automated external defibrillator for the survival of patients suffering from commotio cordis.

Menstrual Cycle Patterns After Concussion in Adolescent Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To describe menstrual cycle patterns in adolescents with concussion and investigate whether menstrual cycle phase at injury influenced postconcussion cycle pattern changes or concussion symptoms. STUDY DESIGN: Data were collected prospectively from patients aged 13-18 years presenting to a specialty care concussion clinic for an initial visit (≤28 days postconcussion) and, if clinically indicated, at a follow-up visit 3-4 months postinjury. Primary outcomes included menstrual cycle pattern change since injury (change/no change), menstrual cycle phase at time of injury (calculated using date of last period before injury), and symptom endorsement and severity, measured by Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory (PCSI). Fisher exact tests were used to determine the association between menstrual phase at injury and change in cycle pattern. Multiple linear regression was used to determine whether menstrual phase at injury was associated with PCSI endorsement and symptom severity, adjusting for age. RESULTS: Five hundred twelve postmenarchal adolescents were enrolled (age 15.2 ± 1.4 years), with 111 (21.7%) returning for follow-up at 3-4 months. Menstrual pattern change was reported by 4% of patients at initial visit and 10.8% of patients at follow-up. At 3-4 months, menstrual phase at injury was not associated with menstrual cycle changes (P = .40) but was associated with endorsement of concussion symptoms on the PCSI (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: At 3-4 months' postconcussion, 1 in 10 adolescents experienced a change in menses. Menstrual cycle phase at injury was associated with postconcussion symptom endorsement. Leveraging a large sample of postconcussion menstrual patterns, this study represents foundational data regarding potential menstrual cycle effects of concussion in female adolescents.

Intrinsic Risk Factors for Noncontact Musculoskeletal Injury in Collegiate Swimmers: A Prospective Cohort Study.

CONTEXT: Shoulder pain is pervasive in swimmers of all ages. However, given the limited number of prospective studies, injury risk factors in swimmers remain uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To determine the extent to which the risk factors of previous injury, poor movement competency, erroneous freestyle swimming technique, and low perceived susceptibility to sport injury were associated with noncontact musculoskeletal injury in collegiate swimmers. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: College natatorium. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-seven National College Athletic Association Division III swimmers (21 females, 16 males; median age = 19 years [interquartile range = 3 years], height = 175 ± 10 cm; mass = 70.0 ± 10.9 kg). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Participants completed preseason questionnaires on their previous injuries and perceived susceptibility to sport injury. At the beginning of the season, they completed the Movement System Screening Tool and the Freestyle Swimming Technique Assessment. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs for the association between each risk factor and injury. RESULTS: Eleven of the 37 participants (29.7%) sustained an injury. Univariate analyses identified 2 risk factors: previous injury (OR = 8.89 [95% CI = 1.78, 44.48]) and crossover hand positions during the freestyle entry phase (OR = 8.50 [95% CI = 1.50, 48.05]). After adjusting for previous injury, we found that a higher perceived percentage chance of injury (1 item from the Perceived Susceptibility to Sport Injury) decreased the injury odds (adjusted OR = 0.11 [95% CI = 0.02, 0.82]). Poor movement competency was not associated with injury (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Previous injury, a crossover hand-entry position in freestyle, and a low perceived percentage chance of injury were associated with increased injury odds. Ascertaining injury histories and assessing for crossover positions may help identify swimmers with an elevated injury risk and inform injury-prevention strategies.

Commotio cordis (cardiac concussion) in a child. A case report. / Commotio cordis (conmoción cardíaca) en un niño. Reporte de un caso.

Commotio cordis or cardiac concussion is a rare and fatal mechano-electric arrhythmogenic syndrome. It is the second most common cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes. It is most commonly associated with a sports-related injury, wherein, there is a high-velocity impact between a projectile and the precordium, causing arrhythmia that leads to the immediate death of the individual without cardiac resuscitation. On autopsy, the heart is structurally normal. With increasing awareness of this condition and community training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, survival rates have been improving. The objective of this study is to describe the case of a patient who arrived at our hospital with commotio cordis and his course, emphasizing the importance of prevention and training of the population in cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques and the use of the automated external defibrillator for the survival of patients suffering from commotio cordis.

Commotio cordis o conmoción cardíaca es un síndrome arritmogénico mecano-eléctrico raro y mortal. Es la segunda causa de muerte súbita en atletas jóvenes. Se asocia con una lesión que se produce durante la práctica deportiva, en la que un proyectil impacta a alta velocidad en el precordio y provoca una arritmia que conduce a la muerte inmediata del individuo sin una reanimación cardíaca. En las autopsias, los corazones son estructuralmente sanos. Con el conocimiento de este síndrome y las capacitaciones de reanimación cardiorrespiratoria a la comunidad, las tasas de supervivencia han mejorado. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir un paciente que llegó a nuestro hospital con conmotio cordis y su evolución, enfatizando la importancia de medidas de prevención y capacitación de la población en técnicas de reanimación cardiopulmonar y uso del desfibrilador externo automático para la supervivencia de los pacientes que sufren esta entidad.

Temporal Differences in Concussion Symptom Factors in Adolescents following Sports-Related Concussion.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate temporal differences in concussion symptoms up to 30 days following a sports-related concussion. STUDY DESIGN: Adolescent and young adult athletes (n = 782) were separated based on time since injury at presentation as Early (0-7 days; n = 321, age: 15.4 ± 1.9 years, 51.7% female), Middle (8-14 days; n = 281, age: 15.8 ± 2.2 years, 54.8% female), and Late (15-30 days; n = 180, age: 15.6 ± 1.8 years, 52.8% female). All participants completed the 22-item Post-Concussion Symptom Scale at first visit. A confirmatory factor analysis was completed separately for each time since injury cohort using a 4-component model reported previously. RESULTS: The confirmatory factor analysis model fit was acceptable for Early, Middle, and Late (using cognitive-migraine-fatigue, affective, sleep, and somatic factors). Both affective (change = 0.30; P = .01; Cohen d = 0.30) and sleep (change = 0.51; P ≤ .001; Cohen d = 0.47) factors were significantly greater in the Late group compared with the Early, but not Middle, groups. The previously reported 4-factor symptom model, including cognitive-migraine-fatigue, affective, somatic, and sleep factors, was appropriate for adolescents up to 30 days' postinjury. However, adolescents who presented between 15 and 30 days' postinjury reported greater affective and sleep symptoms than those who presented within 1 week. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should consider these temporal differences when evaluating concussion symptoms in adolescents, as greater affective and sleep symptoms can be predictive of prolonged recovery/persistent complications.

Management of Acute Subaxial Trauma and Spinal Cord Injury in Professional Collision Athletes.

Sports-related acute cervical trauma and spinal cord injury (SCI) represent a rare but devastating potential complication of collision sport injuries. Currently, there is debate on appropriate management protocols and return-to-play guidelines in professional collision athletes following cervical trauma. While cervical muscle strains and sprains are among the most common injuries sustained by collision athletes, the life-changing effects of severe neurological sequelae (ie, quadriplegia and paraplegia) from fractures and SCIs require increased attention and care. Appropriate on-field management and subsequent transfer/workup at an experienced trauma/SCI center is necessary for optimal patient care, prevention of injury exacerbation, and improvement in outcomes. This review discusses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, immediate/long-term management, and current return-to-play recommendations of athletes who suffer cervical trauma and SCI.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Precision Vestibular Rehabilitation in Adolescents following Concussion: Preliminary Findings.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of a 4-week precision vestibular rehabilitation intervention compared with a behavioral management control intervention for adolescents with vestibular symptoms/impairment within 21 days of a concussion. STUDY DESIGN: This study used double-blind, randomized controlled trial design involving adolescent (12-18 years) patients with a diagnosed sport/recreation-related concussion with vestibular symptoms/impairment from a concussion-specialty clinic between October 2018 and February 2020. Eligible participants were randomized in a 1:1 to either a 4-week vestibular intervention group (VESTIB) or a behavioral management control group (CONTROL). CONTROLS (n = 25) were prescribed behavioral management strategies (eg, physical activity, sleep, hydration, nutrition, stress management) and instructed to perform stretching/physical activity (eg, walking, stationary cycle) 30 minutes/day. VESTIB (n = 25) were prescribed precision vestibular rehabilitation exercises and instructed to perform at-home exercises for 30 minutes/day. Primary outcomes were improvement in Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening vestibular items (ie, horizontal/vertical vestibular-ocular reflex, visual motion sensitivity) at 4 weeks postenrollment. RESULTS: We screened 310 and enrolled a total of 55 (18%) adolescent patients who were randomized to one of the interventions. Fifty of fifty-five (91%) participants completed all aspects of the study protocol. Participants in VESTIB improved significantly across the intervention period in horizontal (mean difference-1.628; 95% CI [-3.20, -0.06]; P = .04) and vertical (mean difference-2.24; 95% CI [-4.01, -0.48]; P = .01) vestibular-ocular reflex, but not visual motion sensitivity (mean difference-2.03; 95% CI [-4.26, 0.19]) of the Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening score compared with CONTROLS. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the vestibular intervention group experienced greater clinical improvements in vestibular symptoms/impairment than controls across the 4-week intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03555370.

Fractura de húmero por estrés en lanzador de beisbol. Presentación de un caso / Humerus fracture by stress in baseball pitcher. Case presentation

RESUMEN Se presentó el caso de un adolescente que sufrió fractura por estrés del húmero izquierdo, mientras lanzaba en un partido de béisbol. Las fracturas de húmero por estrés son infrecuentes. Generalmente ocurre en los atletas que practican deportes de lanzamiento, es más frecuente en los lanzadores de béisbol amateurs de poca experiencia. Esta lesión es debida a la tracción muscular incoordinada y fuerza de torsión cuando la pelota es lanzada, asociada a la fatiga física. Puede ocurrir a nivel de los tercios medio y superior del húmero, entre las inserciones del deltoides y el pectoral mayor, así como en el tercio distal. Es común la presencia de dolor poco antes de producirse la fractura. Se enfatizó en la importancia de tener presente la posibilidad de presentación de este tipo de fractura en los atletas que practican deportes de lanzamientos, así como tener presente además las complicaciones que puedan presentarse a partir de este tipo de lesión. Se analizaron los datos recogidos en la historia clínica del paciente. Es importante pensar en este tipo de lesión, pues en ocasiones el cuadro clínico no es evidente. Se señaló además la necesidad de realizar un estricto seguimiento del paciente ante la posibilidad de lesión del nervio radial (AU).

ABSTRACT The authors present the case of a teenager who suffered left humerus fracture due to stress while he was pitching a baseball game. Humerus fractures caused by stress are infrequent. They commonly occur in athletes practicing throwing sports, being more frequent in amateur baseball pitchers with little experience. This lesion is due to uncoordinated muscular traction and torsion strength when the ball is thrown, all associated to physical fatigue. It can happen at the level of the medial and upper third of the humerus, between the insertions of deltoids and pectoral major muscles, and also in the distal third. The presence of pain is common a little before the fracture happens. The authors emphasize in the importance of taking into account the possibility of this kind of fracture occurring in athletes practicing throwing sports, and also the complications appearing after this kind of lesion. Data collected from the patient?s clinical record were analyzed. It is important to think in this kind of lesion because sometimes clinical characteristics are not evident. It was also pointed out the necessity of performing a strict follow-up of the patient given the possibility of radial nerve lesion (AU).

Utility of 1 Measurement Versus Multiple Measurements of Near Point of Convergence After Concussion.

CONTEXT: Increased near point of convergence (NPC) distance is a common finding after concussion and is associated with physical symptoms and worsened neurocognitive performance. Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening measures NPC distance across 3 trials and uses the average measurement to inform clinical care. However, whether 3 trials are necessary, are consistent, or add clinical utility is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the consistency across 3 trials of NPC and establish the classification accuracy (ie, clinical utility) of 1 or 2 trials compared with the standardized average of 3 trials. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Sports medicine clinic and research laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Consecutively enrolled patients aged 10 to 22 years with diagnosed concussions (74% sport related; n = 380). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The previously reported clinical cutoff value of ≥5 cm across 3 trials was used. Pearson correlation and intraclass correlation coefficients were used to evaluate agreement between trials and average scores. Reliable change indices (RCIs) using 95% confidence intervals were also calculated. RESULTS: The Pearson correlation (r = .98) and intraclass correlation (0.98) coefficients revealed excellent agreement between the first measurement and average NPC distance across 3 measurements. The RCI across all trials was 2 cm. When the first NPC measurement was ≤3 cm or ≥7 cm, agreement existed within the RCI between the first measurement and the average of 3 measurements in 99.6% of cases. When we averaged the first and second measurements, 379/380 (99.7%) participants had the same classification (ie, <5 cm = normal, ≥5 cm = abnormal) as the average NPC distance across 3 measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest limited utility of multiple or average NPC distance measurements when the initial NPC distance is outside of RCI clinical cutoffs (ie, ≤3 cm or ≥7 cm). Given the high consistency between the first measurement and average NPC distance across 3 trials, only 1 measurement of NPC distance is warranted unless the first measurement is between 3 and 7 cm.

Compartment syndrome after distal biceps brachii tendon rupture in an athlete.

This is a case report of a previously healthy athlete who did not use oral anticoagulant, suffered a rupture of the distal biceps brachii tendon, and evolved with arm compartment syndrome. An emergency fasciotomy and the repair of the tendon were performed. After surgery the patient had a good recovery of the paresthesia and sensibility. This complication is rare and, when reported, is usually associated with patients who use anticoagulant therapy. Due to growth of rupture of distal biceps tendon cases, physicians should be aware that this complication must be treated as an emergency.

How strong is the evidence that conservative treatment reduces pain and improves function in individuals with patellar tendinopathy? A systematic review of randomised controlled trials including GRADE recommendations.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of conservative treatment (CT) on pain and function in patients with patellar tendinopathy (PT) compared with minimal intervention (MI) or other invasive intervention, or in addition to decline eccentric squat. METHODS: Searches were performed in MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, PEDro, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL and AMED databases. All randomised trials that evaluated CT (any intervention not involving invasive procedures or medication) in individuals with PT were included. Two reviewers screened studies, extracted data and assessed risk of bias of all included studies. Where suitable, meta-analyses were conducted; we assessed certainty of the evidence using GRADE methodology. RESULTS: When compared with MI, CT did not improve pain (weighted mean difference (WMD) -2.6, 95% CI -6.5 to 1.2) or function (WMD 1.8, 95% CI -2.4 to 6.1) in the short-term (up to 3 months) follow-up. When compared with invasive intervention, CT did not improve pain (WMD 0.7, 95% CI -0.1 to 1.4) or function (WMD -6.6, 95% CI -13.3 to 0.2) in the short-term follow-up. No overall effects were found for combined CT (when a conservative intervention was added to decline eccentric squat) on pain (WMD -0.5, 95% CI -1.4 to 0.4) or function (WMD -2.3, 95 % -9.1 to 4.6) at short-term follow-up. Single studies showed an effect on pain with iontophoresis at short-term follow-up (d = 2.42) or dry needling at medium/long-term follow-up (d = 1.17) and function with exercise intervention at medium/long-term follow-up (over 3 months) (d = 0.83). SUMMARY/CONCLUSION: Our estimates of treatment effect have only low to very low certainty evidence to support them. This field of sports medicine/sports physiotherapy urgently needs larger, high-quality studies with pain and function among the potential primary outcomes.

Compartment syndrome after distal biceps brachii tendon rupture in an athlete / Síndrome compartimental em paciente atleta após ruptura do tendão distal do músculo bíceps do braço

ABSTRACT This is a case report of a previously healthy athlete who did not use oral anticoagulant, suffered a rupture of the distal biceps brachii tendon, and evolved with arm compartment syndrome. An emergency fasciotomy and the repair of the tendon were performed. After surgery the patient had a good recovery of the paresthesia and sensibility. This complication is rare and, when reported, is usually associated with patients who use anticoagulant therapy. Due to growth of rupture of distal biceps tendon cases, physicians should be aware that this complication must be treated as an emergency.

RESUMO Relato de caso de paciente atleta, previamente hígido e que não utilizava anticoagulantes orais, com lesão do tendão distal do músculo bíceps braquial, que evoluiu com síndrome compartimental do braço. Realizaram-se fasciotomia de emergência e reparo cirúrgico do tendão, apresentando bom seguimento com recuperação da parestesia e sensibilidade. Essa complicação é bastante rara e, quando relatada, geralmente é associada a pacientes em uso de medicamentos anticoagulantes orais. Contudo, com o aumento da incidência de rupturas do tendão do músculo bíceps braquial, é preciso estar atento à tal complicação que deve ser conduzida como emergência.

Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Perform Differently on Pediatric Concussion Assessment.

OBJECTIVE: To compare Child Sport Concussion Assessment Tool Fifth Edition (Child SCAT5) performance between uninjured children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and precisely matched controls without ADHD. STUDY DESIGN: A nested case-control study was conducted within a cohort of middle school athletes (age 11-12 years) who completed preseason testing. Students with ADHD were individually matched to students without ADHD based on age, sex, language spoken at home, number of prior concussions, sport, and school they attended. The final sample included 54 students (27 with ADHD and 27 controls), 38 (70.4%) boys and 16 (29.6%) girls (average age: 11.7 years, SD = 0.5). RESULTS: Children with ADHD reported more symptoms (M = 13.33, SD = 5.69, P < .001) and greater symptom severity (M = 22.59, SD = 1 1.60, P < .001) compared with controls (total symptoms: M = 6.44, SD = 4.96; symptom severity: M = 8.04, SD = 6.36). Children with ADHD performed similarly to controls on the Child SCAT5 cognitive tests. Children with ADHD committed 3 times as many total balance errors (median = 6) than children without ADHD (median = 2) and committed twice as many errors on single leg stance (ADHD median = 4; No ADHD median = 2) (P values < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Children with ADHD endorsed more concussion-like symptoms and performed worse on balance testing during preseason Child SCAT5 assessment compared with matched controls without ADHD. These findings highlight the challenges of interpreting Child SCAT5 performance in children with ADHD following a concussion or suspected concussion and illustrate the value of administering the measure to children to document their pre-injury performance.

Sport-related Concussion Clinical Profiles: Clinical Characteristics, Targeted Treatments, and Preliminary Evidence.

Sport-related concussion (SRC) is a heterogeneous injury that involves varied symptoms and impairment that presents a significant clinical challenge to sports medicine professionals. In response to this challenge, clinical researchers have proposed clinical profiles or subtype models for assessing and treating athletes with SRC. One such model emphasizes five concussion clinical profiles including cognitive/fatigue, vestibular, ocular, migraine, and anxiety/mood. Sleep is a common modifier that co-occurs across these clinical profiles. A combination of medical history, risk factors, injury information, clinical characteristics, and assessment outcomes can inform each clinical profile. Preliminary data involving 236 patients from a concussion specialty clinic indicate that the migraine (26%) and anxiety/mood (24%) profiles are the most common, with vestibular and ocular profiles combined representing more than one third (35%) of clinical profiles. Findings also support several relationships among different clinical profiles including vestibular and migraine, suggesting that many athletes present with multiple clinical profiles. Targeted, active treatments for each profile are discussed.

Prevalence of labrum and articular cartilage injuries of the hip on 3T magnetic resonance imaging of asymptomatic elite soccer players. / Prevalencia de lesiones del labrum y del cartílago articular de la cadera en imagen por resonancia magnética simple 3 T de futbolistas profesionales asintomáticos.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the prevalence of lesions of the labrum and articular cartilage of the hip in asymptomatic elite soccer players by performing 3T magnetic resonance imaging. METHODS: Eighty-four asymptomatic hips of 42 professional soccer players were evaluated. Male subjects older than 18 years were included. Cam and pincer deformity were defined as an alpha angle greater than 55 degrees and a lateral centre edge angle greater than 39 degrees, respectively. Labral injuries were classified with the Czerny classification and cartilage damage was classified with the Outerbridge classification. Specific statistical tests were used to establish the relationship between anatomical variances of the hip and the presence of chondral and labral injuries. RESULTS: FAI morphology prevalence was 25%. Abnormalities such as cam (22.5%) and labral injuries (33.8%) were found. Those cases with reported labral injury were predominantly intrasubstance damage (18.8%). Anatomical features of FAI were found to be related to lesions of the femoral cartilage (P<.001), chondrolabral damage (P=.042), or both injuries (P<.001). CONCLUSION: Asymptomatic labral or cartilaginous injuries of the hip were reported in 25% of the included professional soccer players. These injuries were associated with anatomical features of FAI.

The Postinjury Psychological Sequelae of High-Level Jamaican Athletes: Exploration of a Posttraumatic Stress Disorder-Self-Efficacy Conceptualization.

CONTEXT: Athletes at the highest levels appear to be most affected by sport-related injuries and suffer both physiologically and psychologically. Established models of psychological responses to injury, however, do not offer a comprehensive explanation based on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), although some studies suggest that injuries may be interpreted as traumatic. Studies also suggest that perceived self-efficacy may be a mediator of PTSD development. OBJECTIVE: This study examines the psychological sequelae experienced by high-level athletes as a result of sport-related injuries based on a PTSD-self-efficacy framework. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey design was used. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-six athletes (30 males and 16 females) from 4 different sports were conveniently sampled and completed a questionnaire battery assessing injury characteristics, trauma sequelae, and self-efficacy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Present injury status, PTSD symptomatology, and general self-efficacy. RESULTS: Injury was found to be associated with elevated levels of PTSD symptomatology. The presence of injury was a significant predictor of general PTSD and, specifically, hyperarousal symptoms; however, general self-efficacy was not found to predict trauma-related symptoms. There were indications, however, that self-efficacy beliefs may affect injury-related factors. CONCLUSIONS: This research highlights the presence of PTSD-related psychological dysfunction associated with sport injury, and further uncovers the possible impacts of self-efficacy beliefs in managing the stress of injury. These findings highlight the need for psychological support as injured athletes undergo rehabilitation.

Opthalmological sequelae due to paintball injuries: Case studies. / Secuelas oftalmológicas por traumatismo con paintball: estudio de casos.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the ophthalmological sequelae of patients diagnosed with blunt eye injury by paintball. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were a total 14 cases with a diagnosis of blunt trauma by paintball were treated at the ophthalmology emergency department of the Barraquer Clinic in Bogotá, Colombia. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmological examination with their respective controls according to their outcome. RESULTS: The frequency of eye trauma by paintball was 3.01%. Fourteen eyes were evaluated, age range from 9 to 49 years. Cases were unilateral, 1 woman and 13 men, initial visual acuity less than 20/30 in 12 eyes. Only 5 eyes progressed satisfactorily, and 3 were surgically intervened. The cases that did not show any improvement in visual acuity were related to posterior pole problems, with the most frequent being macular alterations, choroidal rupture, choroidal detachment, retinal tear, and retinal folds. In 3eyes, clinical improvement of visual acuity was evidenced secondary to haemorrhagic processes that resolved with medical treatment. One of them underwent surgical treatment of the lens with an intraocular lens implant. In 2eyes, the visual recovery was very satisfactory and 100% in another. CONCLUSION: Paintball has increased as a sport and recreational activity, where paint projectiles are fired with compressed air weapons. It carries risks of suffering various trauma that can lead to catastrophic episodes, in terms of visual health, and repercussions on the quality of life of those affected.

Variations in Mechanisms of Injury for Children with Concussion.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the distribution of injury mechanisms and activities among children with concussions in a large pediatric healthcare system. STUDY DESIGN: All patients, age 0-17 years, who had at least 1 clinical encounter with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis of concussion in the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's electronic health record system from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2014, were selected (N = 8233) and their initial concussion-related visit identified. Approximately, 20% of the patients (n = 1625) were randomly selected for manual record review to examine injury mechanisms and activities. RESULTS: Overall, 70% of concussions were sports related; however, this proportion varied by age. Only 18% of concussions sustained by children aged 0-4 were sports related, compared with greater proportions for older children (67% for age 5-11, 77% for age 12-14, and 73% for age 15-17). When the concussion was not sports related, the primary mechanisms of injury were struck by an object (30%) and falls (30%). CONCLUSIONS: Sports-related injuries in children older than 6 years of age contributed to the majority of concussions in this cohort; however, it is important to note that approximately one-third of concussions were from non-sports-related activities. Although there is increased participation in community and organized sports activities among children, a focus on prevention efforts in other activities where concussions occur is needed.

Splenic Rupture in Children With Portal Hypertension.

INTRODUCTION: Massive splenomegaly from portal hypertension (PHTN) in children raises the specter of splenic rupture; however, the incidence, etiology, and risk of rupture have not been studied, nor have existing practices to reduce risk. We therefore performed an international survey to describe the splenic rupture cases in PHTN and to describe the existing empirical practice among hepatologists. METHODS: A questionnaire was constructed to elicit cases of splenic rupture and collect hepatologists' common practices for prevention of splenic rupture. Pediatric hepatologists working in selected tertiary academic centers in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom were contacted. RESULTS: Hepatologists from 30 of 35 centers who met the inclusion criteria replied to the survey. Thirteen cases of splenic rupture were described of which 11 resulted from trauma. In the opinion of the practitioners, high-risk activities were football, hockey, and wrestling. Sixty-one percent recommended total restriction from high-risk activities. Seventy-four percent stated that platelet count had no effect on this decision and 61% advised a spleen guard for certain activities. CONCLUSIONS: Splenic rupture in patients with PHTN and splenomegaly seems to be rare. The reported splenic rupture cases were mostly related to falling (and not to participation in sports). There was general agreement among hepatologists about restricting high impact sports. There was variation in recommendations regarding the use of a spleen guard. The authors recommend use of spleen guards in children with splenomegaly from PHTN for physical activities with risk of fall or blunt abdominal trauma.