Achilles Tendinopathy, A Brief Review and Update of Current Literature.

ABSTRACT: Chronic pain in the Achilles tendon is a common problem in both athletes and nonathletes alike. The etiology for the development of Achilles tendinopathy has not been fully elucidated, and there remains multiple theories to explain the pain and dysfunction accompanying this condition. The diagnosis of Achilles tendon problems continues to rely on the clinical history and physical examination. The optimal management of pain, restoration of function, and return-to-sports participation with Achilles tendinopathy are evolving because of the advancement in technologies and research regarding its pathophysiology. This article aims to provide a brief review of the relevant anatomy, differential diagnosis, imaging findings, and an update of the literature on conservative and minimally invasive managements of chronic Achilles tendinopathy.

Deep Gluteal Syndrome: A Pain in the Buttock.

ABSTRACT: While buttock pain is a common complaint in sports medicine, deep gluteal syndrome (DGS) is a rare entity. DGS has been proposed as a unifying term referring to symptoms attributed to the various pain generators located in this region. While not all-inclusive, the diagnosis of DGS allows for focus on pathology of regionally associated muscles, tendons, and nerves in the clinical evaluation and management of posterior hip and buttock complaints. An understanding of the anatomic structures and their kinematic and topographic relationships in the deep gluteal space is pivotal in making accurate diagnoses and providing effective treatment. Because presenting clinical features may be unrevealing while imaging studies and diagnostic procedures lack supportive evidence, precise physical examination is essential in obtaining accurate diagnoses. Management of DGS involves focused rehabilitation with consideration of still clinically unproven adjunctive therapies, image-guided injections, and surgical intervention in refractory cases.

Myositis Ossificans in Sport: A Review.

Myositis ossificans is a benign, solitary, frequently self-limiting, ossifying soft-tissue mass encountered often in the active sporting population. Typically occurring within skeletal muscle - most often the brachialis, quadriceps and adductor muscle groups - lesions may arise with or without a traumatic history. The exact pathophysiology of these ossifying lesions is still poorly understood. Patients present with localized pain and swelling with loss of range of motion. Plain radiographs may not be able to detect early lesions, which allows for an expanded role of ultrasonography as an early screening modality, despite magnetic resonance imaging remaining the gold standard for imaging of soft tissue masses. Conservative treatment is implemented for most patients with excellent outcomes, with surgical excision being an option for persistent symptoms or progressive disease. Typically, athletes are able to progress to light activity at 2 to 3 months, full activity by 6 months, and back to their preinjury level by 1 year.

Medical Issues in American Football: Eyes, Teeth, and Skin.

Providing care to football players often involves recognizing and treating nonorthopedic conditions. We report on common ophthalmologic, dental, and dermatologic conditions seen by the football team physician.

Lower gastrointestinal distress in endurance athletes.

Training regimens and race days place significant demands upon both the competitive endurance athlete and the frequent-recreational runner. Lower gastrointestinal derangements, especially those involving diarrhea and rectal bleeding, are common and can impact adversely both the performance and the health of the athlete. While most cases are relatively benign, more significant and severe symptoms may not only impair sports performance, but also signify more serious disease. The sports medicine clinician should be familiar with the management of these problems in order to optimize treatment, facilitate return to play, and maximize the athlete's potential.