Neurovascular trauma in athletes

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Neurology
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Neurovascular injuries are infrequently encountered in athletic populations, potentially leading to diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to limited clinician experience.
• These injuries are predominantly observed in high-contact sports like football, rugby, ice hockey, and wrestling.
• Common sites include the shoulder girdle and brachial plexus, with burner syndrome being a frequent occurrence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of recognizing and managing neurovascular injuries in athletes.
• To discuss the common types, mechanisms, and locations of these injuries.
• To emphasize the diagnostic and management difficulties associated with less common neurovascular conditions in sports.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on sports-related neurovascular injuries.
• Analysis of injury patterns in contact sports.
• Discussion of diagnostic criteria and treatment approaches for various neurovascular conditions.

Main Results:

• Burner syndrome is the most prevalent neurovascular injury in athletes, typically involving the brachial plexus.
• Less frequent injuries include thoracic outlet syndrome, axillary artery occlusion, and effort-induced thrombosis.
• Compression syndromes of the axillary, suprascapular, and long thoracic nerves are also noted.

Conclusions:

• Despite their rarity, neurovascular injuries pose significant diagnostic and management challenges in athletes.
• Early recognition and appropriate intervention are crucial for optimal outcomes.
• Increased awareness and specialized knowledge are necessary for healthcare providers managing athletic injuries.