[Microtraumatic peripheral neuropathies in sports]

The microtraumatic peripheral neuropathies encountered during athletic activities are not related to a specific sport, and are induced by overuse or forced constraints as seen in scapular syndromes, in distal neuropathies of upper and lower limbs, and in the foot. These neuropathies are less frequently seen than those following direct traumatic conditions. The constant increase in sport activities in the general population implies that each neurologist should ask for athletic habits of his patient in order not to miss the repetitive activities that can induce an atypical nerve injury. Electrodiagnostic (ENMG) studies in the background of sporting activities are performed in similar ways as in a general setting, but the synthesis may be more complex in relation to frequent associated orthopaedic disorders. ENMG studies are useful in the diagnosis of pain syndromes with or without paresthesia in sports-related nerve injuries.