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Sports and peripheral nerve injury
The American Journal of Sports Medicine
|November 1, 1983
Summary
Peripheral nerve injuries from sports are uncommon but serious. Most cases involve entrapment neuropathy, often treatable with conservative methods, with high success rates.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Neurology
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Peripheral nerve injuries are a rare but significant complication of athletic activities.
- Previous reports indicate a low incidence of sports-related peripheral nerve injuries.
Observation:
- The authors reviewed 1,167 peripheral nerve injuries over 18 years, with 66 (5.7%) linked to sports.
- Brachial plexus, radial, ulnar, peroneal, and axillary nerves were most frequently affected.
- Common causes included mountain climbing, gymnastics, and baseball, often due to continuous compression or repeated trauma.
Findings:
- Peripheral nerve injuries typically presented as entrapment neuropathies, responding well to conservative treatment.
- Fracture complications necessitated surgical intervention in some instances.
- Overall treatment success yielded excellent to good improvement in 87.9% of cases.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of recognizing and managing sports-related peripheral nerve injuries.
- Emphasizes conservative treatment for entrapment neuropathies and surgical consideration for fractures.
- Underscores the critical need for early diagnosis and intervention in compartment syndrome.