Chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the forearm: a case series of 12 patients treated with fasciotomy.

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the forearm is rare in the published literature. We report the outcome of a series of 12 patients treated with fasciotomy over a 14 year period. All patients underwent dynamic intra-compartmental pressure testing using a slit catheter technique before surgery. Raised intra-compartmental pressures on exercise, typical symptoms and the absence of other diagnoses were criteria for offering surgical intervention. The superficial flexor, deep flexor and extensor compartments were released. Median follow-up was 9.5 years (range 7 months to 12 years). Median patient-reported percentage improvement after surgery was 88% (range 0%-100%). Median time to return to full activity was 9 weeks. Eleven out of 12 patients were satisfied, very satisfied or extremely satisfied with the outcome of surgery. Fasciotomy can be an effective treatment for chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the forearm.

Distal radial fractures in young goalkeepers: a case for an appropriately sized soccer ball.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the rate of wrist fractures in young goalkeepers sustained by the specific mechanism of "saving the ball" and the potential influence of ball size and environmental conditions. METHODS: A prospective, clinic based study in one institution over a 17 month period. Patients were identified by specific questioning. Information on play circumstances and subsequent clinical progress was documented. RESULTS: Twenty nine fractures of the distal radius were identified in young goalkeepers (age range 6-15 years) as a direct result of saving the ball. Most were managed simply in a plaster cast. Three patients required minor surgical interventions, and all fractures went on to unite without significant complications. Where ball size was known, 12 of the 15 fractures in children aged 11 years or less occurred as the result of impact with an adult sized ball compared with three when a junior ball was involved. This is statistically significant (p = 0.039). In the 10 children aged 12-15 years, only one fracture involved a junior ball; this is also statistically significant (p = 0.027). Six of the injuries (21%) occurred when the ball was kicked by an adult. Injuries occurred in both organised and informal games throughout the year. CONCLUSIONS: This specific mechanism of injury has not been widely acknowledged nor has the potential influence of ball size as a causative factor been examined. Recommendations for an appropriately sized soccer ball for young players exist but are not in universal use. Increased awareness of this particular injury mechanism is required.

Common hip injuries in sport.

As a major weight-bearing joint, normal hip function is fundamental to successful sporting participation. Not only is it important in running-, jumping- and kicking-based activities, it also contributes to the generation and transference of forces in upper limb-dominated activities. Injuries to the hip do not account for a large proportion of the sports physician's workload, but may result in significant morbidity. The wide variety of acute, subacute and chronic injuries, affecting both the joint and surrounding soft tissues, can prove a diagnostic dilemma. The predisposition and the types of injuries around the hip vary with the age of the athlete. The young child rarely sustains a significant injury but one should be aware of orthopaedic conditions common in this age group that may manifest themselves through exercise. The immature skeleton of the adolescent is relatively injury prone and the demands of sport often exceed the capacity of the growing musculoskeletal system. In adults and older athletes, a further spectrum of injury exists, along with the effects of aging tissues and the concerns of degenerative joint disease. Rational treatment is based on a clear diagnosis developed through sound knowledge and a thorough history and examination. For the sports physician, treatments are typically early physical therapy and structured, progressive rehabilitation programmes which are individualised to the needs of the athlete. The spectrum of hip injuries is reviewed with current recommended diagnoses and management.

Stress fracture of the proximal humeral epiphysis in an elite junior badminton player.

An elite junior badminton player presented with a chronic painful dominant shoulder after an intense training course. An acute stress fracture to the proximal humeral epiphysis was found. Two-plane radiography will identify abnormalities of the growth plate but comparative films of the unaffected side may also be required to differentiate subtle changes. Rest with subsequent rehabilitation is the appropriate management of these injuries although ideally they should be subjected to primary prevention.

Injuries related to car crime: the joy-riding epidemic.

'Joy-riding' is the term used, somewhat inappropriately, for the offence of taking a vehicle without the owner's consent. In certain areas, mainly deprived inner-city estates, there has been an increase in this crime. The aim of this study was to investigate its impact on the workload of an inner-city teaching hospital's busy accident and orthopaedic departments. In this prospective study, all patients admitted to hospital as a result of road-traffic accidents (RTAs) were identified during a 9 month period. A total of 1576 patients were admitted to the trauma unit. One hundred and fifty-two admissions were as a result of RTA and 20 (13 per cent) of these patients had injuries as a result of car crime. Of this group, eight were severely injured (ISS > 16) and six of these were innocent bystanders. Three patients (one joy-rider and two innocent bystanders) died as a result of car crime. The average length of hospital stay was 12 days (1-62 days) and the hospital in-patient costs were estimated to be at least 5200 pounds per patient. Injuries related to car crime results in a significant amount of work and financial cost to the National Health Service.