IC 07-2026-In-Season Management of Contact Athletes- A Case Based Approach-IC 07-2026-In-Season Management of Contact Athletes- A Case Based Approach

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The transcript covers several sports medicine cases involving college football players and expert panel discussion on diagnosis, surgery, and return-to-play decisions.<br /><br />First, an 18-year-old linebacker sustained an ACL tear with a complex lateral meniscus injury and a small cartilage defect in the lateral femoral condyle. Surgeons performed ACL reconstruction with an internal brace, meniscus repair, and limited cartilage treatment. Although the meniscus repair looked poor initially, it remodeled well over time, and the athlete returned to play the next season. The case emphasized that lateral meniscus repairs can heal surprisingly well, even when the arthroscopic appearance is imperfect.<br /><br />Next, a collegiate linebacker presented with an old clavicle fracture that had developed into a hypertrophic nonunion and was reinjured during camp. The panel discussed imaging, fixation strategy, use of bone graft, and whether biologics like Forteo would help. The fracture was plated rigidly, with callus preserved and reused as graft. He returned in time for the season and played successfully.<br /><br />A quarterback then presented with a complete bucket-handle lateral meniscus tear. Because he could not fully straighten his knee, the group agreed he should undergo repair rather than attempt to play. Return-to-play was discussed as roughly 3 to 5 months, though lateral peripheral tears may heal faster than expected.<br /><br />The final cases involved sternoclavicular joint dislocation and distal hamstring injuries. A posterior SC dislocation was reduced surgically, with careful discussion about imaging, vascular risk, and timing of return. Lastly, a distal semitendinosus musculotendinous tear was treated first nonoperatively with PRP, then later surgically by tendon excision/harvest when symptoms recurred, allowing quicker return to sport. Overall, the session stressed individualized decision-making, early recognition of high-risk injuries, and balancing season goals with long-term athlete health.

Keywords

sports medicine

ACL reconstruction

lateral meniscus repair

clavicle nonunion

bucket-handle meniscus tear

sternoclavicular dislocation

hamstring injury

return-to-play

college football

PRP treatment