Splenic injuries in athletes: a review

Curr Sports Med Rep. 2010 Mar-Apr;9(2):111-4. doi: 10.1249/JSR.0b013e3181d4f429.

Abstract

Splenic injuries can be challenging to the sports medicine physician. While these injuries are not common among athletes, they can have serious, potentially fatal consequences if not properly diagnosed and managed in a prompt and timely fashion. Currently, there are no evidence-based guidelines on returning athletes to previous levels of activity after sustaining a splenic injury. In addition, there is no consensus on follow-up imaging after injury. This article discusses the evaluation of athletes with blunt abdominal trauma for splenic injury, including the imaging, management, and current return-to-play guidelines.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Athletes*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Radiography
  • Spleen / anatomy & histology
  • Spleen / injuries*
  • Ultrasonography
  • Wounds and Injuries / diagnosis
  • Wounds and Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Wounds and Injuries / physiopathology
  • Wounds and Injuries / therapy