Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Category
STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics)
Abstract/Artist Statement
Background: Traumatic nerve injuries occur at a rate of approximately 350,000 cases per year, with 74% affecting males; only 2.4% are sport related. In athletics, acute peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) usually result from compressive forces, stretching, traction, or lacerations and are most common in high-contact sports. Although PNIs are uncommon, 71.3% of nerve injuries in high school sports occur in football, with nearly half of affected athletes missing about one week of participation.
Patient: A 16-year-old male varsity football player was evaluated on the sideline after hyperextending his right knee while twisting his upper body. He reported severe pain and inability to move his leg. Evaluation revealed sensory deficits along the lateral lower leg and pain with passive movement. Further assessment demonstrated decreased strength and motor function in the right leg.
Intervention or Treatment: The athlete was placed in a knee immobilizer and transported to the emergency department for imaging. MRI revealed a right knee hyperextension injury with a neuropraxic stretch injury caused by edema surrounding the tibia and common fibular (peroneal) nerves. Rehabilitation followed three phases: Phase 1 (Days 1–4) focused on rest and pain management; Phase 2 (Days 5–10) emphasized quadriceps and hamstring strengthening and knee range of motion; Phase 3 (Days 11–14) focused on return-to-sport activities with functional and position-specific drills. No modalities were used.
Outcomes: Full sensation returned by day 9 post-injury. The athlete returned to practice on day 10 and game play at two weeks post-injury, completing the season without complications.
Conclusion and Clinical Bottom Line: Neuropraxic injuries are typically managed conservatively and have an excellent prognosis. Although PNIs account for approximately 0.5% of sports injuries, they are often underrecognized. Early identification and appropriate management are essential to optimize outcomes and improve awareness.
Mentor Name
Valerie Moody
Lower Extremity Neuropraxia in a High School Football Player: A Case Report
UC North Ballroom
Background: Traumatic nerve injuries occur at a rate of approximately 350,000 cases per year, with 74% affecting males; only 2.4% are sport related. In athletics, acute peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) usually result from compressive forces, stretching, traction, or lacerations and are most common in high-contact sports. Although PNIs are uncommon, 71.3% of nerve injuries in high school sports occur in football, with nearly half of affected athletes missing about one week of participation.
Patient: A 16-year-old male varsity football player was evaluated on the sideline after hyperextending his right knee while twisting his upper body. He reported severe pain and inability to move his leg. Evaluation revealed sensory deficits along the lateral lower leg and pain with passive movement. Further assessment demonstrated decreased strength and motor function in the right leg.
Intervention or Treatment: The athlete was placed in a knee immobilizer and transported to the emergency department for imaging. MRI revealed a right knee hyperextension injury with a neuropraxic stretch injury caused by edema surrounding the tibia and common fibular (peroneal) nerves. Rehabilitation followed three phases: Phase 1 (Days 1–4) focused on rest and pain management; Phase 2 (Days 5–10) emphasized quadriceps and hamstring strengthening and knee range of motion; Phase 3 (Days 11–14) focused on return-to-sport activities with functional and position-specific drills. No modalities were used.
Outcomes: Full sensation returned by day 9 post-injury. The athlete returned to practice on day 10 and game play at two weeks post-injury, completing the season without complications.
Conclusion and Clinical Bottom Line: Neuropraxic injuries are typically managed conservatively and have an excellent prognosis. Although PNIs account for approximately 0.5% of sports injuries, they are often underrecognized. Early identification and appropriate management are essential to optimize outcomes and improve awareness.