1. Sports Medicine Option 3

2. Classification of Sports Injuries Direct Injury Definition: Caused by an external blow or force Definition: Caused by an external blow or force Examples of causes: A tackle in Rugby or the impact of a ball in hockey Examples of causes: A tackle in Rugby or the impact of a ball in hockey Examples of injuries: Haematomas (‘cork’) or bruise, joint and ligament damage, fractures and dislocations. Examples of injuries: Haematomas (‘cork’) or bruise, joint and ligament damage, fractures and dislocations.

3. Classification of Injuries Indirect Injuries Definition: Where the site of the injury is distant from the impact site or where the injury results from internal forces (rather than an impact with another object) Definition: Where the site of the injury is distant from the impact site or where the injury results from internal forces (rather than an impact with another object) Examples of causes: dislocated shoulder from falling into an outstretched hand, overstretching. Examples of causes: dislocated shoulder from falling into an outstretched hand, overstretching. Examples of Injuries: muscle strains and tears, ligament sprains. Examples of Injuries: muscle strains and tears, ligament sprains.

4. Classification of Sports Injuries Overuse Injuries Definition: Occur as a result of excessive and repetitive force Definition: Occur as a result of excessive and repetitive force Examples of Causes: Poor technique or equipment, not allowing adequate time to heal (due to initial low levels of discomfort or overenthusiasm) Examples of Causes: Poor technique or equipment, not allowing adequate time to heal (due to initial low levels of discomfort or overenthusiasm) Examples of Injuries: Stress fractures, tendonitis (chronic inflammation) Examples of Injuries: Stress fractures, tendonitis (chronic inflammation)

5. Classification of Sports Injuries Soft Tissue Injury These are injuries to skin, muscle, tendons or ligaments: Skin (abrasions, lacerations and blisters), Skin (abrasions, lacerations and blisters), Tendons (tears, strains and inflammation), Tendons (tears, strains and inflammation), Muscles (tears, strains and contusions) Muscles (tears, strains and contusions) Ligaments (sprains and tears) Ligaments (sprains and tears)

6. Classification of Sports Injuries Hard Tissue Injuries These are injuries involving damage to: Bones Bones Fractures Fractures Dislocations Dislocations Bruising Bruising

7. Soft Tissue Injuries Tears This is a disruption of muscle or tendon fibres. This is a disruption of muscle or tendon fibres. It can range from microscopic to a complete rupture. It can range from microscopic to a complete rupture. Caused by being overstretched or by being contracted too forcefully. Caused by being overstretched or by being contracted too forcefully. Age, lack of flexibility, cold conditions and a lack of warm up can increase likelihood. Age, lack of flexibility, cold conditions and a lack of warm up can increase likelihood.

8. Soft Tissue Injuries Sprain A tear in ligament fibres A tear in ligament fibres Caused when a joint in extended beyond normal range Caused when a joint in extended beyond normal range Microscopic to complete rupture or an avulsion (ligament intact but torn from its bone attachment) Microscopic to complete rupture or an avulsion (ligament intact but torn from its bone attachment)

9. Soft Tissue Injuries Contusion Fancy name for a bruise Fancy name for a bruise It involves bleeding into the soft tissue It involves bleeding into the soft tissue Can occur in any of the soft tissue types Can occur in any of the soft tissue types