Common Conditions - Sports Medicine - FOX19.com-Cincinnati News, Weather & Sports

  • Common Conditions - Sports Medicine

  • The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most commonly injured ligaments of the knee. The primary function of the ACL is to prevent the tibia from sliding forward on the femur. The incidence of ACL tears is higher in individuals who participate in basketball, football, skiing and soccer. It is estimated that only 30 percent of ACL tears are the result of a direct contact with another player or object.

  • The knee is made up of three bones – the femur (thighbone), tibia (shinbone) and patella (kneecap). These bones are connected by ligaments, which act like strong ropes holding the bones together and keeping the knee stable. There are four primarily ligaments in the knee including the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medialcollateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). 

  • The labrum is a "bumper" of soft tissue, known as cartilage, that goes around the periphery of the glenoid (the shoulder socket"). The labrum keeps the ball of the humeral head centered in the joint and helps to give the shoulder stability. When the labrum is torn the shoulder may become painful or experience episodes of instability or a catching of the shoulder with movement. The labrum can be torn anywhere around its 360 degree circumference.

  • The rotator Cuff is made up of four muscles and tendons. It forms a "cuff" of soft tissue around the shoulder to help center the "ball in the socket" and to enable you to lift up and rotate your arm with strength. Most rotator cuff injuries are the result of the "wear and tear" that occurs with age. Occasionally, a specific injury will cause the tear.

  • Neuropsychological testing is a standard part of the evaluation of most sports-related concussions. Research in this unique field of medicine has repeatedly shown that tests such as ImPACT® are important tools to use for the clinician who is evaluating and treating athletes that are faced with this complex and challenging form of brain injury. ImPACT® is designed for athletes ages 10 and above.