Sports injuries are becoming less and less common thanks to new medical and technological breakthroughs. One recent study reported that sports injuries have decreased by 10% since 2017. This article will discuss the effectiveness and thought processes behind these changes, as well as provide insight on how to obtain them if you are an athlete yourself or are in the orthopedics and sports medicine industry.

Before diving into some of these prevention methods, it will be helpful to understand the most common causes of sports injuries, because eliminating any and all risks will never be possible. Causes of sports injuries include, but are not limited to:

• Inadequate stretching before competing
• Neglecting to wear necessary equipment
• Failure to keep in the shape required for peak performance

Whether you are experiencing something more obscure like low back pain, or have suffered something more sudden like a fracture, any conversation about injury prevention in sports must begin here. These easy practices are essential to minimizing your risk. But with that being said, you should always consult with your medical care provider before beginning a consistent regimen of athletic activity. MidAmerica Orthopaedics offers a full-scale Sports Medicine Clinic that can guide you through all stages – from prevention to diagnosis to physical therapy . With that being said, let’s highlight some of the newest developments in this booming industry!

NFL Helmet Cap and Mouthguard Studies

The growing body of research surrounding Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, most commonly known as CTE, is the most significant development regarding sports injuries in the past decade-plus. As numerous current and former football players at all levels have been affected, serious conversations about helmet safety in football have grown more frequent and more thorough.

The 2022 NFL season is just getting underway, and there are several studies being conducted in training camp to get a better understanding of concussion risk and CTE risk. All linemen, linebackers, and tight ends are required to wear helmet caps called “Guardian Caps” at practices and during preseason games. After this period, the NFL’s medical team will begin to analyze data and come up with a plan for implementing them long-term.

Additionally, some teams have begun a similar program for the use of data-collecting mouth guards. These mouthguards are primarily being used to measure and gauge the severity of the hits that players are taking.

While the professionals normally make the headlines, it is important to remember that football is played by children as well, and CTE does not discriminate based on age; the development can begin very early. According to the Brain Injury Research Institute, every year football accounts for an estimated 60% of all concussions, and young patients being concussed is especially concerning. At MidAmerica Orthopaedics, our sports medicine clinic can help families affected by youth concussions.

Digital Modeling

Digital modeling in sports injury medicine refers to the creation of computer-generated models of injured body parts. In recent times, the use of this type of technology has seen a significant increase.

What makes it so effective is its ability to help physicians diagnose early. And as is the case with all types of injuries, earlier diagnosis means earlier treatment, and earlier treatment means a faster path to recovery.

Preventive Genomics

The relevance of genetics in everyone’s personal journey of injury prevention cannot be understated. However, many people do not have a full grasp of what their genetics tell them about what they need to prioritize when it comes to their training regimen.

Companies are beginning to use genetic tests which will inform patients about differences in their individual makeup, leading them to make educated decisions about how to train and how to diet, etc.

These are just a few of the recent developments in sports injury prevention. If you have any questions about how to prevent a sports injury from happening to you, or how to respond if you have been affected, give MidAmerica Orthopaedics a call today. Our fellowship-trained and award-winning physicians are here to help you each step of the way.