Etiology, treatment, and prevention of athletic "stingers".
Stingers or burners are common in athletes, especially football players. They represent a traction, compression, or direct blow to the upper roots of the brachial plexus. They are usually transient and resolve quickly. Cervical canal stenosis with concurrent degenerative disc disease may predispose an athlete to this injury. Return-to-play criteria are largely based on the number of previous episodes and the duration of symptoms. These criteria also require appropriate consideration of any underlying pathological conditions. Appropriate counseling, including modification of tackling and addition of protective gear, in conjunction with complete rehabilitation, may be effective in preventing this condition or decreasing the rate of recurrence. The athlete, family, and coaches need to understand that recurrence remains unpredictable.
Weinberg
Jacob
J
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, 70-05 76th Avenue, Room 250, New Hyde Park, NY 11040, USA.
Rokito
Steven
S
Silber
Jeff S
JS
D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D020516:Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005538:Football / Q000293:injuries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D010292:Paresthesia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D013178:Sports Medicine / Q000379:methods