title: Splenic injuries in athletes: a review.
abstract: Splenic injuries can be challenging to the sports medicine physician. While these injuries are not common among athletes, they can have serious, potentially fatal consequences if not properly diagnosed and managed in a prompt and timely fashion. Currently, there are no evidence-based guidelines on returning athletes to previous levels of activity after sustaining a splenic injury. In addition, there is no consensus on follow-up imaging after injury. This article discusses the evaluation of athletes with blunt abdominal trauma for splenic injury, including the imaging, management, and current return-to-play guidelines.
authors.affiliation: Fairfax Family Practice Sports Medicine Fellowship, Fairfax, VA 22033, USA. egannon@ffpcs.com
authors.forename: Elizabeth H
authors.initials: EH
authors.lastname: Gannon
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Howard
mesh_terms: D056352:Athletes; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D013154:Spleen / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000293:injuries*; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy