title: Mixed martial arts: injury patterns and issues for the ringside physician.
abstract: Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a fast-growing combat sport. There are limited studies investigating MMA's injury incidence. However, from the data available, closed head injuries and lacerations commonly are experienced by competitors. Sanctioned events require the presence of ringside physicians, who should be well versed in handling these types of injuries. Additionally, sports-medicine providers should have an appropriately equipped medical bag, and before providing coverage, they need to coordinate with emergency medical personnel in order to more efficiently deliver care if urgent situations arise. More research is needed on injury incidence and prevention in MAA.
authors.affiliation: Sports Medicine and Family Medicine, King Medical Care Inc., 3151 Columbia Blvd., Bloomsburg, PA 17815, USA. peter.seidenberg@kingmedicalcare.com
authors.forename: Peter H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Seidenberg
mesh_terms: D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D004427:Ear Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D004638:Emergency Treatment; D006406:Hematoma / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000209:etiology; D022125:Lacerations / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D008022:Ligaments / Q000293:injuries; D016139:Martial Arts / Q000293:injuries*; D010820:Physicians