Rib Dislocation in an Elite Hockey Athlete: A Case Report
Poster Number
13
Introduction/Abstract
A 27-year-old elite hockey athlete attempted to hit another player on the ice, when the opposing player suddenly counter-hits the affected athlete. The athlete sustained a blow to the right side of his chest. Upon examination by the team physician, the athlete was transported to the emergency room due to the inability of the ribs to stay in place with any upper body movement. The athlete was then seen by an emergency room physician, was a non-surgically discharged, and received no formalized rehabilitation or treatment for his diagnosis of a rib dislocation. Rib subluxation, Rib Fracture, Pneumothorax, Hemopericardium.
Purpose
To familiarize the Athletic Training community with a rare injury to the ribs that is not commonly seen in athletics, which occurred to an elite hockey athlete during an athletic competition.
Method
The athlete was released from the hospital upon initial diagnosis of a rib dislocation, with no surgical intervention. One week after the injury occurred, a thoracic surgeon met with the athlete. The thoracic surgeon counseled the athlete and explained two types of intervention, surgical and non-surgical, that could be utilized to treat and manage his current condition. Upon choosing the non-surgical option, the athlete was advised to limit all activity until the ribs could properly heal. The athlete returned to full participation 6 months after the initial injury.
Results
Dislocation of the ribs is rarely documented of in the realm of athletic competition. More commonly, traumatic injuries occurring to the ribs and sternum occur in automobile accidents and are treated surgically by using steel plates and screws to stabilize the sternum and rib articulation. This case study focuses on an isolated injury that caused ribs 5 - 7 to dislocate and resulted in non-surgical treatment. Due to the limited literature on rib dislocations occurring to athletes, it is necessary that Athletic Trainers become aware of the management and different treatment options for this uncommon injury.
Significance
Athletic Trainers are often first on scene when an emergency injury occurs in athletic competition. Due to this, Athletic Trainers and other healthcare professionals that work closely with athletes need to be aware of proper management of rib dislocations, how to rule out other life-threatening pathologies, and possible complications that is associated with this rareAthletic Trainers are often first on scene when an emergency injury occurs in athletic competition. Due to this, Athletic Trainers and other healthcare professionals that work closely with athletes need to be aware of proper management of rib dislocations, how to rule out other life-threatening pathologies, and possible complications that is associated with this rare injury.
Location
DeRosa University Center, Stockton campus, University of the Pacific
Format
Poster Presentation
Rib Dislocation in an Elite Hockey Athlete: A Case Report
DeRosa University Center, Stockton campus, University of the Pacific
A 27-year-old elite hockey athlete attempted to hit another player on the ice, when the opposing player suddenly counter-hits the affected athlete. The athlete sustained a blow to the right side of his chest. Upon examination by the team physician, the athlete was transported to the emergency room due to the inability of the ribs to stay in place with any upper body movement. The athlete was then seen by an emergency room physician, was a non-surgically discharged, and received no formalized rehabilitation or treatment for his diagnosis of a rib dislocation. Rib subluxation, Rib Fracture, Pneumothorax, Hemopericardium.
