ABEM Sports Medicine case studies
ABEM Sports Medicine · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The ABEM Sports Medicine Subspecialty Certification Exam is a subspecialty examination offered by the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM), the board that certifies emergency physicians in the United States. ABEM describes its certifications as assuring "that emergency physicians have the knowledge and skills to deliver the highest quality care," and frames board certification as "the gold standard for emergency physicians." The sports medicine subspecialty credential is intended for emergency medicine physicians who want to demonstrate added expertise in the evaluation and management of musculoskeletal injury, medical conditions affecting athletes, exercise physiology and performance, and preparticipation assessment, rehabilitation, and return to play. The ABEM Sports Medicine case studies are 5 cases and about 3,403 words.
1Exertional Collapse at the Finish Line: Cooling vs. Sedation
A 24-year-old runner collapses 200 m past the finish line of a 10 km road race on a warm, humid morning (WBGT 29°C). He completed the race in 41 minutes.
683 words, about 3 min2The Collapsed Distance Runner: Sickle Cell Trait and Exertional Sickling
A 19-year-old college cross-country runner collapses during a timed 6×800 m interval session on a cool day (12°C). He had been keeping pace but slowed on the fifth repeat, then went down near the finish of the sixth.
648 words, about 3 min3Ankle Sprain in a Basketball Player: When to Image and When to Play
A 22-year-old college basketball player lands on an opponent's foot and inverts his right ankle during practice. He is able to bear weight but limps.
720 words, about 4 min4Chest Pain in a Masters Athlete: Clearing for the Marathon
A 52-year-old man requests preparticipation clearance for his first marathon. He runs 30 miles/week and is asymptomatic at rest and during training.
708 words, about 4 min5Concussion in a Soccer Player: Same-Day Return and the Second Hit
A 17-year-old female soccer player heads the ball in a collision and immediately reports headache and 'seeing stars.' She is removed from play. On the sideline 10 minutes later she is oriented, memory intact, no focal deficits, but she has a headache (4/10), mild dizziness with rapid head movement, and nausea without vomiting.
644 words, about 3 min