ABEM Sports Medicine flashcards
ABEM Sports Medicine · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Commotio cordis
- Blunt precordial impact during ventricular repolarization causing ventricular fibrillation; survival depends on immediate CPR and early defibrillation.
- Exertional heat stroke
- Core temperature typically above 40°C with CNS dysfunction; cold-water immersion is the standard cooling method and delays increase mortality.
- Ottawa Ankle Rules
- Imaging indicated if pain in malleolar zone plus inability to bear weight four steps, or bony tenderness at posterior malleolus, distal fibula, or navicular/base of fifth metatarsal.
- Lachman test
- Most sensitive examination for ACL integrity; performed with knee flexed about 20-30 degrees and anterior tibial translation assessed.
- Thompson test
- Calf squeeze with no plantar flexion indicates Achilles tendon rupture; palpable gap may also be present.
- Exercise-associated hyponatremia
- Confusion, seizure, or collapse after endurance events from excessive free water intake; treat with hypertonic 3% saline, not free water.
- Infectious mononucleosis
- Splenic rupture risk peaks two to four weeks after onset; return to contact sports typically delayed about four weeks with clinical resolution.
- VO2max
- Product of cardiac output and arteriovenous oxygen difference; aerobic capacity is limited by oxygen delivery in most athletes.
- Karvonen formula
- Target heart rate equals ((HRmax minus HRrest) times intensity percentage) plus HRrest; used to prescribe exercise intensity.
- AHA 14-point screening
- Preparticipation history and physical elements including personal and family cardiac history; positive findings warrant ECG and cardiology referral.
- Concussion return-to-play protocol
- Graduated steps from symptom-limited activity to full competition, each requiring 24 hours symptom-free; symptom recurrence restarts the prior step.
- Return-to-learn
- Academic accommodations and gradual cognitive activity that precede return-to-play after concussion; reduces symptom provocation during recovery.
- Female athlete triad
- Low energy availability, menstrual dysfunction, and low bone density; screen for stress fractures and disordered eating in at-risk athletes.
- Carbohydrate loading
- Protocol of 8-10 g/kg/day for 36-48 hours before endurance events to increase muscle glycogen and delay fatigue.
- Lightning 30-30 rule
- Seek shelter when flash-to-bang is under 30 seconds; resume activity 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard.
- Dental avulsion
- Reimplant a permanent tooth within 60 minutes if possible; store in milk or saline and avoid handling the root.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Exertional syncope, family history of sudden death, and a murmur that increases with Valsalva; ECG and echocardiography are diagnostic.
- Second impact syndrome
- Rare but catastrophic cerebral swelling after a second head impact while still symptomatic from a prior concussion; never allow return while symptomatic.
- McMurray test
- Knee examination for meniscal tear using flexion, rotation, and extension; joint line tenderness and locking also suggest displaced fragment.
- Stress fracture imaging
- MRI is the most sensitive modality; bone scan is an alternative; plain films may be normal early in the course.
- Clearance categories
- Preparticipation outcomes include cleared, cleared with restrictions, not cleared pending further evaluation, or permanently disqualified.
- Sickle cell trait screening
- Recommended for athletes in some organizations; positive results guide hydration, acclimatization, and gradual conditioning to reduce exertional collapse risk.
- Criterion-based return to sport
- Clearance based on strength symmetry within 10% and functional testing rather than elapsed time; reduces reinjury compared with time-based clearance.
- Post-concussion syndrome
- Symptoms persisting beyond four weeks after concussion; requires multidisciplinary management and gradual return to activity.
- Progressive overload
- Gradually increasing training stimulus to drive adaptation; excessive load without recovery causes overtraining syndrome.
- Periodization
- Planned variation in training volume and intensity to peak for competition and reduce injury risk across a season.
- Needle decompression
- Emergency treatment for tension pneumothorax performed before chest tube placement; indicated by severe respiratory distress and hemodynamic compromise.
- Hypothermia management
- Remove wet clothing, insulate, and use active rewarming; avoid rough handling because cold myocardium is prone to arrhythmia.
- Iron deficiency screening
- Common in endurance athletes; screen with ferritin and treat with iron supplementation when deficient.
- Viral myocarditis
- Restrict exercise for three to six months and obtain cardiology clearance with repeat testing before return to play.
- Open fracture management
- Cover wound, splint, and give antibiotics and tetanus prophylaxis; urgent orthopedic consultation is required.
- Salter-Harris fractures
- Pediatric fractures involving the growth plate, types I through V; type I may have normal plain radiographs.