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Sports participation is a leading cause of catastrophic cervical spine injury (CSI) in the United States. Appropriate prehospital care for athletes with suspected CSIs should be available at all levels of sport. Planning the process of transport for home venues before the start of the season and ensuring that a medical time out occurs at home and away games can reduce complications of transport decisions on the field of play and expedite transport of the spine-injured athlete., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Soccer players have a high risk of soft-tissue injuries to their legs. Fractures of the tibia and fibula represent a serious potential injury; despite this, the incidence of these fractures in soccer players is unknown. Shin guards have become the only protective devices that are required by international and collegiate soccer associations. Nonetheless, the protective ability of shin guards has only been studied to a limited extent. Shin guards are assumed to be most effective at reducing leg abrasions and contusions. The role of shin guards in protecting against fractures has yet to be determined. Further analysis of the clinical effectiveness and biomechanical properties of shin guards is necessary to reduce the rate of leg fractures.

Stress fractures are common overuse injuries attributed to the repetitive trauma associated with vigorous weightbearing activities. A high index of suspicion is necessary to diagnose stress fractures of the femur because the symptoms may be vague. The precipitating factors, whether related to training errors or medical conditions, should be thoroughly evaluated. Early diagnosis of distraction femoral neck stress fractures is critical to avoid serious complications. Femoral shaft stress fractures have excellent healing potential when diagnosed early and treated non-operatively. Stress fractures of the femoral condyles are uncommon, but should be included in the differential of knee pain.