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With the expansion of baseball into all age groups, the game is becoming as much a recreational sport as a youth sport. Throwing arm injuries eventually limit the participation of most players. Analysis is made of these injuries with the goal of complete rehabilitation for the baseball player. Lacrosse has also seen an increase in popularity as a recreational sport. Analysis of lacrosse injuries and rehabilitation of the most common injuries is reviewed.

Background: The aim of this investigation was to examine the prevalence of back injuries in competitive squash players., Experimental Design: a retrospective analysis was made using a cross-section of current competitive squash players (survivor population)., Setting/participants: an attempt was made to distribute a questionnaire on back injuries to all competitive squash players registered in the Otago provincial area, New Zealand, (n = 1047), of which 495 questionnaires were returned (47.3% compliance)., Interventions: variables were cross-tabulated and analysed via descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, chi-analyses of trend and chi 2 tests of significance., Measures: the questionnaire obtained information on demographics, the level of play (ability), overall volume of play (average frequency and duration of all exposures), plus the occurrence and severity of back injury., Results: Nearly 52% of the sample reported they had suffered back injury. Of these, 33.5% claimed squash initiated their injury, 20.6% claimed squash exacerbated a previous back injury and the remaining 45.9% felt that squash had no detrimental effect on their back injury. Significantly higher frequencies of back injury were observed in males (56.5% compared to 46.4% in females, p = 0.033), in players of higher grade (p = 0.006),and with increased frequency (p = 0.01), but not duration of play (p = 1.0)., Conclusions: These results suggest that the greater activity and possible over-reaching for the ball associated with higher levels of play may increase the risk of back injury and provides tentative support for the notion that back injuries in squash players might be related to periods of relative over-use.

Nine athletes (seven football offensive linemen, one defensive lineman, and one lacrosse player) were found at arthroscopy to have posterior labral detachment from the glenoid. In our series, this lesion is specific to contact athletes who engage their opponents with arms in front of the body. All patients had pain with bench pressing and while participating in their sport, diminishing their ability to play effectively. Conservative measures were ineffective in relieving their symptoms. Examination under anesthesia revealed symmetric glenohumeral translation bilaterally, without evidence of posterior instability. Treatment consisted of glenoid rim abradement and posterior labral repair with a bioabsorbable tack. All patients returned to complete at least one full season of contact sports and weightlifting without pain (minimum follow-up, > or = 2 years). Although many injuries leading to subluxation of the glenohumeral joint occur when an unanticipated force is applied, contact athletes ready their shoulder muscles in anticipation of impact with opponents. This leads to a compressive force at the glenohumeral joint. We hypothesize that, in combination with a posteriorly directed force at impact, the resultant vector is a shearing force to the posterior labrum and articular surface. Repeated exposure leads to posterior labral detachment without capsular injury. Posterior labral reattachment provides consistently good results, allowing the athlete to return to competition.

During 1990-1994, 1.2% of all sports injuries that required emergency care at the University Hospital of Umeå were caused by badminton. In 90.7% of the cases the patients described themselves as recreational players or beginners. There were 51.3% minor injuries (AIS 1) and 48.7% moderate injuries (AIS 2). The lower extremities were affected in 92.3% of the cases. Achilles tendon ruptures (34.6%) and ankle sprains and fractures (29.5%) were the most frequent. By the time of the follow-up (10-69 months), 52.6% of the players still had symptoms from the injuries and 39.5% had not been able to return to playing badminton. Our data indicate the importance of adequate treatment and rehabilitation after acute badminton injuries.

Objective: To determine the attitudes of adult squash players towards protective eyewear., Methods: A survey of 197 competition and social squash players from seven squash centres in the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia was conducted in September to October 1995. Information about participation in squash, previous injuries, use of protective eyewear, barriers towards eyewear use, and attitudes towards protective eyewear was obtained by a self report questionnaire., Results: Squash is a popular sport in Australia. Of the players surveyed, 6% played in junior competitions, 67% in senior competitions, and 27% were social players. Most had been playing for more than ten years. Some 15% of players had previously suffered an eye injury, most commonly caused by a racquet. Less than 10% of players reported that they wore protective eyewear when they played squash, and 35% of these wore prescriptive lenses which they considered to be protective. The major reason for not wearing protective eyewear was the perception that it was unnecessary. Poor vision and a lack of comfort were also stated as reasons by a significant number of players. More than half (57%) of the respondents agreed that more players should wear protective eyewear, yet only 16% thought it should be compulsory for all players. There was considerable support for protective eyewear use by junior players, however., Conclusions: The rate of protective eyewear use is low among competition and social squash players in Melbourne. The major areas that need to be addressed are the ignorance of the need for protective eyewear among social and experienced players and the mistaken belief that prescription lenses provide adequate protection on a squash court.

The purpose of this study was to examine gender differences in the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in a population of high-level team handball players. We also wanted to examine injury mechanisms and possible risk factors for ACL injuries, including menstrual status. The study was done prospectively during the 1993-94, 1994-95, and 1995-96 seasons. We found 28 ACL injuries, 23 among women (incidence: 0.31 +/- 0.06 injuries per 1000 player hours) and 5 among men (0.06 +/- 0.03 inj./1000 h; P < 0.001 vs women; risk ratio: 5.0). Of the 28 injuries, 24 occurred during competition (0.91 +/- 0.19 inj./1000 h; women: 1.60 +/- 0.35 inj./1000 h; men: 0.23 +/- 0.13 inj./1000 h; P < 0.001 vs. women; risk ratio: 7.0) and 4 during training (0.03 +/- 0.02 inj./1000 h; P < 0.001 vs. competition; risk ratio: 29.9). Nearly all the injuries (n = 25) occurred in non-contact situations when the players performed high-speed plant-and-cut movements which they were well accustomed to. A reliable menstrual history could be obtained in 17 of the 23 cases among females. Five of the injuries occurred in the menstrual phase, 2 in the follicular phase, 1 in the early luteal phase and 9 in the late luteal phase (chi-square3 d.f. = 13.2; P < 0.01). The results suggest that there may be an increased risk of ACL injury during the week prior to or after the start of the menstrual period.

A stress fracture of the scaphoid combined with distal radial epiphysiolysis occurred in a 16 year old badminton player. Repeated shearing and torsional forces by excessive wrist movement from hitting a shuttle probably cause stress injuries in both the scaphoid and the distal radius.

An elite junior badminton player presented with a chronic painful dominant shoulder after an intense training course. An acute stress fracture to the proximal humeral epiphysis was found. Two-plane radiography will identify abnormalities of the growth plate but comparative films of the unaffected side may also be required to differentiate subtle changes. Rest with subsequent rehabilitation is the appropriate management of these injuries although ideally they should be subjected to primary prevention.

Various techniques have been described to extrude the roots of fractured teeth to facilitate prosthetic restoration. Many of these have the disadvantage of poor aesthetics, they require skill in fabrication and fitting, and there is often inadequate control over the amount of extrusion. With the technique described, root canal therapy is completed initially and a cast gold post is cemented into the root canal. The post has a channel extending from the labial to the palatal aspect. A temporary acrylic crown is fitted to restore aesthetics, and the channel is extended though the palatal and labial surfaces. An orthodontic wire framework with a horizontal strut at the level of the original incisal edge of the fractured tooth is then bonded to the adjacent abutment teeth. The amount of extrusion required is estimated and a corresponding reduction is made in the length of the acrylic temporary crown. An elastic threaded through the channel and looped over the horizontal strut of the framework provides the extrusive force. A 6 week retention period is required following the extrusion. Periodontal surgery is then carried out if necessary, and a new provisional crown is placed. The final porcelain restoration is fitted after 6 months.

Knee joint effusion has been shown to cause a reflex inhibition of the quadriceps musculature. However, the effect of effusion on knee joint proprioception has not been thoroughly investigated. This issue is further clouded by the debate surrounding the role of the muscle spindle and joint mechanoreceptors in providing afferent feedback to the central nervous system. This case study examines the effects of a chronic effusion on knee joint proprioception. Possible suggestions for the results are discussed, and areas for further study are offered.

Squash is a moderate to high intensity sport which demands specific fitness. Squash at any level places a high demand on the aerobic system for energy delivery during play and recovery. In addition, the sport requires bursts of intense, anaerobic physical activity involving the lactic anaerobic energy system. Players must possess appropriate levels of local muscular endurance, strength, power, flexibility and speed, combined with agility, balance and co-ordination. Irrespective of the standard of play, aerobic fitness training and specific anaerobic training should be undertaken by all who play or intend to play squash. Aerobic fitness for the individual who is new to the game and has little training background can be improved using low intensity continuous running. Training sessions and matches should be preceded by warm-up and flexibility exercises which may reduce the chance of injury and enhance readiness to perform. Despite squash being an indoor sport, it is likely that play in hot and humid weather may generate significant thermal loads with the associated elevations in heart rate. Fluid losses of 2 L/min and rectal temperatures of 39 degrees C may occur, thereby increasing the cardiovascular stress of participation and the risk of heat illness. Sudden death and other manifestations of heart disease can occur in squash, therefore advice regarding the safe participation for those with, or who have the potential to develop disease appears essential. For those under 40 years of age who are well and have no known heart disease, medical clearance is not mandatory prior to taking up squash; for such individuals, regular medical monitoring may be unnecessary. For healthy individuals older than 40 years of age irrespective of health status, but particularly for those with coronary disease or relevant risk factors, a medical checkup is recommended prior to, and at least annually after taking up squash. Healthy individuals older than 40 years of age with one or more risk factors require a medical checkup prior to commencing squash for the first time and at regular intervals (every 2 years) thereafter. These individuals should also have a medically supervised exercise test. Those individuals older than 40 years of age who have a known history of heart disease, most commonly coronary artery disease, may play squash if it is demonstrated that, on examination or following therapy or surgery, they can exercise safely to a high workload. Most eye injuries which occur in squash are related to eye/ball and eye/racquet contact. The incidence of injury is very low but such injuries may be totally preventable. Ideally, all players should wear protective eye apparatus. The "ideal' protective apparatus should comply with the Australian/New Zealand Standard for eye protectors for racquet sports. It should be recognised at the outset that there is a paucity of specific data regarding squash and pregnancy. Most women with normal pregnancies may continue to exercise and play squash particularly in the early stages of pregnancy but should notify their physician of their intention to do so. Musculo-skeletal injuries to the lower limb dominate most studies and common injuries include sprains and strains to the back and ankles. Of particular interest is the development of degenerative hip disease in elite squash players necessitating retirement or curtailment of activity in the third decade. Dealing with injuries and illness that are attributed to squash requires an approach based on prevention as well as on appropriate injury management.

Purpose: To evaluate the characteristics of retinal detachments caused by squash ball accidents., Methods: Twenty-six patients had a retinal detachment after a squash ball hit their eyes., Results: Characteristics of the 26 eyes with retinal detachment were large retinal tears parallel to the corneoscleral limbus located close to the ora serrata usually in the temporal superior fundus quadrant (in 14 [54%] of the 26 eyes) and in the temporal inferior quadrant (in seven eyes [27%]); primarily intact vitreous with a traumatic avulsion of the vitreous base in approximately one half the patients; relatively slow progression of the retinal detachment; and additional damage to the choroid and retinal pigment epithelium in the posterior fundus. The patients were young and did not have severe myopia. Reattachment of the retina was achieved in 22 (85%) of the 26 patients. In 11 patients (42%), visual acuity outcome was 20/40 or better with best correction., Conclusions: Retinal detachments after squash ball accidents show different characteristics with worse prognosis than do ordinary rhegmatogenous detachments. Protective eyewear should be worn when playing squash.

Injuries to the upper extremities can happen in any sport. Injury patterns are common to specific sports. Understanding which injuries occur with these sports allows the examiner to diagnose and treat the athlete easily. This article reviews some of the injuries common in sports such as bicycling, golf, gymnastics, martial arts, racquet sports, and weightlifting.

Objective: To inform practitioners of the risk of ocular injury in women's lacrosse and to advocate the mandatory use of protective eyewear., Design, Materials and Methods: Athletes reported retrospectively, via a questionnaire, on the nature and circumstances leading to their injuries., Measurements and Main Results: Four case reports of injury to ocular and adjacent nasal structures are presented. None of the athletes was wearing protective equipment at the time that her injuries were incurred., Conclusions: Mandatory eye protection should be introduced into the game of women's field lacrosse. Eyewear may have prevented the injuries reported in this article.

A 35 year old semiprofessional squash player developed the symptoms and signs of an arteriovenous fistula of the left superficial temporal vessels after a squash ball injury. This was sufficiently symptomatic to halt his intensive training programme and required exploration, ligation and excision. Although a rare injury from any cause this would have been prevented by protective headgear.

Many factors are thought to cause ankle ligament injuries. The purpose of this study was to examine injury risk factors prospectively and determine if an abnormality in any one or a combination of factors identifies an individual, or an ankle, at risk for subsequent inversion ankle injury. We examined 145 college-aged athletes before the athletic season and measured generalized joint laxity, anatomic foot and ankle alignment, ankle ligament stability, and isokinetic strength. These athletes were monitored throughout the season. Fifteen athletes incurred inversion ankle injuries. Statistical analyses were performed using both within-group (uninjured versus injured groups) data and within-subject (injured versus uninjured ankles) data. No significant differences were found between the injured (N = 15) and uninjured (N = 130) groups in any of the parameters measured. However, the eversion-to-inversion strength ratio was significantly greater for the injured group compared with the uninjured group. Analysis of the within-subject data demonstrated that plantar flexion strength and the ratio of dorsiflexion to plantar flexion strength was significantly different for the injured ankle compared with the contralateral uninjured ankle. Individuals with a muscle strength imbalance as measured by an elevated eversion-to-inversion ratio exhibited a higher incidence of inversion ankle sprains. Ankles with greater plantar flexion strength and a smaller dorsiflexion-to-plantar flexion ratio also had a higher incidence of inversion ankle sprains.

Ligamentous instability, ankle muscle weakness, foot-ankle alignment, and generalized joint laxity may be predisposing factors for ankle ligament injuries. The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability of these risk factors before and after the season in healthy individuals and to determine if any significant differences developed during the athletic season (range, 12 to 16 weeks). Twenty-one healthy college-aged athletes were tested for generalized joint laxity, anatomic alignment of the foot and ankle, ligamentous stability, and isokinetic strength of the ankle muscles. This study showed that generalized joint laxity, ankle ligamentous stability, and ankle strength measurements demonstrated high correlation coefficients (r > 0.75). The high correlation coefficients suggested reliable measures. Some of the range of motion measurements had lower correlation coefficients, which suggested more variability in these measurements. After establishing the reliability in 24 of the 28 measurements with standardized methods, further work is underway to evaluate the role of these factors in inversion ankle sprains.

The purpose of this report is to describe an early radiographic sign of stress fracture, the "gray cortex ". The imaging findings in three patients with tibial stress fractures were reviewed. The "gray cortex " sign was evident on the initial conventional radiographs in all three cases. It was prospectively reported as a sign of stress fracture in two patients and was evident on the initial radiographs (taken elsewhere) of the third patient, who was referred for additional workup of a possible neoplasm. Special imaging studies (technetium-99m bone scan, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging) confirmed the diagnosis in all three cases.

The study investigated the workload offered by sport-related trauma to a busy casualty clinic and was carried out in two parts. The first part concerned compiling information about sport-related injuries presenting in 1 year to the outpatient eye clinic at Bradford Royal Infirmary. The second part attempted to investigate the awareness and the use of eye-protectors for squash by the student community of Bradford University, using a questionnaire. The sport-related injuries presenting to the casualty department were classified according to the sport involved. Analysis of the data shows that racquet sports, namely tennis, badminton and squash, jointly formed the highest percentage of presentations. In the case of squash and tennis injuries, follow-up treatment and/or admission to hospital was required in 100% of cases. These injuries could be reduced by wearing adequate eye-protectors. The questionnaire survey showed that only 9% of the squash players wore eye protection whilst playing, of whom 3.37% of the total had suffered lacerating injuries previously. Comparison with previous studies indicates that the pattern of eye injuries presenting to casualty departments, and the awareness of the general public concerning the use of eye-protectors, has not altered in recent years. Unless steps are taken, in terms either of mandatory use of eye-protectors and/or of educating the general public on the possible devastating effects of injury, these preventable injuries will continue to burden already overworked hospital casualty departments, draining both resources and expertise.

All squash clubs in the West Midlands were surveyed by postal questionnaire to determine their level of awareness to the risk of ocular injury. Of the 100 clubs surveyed, 51 questionnaires were returned. None of the clubs responding had any information warning of the potential hazards of ocular injury. Thirteen of the clubs had sporting goods shops; of these, three sold protective eye-wear. Significantly, all three stocked the open or lenseless type of eye-guard and only one had the guards with impact-resistant plastic lenses. The majority of clubs (96%) expressed a desire for further information. It is concluded that: (1) players are not warned of the hazards of playing without appropriate eye protection, (2) hazardous eye-guards (open type) continue to be sold, and (3) there is a desire to improve the safety of the sport.

Injuries to the lower extremity are common in racquet sports. These can be either acute or chronic. Although acute injuries usually respond to treatment, chronic injuries are often less amenable to treatment. The occurrence of both kinds of injuries, however, can often be prevented by proper training techniques including stretching and strengthening exercises. These exercises are also important components of a proper rehabilitation program.

Injuries about the elbow are common in racquet sports. Lateral epicondylitis is seen most often, but symptoms can arise from other sources including the medial elbow and the articular surfaces themselves. Medial elbow symptoms can result from medial epicondylitis, medial collateral ligament injury, ulnar nerve trauma, or any combination of these injuries. Careful evaluation of medial elbow pain is required to define the causes. Proper technique, conditioning, and equipment are also important in reducing the risk of injury to the elbow.

During a 1-year period 100 badminton players were registered and treated in the casualty ward of Randers City Hospital, Denmark. The injuries to the badminton players constituted 5% of all sports injuries registered during the same period in the casualty ward. At follow-up questionnaires were sent to all participants. Replies were received from 89 patients. Over the same period all sports participants in the hospital catchment area (30,254) were registered according to their sport affiliation (2620 badminton players-1650 men and 970 women). Of those injured 58% were men (mean age 31 years) and 42% were women (mean age 25 years). Of the injuries 55% occurred in club players, the remainder occurring during company and school sports activities. The active players were classified into three groups according to age: Group 1 under 18 years (31%); Group 2 18-25 years (16%); Group 3 more than 25 years (53%). According to the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) 17% of the injuries were classified as minor, 56% as moderate, and 27% as severe, respectively. Of the severe injuries (AIS = 3) 56% were found in the oldest age group. AIS correlated with time absent from sport (P < 0.001). Nine players (9%) reported that earlier injuries had influenced the actual accident. Most players (96%) trained one to three times a week. Sprains were the injury most commonly diagnosed (56%), fractures accounted for 5%, torn ankle ligaments were found in 10%, and 13% had ruptures to the Achilles tendon. Overall, 21% were admitted to hospital. None of the patients treated as inpatients was kept in hospital for more than 7 days. The injury caused 56% of players to be absent from work of whom 23% were absent for more than 3 weeks. After the injury 12% of the players gave up their sport, and only 4% restarted their training/sport within 1 week. As many as 28% had to avoid training and playing in matches for 8 weeks or more.

This paper describes two patients with vertically cracked roots. They illustrate the detailed attention which should be given to the signs, symptoms, and subsequent investigations which may lead to a diagnosis of vertical root fracture, and show the advantages of consultation between the periodontist, the endodontist, and the general dental practitioner.

Family physicians can care for most patients injured while participating in indoor racquet sports. However, patients with injuries to the eye usually require ophthalmologic referral. The most common injuries that occur in persons participating in indoor racquet sports include contusions, sprains and strains, lacerations, eye injuries, bursitis and tendinitis. Musculoskeletal injuries that merit special consideration include lateral epicondylitis, DeQuervain's tenosynovitis, wrist intersection syndrome, patellar pain syndrome, meniscal injuries, Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis. The family physician plays a critical role in providing patients with information about preventive measures.

Objective: To: (i) determine the magnitude and describe the spectrum of sports-related eye injuries; (ii) compare the sporting profile variations within Australia and overseas; and (iii) provide recommendations to help decrease the frequency and severity of eye injuries in sports., Design and Setting: Descriptive study of sports-related eye injuries identified from a cross-sectional survey of ocular trauma treated in an eye hospital during a two-year period from November 1989 to October 1991., Results: Although sports injuries comprised only 5% of all eye trauma, they accounted for a disproportionately high ocular morbidity, representing 22% of hospital admissions. Most patients were admitted for hyphaema (81%), but there were eight ruptured globes and 20 other cases required surgical repair. For those hospitalised for serious injuries, 19% were legally blind (visual acuity < or = 6/60) and 10% had visual acuity between 6/18 and 6/36 initially, with 29% of patients recording a visual loss in excess of 50% incapacity (< or = 6/18) at three months after injury., Conclusion: Eye injuries were most frequently caused by squash, badminton, Australian Rules football and cricket, a sports profile distinctly different from those of the United States and United Kingdom. That none of the players in may study had worn correct eye protection offers a wide scope for preventing injuries in what should be safe recreational pastimes.

Electron microscopic study of a surgically removed epiretinal membrane secondary to blunt trauma disclosed the membrane to be hypocellular and lined by internal limiting membrane on the external surface and by a layer of fibrocytes and myofibrocytes on the internal surface. The membrane was composed predominantly of new collagen. Occasional fibrous astrocytes, rare macrophages, and no blood vessels were present.

Most cases of lower leg pain in athletes result from musculoskeletal injury. Occasionally these patients do not respond to treatment in a timely fashion. This should alert the clinician to rethink the original diagnosis and consider more unusual causes of leg pain. Deep venous thrombosis must be considered in a young athletic person experiencing unexplained persistent calf pain after exercise. Further investigation may be necessary to rule out a hereditary or acquired hypercoagulable state.

Background: Since 1968, when the first commercial squash center has opened in Hamburg, squash has become very popular in Germany. Squash is played between two players in a closed court using racquets and a hollow rubber ball which could reach a maximum speed up to 225 km/h. According observations of English and American ophthalmologists there is an increased risk to get an eye injury in this game. Because of the isolation by the former existing wall, Berlin-West was an ideal place to study the ocular hazards of playing squash., Methods: In 1991 about 40,000 squash players existed in Berlin-West playing on 118 courts of 13 commercial squash centers. During January to October 1991 case records of all hospitals with an emergency eye ambulance and of the eye residents were investigated, furthermore all patient records of 1989 and 1990 of the eye clinic of the university hospital Rudolf Virchow, department Charlottenburg, were examined retrospectively., Results: All over 234 sports-related eye injuries were registrated, 78 (33.3%) patients sustained the injury during a squash game, 43 (18.4%) during soccer and 34 (14.5%) during playing tennis. 71 squash players were treated in an hospital ambulance, of these 15 required admission. A total of 206 injuries were sustained by the players. The majority of injuries were superficial, but in 12 cases occured an hyphaema and in 13 an angle recession. In all admitted patients visual recovery was good, during the clinical follow up there were no perimetric, ophthalmoscopic or tonometric impairments. The initial loss of visual acuity of the injured eye compared to the other side was on the average 4.5 lines, at dismissal from the hospital it was on the average 2 lines., Conclusion: Because of the increased risk to get an eye injury during a game of squash, players should be encouraged to wear proper eye protection i.e. closed eye guards according to standards of North-American testing organisations.

The effects of compliance cost and warning content on the use of protective eyewear by racquetball players were evaluated. Four-hundred-twenty subjects were observed for use of eye protection in a field setting. Results indicate that proximal placement of eyewear and the inclusion of specific consequence warning information increased safety equipment use. Implications of this research for augmenting warning effectiveness and safety are discussed.

We describe four cases of ocular trauma incurred while playing women's lacrosse without eye protection. Women's lacrosse is potentially hazardous because, unlike men's lacrosse, helmets and face masks are not required. These ocular injuries could have been prevented with the use of protective eyewear.

We report an unusual dramatic case of stellar ocular rupture after squash blunt in a recently keratotomized eye through weakened keratotomy scars. The early secondary glaucoma, the tension generated by the surgical sutures of the wounds and the use of systemic and topical steroids could explain the reopening of two incisions initially unperforated and the delayed healing procedure. We also stress the benefits of wearing protective eye glasses when playing squash, as well as a strict legislation in Belgium in such an eye-threatening sport.

Throwing and overhead racquet motion is stressful activity that places great physical demands on the athlete's shoulder. This article focuses on glenoid labral tears as a consequence of this dynamic activity. These labral lesions may be present as an isolated entity or may be in association with glenohumeral instability.

Vertical (FN) and horizontal (FH) forces were recorded while four vertically-loaded court shoes were dragged horizontally across six types of floor surface. Variation in coefficient of limiting friction (FH/FN) between floor surfaces was greater than that between shoes. Squash strokes were also performed on the same surfaces during which FH/FN was calculated. Slips occurred on some surfaces either at heel contact or upon attainment of full-sole contact. It is concluded that the coefficient of limiting friction obtained during full-sole contact with the floor is a suitable means of distinguishing between tractional qualities of shoes. Alternatively, this measure is an inadequate predictor of the likelihood of slips in the game of squash racquets. Dusty floor conditions produce poor traction as does a damp sealed floor. As sweat droplets are unavoidable in the game, floors sealed with urethane represent a significant hazard. Bare, clean, wooden flooring which can absorb moisture represents a better surface than a sealed floor from the point of view of traction.