EXTREMITY INJURIES
- Extremity injuries include injuries to fingers, thumb,
hands, and elbows. Injuries to fingers are relatively
common. These include finger proximal interpha-
langeal(PIP) dislocations or sprains and subluxation.
Sprains may be taped to the adjacent finger to allow use
during competition. Dislocations often needed splinted
and padded to be functional (Kelly and Suby, 2002). - Thumb injuries may be much more disabling. Forceful
adduction of the thumb during takedowns may damage
the ulnar collateral ligament resulting in a game-
keeper’s thumb. The competitor may not have the grasp
strength to be effective against an opponent. Patient
will need to be evaluated for possible thumb spica cast-
ing and may even need surgery (Kelly and Suby, 2002). - The elbow may be injured when an outstretched arm
contacts the mat in an attempt to break a fall. The
elbow at this time will be hyperextended leading to
ligamentous injury or even possible dislocation or
fracture. Other common injuries include olecranon
bursitis from direct trauma (Kelly and Suby, 2002).
KNEE INJURIES
- The most common body part injured. Includes 21% of
all total injuries in a recent study. The most common
of these injuries are strains/sprains, meniscal/cruciate
tears, fractures, subluxation, and bursitis. Collateral
ligament injury is the most common type of injury
accounting for over 30% of knee injuries. Cruciate
ligament injury conversely is much lower (approxi-
mately 5%) (Jarrett, Orwin, and Dick, 1998).
•Takedowns and leg wrestling are the most common
etiologies of ligament damage (Kelly and Suby, 2002). - The lead leg used for defense and initiating takedowns
is the most vulnerable (Kelly and Suby, 2002). - Wrestlers tend to have a predilection to injure the lat-
eral meniscus or to have isolated lateral/medial collat-
eral sprains as compared to other sports. Etiologies
such as overuse, torsion, hyperextension, and shearing
all have additive effects toward injury (Kelly and
Suby, 2002). - Prepatellar bursitis is a common injury because of
time spent on the knees while wrestling on the mat or
performing takedowns (Kelly and Suby, 2002).
SKIN INFECTIONS
•A problem that is unique to the sport of competitive
wrestling is skin infections from various bacteria,
viruses, and fungi. Modes of transmission include
person to person contact on exposed skin especially
abraded skin and contact with poorly disinfected
wrestling mats or equipment (Kelly and Suby, 2002).
According to recent NCAA ISS reports, skin infec-
tions are associated with at least 10% of the time-loss
injuries in wrestling (NCAA, 2002–03).- All participating competitors are subject to entire
body examinations including the hair on the scalp and
in the pubic areas at weigh-in. If an abraded area or an
infectious skin condition cannot be adequately pro-
tected the participant can be medically disqualified.
Adequately protected is deemed where skin condi-
tions are diagnosed as noninfectious and treated as per
guidelines stipulated by a governing body such as the
NCAA and are able to be covered with bandage that
will withstand the competition (NCAA, 2003). - Documentation of a competitor’s condition will be
made available with diagnosis, culture results, and
current medical therapy. The decision of the physician
or trainer is considered final (NCAA, 2003). - Bacterial infections of the skin include folliculitis,
impetigo, furuncle/carbuncle, cellulitis, and erysipelas.
Competitors must not have any new skin lesions for at
least 48 h. No moist or draining lesions at time of
match. Seventy-two hours of antibiotic therapy must
be completed in order to compete (NCAA, 2003). - Pediculosis- and scabies-infected participants must
have been treated with the proper medication and
examined before being allowed to participate in any
competition (NCAA, 2003).
•Viral infections include herpes gladiatorum, herpes
zoster, molluscum contagiosum, and verrucae. Herpes
gladiatorum has received much attention because of
the high incidence of being contagious and potential
for morbidity (Kohl et al, 2002). Wrestlers must be
free of systemic illness at the time of competition.
Competitors must have been treated for at least 120 h
with proper antiviral therapy before and at the time of
the event. No new active blisters or lesions may be
present 72 h before the medical examination (NCAA,
2003).- Dry lesions must be covered with an impermeable
bandage (NCAA, 2003). - Recommended that wrestlers with a history of
recurrent herpes gladitorum or labials be on pro-
phylactic therapy after consultation with a team
physician (NCAA, 2003). - Herpes zoster infections must have crusted over
lesions and the patient cannot be systemically ill
before the competition (NCAA, 2003). - Molluscum lesions must be removed by the time of
the competition. Localized lesions may be covered
with a permeable membrane followed by stretch
tape (NCAA, 2003).
- Dry lesions must be covered with an impermeable
556 SECTION 6 • SPORTS-SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS