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Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) for Sideline Youth Sports Coverage

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Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to discuss the use of point-of-care ultrasound for sideline youth sports coverage.

Recent Findings

Participation in youth sports has been increasing, with trends that athletes are specializing earlier and competing at higher levels at younger ages (NSCH 2019, Fabricant 2013). Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) utilizes non-invasive imaging to diagnose and manage various musculoskeletal conditions ranging from traumatic injuries, such as fractures and intramuscular hematomas, to early screening for conditions such as asymptomatic knee lesions. Since it is well-tolerated by children and adolescents and allows for easy accessibility for sideline care, POCUS could provide a strong alternative to other imaging modalities such as x-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as both have their limitations. Youth sideline sports coverage could be enhanced with immediate medical attention from ultrasound-trained medical professionals. On the sidelines of a traumatic injury, POCUS expedites patient care with immediate examination of acute injuries. In low resource and hard-to-reach locations such as a rural youth sporting event, it can be key in the triaging of injuries. As a supplement to a physical exam, the risk of a misdiagnosis is reduced, and a long, expensive trip to the hospital for unnecessary imaging studies may be avoided.

Summary

Ultrasound is a versatile, non-invasive, radiation-free imaging modality that serves as an accessible option for sideline coverage at youth sporting events. Ultrasound is well-tolerated by children and adolescents. It can be used to evaluate, diagnose, and manage a range of musculoskeletal conditions at the sidelines of youth sports.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Scottish Rite for Children, 5700 Dallas Pkwy Frisco, Dallas, TX, 75034, USA

    Jacob C. Jones, Cassidy Schultz & Caroline Podvin

  2. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA

    Jacob C. Jones & David Mikhail

  3. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA

    Luke C. Radel

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Correspondence to Luke C. Radel.

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Jones, J.C., Schultz, C., Podvin, C. et al. Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) for Sideline Youth Sports Coverage. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 16, 493–500 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-023-09859-7

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