Journal Information
Vol. 41. Issue 152.
Pages 145-150 (October 2006)
Vol. 41. Issue 152.
Pages 145-150 (October 2006)
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Sideline decisions in football. Opinion of professional team physicians on 7 simulated cases
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Introduction: To identify whether there are any discrepancies among the professional team physicians when making sideline decisions, a survey on common cases was performed. Material and method: During the annual meeting of the Spanish Association of Football Team Doctors, we administered an anonymous, individual questionnaire on 7 simulated cases requiring immediate medical attention on the pitch. The cases were based on real episodes requiring rapid decision making. Results: The respondents would reduce shoulder dislocation in the changing room with a maximum of 2 attempts and withdraw the player. With thoracic injury and grade II sprain of the external lateral ligament of the ankle, most respondents recommended withdrawing the player and would not perform infiltrations. With pulled ischiotibial muscles, half the respondents would bear the player's sensations in mind. In cranial contusion with transitory disorientation, most physicians would not withdraw the player from the game. With contused head wounds, most respondents preferred staples to sutures and would perform the suturing in the changing room. In cardiorespiratory arrest, most respondents proposed starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation immediately on the pitch. Discussion: The results obtained show distinct degrees of disparity. Consequently, we recommend that the various sports medicine associations design protocols and consensus documents on the actions that should be taken. Nevertheless, conservative attitudes predominated with the aim of preserving footballers' health.