Chair: John G. Finkenberg, MD
Orthopedic Spine Specialists and Neurosurgeons have been positioned as the medical specialists to evaluate, treat and protect athletes participating in contact sports. Educational institutions and coaches are asking what intervention can decrease the morbidity/mortality associated with concussions and CTE. Most studies on CTE have shown deposition of plaques to be associated with increased CTE neuropathologic stages. Despite the association of behavior, mood and cognitive symptoms it is still unclear how factors such as first exposure to football, duration of play, player position, cumulative hit and linear/rotational acceleration of hits modify the risk of developing CTE.
Upon completion of this session, participants should gain strategies to:
- Assess the background of concussions and CTE;
- Review Sports-Related Cervical Spine Injuries;
- Discuss Current Monitoring of Head Trauma and Concussion Protocol;
- Determine NFL position on Amateur and Professional Player Protection.
Agenda
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy and Incidence of Spinal Injuries with Contact Sports
John G. Finkenberg, MD
Football Spine Injuries, Diagnosis, Treatment and Return to Game
Gregory D. Schroeder, MD
Philadelphia Eagles
Spine Injuries in Hockey
Alpesh A. Patel, MD
Medical Advisor, Chicago Blackhawks
Helmut Technology and Recent Innovations
Thad Ide, Senior Vice President, Research & Product Development, Riddell
Panel Discussion and Questions