Sports medicine stats: Spleen and liver injuries in sports
Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. He helps athletes and active people feel and perform their best, regardless of age, injuries and medical history. He has been featured in major media publications and shows over 2,500 times throughout his career.
Abdominal injuries are fortunately uncommon in sports, but they can be life threatening. The two most commonly injured abdominal organs are the spleen and liver. These injuries are more common in contact or collision sports. Common mechanisms of injury include tackling in football, checking in hockey, landing on a ball in rugby, a blow to the abdomen from a lacrosse ball and downhill skiing and snowboarding.
Sports Health, Published online before print March 24, 2014
Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike.
Abdominal injuries are fortunately uncommon in sports, but they can be life threatening. The two most commonly injured abdominal organs are the spleen and liver. These injuries are more common in contact or collision sports. Common mechanisms of injury include tackling in football, checking in hockey, landing on a ball in rugby, a blow to the abdomen from a lacrosse ball and downhill skiing and snowboarding.