Description
This transcript is from a presentation delivered by Dr. Kevin Farmer, a team physician at the University of Florida, who specializes in managing shoulder injuries for collegiate football players. Throughout the talk, he discusses the in-season management of shoulder and upper extremity injuries in American football, illustrating how these approaches differ from off-season strategies.
Dr. Farmer begins by providing his background and expertise in high-level college football, emphasizing the sport's popularity in the United States. He outlines the main focus of his presentation: the management of shoulder injuries that commonly occur during the competitive football season.
He acknowledges the significance of shoulder instability, noting the prevalence among collegiate athletes and presents data on the recurrence rates of such injuries based on various studies. The discussion covers protocols for treating first-time shoulder dislocations, the criteria for surgical intervention, and the importance of timely evaluation and rehabilitation.
Dr. Farmer refers to specific studies illustrating the effectiveness of in-season management strategies, including the use of bracing and the importance of addressing instability in the postseason after assessing the athlete's condition throughout the season. He addresses different shoulder injuries, including AC joint separations and clavicle fractures, outlining their treatment protocols and return-to-play timelines, and emphasizing the role of corticosteroid injections in expediting recovery.
Towards the conclusion, Dr. Farmer presents a holistic view of shoulder injury management, highlighting the challenges and decision-making processes involved in treating contact sport athletes. He shares insights from his published work, inviting those interested to explore his book for a more detailed understanding of the injuries discussed.
The presentation ends with Dr. Farmer expressing gratitude for the opportunity to speak, indicating his hope to connect with the audience in person in the future.