Recent deaths during combat sports events have attracted the attention of fans and officials. The circumstances surrounding these catastrophes require further review.
As opposed to boxing, Mixed Martial Arts allows the application of multiple fighting disciplines including: wrestling, judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing and Muay Thai kickboxing. The variety of these skills has helped attract fans who follow and participate in these martial arts primarily for fitness and self-defense.
Unfortunately, the operative word in these contests is “combat” and it is meant to be taken literally. These amateur and professional fighters are placed in a situation where the body invokes the “fight or flight” response. This reflex causes the heart to race, muscles to tighten, blood pressure to rise and glucose to elevate. Essentially, these changes prepare the human body for battle. This level of stress demands that the athlete be in excellent condition.
Since 2007, at least 15 MMA fighters have died either preparing for or during a contest. Two of those deaths have occurred in the last six weeks.
Tim Hague, an MMA fighter, died in a boxing match in Edmonton, Alberta, after a punishing blow resulted in a brain hemorrhage. Donshay White died of what is believed to be a cardiac event after an amateur MMA event.
Pre-fight medical requirements vary among states and Native American tribal jurisdictions. Although not perfect, these studies are important to screen for potential tragedies.
“Deaths in combat sports are unfortunate occurrences. Uniform medical requirements across all state and tribal commissions must be established,” reports Mr. Michael Mazzulli who heads the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation and currently serves as president of the United States Association of Boxing Commissions. “In Connecticut, the medical regulations are identical for the State, Mashantucket-Pequot and Mohegan commissions.”
Despite its popularity, participants in MMA contests must realize that potential death is a very real risk.
Dr. Alessi is a neurologist in Norwich and serves as an on-air contributor for ESPN. He is director of UConn NeuroSport and can be reached at agalessi@uchc.edu
Patellar tendon injuries are more common than you think
Dustin Fowler recently made his major league debut in the outfield for the New York Yankees. Unfortunately, his appearance was cut short when he ran into a wall trying to make a play. As a result, he suffered an open rupture of his patellar tendon requiring urgent surgery and months of rehabilitation.
Although rupture is uncommon, injuries to the patellar tendon are often seen in athletes. The patellar tendon is the principal connection between the patella (knee cap) and the tibia. The fact that it connects two bones actually makes it a ligament by definition.
The quadriceps tendon attaches the quadriceps muscle to the patella. Together with the patellar tendon, it plays a crucial role in the extensor mechanism of the knee. This provides stability when the leg is straightened. Weakness and swelling from sprain or rupture will result in a loss of power when extending the leg and potentially the leg collapsing.
Early symptoms include knee pain that worsens with any exertion. This increasing discomfort is often a warning to an impending rupture. An athlete should begin a regimen of rest, ice and possibly anti-inflammatory medications. If the inflammation becomes chronic the tendon will lose elasticity over time and lead to tearing and rupture.
“Common scenarios for injury include: a misstep when going downstairs, stepping into a hole unexpectedly, or slipping on wet grass in which one leg has to sustain body weight,” states Dr. Cory Edgar, Assistant Professor of Orthopedics at the University of Connecticut and Head Team Physician at the Coast Guard Academy.
“The good news is rupture of the patellar tendon is very easy to repair surgically but requires 3-6 months of recovery during which the first 2-3 weeks are very limiting.”
In the case of Dustin Fowler, the rupture was the result of direct trauma without warning signs. Careful attention to knee pain on exertion can avoid serious injury.
Dr. Alessi is a neurologist in Norwich and serves as an on-air contributor for ESPN. He is director of UConn NeuroSport and can be reached at agalessi@uchc.edu
Although rupture is uncommon, injuries to the patellar tendon are often seen in athletes. The patellar tendon is the principal connection between the patella (knee cap) and the tibia. The fact that it connects two bones actually makes it a ligament by definition.
The quadriceps tendon attaches the quadriceps muscle to the patella. Together with the patellar tendon, it plays a crucial role in the extensor mechanism of the knee. This provides stability when the leg is straightened. Weakness and swelling from sprain or rupture will result in a loss of power when extending the leg and potentially the leg collapsing.
Early symptoms include knee pain that worsens with any exertion. This increasing discomfort is often a warning to an impending rupture. An athlete should begin a regimen of rest, ice and possibly anti-inflammatory medications. If the inflammation becomes chronic the tendon will lose elasticity over time and lead to tearing and rupture.
“Common scenarios for injury include: a misstep when going downstairs, stepping into a hole unexpectedly, or slipping on wet grass in which one leg has to sustain body weight,” states Dr. Cory Edgar, Assistant Professor of Orthopedics at the University of Connecticut and Head Team Physician at the Coast Guard Academy.
“The good news is rupture of the patellar tendon is very easy to repair surgically but requires 3-6 months of recovery during which the first 2-3 weeks are very limiting.”
In the case of Dustin Fowler, the rupture was the result of direct trauma without warning signs. Careful attention to knee pain on exertion can avoid serious injury.
Dr. Alessi is a neurologist in Norwich and serves as an on-air contributor for ESPN. He is director of UConn NeuroSport and can be reached at agalessi@uchc.edu
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