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Abdominal Wall Muscle Injuries in Athletes

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Abdominal wall muscle injuries are observed in numerous sports. This review provides the practitioner with a solid understanding of the clinical anatomy and sonoanatomy of the abdominal wall and distills key aspects of the diagnosis, triage, and management of common abdominal wall muscle injuries.

Recent Findings

The anatomy of the abdominal wall muscles is a less thought about entity for most sports medicine providers. Recent advances in the quality of ultrasound imaging allows for efficient evaluation in the office, often obliviating the need for other imaging modalities. MRI and CT remain critical for evaluation of intra-abdominal processes.

Summary

Abdominal wall muscle injuries are observed in collision sports, racquet and throwing sports. Understanding the anatomy (clinical and sonoanatomy) and biomechanics of the abdominal wall is key to diagnosis and development of an appropriate rehabilitation plan to optimize recovery and return to play.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA

    Michelle Copley

  2. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Sports and Spine Division, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA

    Stephen Johnson

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  1. Michelle Copley
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  2. Stephen Johnson
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Correspondence to Stephen Johnson.

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Copley, M., Johnson, S. Abdominal Wall Muscle Injuries in Athletes. Curr Phys Med Rehabil Rep 11, 235–241 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40141-023-00402-w

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