Director at BSEMS. Sport & Exercise Medicine Physician. Doctor for Qld State of Origin Team, Bris International Tennis Medical director. Australia Canoe doctor.
Shout out to the Storm medical staff and ambulance officers who did a great job with Paps last night. Also big thanks to Dr Ben Forster (Ankle surgeon) for coming in late to sort him at hospital.
Behind the scenes of the medical team, looking after the Queensland Maroons:
Now that the celebrations have winded down, I thought I would share what we do to support the Qld team in trying to win the series.
@nrlphysio
Hi everyone. Please understand I am bound by patient confidentiality so can’t comment on treatment etc. Moses has released an accurate statement on QRL website. He should be praised for reporting promptly once he was unwell, as these conditions can and do deteriorate quickly.
With permission: Te Maire Martin sustained blunt trauma to his back in a tackle Sat night. He had respiratory distress and went to Emergency where a Pneumothorax was confirmed. It is small and a chest drain was not needed, but he cannot fly until it and he is cleared.
After a week off, we readjust and plan for Games 2 and 3. Although it sounds like a lot of work, I can honestly say I feel privileged to work with the mighty Maroons and such an awesome medical team- best job in the world!
@nrlphysio
Just wanted to correct the report that Munster ‘failed’ his HIA assessment in the medical room. He passed (compared to baseline) but that doesn’t matter. He was Cat 1 based on poor balance as demonstrated on the replay, meaning regardless of his HIA he could not return tonight
Thanks for the well wishers regarding Flegs. He sustained a throat injury and was in significant discomfort. Scans at Emergency showed soft tissue injury only, and thankfully he was discharged late last night.
I thought I would address some (justified) questions about Selwyn Cobbo's transfer last night. Selwyn has knocked unconscious in a collision with Pat Carrigan's hip, and our trainer sensibly got inline control of his C-spine as soon as he got there.
@peterp79
The mechanism of the tackle was dangerous to all who looked at it. Thankfully the Eels player flexed his neck. If direct axial compression it could have had a catastrophic result.
Noteworthy case: Patient presents with left sided exercise induced paraesthesia to sole of foot. Axial MRI shows the usual 3 medial long flexors + accessory muscles and tendons, effectively 'crowding' neuromuscular bundle and creating a Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome.
@nrlphysio
So much wrong in that article. Murray’s 2nd concussion this year (and it is a concussion regardless of his HIA result) and 9 day turnaround. Rules state MUST have independent clearance. So far from a certainty to play it is not funny.
@JasonNRL
Michael was checked on the field to exclude a C-spine injury. He was taken to the rooms and carefully watched for any deterioration. He was Cat 1, meaning he would never be returning to the field of play that night.
Some misinformation on the morning media regarding NRL and concussion management today. I'll try to correct a couple of errors I heard: (1) NRL does not have a minimum stand down period following concussion.
So sorry to hear of Paul Green’s passing. I only worked with him in Origin, but got to know him well. Thoughts and wishes go to his wife and young family.
@nrlphysio
@TheShaunChand
Sorry but if the player had reported those symptoms during the HIA assessment they would have had no option but to remove him from play, as that is a concussion.
With permission. Fairly abrupt onset debilitating lateral knee pain after trekking. Isolated severe popliteus tendinopathy. Inflammatory markers all clear. Trial NSAID's, otherwise guided corticosteroid injection.
Gives great insight to what information is available to doctors on sideline. Recent criticism of HIA assessment by commentators concerning. Perhaps they should receive the same mandatory training we have, to get better understanding of how concussion diagnosis is made...
Great look into the Injury Surveillance Bunker (ISB), technology brought in this season by the NRL to assist in identifying potential injuries that occur (particularly head knocks). Details the process spotters/club Dr’s go through
@nrlphysio
Not sure how the bunker ruled but a Cat 1 sign is ‘no protective action in the fall to the ground’. It seems he was already concussed from the high tackle…
Unusual Cause of Exertional Leg Pain in a Runner (thread + discussion)
41 year old long distance runner, training for upcoming Marathon.
10 month history of right sided exertional foot, calf and thigh symptoms.
In 2011, during the Brisbane floods, Doug Hislop (my dad) & Peter Fenton heard a 3000 tonne walkway had ripped away and was heading downstream. Without being asked and at enormous risk they took a tug and diverted the walkway from causing serious damage to the Gateway bridge.
@nrlphysio
Just wanted to correct erroneous reports of Xavier ‘failing his HIA’. He was taken off for HIA assessment where it became clear there was potential serious neck injury. He was taken to hospital for precautionary scans of his C-spine- no concussion.
Nice to see a responsible article outlining the risk of vaccine complication compared real life risks we take every day. EVERY intervention has some inherent risk- it should be up to doctors and their patients to discuss so INFORMED decisions can be made.
@nrlphysio
To clarify: NRL rules are very clear. Munster will need to pass all concussion protocols before he can be medically cleared to return to sport. The coach is merely confident that Munster can do this and be available to play Game 3.
Post-match:
Every player is reassessed at full time, sutures inserted, and braces and ice applied as necessary. The physio and I send a player summary to each club- this typically occurs after midnight given the usual late start for Origin.
Big congratulations to my colleague and friend
@DrSherwinGoh
who is now officially a Fellow of the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians! Welcome to the club- well done on all your hard work so far.
@ACSEP_
@BrisbaneBullets
Awesome to see our Aussie athletes doing us an amazing job in Tokyo. I have seen the enormous hurdles many have to go through to represent their country at the highest level. Well done!
#Olympics
#TeamAustralia
@nrlphysio
Well said mate. Headgear does not prevent concussion. Helmets in sports like gridiron may increase the moment arm of a shearing injury and increase concussion risk. Way too much emotion and way too little science in this discussion.
I have had some great questions posed regarding concussion in sport, so I thought I would share some knowledge.
Every 3-4 years, experts from all over the world meet to assess current research and studies into concussion, and to see what can be done better.
I arrange for an Orthopaedic Surgeon and Anaesthetist to be at each game, in case urgent surgery is required that night (thankfully uncommon). Injured players are assessed during the match and we ascertain whether we can get them back on the field or if they cannot return.
I feel for Dr Higgins- followed all the guidelines, did the right thing and tested for Covid-19- and notified those he inadvertently may have exposed. His reward- to be named and shamed in an atrocious manner.
I also organise my 2nd doctor for the games, preferring to use local Sports Physicians who have knowledge and access to further specialist care as needed where we are playing.
Weeks before Camp 1:
I contact all NRL chief medical officers to touch base with injuries in potential Qld players in their team, reviewing concussions they have suffered to date, and vaccine status.
Thank you to my Vascular Surgeon Colleagues for asking me to talk about a Sport Physician's approach to exertional leg pain, and the results of our non-operative treatment of functional PAES.
#ANZSVS21
We know in advance where the games are being played, and where we are staying in camp.
I organise Radiology cover to ensure that if any injuries occur we can scan players ASAP.
Recovery in Camp:
In my opinion Origin is unique as we take ‘battered’ players in the middle of an NRL season and aim to get them ready for some of the biggest games they may play.
2nd concussion in one season mandates these extra measures. Contact sport will always carry some risk, but extra levels to protect players should be applauded and not derided.
Others like
@nrlphysio
have covered on field, and medical room assessments- which are basically looking for signs of these symptoms. In the NRL we can use video analysis, trainer on-filed assessments, and of course our HIA in the rooms.
@nrlphysio
Thanks
@nrlphysio
. Concussion understanding is ever evolving. Contact sport will always have inherent risk, which is why consistent policies to safeguard players are important.
A well-stocked medical kit is essential, as I need to be able to deal with injuries, pain relief, anti-inflammatories and all medical issues, particularly viral infections and illness which has the potential to decimate half of the team.
Game day:
At the game we have or chief medical officer (me), our head physio, trainers, massage therapist, and the 2nd doctor. Fortunately most of us work with NRL clubs, and are well schooled in injury and concussion management.
@nrlphysio
If a player has suffered a second concussion in the season the NRL mandate an assessment by an independent concussion expert. This may require further comprehensive’neuropsychological’ tests.
Players had a full time Massage therapist available, as well as regular attendance from additional therapists. They also could use ice baths, pools and a sauna for recovery. Players are well fed, and mornings off are planned. Coffee plays a big part!
Weekend before Camp:
This is where the pressure starts! Every potential player is reviewed by their team CMO post-match, injuries are triaged to ones that rule them out; to ones that will possibly impact on ability to train; to no issues.
Well said John. I have seen many great sports doctors fantastic at their job treated atrociously because they put player welfare first. I’d also like to remember my friend Dr Mike McLean who lost a battle to mental illness.
A legacy of Ken Crichton (from SEM) and to all the doctors who have been lost to mental illness must to heed to great work of
@gdtoogood
. Talk openly about our mental health & the challenges and pitfalls of your profession. Be kind to each other & do the
#DoctorDash
this weekend
So wraps up another year if Brisbane International. Congrats to Karolina. Big thanks to the hard working BSEMS doctors who worked past midnight most sessions, and the great physio’s and massage for their help.
Plenty of discussion about reducing the interchange with reference to injury rates, fatigue and “bringing back the little man”. Wanted to discuss what evidence suggests a reduction in interchange would do to injury prevalence (spoiler: it’s not set in stone). Thread ⬇️
Players welfare is monitored daily and they enter data into a Smartabase app. Red flags are addressed as needed. GPS data allows us to know precise training load and volume.
COVID screening:
We were also told of the NRL COVID protocols which entailed twice daily RAT testing, and social distancing where possible. While the RAT’s excluded two of our best players before Game 3, it potentially could have ruled out many more if COVID spread unchecked.
Before Game 1, clubs were actively vaccinating against influenza A, and we were able to review COVID vaccine status and recent infections. Our physio also contacts team physio’s.
@nrlphysio
5 weeks should not be considered the new ‘normal’ for return post tight rope repair. Every case dependent on numerous factors like preexisting damage to ankle. DCE turn around remarkable nonetheless.
@nrlphysio
Thankfully the NRL concussion protocols put player welfare and safety first, even if (unfortunately) it means one of your teams best players comes off after 3 minutes!
@nrlphysio
Not the massive deal changer media are making it out to be- this will aid club doctors where an experienced doctor in the bunker can analyse the injury and make Cat 1 calls- no return. Cat 2 signs/symptoms still to assessed and managed by on field doc.
Bunker doctors are trained in sign recognition, and must err on the side of caution. HIA's are rarely convenient and rightly take at least 15 minutes to perform properly.
Our S & C has the entire week planned in advance (and individual clubs will usually provide their players planned resistance programmes), with weights, field and contact sessions organised.
@DrJN_SportsMed
Sadly many practitioners attribute all exertional leg pain to CECS. (This case so clearly not it is laughable). Taking a proper history, and targeted examination should at least point you in the right direction.
Concussion is at the lower end of the spectrum of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). Higher spectrum TBI’s occur in things like motor vehicle accidents, with structural damage to the brain like skulls fractures or bleeds in the brain, whereas concussion results in functional deficit