Pneumothorax in sports - Issues in recognition and follow-up care

Spontaneous and traumatic pneunothoraces are rare conditions found occasion ally in athletes. Although generally not life-threatening, these conditions can be fatal if not appropriately diagnosed and managed. Expedient diagnos is depends on a thorough understanding of possible presenting signs and sym ptoms such as chest pain, dyspnea, and diminished breath sounds. A chest ra diograph maybe required for definitive diagnosis. Management depends on the size, stability, and type of pneumothorax and may include serial monitorin g, tube thoracostomy, pleurodesis, or apical resection. Return-to-play guid elines after pneumothorax have not been previously published. We present re comendations based on a review of published case reports, our clinical expe rience, and communication with North American sports medicine providers.