Abstract
Collegiate athletes face rigorous physical, academic, and emotional demands.
While significant attention has been paid to injury prevention among young
athletes in the past two decades, orthopedic injury rates remain high among
collegiate athletes, and a significant number will undergo surgical management
for injuries each year. In this narrative review, we describe techniques for
perioperative management of pain and stress after surgery in collegiate
athletes. In particular, we outline pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic
management of surgical pain, with a goal of minimizing opiate consumption. We
emphasize a multi-disciplinary approach to optimizing post-operative recovery in
collegiate athletes help minimize reliance on opiate pain medication.
Additionally, we recommend that institutional resources should be harnessed to
support athletes in their well-being, from a nutritional, psychological and
sleep standpoint. Critical to success in perioperative pain management is the
communication among the athletic medicine team members and with the athlete and
family to address pain and stress management and encourage timely, safe return
to play.
Key words
pain managment - collegiate athletes - multidisciplinary - team based care - opiate reduction
