Don't be sidelined: Winning strategies for care of the para athlete

The aim of this study was to provide a review for orthopedic surgeons on the care of para athletes. The article focuses on common patient populations that present to orthopedic surgeons, including individuals with spinal cord injuries and related disorders, limb deficiencies, and neuromuscular conditions. The most common types of injuries affecting these para athletes will be discussed, as well as strategies for injury prevention and treatment. This review article also dives into the historical origins of para sports and discusses how treatment can potentially influence classification levels for para athletes. Orthopedic surgeons should encourage their patients with disabilities to participate in para sports, understand the types of injuries they may be at risk of based on disability and sports-specific factors, and work to help keep para athletes successfully competing in the sports they love.