Dr Richard Seah

PART II: Morel-Lavallee Lesions – Diagnosis and practical management of these troublesome injuries!

Part 2 – Management & Infographic Management - Many factors need to be taken into account when determining the approach to managing a Moral-Lavallee lesion. Different management forms include conservative treatment, minimally invasive treatment, and surgical intervention. Conservative approach Lesions with small fluid collections and no overlying pressure changes may be managed by conservative means such [...]Read More...

PART I: Morel-Lavallee Lesions - Diagnosis and practical management of these troublesome injuries! - BJSM blog - social media's leading SEM voice

A Morel-Lavallee lesion (MLL) is a closed degloving injury that occurs where skin and superficial fascia get separated from the deep fascia, creating a potential space. This was first described by a French surgeon, Maurice Morel-Lavallee, in 1853, hence the eponymous name. (1)

An introduction to bone stress injuries

Bone Stress injuries are typically overuse injuries associated with repetitive loading of bone by vigorous weight-bearing activity (such as running/ jogging/ marching) and inadequate recovery as Dr Rick Seah, Consultant in Sport & Exercise Medicine at the ISEH reports.

Why are there so many injuries at the Rugby World Cup?

BBC article. With key players from almost all the big teams ruled out of the Rugby World Cup Newsround looks at why there have been so many injuries.

An Introduction to fencing injuries

Fencing is considered to be one of the oldest combat sports in existence, likely as an extension of dueling. ISEH consultant Dr Rick Seah gives his insight into common fencing injuries. Injuries Many of the injuries in fencing arise from overuse, technical issues or minor trauma. Major trauma arising from stab injuries is exceedingly rare as a result of modern fencing equipment (that has many built­in safety features) and also strict rule enforcement. As with many contact sports, minor abrasions and cuts are relatively commonplace. Musculoskeletal strains and sprains affecting the spine, upper limbs (wrists and elbows mostly) and lower limbs (hips, knees and ankles) can arise from a combination of hard surfaces (e.g. the fencing pistes) and practicing too much. Not allowing for adequate periods of rest may play a significant role too. ‘Fencer’s elbow’ (analogous to ‘tennis elbow’ with pain noted at the lateral aspect of the elbow from gripping a weapon too tightly and repetitive arm motion) has been reported but is not commonly seen in the elite fencing athlete population. Once again, similar to the elite tennis athlete population, it is likely that many of the precipitants for this, which may arise from poor technique, are corrected as fencers progress and become more experienced. Proximal patellar tendinopathy, manifesting itself as anterior knee pain, can also occur in fencers who may have poor biomechanics when repeatedly in the ‘en garde’ position. Similarly, some fencers also develop patellofemoral pain syndrome, likely due to a combination of chronic reduced flexibility, excessive loading…….

The Olympic sport of canoe slalom and its associated musculoskeletal injuries

Canoe Slalom first featured at the summer Olympics in 1972. Athletes compete to navigate a canoe or kayak through a 300m course of hanging gates in whitewater rapids, striving to achieve the quickest time possible. ISEH consultant Dr Rick Seah gives his insight into common musculoskeletal injuries among elite paddlers. Canoe Slalom (also known as “white water canoeing”) first featured at the summer Olympics in 1972. Athletes compete to navigate a canoe or kayak through a 300m course of hanging gates in whitewater rapids, striving to achieve the quickest time possible. Time penalties are added when a gate is missed or accidentally touched, so paddlers have to aim for precision as well as speed. In the UK, the term “canoeing” is often used generically to cover paddling in either a kayak or canoe. There are some key differences between both activities­ these pertain to seating position and the paddles used. In a canoe, an athlete kneels whereas in a kayak, they sit with knees extended. To the spectator, this is not always obvious as the athlete’s legs are out of view in both canoes and kayaks. For a canoe, an athlete will use a paddle with just one straight flat blade whereas in a kayak, athletes will use a paddle with twin curved blades (i.e. one blade attached to each end). In the United Kingdom, British Canoeing is the National Governing Body and umbrella organisation for all paddlers. This includes the other canoeing discipline in the Olympics­ Canoe Sprint (or “flat water canoeing” as it occurs on calm water such as lakes).