As we move through the first quarter of 2026, the landscape of sports medicine continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Our mission at Current Sports Medicine Reports remains steadfast: to provide clinical practitioners with clear, evidence-based updates that bridge the gap between complex research and sideline application.
The first four issues of Volume 25 were particularly robust, covering everything from granular diagnostic mimics to broad institutional consensus statements. Below, I have curated a selection of standout contributions from our January through April editions that represent the diverse subsections of our journal.
January: Focus on Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine
“Cervical Radiculopathy and Neuromusculoskeletal Mimics in the Athlete”
By Rebecca Dutton, MD; Ian Cummins, MD; and Berdale Colorado, DO, MPH
- The Content: This comprehensive review dissects the diagnostic challenges of neck and arm pain in athletes. It provides a structured approach to differentiating true cervical radiculopathy from “mimics” such as peripheral nerve entrapments, thoracic outlet syndrome, and referred myofascial pain.
- Why It Matters: In the high-stakes environment of athletics, a misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary surgery or premature retirement. This article is essential for its clarity on physical exam maneuvers that help clinicians avoid the “MRI trap” and accurately identify the source of neurologic symptoms.
February: Focus on Policy and Consensus
“The Adolescent Athlete and the Team Physician: A Consensus Statement (2025 Update)”
By Margot Putukian, MD, FACSM; Lance E. Leclere, MD; Stanley A. Herring, MD, FACSM, et al.
- The Content: An expansive update to the foundational consensus statement, this document addresses the unique physiological, psychological, and legal responsibilities of physicians caring for young athletes in a shifting collegiate and scholastic landscape.
- Why It Matters: As the pressures on adolescent athletes increase—from Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) concerns to specialized year-round training—this statement serves as the “gold standard” roadmap. It provides the ethical and clinical framework necessary to prioritize the long-term health of the minor over short-term performance.
March: Focus on Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
“Living with “Bathroom Issues”: Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Pediatric and Adolescent Athletes”
By Elizaveta Khenner, MD; Michele Maddux, PhD; Shannon Paseka, RD; and Rachel L. Chevalier, MD
- The Content: This article addresses a frequently stigmatized topic, exploring the management of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis within the context of competitive sport. It focuses on nutrition, hydration, and the timing of flares relative to training cycles.
- Why It Matters: Inflammatory bowel disease is often an “invisible” illness that can severely impact an athlete’s energy and psychological well-being. By highlighting specific strategies for “living with bathroom issues,” this piece empowers clinicians to support these athletes in maintaining their competitive edge without compromising their gastrointestinal health.
April: Focus on Environmental and Global Sports Medicine
“Travel Medicine Consideration in Sports Medicine: Update on Best Practices and Infectious Risks”
By Jeniffer N. Gameros Gallegos, MD and Anuruddh K. Misra, MD
- The Content: With international competition becoming more frequent for athletes at all levels, this update covers the latest recommendations on vaccinations, jet lag mitigation, and emerging infectious diseases that may affect traveling teams.
- Why It Matters: A team’s success can be derailed by a single preventable infection or poorly managed travel fatigue. This submission provides a practical checklist for the traveling team physician, ensuring that “off-field” variables are controlled before the whistle blows.
Editor’s Choice: Clinical Case Highlights
We have also seen exceptional work in our specialized review and case report sections that deserve your immediate attention:
- CAQ Review (Feb): “Brachial Plexopathies” (Austin T. Rasmussen, MD, et al.) offers a high-yield refresher on the complex anatomy of the brachial plexus—critical for any physician sitting for their Certificates of Added Qualifications.
- Case Report (Feb): “Genetic Hypophosphatasia in a Female Runner” (Zachary Ryan, MS, et al.) is a fascinating look at how rare metabolic bone diseases can manifest as recurrent stress fractures, reminding us to look beyond biomechanics when an injury won’t heal.
- Invited Commentary (Feb): “Sideline Malpractice Coverage” (Neha P. Raukar, MD, MS, et al.) is a sobering but necessary read regarding the legal “gaps” physicians face when traveling across state lines or volunteering.
- Spectrum Review (April): “Cholinergic Urticaria to Anaphylaxis” (Kimberly Burbank, MD, et al.) expertly maps the transition from simple heat hives to life-threatening exercise-induced reactions.
As we move into the summer months, I want to thank our contributors and reviewers for their tireless dedication to the literature. It is through this collaborative effort that we continue to advance the standard of care for athletes at every level.
I hope these selections enrich your practice and stimulate further inquiry. Thank you for your continued dedication to the health and safety of athletes everywhere.
Kevin R. Vincent, MD, PhD, FACSM, is a highly respected leader in sports medicine, musculoskeletal health, and rehabilitation, bringing more than two decades of expertise to The Orthopaedic Institute (TOI). As the founder of Florida’s most established and comprehensive Running Medicine Clinic, Dr. Vincent has earned national and international recognition for his work in advancing the performance, health, and safety of runners of all ages and skill levels. His clinical interests include running medicine and sports performance, musculoskeletal health and overuse injury prevention, and strength training and biomechanics. With a passion for evidence-based care, Dr. Vincent has published extensively in the areas of sports medicine, resistance exercise, sports nutrition, and biomechanics. He is also an in-demand speaker, frequently presenting at national and international conferences on running medicine and injury prevention. Dr. Vincent has been a member of ACSM since 1992 and has served as an ACSM vice president and currently serves as the editor-in-chief of Current Sports Medicine Reports and on ACSM’s Clinical Sports Medicine Leadership Committee, ACSM’s Foundation Board, and ACSM’s Budget and Finance Committee.
