Rink-side management of ice hockey related injuries to the face, neck, and chest.

Ice hockey is a fast paced sport with unique injury potential. A covering physician must be prepared to acutely manage injuries to the face, neck, and chest that are not common in orthopedic practice. Injuries about the face seen in ice hockey include facial fractures, lacerations, and eye and dental injuries. Neck trauma can result in lacerations and neurologic injury. Commotio cordis and sudden cardiac death are potentially fatal conditions seen in ice hockey. This review details the appropriate acute management of these conditions for the physician covering an ice hockey game. Knowledge of these conditions and appropriate rink-side management can be potentially life-saving.