Injury Guidelines

From UofL General Peds

Lacerations

Location When to remove sutures
Eyelids 3 days
Neck 3-4 days
Face 5 days
Scalp 7-14 days
Trunk and upper extremities 7 days
Lower extremities 8-10 days

Concussions

Return to Play

Stage Aim Activity Goal of each step
1 Symptom-limited activity Daily activities that do not provoke symptoms. Gradual reintroduction of work/school activities.
2 Light aerobic exercise Walking or stationary cycling at slow to medium pace. No resistance training. Increase heart rate.
3 Sport-specific exercise Running or skating drills. No head impact activities. Add movement.
4 Non-contact training drills Harder training drills, eg, passing drills. May start progressive resistance training. Exercise, coordination and increased thinking.
5 Full contact practice Following medical clearance, participate in normal training activities. Restore confidence and assess functional skills by coaching staff.
6 Return to sport Normal game play.

Notes:

  • An initial period of 24 to 48 hours of physical and cognitive rest before beginning the RTS progression.
  • Must stay at each step at least 24 hours before progressing.
  • If symptoms worsen during exercise, go back to the previous step.
  • Resistance training should be added only in the later stages (stage 3 or 4 at the earliest).
  • If symptoms are persistent (eg, more than 10 to 14 days in adults or more than 1 month in children), refer to a specialist.