Background and Objectives: Tennis involves repetitive high-velocity movements, rapid directional changes, and challenging environmental conditions, exposing players to injury risk. However, injury surveillance data for North African youth players are lacking. This study aimed to determine the frequency, characteristics, and management of tennis-related injuries among competitive Tunisian youth players. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among players aged 5–18 years from tennis clubs (October 2023–November 2024). Data were collected using researcher-administered questionnaires, incorporating the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Overuse Injury Questionnaire and a sport-specialization assessment, following International Olympic Committee guidelines. Results: Among 256 players, 53.5% (n = 137) reported 366 injuries. Lower limbs were most affected (58.5%), followed by upper limbs (32.8%); knees (23.2%), ankles (17.5%), and wrists (10.1%). Muscle/tendon (36.9%), superficial tissue (28.1%), and ligament/joint capsule injuries (27.6%) predominated. Most injuries occurred during practice (74.9%) and hot weather (93.4%). Severe injuries represented 24%, while 29.5% were minor without time loss. Subsequent injuries occurred in 54.6% of injured players, with significantly higher rates in those with incomplete rehabilitation (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The high frequency of recurrent injuries and limited rehabilitation highlight critical gaps in injury management, emphasizing the need for targeted neuromuscular training, accessible rehabilitation, and standardized return-to-play protocols.
Rationale: Osteochondroma (OC) is a benign bone tumor commonly found near the ends of long bones. While spinal and hip localizations are rare, bilateral hip involvement is often associated with hereditary multiple exostoses, occurring in 30% to 90% of such cases. This report describes a unique case of bilateral hip OC developing after a spinal cord injury, in the absence of family history or hereditary multiple exostoses. Patient concerns: A 35-year-old male presented with painful bilateral hip swelling and restricted mobility following a rural accident that caused a C6–C7 vertebral fracture with bilateral anterior dislocation of the articular facets. He also exhibited spastic tetraplegia and flexion contractures, with signs suggestive of femoral nerve compression. Diagnoses: Initial imaging revealed myositis ossificans involving the iliopsoas and spinal muscles. A bone scan identified an immature osteoma. Histopathological examination following surgical excision confirmed the diagnosis of OC. Interventions: The patient underwent spinal surgery 2 days after the trauma, followed by admission to a physical medicine rehabilitation unit. Surgical resection of the left hip lesion improved flexion, and a similar procedure on the right hip yielded temporary improvement but led to complications, including infection requiring antibiotics and drainage. Outcomes: Despite surgical interventions, tumor recurrence occurred within 3 months. Imaging confirmed recurrent myositis ossificans and fluid collections. One year postinjury, neurological deterioration was noted, with spastic tetraplegia progressing from the C5 to C7 level and worsening lower limb spasticity. Valium was introduced for spasm management. Lessons: This case highlights a rare occurrence of bilateral hip OC following spinal cord injury and raises important questions about trauma-induced mechanisms in OC pathogenesis. It suggests the need for further investigation into the relationship between spinal trauma, heterotopic ossification, and tumor development.
Background: Adolescence represents a critical period for growth and athletic development, yet young athletes frequently demonstrate significant gaps in nutritional knowledge that can impair performance and long-term health outcomes. Limited research exists on comprehensive nutrition education interventions for adolescent soccer players in North African populations. Objective: To evaluate both general and sports-specific nutritional knowledge among adolescent soccer players from an elite Tunisian club and assess the feasibility of a digital nutrition intervention using mobile application technology. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between June and August 2024 among 50 male soccer players aged 11–18 years from Étoile du Sahel club in Sousse, Tunisia. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire comprising sections on basic nutrition knowledge, influences on food choices, sports nutrition knowledge and practices, and demographic information. A pilot digital intervention using the FatSecret app was implemented with 8 participants over 4 weeks, involving meal photo uploads and nutritionist feedback. Results: Participants had a mean age of 15.16 ± 1.55 years, with 92% reporting no formal nutrition education. While 90% correctly identified carbohydrates as the primary energy source, only 2% recognized that fat provides the highest energy density. Significant misconceptions existed regarding sports nutrition: 74% incorrectly believed that consuming protein 2–4 h before an event enhances performance, and only 17% knew the recommended pre-event carbohydrate intake. Food choices were primarily influenced by cravings (80%) and sensory appeal rather than health considerations (20%). The digital intervention demonstrated extremely low engagement, with minimal participation in meal photo uploads. Conclusions: This study reveals critical gaps in both general and sports-specific nutritional knowledge among adolescent soccer players in Tunisia, providing important descriptive information about knowledge distribution in this population. While knowledge deficits are substantial, it is important to acknowledge that this cross-sectional assessment documents only knowledge patterns, without measures of actual dietary intake or athletic performance. The persistent misconceptions and the low feasibility of the digital intervention provide important lessons regarding technology-based approaches to nutrition education in this age group, highlighting challenges in sustained engagement that must be addressed in future intervention design.