Derrick M Knapik1,2,3, Leigh-Anne Tu1,2, Joseph Sheehan4, Michael J Salata1,2,4, James E Voos1,2,4, Kevin J Malone1,2,4. 1. 1University Hospitals Sports Medicine Institute, Cleveland, OH USA. 2. 2School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH USA. 3. 3University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Ave, Hanna House 5043, Cleveland, OH USA. 4. The Cleveland Browns Football Organization, Cleveland, OH USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Fixation of scaphoid fractures is recommended in elite athletes to hasten healing and return-to-sport times. Complications such as nonunion negatively affect athletic performance. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and impact of scaphoid repair on National Football League (NFL) participation during athletes' first season in the NFL, while identifying significant predictors for development of carpal arthritis and scaphoid nonunion. METHODS: A total of 1311 football athletes invited to the NFL Scouting Combine from 2012 to 2015 were evaluated for history of scaphoid fracture repair. Athlete demographics, surgical history, and imaging and physical examination findings were recorded. Future NFL participation based on draft status, games played, and games started during athletes' first season were gathered using publicly available databases. RESULTS: Nineteen (1.4%) athletes underwent 24 operations for scaphoid repair. Limitations in wrist range of motion or strength were present in 47.4% of athletes with a history of repair. Arthritic changes were present in 32% of wrists, while radiographic nonunion was present in two athletes following scaphoid fracture. Defensive backs were observed to have a higher incidence for arthritic changes following repair compared to other positions. No significant difference in prospective NFL participation was found in athletes with a history of scaphoid repair than in those without. CONCLUSIONS: Athletes with a history of scaphoid repair are not at significant risk for diminished participation during their first season in the NFL.
BACKGROUND: Fixation of scaphoid fractures is recommended in elite athletes to hasten healing and return-to-sport times. Complications such as nonunion negatively affect athletic performance. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and impact of scaphoid repair on National Football League (NFL) participation during athletes' first season in the NFL, while identifying significant predictors for development of carpal arthritis and scaphoid nonunion. METHODS: A total of 1311 football athletes invited to the NFL Scouting Combine from 2012 to 2015 were evaluated for history of scaphoid fracture repair. Athlete demographics, surgical history, and imaging and physical examination findings were recorded. Future NFL participation based on draft status, games played, and games started during athletes' first season were gathered using publicly available databases. RESULTS: Nineteen (1.4%) athletes underwent 24 operations for scaphoid repair. Limitations in wrist range of motion or strength were present in 47.4% of athletes with a history of repair. Arthritic changes were present in 32% of wrists, while radiographic nonunion was present in two athletes following scaphoid fracture. Defensive backs were observed to have a higher incidence for arthritic changes following repair compared to other positions. No significant difference in prospective NFL participation was found in athletes with a history of scaphoid repair than in those without. CONCLUSIONS: Athletes with a history of scaphoid repair are not at significant risk for diminished participation during their first season in the NFL.
Authors: Sharon L Hame; Jennifer M LaFemina; David R McAllister; Geoffrey W Schaadt; Frederick J Dorey Journal: Am J Sports Med Date: 2004-03 Impact factor: 6.202
Authors: Bertil Vinnars; Mihai Pietreanu; Ake Bodestedt; Fredrik af Ekenstam; Bengt Gerdin Journal: J Bone Joint Surg Am Date: 2008-06 Impact factor: 5.284