Bougioukli S, Bolia IK, Mayfield CK, Nicholson LT, Weber AE, Bashrum BS, Romano R, Tibone JE, Shin S, Gamradt SC. Management of Hand and Wrist Injuries in NCAA Division I Football Players From a Single Institution: Factors Associated With Epidemiology, Surgical Intervention, and Return to Play.
Orthop J Sports Med 2023;
11:23259671231188969. [PMID:
37954865 PMCID:
PMC10638884 DOI:
10.1177/23259671231188969]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background
Upper extremity injuries account for approximately 16.9% of football injuries in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
Purpose
To determine the epidemiology, management, and outcomes of hand/wrist injuries in collegiate football athletes so as to identify factors associated with surgical intervention and delayed return to play (RTP).
Study Design
Descriptive epidemiology study.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed hand/wrist injuries that occurred within a single NCAA Division I football team from January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2020. Data analyzed included player position, college seniority, injury characteristics, injury management, surgical procedures performed, and timing of RTP. A univariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with increased risk for surgical intervention and delayed (>21 days) RTP after hand and wrist injury in this cohort.
Results
Overall, 124 patients with 168 hand/wrist injuries were identified (9.9 wrist/hand injuries per year). Sprain of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) was the most common diagnosis (19.6%). Surgery was required in 22% of injuries, with injury of the UCL of the thumb MCP joint (8/37) being the most common indication. Injuries occurring during competitive games (odds ratio = 4.29; 95% CI, 1.2-15.9) were associated with an increased risk for surgery. Most (70%) injuries did not lead to time missed from football, whereas the remaining 30% resulted in an average of 33 ± 36 days missed.
Conclusion
Over 17 athletic seasons, the annual incidence of hand and wrist injury in these NCAA Division I football players was 9.9 injuries per year, with 22% requiring surgical treatment. Injury to the UCL of the thumb MCP joint was the most common injury and indication for surgery, and 30% of injuries resulted in approximately 1 month lost. Injuries sustained in games were associated with operative management and delayed RTP.
Collapse