Case Study: The Conservative Management and Rehabilitation of Insertional Patella Tendinopathy in an Elite Footballer

Background and Purpose: Chronic insertional patella tendinopathy is a complex condition to manage within elite athletes. Pain and symptoms increase when spikes or changes in relation to training or game load are experienced. These spikes are often seen in football on return to training or in periods of fixture congestion, presenting a contemporary challenge for the sports medicine team. Study Design: Case Study. Case Description: The presented case summarises the conservative rehabilitation and pain free return to play of a 24 years (yrs) old elite professional footballer with a long-standing history of patella tendinopathy. Symptoms returned post a spike in training load during pre-season, with a diagnosis of a 7.4 mm insertional thickening detected through magnetic resonance imaging. Presented is a summary of the assessment process, 24-week treatment and rehabilitation protocol and subsequent 12-week pre-habilitation plan, routinely completed on return to training and game play. Outcomes: The implemented management strategy led to the successful symptom free return to play of the athlete. Conclusion: The management of this injury was facilitated through subjective and objective assessment markers and imaging obtained to manage the athlete’s symptoms. The authors suggest that medical and conditioning based specialists could apply a rounded loading approach with prescribed isometric and isotonic drills before progression to energy release and pitch-based training to advance the athlete through a safe and controlled return to sport clearance. Level of Evidence: 5.

Download Full-text

A Comparison of Physical Therapy Protocols Between Open Latarjet Coracoid Transfer and Arthroscopic Bankart Repair

Sports Health A Multidisciplinary Approach ◽

10.1177/1941738119887396 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 124-131

Author(s):

Alexander Beletsky ◽

Jourdan M. Cancienne ◽

Brandon J. Manderle ◽

Nabil Mehta ◽

Kevin E. Wilk ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Range Of Motion ◽

Sports Medicine ◽

Return To Sport ◽

Return To Play ◽

Bankart Repair ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Arthroscopic Bankart Repair ◽

Rehabilitation Protocols ◽

Level 3 ◽

Tissue Stabilization

Context: Recent studies examining return to sport after traumatic shoulder instability suggest faster return-to-sport time lines after bony stabilization when compared with soft tissue stabilization. The purpose of the current study was to define variability across online Latarjet rehabilitation protocols and to compare Latarjet with Bankart repair rehabilitation time lines. Evidence Acquisition: Online searches were utilized to identify publicly available rehabilitation protocols from Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)–accredited academic orthopaedic surgery programs. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Results: Of the 183 ACGME-accredited orthopaedic programs reviewed, 14 institutions (7.65%) had publicly available rehabilitation protocols. A web-based search yielded 17 additional protocols from private sports medicine practices. Of the 31 protocols included, 31 (100%) recommended postoperative sling use and 26 (84%) recommended elbow, wrist, and hand range of motion exercises. Full passive forward flexion goals averaged 3.22 ± 2.38 weeks postoperatively, active range of motion began on average at 5.22 ± 1.28 weeks, and normal scapulothoracic motion by 9.26 ± 4.8 weeks postoperatively. Twenty (65%) protocols provided specific recommendations for return to nonoverhead sport–specific activities, beginning at an average of 17 ± 2.8 weeks postoperatively. This was compared with overhead sports or throwing activities, for which 18 (58%) of protocols recommended beginning at a similar average of 17.1 ± 3.3 weeks. Conclusion: Similar to Bankart repair protocols, Latarjet rehabilitation protocols contain a high degree of variability with regard to exercises and motion goal recommendations. However, many milestones and start dates occur earlier in Latarjet protocols when compared with Bankart-specific protocols. Consequently, variability in the timing of rehabilitation goals may contribute to earlier return to play metrics identified in the broader literature for the Latarjet procedure when compared with arthroscopic Bankart repair. Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT): Level C.

Download Full-text

Systematic Review of Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Injuries and Treatment Outcomes in Women's National Basketball Association and National Basketball Association Players

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967120982076 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 232596712098207

Author(s):

Sachin Allahabadi ◽

Favian Su ◽

Drew A. Lansdown

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Lower Extremity ◽

Achilles Tendon ◽

Sports Medicine ◽

Direct Consequence ◽

National Basketball Association ◽

Return To Play ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Cartilage Injuries ◽

Women's National Basketball Association

Background: Athletes in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and National Basketball Association (NBA) are subject to high injury rates given the physical demands of the sport. Comprehensive data regarding injury patterns and rates in these athletes are limited. Purpose: To summarize available data on orthopaedic and sports medicine–related injuries through 2020 in professional female and male basketball players. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A search was conducted using PubMed and Embase through April 5, 2020, to identify injury studies regarding WNBA and NBA players. Studies were included if the injury or surgery was considered a direct consequence of game play including musculoskeletal/orthopaedic, concussion, ophthalmologic, and craniomaxillofacial injuries. Systematic reviews, screening studies, or studies without sufficient WNBA or NBA player subgroup analysis were excluded. Results: A total of 49 studies met inclusion criteria, 43 (87.8%) of which detailed musculoskeletal injuries. The lower extremity represented 63.3% of studies. A majority (59.2%) of studies were level 4 evidence. The source of data was primarily comprehensive online search (n = 33; 67.3%), followed by official databases (n = 11; 22.4%). Only 3 studies concerned WNBA athletes compared with 47 that concerned NBA athletes. The lowest return-to-play rates were cited for Achilles tendon repairs (61.0%-79.5%). Variability in return-to-play rates existed among studies even with similar seasons studied. Conclusion: The majority of literature available on orthopaedic and sports medicine–related injuries of NBA and WNBA athletes is on the lower extremity. The injuries that had the greatest effect on return to play and performance were Achilles tendon ruptures and knee cartilage injuries treated using microfracture. The reported outcomes are limited by heterogeneity and overlapping injury studies. There are limited available data on WNBA injuries specifically.

Download Full-text

Minimally Invasive Double-Button Fixation of Displaced Lateral Clavicular Fractures in Athletes

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546516666816 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 45 (2) ◽

pp. 462-467 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Maximiliano Ranalletta ◽

Luciano A. Rossi ◽

Hugo Barros ◽

Francisco Nally ◽

Ignacio Tanoira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Minimally Invasive ◽

Closed Reduction ◽

Functional Outcomes ◽

Constant Score ◽

Case Series ◽

Return To Sport ◽

Return To Play ◽

Short Version ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

The Mean

Background: Early union and a rapid return to prior function are the priorities for young athletes with lateral clavicular fractures. Furthermore, it is essential to avoid nonunion in this subgroup of patients, as this is frequently associated with persistent pain, restriction of movement, and loss of strength and endurance of the shoulder. Purpose: To analyze the time to return to sport, functional outcomes, and complications in a group of athletes with displaced lateral clavicular fractures treated using closed reduction and minimally invasive double-button fixation. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 21 athletes with displaced lateral clavicular fractures were treated with closed reduction and minimally invasive double-button fixation between March 2008 and October 2013. Patients completed a questionnaire focused on the time to return to sport and treatment course. Functional outcomes were assessed with the Constant score and the short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire. Pain was evaluated with the visual analog scale (VAS). Radiographs were reviewed to identify radiographic union, malunion, and nonunion. Results: Of the 21 study patients, 20 returned to sport after treatment; 100% returned to the same level. The mean time to return to play was 78 days (range, 41-120 days). Four patients (20%) returned to sport less than 6 weeks after surgery, 14 (70%) returned between 6 and 12 weeks after surgery, and 2 (10%) returned after 12 weeks. The mean Constant score was 89.1 ± 4.2 (range, 79-100), the mean QuickDASH score was 0.4 ± 2.6 (range, 0-7.1), and the mean VAS pain score was 0.4 ± 1.0 (range, 0-3) at final follow-up (mean, 41 months). The only complication was asymptomatic nonunion. Hardware removal was not necessary in any patient. Conclusion: Closed reduction and minimally invasive double-button fixation of displaced lateral clavicular fractures in athletes was successful in terms of returning to the previous level of athletic activity regardless of the type of sport, with excellent clinical results and a low rate of complications.

Download Full-text

Return to Play After Hip Arthroscopy Among Tennis Players: Outcomes with Minimum Five-Year Follow-up

10.21203/rs.2.14819/v4 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

David R. Maldonado ◽

Mitchell J. Yelton ◽

Philip J. Rosinsky ◽

Jacob Shapira ◽

Mitchell Meghpara ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hip Arthroscopy ◽

Cartilage Damage ◽

Arthroscopic Surgery ◽

Return To Sport ◽

Return To Play ◽

Harris Hip Score ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Tennis Players ◽

Patient Reported

Abstract Background: Playing tennis is associated with various movements that can lead to labral injuries and may require arthroscopic surgery. While hip arthroscopies have demonstrated good outcomes in athletes, there is limited literature reporting Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs) and return to play in competitive or recreational tennis players after hip arthroscopic surgery. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to (1) report minimum five-year PROs and return to sport in tennis players who underwent hip arthroscopic surgery and (2) compare outcomes between recreational and competitive tennis players.Methods: Data for patients who underwent hip arthroscopy surgery in the setting of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and labral tears between March 2009 and January 2014 and who played tennis at any level within one-year of surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with preoperative and minimum five-year postoperative scores for the following PROs were included: modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), Hip Outcome Score-Sport Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Patients with preoperative Tönnis osteoarthritis Grade >1, Workers’ Compensation claims, age > 60 years old, or previous ipsilateral hip surgeries or conditions were excluded. Patient Acceptable Symptomatic State (PASS) and Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) for mHHS and HOS-SSS were calculated. Results: Of 28 patients, 31 hips met all inclusion and exclusion criteria of which 28 (90.3%) had minimum 5-year follow-up (mean: 72.8 ± 13.9 months). There were 3 professional, 3 collegiate, 2 high school, 2 organized amateur, and 18 recreational level tennis players. All PROs significantly improved at latest follow-up: mHHS from 67.0 to 86.7 (P < 0.001), NAHS from 65.9 to 87.2 (P < 0.001), HOS-SSS from 50.0 to 77.9 (P = 0.009), and VAS from 5.4 to 1.8 (P < 0.001). There was a 75.0% return to sport rate. Additionally, 66.7% of patients achieved MCID and 83.3% achieved PASS for mHHS, and 63.6% achieved MCID and 58.3% achieved PASS for HOS-SSS.Conclusion: Regardless of the level of participation, tennis players who underwent hip arthroscopic surgery reported statistically significant PRO improvements. A favorable rate of return to sport was also achieved by players with a continued interest in playing. The severity of cartilage damage was shown to not influence rate of returned to sport nor PROs in this population. The data here may be useful in counseling tennis players of various levels who are considering arthroscopic treatment of a hip injury. Level of Evidence: IV

Download Full-text

Assessment of Mild Head Injury Using Measures of Balance and Cognition: A Case Study

Journal of Sport Rehabilitation ◽

10.1123/jsr.6.3.283 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. 283-289 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Bryan L. Riemann ◽

Kevin M. Guskiewicz

Keyword(s):

Head Injury ◽

Sports Medicine ◽

Athletic Trainers ◽

Head Injuries ◽

Football Player ◽

Athletic Participation ◽

Return To Play ◽

Mild Head Injury ◽

Collegiate Football

Mild head injury (MHI) represents one of the most challenging neurological pathologies occurring during athletic participation. Athletic trainers and sports medicine personnel are often faced with decisions about the severity of head injury and the timing of an athlete's return to play following MHI. Returning an athlete to competition following MHI too early can be a catastrophic mistake. This case study involves a 20-year-old collegiate football player who sustained three mild head injuries during one season. The case study demonstrates how objective measures of balance and cognition can be used when making decisions about returning an athlete to play following MHI. These measures can be used to supplement the subjective guidelines proposed by many physicians.

Download Full-text

Current Practices in the Treatment of Syndesmotic Injuries: A Global Perspective

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics ◽

10.1177/2473011420s00113 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 2473011420S0011

Author(s):

Jonathan Bartolomei ◽

Shanthan C. Challa ◽

Kenneth J. Hunt ◽

Daniel K. Moon

Keyword(s):

North American ◽

Sports Medicine ◽

Return To Sport ◽

High Impact ◽

Optimal Treatment ◽

Return To Play ◽

Considerable Variability ◽

Flexible Devices ◽

Fixation Devices ◽

Rehabilitation Protocols

Category: Ankle; Sports Introduction/Purpose: There exists little consensus regarding optimal treatment protocols for syndesmotic injuries. Orthopedic clinicians have implemented a variety of treatment strategies, ranging from immobilization to screw fixation to new flexible fixation devices. While the body of literature is growing with regard to both the biomechanics and clinical outcomes for various constructs and rehabilitation protocols, there is little consensus on the optimal treatment and return to sport strategy for these injuries. We endeavored to assess current approaches to syndesmotic injuries by orthopedic foot and ankle specialists around the world in six athlete scenarios with increasing degrees of injury. Commensurate with the lack of available data to guide treatments, we hypothesize that there will be great variability in the treatment and management of syndesmotic injuries. Methods: A REDcap survey was created with 27 questions, including respondent demographics, indications for treatment of syndesmotic injuries, preferred treatment, preferred technique for repairing the syndesmosis, and post-operative management. Respondents were asked to choose their preferred fixation device and post-operative return to play protocols in six different athlete scenarios (moderate impact, high impact, and very high impact and each with/without complete deltoid injury). The survey was disseminated among the memberships of 18 North American and International medical societies. Society members were surveyed via three emails distributed two weeks apart. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for all categorical responses. Results: A total of 596 providers responded to the survey, including 337 American surgeons and 259 members of various international societies. There was a 70% survey completion rate with a wide geographic distribution among respondents. Flexible devices were the preferred fixation construct (48%), followed by screws (27%), hybrid fixation (19%) and other (6%). There was a higher preference for flexible devices among sports medicine trained providers (58%) relative to non-sports medicine trained providers (44%). 62% of respondents noted that their rehabilitation protocols would not change for each athlete scenario. Considerable variability was present in anticipated full return to sport, ranging from immediately following injury to six months post-op. 33% stated that they would repair the deltoid ‘greater than 50%’ of the time if injured. Conclusion: There is a wide variety of indications and treatment constructs employed by orthopedic surgeons for athletes with ligamentous syndesmotic injuries requiring fixation. Although flexible fixation devices are the preferred choice among all respondents, there was considerable variability in device choices. Fellowship training also appears to affect the preferred fixation method. There was no overall difference between device preference between North American and International respondents (Fig1). There also exists substantial variability in expected return to play for every athlete scenario. The diversity in approaches and post-operative recommendations underscores the need for evidence-based guidelines regarding the management of syndesmotic injuries.

Download Full-text

The Evolving Approach to Treating Syndesmotic Injuries in the Elite Athlete: An International Perspective

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967120s00400 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (7_suppl6) ◽

pp. 2325967120S0040

Author(s):

Jonathan Bartolomei ◽

Kenneth Hunt ◽

Shanthan Challa

Keyword(s):

Sports Medicine ◽

Return To Sport ◽

High Impact ◽

Optimal Treatment ◽

Return To Play ◽

Considerable Variability ◽

Fixation Device ◽

Flexible Devices ◽

Fixation Devices ◽

Rehabilitation Protocols

Objectives: There exists little consensus regarding optimal treatment protocols for syndesmotic injuries. Orthopaedic clinicians have implemented a variety of treatment strategies, ranging from immobilization to screw fixation to new flexible fixation devices. While the body of literature is growing with regard to both the biomechanics and clinical outcomes for various constructs and rehabilitation protocols, there is little consensus on the optimal treatment and return to sport strategy for these injuries. We endeavored to assess current approaches to syndesmotic injures by orthopedic foot and ankle specialists around the world in 6 athlete scenarios with increasing degree of injury. Commensurate with the lack of available data to guide treatments, we hypothesize that there will be great variability in the treatment and management of syndesmotic injuries. Methods: A REDcap survey was created with 27 questions, including respondent demographics, indications for treatment of syndesmotic injuries, preferred treatment, preferred technique for repairing the syndesmosis and post-operative management. Respondents were asked to choose their preferred fixation device and post-operative return to play protocols in six different athlete scenarios (moderate impact, high impact and very high impact and each with/without complete deltoid injury). The survey was disseminated among the memberships of 18 North American and International medical societies. Society members were surveyed via three emails disseminated 2 weeks apart. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for all categorical responses. Results: A total of 596 providers responded to the survey, including 337 American surgeons and 259 members of various international societies. There was a 70% survey completion rate with a wide geographic distribution among respondents. Flexible devices were the preferred fixation construct (48%), followed by screws (27%), hybrid fixation (19%) and other (6%). There was a higher preference for flexible devices among sports medicine trained providers (58%) relative to non-sports medicine trained providers (44%). 62% of respondents noted that their rehabilitation protocols would not change for each athlete scenario. Considerable variability was present in anticipated full return to sport, ranging from immediately following injury to 6 months post-op (Fig 1). 33% stated that they would repair the deltoid ‘greater than 50%’ of the time if injured. Conclusion: There is a wide variety of indications and treatment constructs employed by orthopaedic surgeons for athletes with ligamentous syndesmotic injuries requiring fixation. Although, flexible fixation devices are the preferred among all respondents but there was a considerable variability in device choices. Fellowship training also appears to affect the preferred fixation device choice. There also exists substantial variability in expected return to play for every athlete scenario (Fig 1). The diversity in approaches and post-operative recommendations underscores the need for evidence-based guidelines regarding management of syndesmotic injuries.

Download Full-text

Clinical Outcomes of Patients With Anterior Shoulder Instability and Glenolabral Articular Disruption Lesions: A Retrospective Comparative Study

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546520964479 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 48 (14) ◽

pp. 3472-3477

Author(s):

Martin S. Davey ◽

Eoghan T. Hurley ◽

Christopher A. Colasanti ◽

John P. Scanlon ◽

Mohamed Gaafar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Shoulder Instability ◽

Return To Sport ◽

Return To Play ◽

Anterior Shoulder Instability ◽

Control Group ◽

Control Groups ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Significant Difference ◽

And Control

Background: Anterior shoulder instability is a common clinical condition that often requires surgical stabilization. Glenoid labral tears are often associated with instability, with glenolabral articular disruption (GLAD) lesions occasionally being identified arthroscopically during repair, particularly in collision athletes. Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcomes and recurrence rates in patients who had GLAD lesions and underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR) and compare them with a control group without GLAD lesions. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent ABR with GLAD lesions, by a single surgeon between July 2012 and March 2017, was performed. Additionally, these were pair matched in a 2:1 ratio for age, sex, sport, and level of play with a control group who underwent ABR without GLAD lesions. Return to sport, the level of return, and the timing of return were assessed. The visual analog scale (VAS) for pain score, Rowe score, Shoulder Instability–Return to Sport after Injury (SIRSI) score, and Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV) were evaluated. Results: The study included a total of 66 patients (22 and 44 patients for the GLAD and control groups, respectively), with a mean age of 25.8 years and a mean follow-up of 66 months. Overall, there was no significant difference in any of the clinical outcome scores (VAS, Rowe, SIRSI, and SSV) utilized for the GLAD and control groups ( P > .05 for all). Similarly, there was no significant difference in the total rate of return to play (90.9% vs 88.6%; P > .99) or return at the same/higher level (68.2% vs 72.7%; P = .78). There was no significant difference in timing of return to play (6.3 ± 6.6 months vs 6.4 ± 2.5 months; P = .98). There were 3 cases (13.6%) requiring further surgery (1 revision stabilization, 1 arthroscopic release, and 1 rotator cuff repair) in the GLAD group and 2 cases (4.5%) requiring further surgery (both revision stabilization) in the control group; the difference was not statistically significant ( P = .32). Conclusion: After arthroscopic repair, patients with GLAD lesions had similar midterm outcomes when compared with a control group without GLAD lesions.

Download Full-text

Return to Sport After Proximal Hamstring Tendon Repair: A Systematic Review

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967119853218 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (6) ◽

pp. 232596711985321 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

John W. Belk ◽

Matthew J. Kraeutler ◽

Omer Mei-Dan ◽

Darby A. Houck ◽

Eric C. McCarty ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Surgical Intervention ◽

Return To Sport ◽

Hamstring Tendon ◽

Activity Level ◽

Return To Play ◽

Rate Of Return ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Proximal Hamstring

Background: Previous studies have evaluated functional outcomes and return-to-sport rates after proximal hamstring tendon (HT) repair. Purpose: To systematically review the literature in an effort to evaluate return-to-sport rates after proximal HT repair. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase to identify studies that evaluated postoperative lower extremity function and return-to-sport rates in patients after proximal HT repair. Search terms used were “hamstring,” “repair,” “return to sport,” and “return to play.” Patients were assessed based on return to sport, return to preinjury activity level, type of HT tear (complete or partial), and interval from injury to surgery. Patients were also divided into subgroups depending on timing of the surgical intervention: early, <1 month; delayed, 1 to 6 months; and late, >6 months from the time of injury. Results: Sixteen studies (one level 2, five level 3, ten level 4) met the inclusion criteria, including 374 patients with a complete proximal HT tear (CT group) and 93 patients with a partial proximal HT tear (PT group), with a mean follow-up of 2.9 years. Overall, 93.8% of patients (438/467) returned to sport, including 93.0% (348/374) in the CT group and 96.8% (90/93) in the PT group ( P = .18). The mean time to return to sport was 5.7 months, and 83.5% of patients (330/395) returned to their preinjury activity level. The early group demonstrated the greatest rate of return to sport at 94.4% (186/197) as well as the quickest time to return at a mean of 4.8 months, although this was not found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: Over 90% of patients undergoing repair of a complete or partial proximal HT tear can be expected to return to sport regardless of the tear type. Early surgical interventions of these injuries may be associated with a quicker return to sport, although the rate of return to sport does not differ based on timing of the surgical intervention.

Download Full-text

Return to Professional Australian Rules Football After Surgery for Traumatic Anterior Shoulder Instability

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/03635465211029022 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 036354652110290

Author(s):

Michael Perret ◽

Sarah Warby ◽

Godefroy Brais ◽

Stephanie Hinse ◽

Sophie Hoy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Shoulder Instability ◽

Return To Sport ◽

Field Performance ◽

Return To Play ◽

Anterior Shoulder Instability ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Australian Football League ◽

Early Return ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Australian Football

Background: The treatment of traumatic anterior shoulder instability in professional Australian Football League (AFL) players is challenging, with an emphasis on early return to play and avoidance of instability recurrence. Purpose: To investigate return-to-sport (RTS) outcomes and complications after 2 different procedures for traumatic anterior shoulder instability in professional AFL players. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our surgical database for professional AFL players who underwent capsulolabral stabilization or open Latarjet procedure by a single surgeon between 2006 and 2017. Outcomes included RTS, on-field performance, and complications. Between-group analyses for RTS and complications were estimated using Kaplan-Meier survival analyses. Within-group analyses for on-field performance data were performed using paired t tests with significance set at .05. Results: A total of 58 capsulolabral stabilization procedures in 54 players and 32 Latarjet procedures in 29 players were included in the analysis; 93.1% of capsulolabral patients and 96.9% of Latarjet patients returned to professional AFL. The median RTS time was 6.8 months for the capsulolabral group and 7.3 months for the Latarjet group. There was no significant difference in RTS rates between the 2 groups ( P = .270). Of those undergoing surgery early in the season, 75% of the capsulolabral and 71% of Latarjet group were able to RTS within the same season, at a mean time of 16.9 weeks and 18.8 weeks, respectively. There was a significant difference in instability recurrence, with 19% for the capsulolabral group and no recurrence in the Latarjet group ( P = .017). There was no significant reduction in player on-field performance in either group ( P < .05). Conclusion: In this study, the median RTS in AFL players was approximately 7 months after capsulolabral and Latarjet surgery with no compromise to on-field performance. Instability-related complications occurred only in the capsulolabral group, and the incidence increased with time.

Download Full-text