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Acromioclavicular disruption in first class rugby players.
1University of Bristol, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Southmead Hospital, UK.
British Journal of Sports Medicine
|December 1, 1992
Summary
Many rugby players sustain acromioclavicular joint injuries but can continue playing. These injuries had minimal impact, and associated supraspinatus impingement syndrome was not detected in this study.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Acromioclavicular joint injuries are common in contact sports like rugby.
- Previous research suggests potential long-term effects and associated pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and long-term effects of acromioclavicular joint injuries in elite rugby players.
- To assess the association between acromioclavicular joint injuries and supraspinatus impingement syndrome.
Main Methods:
- A random sample of 105 first-class rugby players was surveyed.
- Players reported a history of acromioclavicular joint injury.
- Clinical assessment was performed to identify supraspinatus impingement syndrome.
Main Results:
- 45% of surveyed players reported a history of acromioclavicular joint injury.
- All players with a history of injury continued to play at the highest level.
- The effects of acromioclavicular joint injury appeared minimal, with no cases of supraspinatus impingement syndrome found.
Conclusions:
- Acromioclavicular joint injuries in elite rugby players may have minimal long-term functional impact.
- Elite rugby players can often continue high-level play despite acromioclavicular joint injury history.
- Further research could explore specific rehabilitation strategies for acromioclavicular joint injuries in athletes.