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Finger Injuries in Football and Rugby
Kate E Elzinga1, Kevin C Chung2
1Section of Plastic Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, The University of Michigan Health System, University of Michigan, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, 2110 Taubman Center, SPC 5346, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5346, USA.
Hand Clinics
|November 26, 2016
Summary
Football and rugby players face high finger injury risks. Surgeons must balance early return-to-play benefits against reinjury and long-term health concerns for each athlete.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Sports medicine
- Hand surgery
Background:
- Football and rugby are high-contact sports with a significant risk of finger injuries.
- Early return to play is sometimes facilitated by protective measures like taping, splinting, and casting.
- Delayed or complicated recoveries can lead to prolonged athlete absence from competition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the risks and considerations for hand surgeons managing finger injuries in football and rugby players.
- To emphasize the need for a balanced approach in decision-making regarding player return to play.
- To underscore the importance of individualized treatment plans for athletes with finger injuries.
Main Methods:
- Review of common finger injury mechanisms in contact sports.
- Analysis of conservative and surgical management options for finger injuries.
- Discussion of factors influencing return-to-play decisions.
- Consideration of potential long-term sequelae of finger injuries.
Main Results:
- Athletes are at elevated risk for finger injuries due to the nature of football and rugby.
- Management strategies range from protective taping to extended rehabilitation.
- Key considerations include the athlete's current season, future career, and risk of reinjury.
- Potential long-term issues include post-traumatic arthritis, reduced range of motion, and decreased strength.
Conclusions:
- Hand surgeons must carefully weigh the advantages of early return to play against the risks of reinjury and chronic morbidity.
- A comprehensive, individualized assessment is crucial for optimal player management.
- Tailored treatment plans are essential to address the unique needs of each athlete with a finger injury.
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