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Burners.
The Physician and Sportsmedicine
|December 29, 2017
Summary
Transient brachial plexopathy, or "burners," is common in NCAA Division III football players, with 65% experiencing it. Many injuries go unreported, highlighting the need for better detection and prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Neurology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Transient brachial plexopathy, commonly known as burners or stingers, is a frequent injury in football.
- This injury affects the brachial plexus, a network of nerves extending from the spine to the shoulder and arm.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of transient brachial plexopathy among NCAA Division III football players.
- To understand the reporting behaviors and recurrence rates of this injury.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 201 NCAA Division III football players.
- The survey collected data on the incidence, recurrence, and reporting of transient brachial plexopathy during their college careers.
Main Results:
- 65% of surveyed players reported experiencing transient brachial plexopathy.
- 57% of injuries were recurrent, and 70% of injured players did not report their "burners" to anyone.
- The 1991 football season saw 52% of these injuries.
Conclusions:
- Transient brachial plexopathy is a highly prevalent and often underreported injury in collegiate football.
- Physicians should actively screen for this condition during preparticipation examinations and on the field.
- Implementing targeted conditioning exercises and equipment modifications may help reduce injury incidence and frequency.
