Video Analysis of Shoulder Dislocations in Rugby: Insights Into the Dislocating Mechanisms.

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Existing descriptions of traumatic shoulder injuries in rugby may not fully encompass all shoulder dislocation mechanisms.
• Understanding specific injury mechanisms is crucial for prevention and treatment strategies in contact sports.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically analyze video footage of shoulder dislocations in professional rugby players.
• To identify and categorize the distinct mechanisms leading to shoulder dislocations in this athletic population.

Main Methods:

• A case series approach was used, analyzing 39 shoulder dislocations from professional rugby matches over two years.
• Two independent analysts reviewed video footage to determine injury circumstances, game scenarios, and the specific movements and forces involved.

Main Results:

• Four distinct injury mechanisms were identified, with previously known types (try scorer, tackler, direct impact) accounting for 67% of cases.
• A novel mechanism, the "poach position," was identified in 18% of dislocations.
• Injuries predominantly occurred to non-ball carriers (85%) during tackles (49%) or rucks/mauls (26%), often in the final quarter of matches (36%).

Conclusions:

• Shoulder dislocations in rugby are primarily caused by four distinct mechanisms, with the "poach position" being a newly described cause.
• The findings highlight the importance of considering these specific mechanisms, particularly in the latter stages of games, for injury prevention efforts.