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HSS Journal ®
Published in: HSS Journal ® 2/2019

01-07-2019 | Original Article

Scaphoid Fracture Repair Does Not Significantly Diminish Short-Term Participation in the National Football League

Authors: Derrick M. Knapik, MD, Leigh-Anne Tu, MD, Joseph Sheehan, ATC, Michael J. Salata, MD, James E. Voos, MD, Kevin J. Malone, MD

Published in: HSS Journal ® | Issue 2/2019

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Abstract

Background

Fixation of scaphoid fractures is recommended in elite athletes to hasten healing and return-to-sport times. Complications such as nonunion negatively affect athletic performance.

Questions/Purposes

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and impact of scaphoid repair on National Football League (NFL) participation during athletes’ first season in the NFL, while identifying significant predictors for development of carpal arthritis and scaphoid nonunion.

Methods

A total of 1311 football athletes invited to the NFL Scouting Combine from 2012 to 2015 were evaluated for history of scaphoid fracture repair. Athlete demographics, surgical history, and imaging and physical examination findings were recorded. Future NFL participation based on draft status, games played, and games started during athletes’ first season were gathered using publicly available databases.

Results

Nineteen (1.4%) athletes underwent 24 operations for scaphoid repair. Limitations in wrist range of motion or strength were present in 47.4% of athletes with a history of repair. Arthritic changes were present in 32% of wrists, while radiographic nonunion was present in two athletes following scaphoid fracture. Defensive backs were observed to have a higher incidence for arthritic changes following repair compared to other positions. No significant difference in prospective NFL participation was found in athletes with a history of scaphoid repair than in those without.

Conclusions

Athletes with a history of scaphoid repair are not at significant risk for diminished participation during their first season in the NFL.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Scaphoid Fracture Repair Does Not Significantly Diminish Short-Term Participation in the National Football League
Authors
Derrick M. Knapik, MD
Leigh-Anne Tu, MD
Joseph Sheehan, ATC
Michael J. Salata, MD
James E. Voos, MD
Kevin J. Malone, MD
Publication date
01-07-2019
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
HSS Journal ® / Issue 2/2019
Print ISSN: 1556-3316
Electronic ISSN: 1556-3324
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11420-018-9640-6

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