Return to Play following Metacarpal Fractures in Football Players

• DOI: 10.1007/s11552-015-9769-4
• Publication Date: 2015-05-20T14:48:16Z
• Authors: Brian E. Etier; Anthony J. Scillia; Darin D. Tessier; Kyle T. Aune; Benton A. Emblom; Jeffery R. Dugas; E. Lyle Cain
• Keywords: Football players

Metacarpal fractures are common in football players and lead to time away from competition, but current operative treatment data is limited. The purpose of this study was examine demographics outcomes who underwent fixation for metacarpal fractures.Retrospective review 2009 2012 any player surgically treated at one institution a fracture. Charts were reviewed position, level mechanism injury, return play, postoperative bracing, re-fracture event. Current information obtained via phone interviews with the patient their athletic trainers. Fractures classified by radiographic analysis.Twenty injuries ten high school players, nine college recreational identified. most injured position wide receiver (six cases) followed defensive back (five cases). Most occurred through player-to-player contact (12 long finger (11 commonly involved metacarpal. Two had multiple fractures. location mid-diaphyseal (15 mean play all in-season athletes 6.3 days (range 1-21). Protective splints used an average 21 14-36). All returned preinjury without recurrence fracture or wound complication.Football required surgical demonstrated efficient including use protective bracing.Case series, Level evidence, IV.