O. Lavoie-Gagne (Boston, US)
Massachusetts General Hospital Orthopedic SurgeryPresenter Of 1 Presentation
P115 - Return to Play and Player Performance following Meniscus Tear Among Elite Level European Soccer Players
Abstract
Purpose
Meniscus injuries are extremely common in soccer athletes with little known on post-recovery performance. The purpose of this study was to 1) identify characteristics associated with return-to-play (RTP) to the same league level and 2) evaluate long-term effects injury and management approach may have on player performance.
Methods and Materials
Athletes sustaining meniscal tear were identified across the five major European soccer leagues (English Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, Ligue 1, and Serie A) between 2006 and 2016 using publicly available records. Injured athletes were matched to controls 1:2 by demographics and performance. Investigations included rate of RTP to the same league level, re-injury, player characteristics associated with RTP within 2 seasons, long-term availability, field time, and performance metrics standardized to 90 minutes of play during the 4 following seasons.
Results
A total of 250 players sustaining meniscal tear were included, of which 106 (42%) received surgical management. Median absence was 57.5 (IQR 35-92) days or 7 (IQR 4-12) games. Rate of RTP was 70% and the re-injury rate 5% if a player could RTP. Age >30 was a negative predictor for RTP (OR 0.62, p=0.002) whereas higher pre-injury goals per game (OR 2.80, p=0.04) and surgical management (OR 1.38, p=0.002) were positive predictors for RTP. Surgical management was associated with higher long-term availability (p<0.01). As compared to control, there were no significant differences in field time or performance metrics after RTP, either overall or by player position. As compared to nonoperative management, defenders undergoing surgery demonstrated decreased field time. Attackers and midfielders demonstrated similar field time and performance regardless of management.
Conclusion
RTP of elite soccer athletes sustaining meniscal tear is contingent on age, pre-injury performance, and management approach. Those who RTP to the same league level can be expected to demonstrate equivalent field time, performance, and long-term availability as compared to non-injured athletes.
Presenter Of 1 Presentation
P115 - Return to Play and Player Performance following Meniscus Tear Among Elite Level European Soccer Players
Abstract
Purpose
Meniscus injuries are extremely common in soccer athletes with little known on post-recovery performance. The purpose of this study was to 1) identify characteristics associated with return-to-play (RTP) to the same league level and 2) evaluate long-term effects injury and management approach may have on player performance.
Methods and Materials
Athletes sustaining meniscal tear were identified across the five major European soccer leagues (English Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, Ligue 1, and Serie A) between 2006 and 2016 using publicly available records. Injured athletes were matched to controls 1:2 by demographics and performance. Investigations included rate of RTP to the same league level, re-injury, player characteristics associated with RTP within 2 seasons, long-term availability, field time, and performance metrics standardized to 90 minutes of play during the 4 following seasons.
Results
A total of 250 players sustaining meniscal tear were included, of which 106 (42%) received surgical management. Median absence was 57.5 (IQR 35-92) days or 7 (IQR 4-12) games. Rate of RTP was 70% and the re-injury rate 5% if a player could RTP. Age >30 was a negative predictor for RTP (OR 0.62, p=0.002) whereas higher pre-injury goals per game (OR 2.80, p=0.04) and surgical management (OR 1.38, p=0.002) were positive predictors for RTP. Surgical management was associated with higher long-term availability (p<0.01). As compared to control, there were no significant differences in field time or performance metrics after RTP, either overall or by player position. As compared to nonoperative management, defenders undergoing surgery demonstrated decreased field time. Attackers and midfielders demonstrated similar field time and performance regardless of management.
Conclusion
RTP of elite soccer athletes sustaining meniscal tear is contingent on age, pre-injury performance, and management approach. Those who RTP to the same league level can be expected to demonstrate equivalent field time, performance, and long-term availability as compared to non-injured athletes.