Patellar tendon ruptures may occur in healthy professional football players without predisposing factors or other symptoms because of eccentric overload, and surgical intervention can provide good functional outcomes that allow the athletes to return to play the following season, according to a report in the American Journal of Sports Medicine.
Researchers examined 24 patellar tendon ruptures in 22 NFL athletes over a 10 year period. Of the 24 injuries, 11 had antecedent symptoms and physical examination showed a palpable defect in all athletes. In three of the cases, the athlete had a concomitant ACL injury.
Among 19 of the injuries, the player returned to at least one game in the NFL, and players who were chosen earlier in the draft were more likely to return to play. The average number of games played by those who returned was 45.4 games, with a range of one to 142 games.
Read the abstract about knee injuries in football players.
Related Articles on Sports Medicine:
Orthopedic Injuries Among MLB Players Increasing
Mayo Clinic Releases Concussion Management and Prevention Guidelines for Hockey
Study: Most Pediatric Medial Patellofemoral Dislocations Occur at the Patellar Attachment
Among 19 of the injuries, the player returned to at least one game in the NFL, and players who were chosen earlier in the draft were more likely to return to play. The average number of games played by those who returned was 45.4 games, with a range of one to 142 games.
Read the abstract about knee injuries in football players.
Related Articles on Sports Medicine:
Orthopedic Injuries Among MLB Players Increasing
Mayo Clinic Releases Concussion Management and Prevention Guidelines for Hockey
Study: Most Pediatric Medial Patellofemoral Dislocations Occur at the Patellar Attachment