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Incoming NFL players suffer from high rate of chondral injuries, study finds

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SAN DIEGO-National Football League recruitment classes over a recent 3-year period have seen a high prevalence (20.3%) of chondral injuries, including one- third of the linebacker classes, according to a recently presented study.

The findings, presented by Kurt Hirshorn, MD, here at the Arthroscopic Association of North America 28th Annual Meeting, are the first of their kind and could help establish a baseline for the formation of injury-prevention strategies.

According to Hirshorn, the study set out to answer several questions, including the incidence and risk factors for knee cartilage and ligament injury in elite college football players attending National Football League (NFL) Scouting Combines over 3 years.

“There is a large number of studies that have shown relationships between prior ligament and meniscal injuries, X-ray changes, cartilage damage and BMI,” he said. “What impact these defects have on athletic performance, career longevity in the NFL and life after football remains unanswered.”

From 2005 to 2007, all players entering the NFL combine (980 players) were screened for knee injuries. Height, weight and body mass index (BMI) were measured, and extensive physical exams were undertaken by orthopedic surgeons unaware of the study. Players with questionable histories or exam findings were given MRI and plain film radiographs of the knee on the day of the exam. These findings were recorded into a database along with position, height, weight, BMI and surgical history.

Of the 980 players, 199 (20.3%) had chondral injuries, including 79 players (8.06%) with chondral injuries in more than one compartment. Linebackers had the highest prevalence of chondral injuries, at 32.2%, he reported.

Players weighing more than 222.5 pounds or with a BMI greater than 30.5 were identified as being at a significantly higher risk for cartilage injury. Player height was not identified as a factor.

The findings, according to Hirshorn, can be used to establish a baseline to help with injury prevention. His study calls for long-term follow-ups to be conducted, and cites its lack of outcome or performance results as being a limitation.

Reference:

• Hirshorn K, Gillogly S. Chondral injuries about the knee at the NFL combine. Presented at the 28th Annual Meeting of the Arthroscopy Association of North America. April 30 – May 3, 2009. San Diego.