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Several factors influence NFL players’ return to play after meniscectomy
Professional football players who are drafted early, start frequently and play non-speed positions are more likely to return to play following meniscectomy, according to recently published data.
Researchers conducted a retrospective chart review of 77 arthroscopic lateral partial meniscectomies in 72 active National Football League players to determine the rate and predictors of return to play (RTP), which was defined as participating in at least one regular-season NFL game postoperatively.
Players’ heights; weights; dates of return; draft rounds; and numbers of games, starts and seasons before and after meniscectomy were collected from NFL statistical databases. Mean time to follow-up was 4.5 years.
Overall, 47 meniscectomies resulted in the athlete returning to play at his previous level of competition at an average 8.5 months postoperatively. Of these, 19 procedures permitted the athlete to maintain an active NFL career at final follow-up, and four resulted in RTP during the same season as the injury.
Players selected early (rounds 1 to 4) in the NFL draft had 3.7 times higher RTP rates than players drafted after round four. Players who started more than 46.2% of their games played (mean population value) had 2.8 times higher RTP rates.
Speed-position players (running backs, receivers, linebackers and defensive backs) were four times less likely to return to play than non-speed position players (linemen, tight ends). No data were available for quarterbacks and dedicated special teams players.
Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.