Subsequent traumatic injuries after a concussion in elite ice hockey : A study over 28 years

BACKGROUND: Concussion is a frequent injury in contact sports. Following a concussion, balance and neurocognitive function have been shown to be affected for >6 days. OBJECTIVE: To analyze whether athletes who have sustained a concussion are at an increased risk for subsequent traumatic injuries. METHODS: A cohort study was performed to investigate all concussions that were sustained in one Swedish elite hockey club over 28 seasons. All injuries and absences were registered prospectively. Players who sustained a concussion were followed-up for seven, 21 and 42 days with respect to new injuries and were compared with a group of players with knee distortions/knee medial collateral ligament injuries. RESULTS: Players who sustained a cerebral concussion did not have an increased risk for subsequent injuries compared with players who experienced a knee injury; however, concussed athletes experienced significantly more serious subsequent injuries (absence >28 days) within 21 days after return to play. Discussion: The authors were unable to confirm whether players who return to play following a concussion are at a higher risk for subsequent new injuries. However, a significantly increased risk for a severe subsequent injury after a concussion may exist. There may also be a possibly increased risk for subsequent injury among players who sustained >1 concussion during the study period. CONCLUSION: The authors were unable to confirm their hypothesis; however, the possibility of a higher risk for a more serious injury following a concussion requires further study.Godkänd; 2016; 20160211 (andbra