Fantasy football points capture performance declines in National Football League offensive skill players following an ankle injury

Background

The ankle is one of the anatomic sites most frequently injured in National Football League (NFL) players. Ankle injuries have previously been shown to have long-lasting negative impacts, and have been associated with impaired athletic performance. The aim of this study was to use fantasy football points as a metric to evaluate the impact of ankle injuries on NFL offensive skill player performance.

Methods

An open-access online database was used to identify NFL players who sustained ankle injuries from 2009 to 2020. Another public online database was used to determine fantasy points and other performance metrics for injured offensive skill players in the seasons before and after their ankle injury. Injured players were matched to a healthy control by position, age, and BMI. Paired T-tests were performed to evaluate performance metrics before and after the ankle injury. An ANCOVA was performed to assess the effect of return to play (RTP) time and injury type on fantasy performance.

Results

303 players with ankle injuries were included. Fantasy output, including average points per game (PPG) and total fantasy points accrued in one season, significantly decreased in the season following a player's ankle injury (p < 0.0001). In running backs, tight ends, and wide receivers, performance significantly decreased in every metric evaluated (p < 0.0001). In quarterbacks, there was no significant change in performance, except for a decrease in the number of games played (p = 0.0033) and in the number of interceptions thrown (p = 0.029).

Conclusion

Assessing fantasy football output revealed a decrease in player performance in the season following an ankle injury, especially in route-running players. These results can be used to inform injury prevention and rehabilitation practices in the NFL.

Ankle Telemedicine Planning Considerations

A virtual medical visit, also known as telemedicine or telehealth, is a valuable alternative method of providing health care to patients who do not have easy access to a hospital, or during times when limited social interaction is crucial such as our current COVID-19 pandemic. A virtual approach to evaluating musculoskeletal system ailments is particularly challenging, for diagnosis of these conditions generally rely greatly on physical examination, which may be challenging. However, a properly planned and executed telemedicine visit will yield successful results in most cases. Our aim is to produce a document with instructions and suggestions, including physical examination maneuvers, to help physicians carry out a proper virtual medical visit with patients complaining of ankle musculoskeletal problems. Virtual visits should not be thought of as a replacement for traditional face-to-face medical consultations, but rather a complementary method to provide health care when deemed appropriate. By following this guide, and tailoring it to the specific case at hand, medical providers should be able to effectively carry out a successful telemedicine consultation for musculoskeletal ailments relating to the ankle.Levels of Evidence: Level V.

Sinus tarsi approach in high-risk patients with displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures: A case series

Purpose

Though research exists regarding calcaneal fractures, the treatment approach for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACF) remains controversial. The most common approach, the extensile lateral approach (ELA), for the treatment of DIACFs has high rates of wound complications reported. In contrast, the sinus tarsi approach (STA) is becoming more popular due to its minimally invasive technique. The objective of this retrospective study is to investigate the incidence of wound complications in high-risk patients with DIACF following operative fixation via the STA.

Methods

Following IRB approval, a retrospective chart review was performed between 2007 and 2013 to assess high-risk patients for the presence of wound complications, including deep infections and delayed wound healing, following the use of STA for the management of DIACF's (n = 36). Demographics, risk factors, and secondary outcomes such as time to surgery were recorded.

Results

Of the 36 high-risk patients included in our study, seven had post-operative complications following operative fixation via the STA. Specifically, four patients had delayed wound healing, and three developed deep infections. Time to surgery had the greatest negative effect on postoperative complications and was influenced by age, sex, and the presence of a concomitant injury.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the STA is a viable option for high-risk patients with displaced intra-articular fractures. Additionally, time to surgery should be minimized, when possible, to reduce risks of post-operative complications, including infections and delayed wound healing.

Epidemiology and Outcomes of Ankle Injuries in the National Football League

Background:

Traumatic ankle injuries are commonly complicated by persistent symptoms and the development of chronic ankle instability.

Purpose:

To describe the epidemiology of ankle injuries in the National Football League (NFL) and investigate the effects that ankle injuries have on performance metrics in the years after injury.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiologic study.

Methods:

Ankle injuries sustained by NFL players during the 2015-2016, 2016-2017, and 2017-2018 seasons were identified using the Pro Football Reference database. Cumulative incidence was calculated, and demographic identifiers were collected for each injury. The return-to-play (RTP) rate was also recorded. For each player who met inclusion for the performance analysis, power rating (PR) was calculated for the preinjury season (Y–1) and 2 postinjury seasons (Y+1 and Y+2) as follows: PR = ( offensive yards/10) + ( total touchdowns × 6) + ( combined tackles) + ( sacks × 2) + ( interceptions × 2). Mean PRs were calculated for each season as well as the percentage change and mean difference in PR between Y–1 and Y+1 (ΔPR1%, ΔPR1) and between Y–1 and Y+2 (ΔPR2%, ΔPR2). Subgroup analyses of PR were performed by player position, injury type, and years of experience.

Results:

Overall, 668 ankle injuries were identified, with an average cumulative incidence across the 3 seasons of 11.2% and RTP rate of 91%. Of those injuries, 159 met inclusion criteria for the PR analysis. The mean overall PR (96.95 in Y–1) declined 22% in Y+1 to 76.10 (–20.85 [95% CI, –13.82 to –27.89]; P < .001) and 27% in Y+2 to 70.93 (–26.02 [95% CI, –18.04 to –34.00]; P < .001). The mean PR per game played (6.70 in Y–1) decreased 14% in Y+1 to 5.75 (–0.95 [95% CI, –0.56 to –1.34]; P < .001) and 17% in Y+2 to 5.54 (–1.16 [95% CI, –0.63 to –1.62]; P < .001).

Conclusion:

It was found that ankle injuries hampered the performance of NFL players, even multiple years after the injury occurred, despite a relatively high RTP rate. There was a decrease in total games played after ankle injuries as well as a decreased performance output per game played.

Word of Mouth and Online Reviews Are More Influential Than Social Media for Patients When Selecting a Sports Medicine Physician

Purpose

To (1) identify the percentage of patients seen in an orthopaedic sports medicine practice who use social media and (2) identify the role that social media has in physician selection as compared with other factors.

Methods

After institutional review board approval was received, new patients aged 18 years or older who attended a single orthopaedic sports medicine office from February 2020 to May 2021 were identified for inclusion. Sociodemographic information was recorded, and each patient was asked to fill out a questionnaire that assessed social media usage and online resources used to choose and formulate opinions regarding the patient’s provider.

Results

Two hundred patients met the inclusion criteria and completed the questionnaire. Of these, 96.5% reported social media use. The most common online method of searching for and identifying a physician was Google (50.5%). Social media outlets such as Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn were only used 15.5% of the time to search for and select a physician. Older patients were more likely to use recommendations from friends and family in their consideration when selecting a physician.

Conclusions

Despite almost all participants stating that they use social media, only 15.5% of patients reported that they used social media to search for and potentially select their physician. Our study suggests that although social media can be a helpful tool for patient education, other factors such as physician education and physician reputation through word-of-mouth referrals, online reviews, and online ratings seem to play a larger role in the patient’s selection of his or her physician.

Clinical Relevance

This information may be of value to orthopaedic surgeons looking for ways to build their patient base, online reputation, or other aspects of their practice on the Internet.

Performance Outcomes After Surgical Repair of Achilles Tendon Rupture in the Women's National Basketball Association

Background:

Achilles tendon ruptures are devastating in elite athletes. There are currently no studies examining the effects of Achilles tendon rupture on performance outcomes in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).

Hypothesis:

Athletes in the WNBA who sustained an Achilles tendon rupture and underwent subsequent surgical repair will sustain declines in performance metrics when compared with their preinjury statistics and matched controls.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Seventeen WNBA players who sustained an Achilles tendon rupture from 2000 to 2019 were identified through publicly available injury reports and player profiles. Athlete information collected included age, body mass index, position, and service in the WNBA when the tear occurred. Statistics were collected for 1 season before and 2 seasons after the injury, and the player efficiency rating (PER) was calculated. Players were matched to uninjured controls by service in the WNBA, position, and performance statistics.

Results:

On average, players were 28 years of age at the time of Achilles tendon rupture, with a service time in the WNBA of 6.5 years. Four players never returned to play in the WNBA, while 7 players failed to play more than 1 season. Players who did return played significantly fewer minutes per game compared with preinjury in both postinjury seasons 1 and 2 (mean difference, –6.11 and –6.54 min/game, respectively; P < .01 for both) and had a significantly decreased PER in postinjury season 2 (mean difference, –2.53; P = .024). After returning to play, the injured players experienced significant decreases when compared with controls in field goals (–0.85 vs +0.20; P = .047), free throws (–1.04 vs +0.12; P < .01), steals (–0.48 vs +0.24; P = .018), and points scored (–2.89 vs +0.58; P = .014).

Conclusion:

WNBA players experienced significant decreases in performance metrics after Achilles tendon rupture compared with their preinjury levels and compared with uninjured controls. Overall, 23.5% of players failed to return to the WNBA, while 41.2% failed to play for more than 1 season.

Effect of Achilles Tendon Repair on Performance Outcomes After Return to Play in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Basketball Athletes

Background:

Achilles tendon (AT) ruptures are devastating injuries that are highly prevalent among athletes. Despite our understanding of the effect of AT rupture and in particular its relationship to basketball, no study has examined the effects of AT rupture and repair on performance metrics in collegiate basketball players.

Purpose:

To evaluate the effect of AT rupture and subsequent surgical repair on performance metrics in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I basketball players who return to play after injury.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

NCAA Division I basketball players who sustained an AT rupture and underwent subsequent surgical repair between 2000 and 2019 were identified by systematically evaluating individual injury reports from databases comprising NCAA career statistics and individual school statistics; 65 male and 41 female players were identified. Athletes were included if they participated in at least one-half of the games of 1 collegiate season before tearing the AT and at least 1 season after operative repair. A total of 50 male and 30 female athletes were included. Each injured athlete was matched to a healthy control by conference, position, starter status at time of injury, class year, and number of games played. Matched controls were healthy players and experienced no significant injuries during their NCAA careers.

Results:

After AT repair, male athletes had significantly more minutes per game, points per game, and compared with before injury. Total blocks significantly decreased after injury. Female athletes scored significantly more points per game but demonstrated a significantly lower 3-point shooting percentage after return to play. Despite undergoing AT rupture and repair, 14% of male players played in the National Basketball Association, and 20% of injured female athletes played in the Women’s National Basketball Association.

Conclusion:

After returning to play, men demonstrated a significant drop-off in performance only in regard to total blocks. Female athletes after AT repair demonstrated a significant improvement in points per game but had a significant drop-off in 3-point shooting percentage.

Potential Lack of Association Between Three Vestigial Muscles in Humans: A Willed Body Donor Study

PURPOSE

Anatomical agenesis within a population is not well understood, with variations including but not limited to complete absence, unilateral presence, or bilateral presence. Agenesis of human vestigial muscles including the palmaris longus (PL), fibularis tertius (FT), and psoas minor (PM) has been studied; however, the relationship between their presence and absence has not been examined. The purpose of this study is to analyze the prevalence of the PL, FT, and PM muscles, investigate any relationship of prevalence based on sex or race, and investigate any correlation between the presence or absence of each muscle within individual donors.

METHODS

Twenty-three willed body donors were comprehensively dissected by medical students, and the presence or absence of the PL, FT, and PM muscles was recorded.

RESULTS

The PL was present bilaterally in 87% of donors and absent bilaterally in 13%. The FT was present bilaterally in 96% of donors, and present unilaterally in 4% of donors. There was no evidence of total agenesis of the FT within our sample. The PM was present bilaterally in 39% of donors, and absent bilaterally in 61% of donors. No statistically significant relationship was indicated between muscle presence and the sex or race of the donors. No correlation between the presence or absence of each of the muscles was found.

CONCLUSION

In this sample of willed body donors, there was no relationship between muscular agenesis of the vestigial muscles. This suggests that muscle agenesis is a local genetic developmental event at each muscle, and that there is not a single developmental event that leads to agenesis of multiple vestigial muscles. Further understanding of the agenesis of vestigial structures within populations and subpopulations can aid in physician diagnosis and understanding of the anatomical makeup of individuals.