Ankle syndesmosis sprains in national hockey league players.
BACKGROUND
Although syndesmosis sprains are less common in sports than lateral ankle sprains, they represent a significant source of morbidity. Several studies have described the increased recovery time for these injuries in a variety of sports. No previous study has described this injury in hockey players.


OBJECTIVE
Syndesmosis ankle sprains require a longer recovery time and are less common than lateral ankle sprains in elite hockey players.


METHODS
Uncontrolled retrospective review.


METHODS
The medical records of the St Louis Blues (1994-2001) and Dallas Stars (1991-2001) National Hockey League teams were reviewed by the head athletic trainers. Ankle sprains were identified and divided into 2 groups: syndesmosis and lateral sprains. Player demographics, treatment, and time lost to play were recorded for each injury.


RESULTS
Fourteen players were diagnosed with syndesmosis sprains, and 5 players sustained lateral sprains during this time period. Mean time to return to play in games was 45 days (range, 6-137 days) for syndesmosis sprains versus 1.4 days (range, 0-6 days) for lateral sprains.


CONCLUSIONS
Syndesmosis sprains represent a significant injury in hockey players with an extended time lost and, unlike in other sports, are a more common injury than lateral ankle sprains.
Wright
Rick W
RW
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA. rwwright1@aol.com
Barile
Raymond J
RJ
Surprenant
David A
DA
Matava
Matthew J
MJ
D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006688:Hockey / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013180:Sprains and Strains / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States