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Rugby advice: Avoiding injury

Author: DAVID P JOHNSON MB ChB FRCS FRCS(Orth). MD Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon www.KneeandSportsInjuryClinic.co.uk.

Key Words: Rugby, rugby injury, sports injury, injury, injury, tendonitis, rotator cuff tendonitis, Achilles tendonitis, patellar tendonitis, knee injury, anterior cruciate tear, anterior cruciate ligament injury, injury, ankle , physiotherapy, rehabilitation.

The way rugby is played is changing which makes for new physical demands on the players. This has resulted in a change in the nature of injuries. Increased emphasis on fitness training and a faster match tempo has lead to a rise in the number of muscle and tendon injuries. Frequent physical contact results in a high incidence of collision injury with the upper limbs and head most frequently injured. With changes to the rules for the scrum serious injuries are less common

Shoulder Injuries: Common shoulder injuries include shoulder dislocations and injury to the acromio- clavicular or fractures of the clavicle. Shoulder dislocations usually occur in tackling and acromio-clavicular joint injuries when falling onto the tip of the shoulder. Whilst acromio-clavicular injuries cannot really be avoided, the chance of shoulder dislocations may be reduced by weight training and muscle strengthening in training and attention to correct tackling technique. After a shoulder dislocation, careful rehabilitation retraining and strengthening is necessary to avoid a subsequent re-dislocation of the .

Ankle : A sprained ankle is one of the most common injuries suffered. It is usually caused when the ankle is twisted inwards. As well as damage to the joint capsule, the ankle joint can also be damaged. During the first few days treatment should consist of rest, ice, compression and elevation. Ice packs for a period of 20 minutes every couple of hours may help with the and swelling. Anti-inflammatory medication may also be helpful in reducing pain and swelling. It is important not to put too much weight on the damaged ankle, so walking should be avoided if it is painful. Medical attention should be sought from a hospital, orthopaedic surgeon or a physiotherapist, depending on the extent of the injury. Taping and bracing the ankle can help to reduce the risk of recurrent subsequent ankle sprains.

Knee Injuries: Knee injuries are common during rugby and are often significant and serious. Injuries commonly sustained include meniscal or cartilage tears, cruciate and collateral ligament injuries and tendonitis from over training. Acute injuries with knee swelling and instability should be treated by rest, splintage, non-weight bearing. If necessary an urgent investigation from an orthopaedic surgeon with a special interest in knee surgery and sports injuries should be sought. Further investigation commonly includes an MRI Scan.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are not necessarily those of the OrthopaedicStore or Orthopaedics.org.uk. The information is provided for general background reading only and should not be relied upon for treatment. Advice should always be taken from a registered medical practitioner for treatment in all circumstances. No liability is accepted by in respect to the information provided in respect of the content or omission. This information is not for use in the USA. © Orthopaedics.org.uk 2016 www.Orthopaedics.org.uk

© Orthopaedics.org.uk 2016 www.Orthopaedics.org.uk