Citation

Woods C, Hawkins R, Hulse M, Hodson A. Br. J. Sports Med. 2003; 37(3): 233-238.

Affiliation

The Football Association, Medical and Exercise Department, Lilleshall National Sports Centre, Shropshire, UK. caroline.woods@TheFA.com

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12782548

PMCID

PMC1724634

Abstract

AIM: To conduct a detailed analysis of ankle sprains sustained in English professional football [soccer] over two competitive seasons. METHODS: Club medical staff at 91 professional football clubs annotated player injuries. A specific injury audit questionnaire was used together with a weekly form that documented each club's current injury status. RESULTS: Completed injury records for the two competitive seasons were obtained from 87% and 76% of the participating clubs. Ankle ligament sprains accounted for 11% of the total injuries over the two seasons, with over three quarters (77%) of sprains involving the lateral ligament complex. A total of 12 138 days and 2033 matches were missed because of ankle sprains. More sprains were caused by contact mechanisms than non-contact mechanisms (59% v 39%) except in goalkeepers who sustained more non-contact sprains (21% v 79%, p<0.01). Ankle sprains were most often observed during tackles (54%). More ankle sprains were sustained in matches than in training (66% v 33%), with nearly half (48%) observed during the last third of each half of matches. A total of 44% of sprains occurred during the first three months of the season. A high number of players (32%) who sustained ankle sprains were wearing some form of external support. The recurrence rate for ankle sprains was 9% (see methodology for definition of reinjury). CONCLUSION: Ankle ligament sprains are common in football usually involving the lateral ligament complex. The high rate of occurrence and recurrence indicates that prevention is of paramount importance.

Language: en