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Citation |
Hutchison MG, Comper P, Meeuwisse WH, Echemendia RJ. Br. J. Sports Med. 2013; 49(8): 552-555. |
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Affiliation |
David L. MacIntosh Sports Medicine Clinic, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2013, BMJ Publishing Group) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
23637116 |
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Abstract |
BACKGROUND: Concussions in sports are a growing cause of concern, as these injuries can have debilitating short-term effects and little is known about the potential long-term consequences. This work aims to describe how concussions occur in the National Hockey League. METHODS: Case series of medically diagnosed concussions for regular season games over a 3.5-year period during the 2006-2010 seasons. Digital video records were coded and analysed using a standardised protocol. RESULTS: 88% (n=174/197) of concussions involved player-to-opponent contact. 16 diagnosed concussions were a result of fighting. Of the 158 concussions that involved player-to-opponent body contact, the most common mechanisms were direct contact to the head initiated by the shoulder 42% of the time (n=66/158), by the elbow 15% (n=24/158) and by gloves in 5% of cases (n=8/158). When the results of anatomical location are combined with initial contact, almost half of these events (n=74/158) were classified as direct contact to the lateral aspect of the head. CONCLUSIONS: The predominant mechanism of concussion was consistently characterised by player-to-opponent contact, typically directed to the head by the shoulder, elbow or gloves. Also, several important characteristics were apparent: (1) contact was often to the lateral aspect of the head; (2) the player who suffered a concussion was often not in possession of the puck and (3) no penalty was called on the play. Language: en |