@article{ref1,
title="Modification of hurling helmets causing penetrating upper limb injury: a case series demonstrating opportunity for improved player safety",
journal="Surgeon: journal of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Ireland",
year="2021",
author="Joyce, Cormac W. and Farrell, Tony and Quinlan, Christine S. and O'Sullivan, J. Barry and O'Sullivan, Sean T. and Kelly, Jason",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="BACKGROUND: The games of hurling and camogie involve fast ball movement and a substantial physical contact with opposing players. The wearing of protective  helmets with faceguards became obligatory 10 years ago and resulted in a significant  reduction of craniofacial injuries. However since then a trend has emerged of  players modifying helmets to improve comfort and vision. As officials are not yet  required to perform pre-match checks, many players enter competition with defective  protective equipment which poses a risk to both themselves and others. <br><br>METHODS: We  present 4 cases of penetrating upper limb injury in hurlers sustained as a result of  helmet faceguards. These injuries were sustained during competitive play and the  affected patients presented with portions of the faceguards embedded in their  wounds. Each patient required admission to hospital and exploration of their wounds  under general anaesthetic. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This case series demonstrates the dangers of  modification and damage to protective helmet faceguards used in hurling and camogie. We encourage helmet manufacturers to re-engage with players to ensure that current  safety equipment meets the functional demands of the modern player while adhering to  approved manufacturing standards. Mandatory helmet checks before competitive games  would reduce the likelihood of penetrating upper limb injury to players.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1479-666X",
doi="10.1016/j.surge.2020.11.008",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.surge.2020.11.008"
}