Traumatology - the Achilles Heel in the Rehabilitation of Cardiovascular Outpatients?

In outpatient rehabilitation involving cardiac patients apprehension of the rare cardiovascular complications are crucial determinants of the sports activities whereas prophylactics of injuries is thought to be less important. Retrospectively, questionnaires to specify injuries were answered by 903 patients (61.7 ± 8 years, 753 men, 150 women from 116 coronary care groups, = 270,000 patient exercise hours [PEH]). Independently of the patient's age and frequency of participation 123 traumas (1 per 2,200 PEH) occurred. Ball games accounted for the majority of the injuries (101/123 = 82.1 %). Overstrains and distorsions were most frequent (53.7 % =1 per 4,100 PEH) followed by bruises/ hematomas (15.4 % = 1 per 14,200 PEH), ruptured muscles, tendons, and ligaments (12.2 % = 1 per 18,000 PEH), bone fractures (11.4 % = 1 per 19,300 PEH), and abrasions or slashes ((6.5 % = 1 per 33,750 PEH). Two of the slashes and the loss of eyesight in one patient were caused by broken spectacles. Strains, and distorsions were primarily located in the upper (25/27 = 43.8 %) or lower limbs (22/57 = 38.6 %). All ruptured muscles, tendons and ligaments were of the lower extremities. The 14 bone fractures were localized over the body. In sports with cardiac patients physicians must focus on the cardiovascular system and stress the prophylaxis of injuries by teaching motor and technical skills as well as tactics. Non-breakable spectacles are mandatory.

Key words

Outpatient rehabilitation - injuries - cardiovascular diseases