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J Hand Microsurg
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1757178
Original Article

The Impact of Wrist Fractures on Long-Term Basketball Performance

Sammy Othman
1   Drexel University College of Medicine, Pennsylvania, United States
,
Gelan Shamloul
2   Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Pennsylvania, United States
,
Ahmed Othman
3   New Jersey Medical School, New Jersey, United States
,
Ashley L. Pistorio 
4   Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, United States
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Funding None.
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Abstract

Background Wrist joint fractures may present challenging obstacles for the rehabilitating athlete upon return to play. Although current literature has examined the effects of specific injuries to the upper extremity for basketball athletes, little is known about long-term performance outcomes following wrist joint fractures.

Methods Review of all National Basketball Association players who sustained wrist joint fractures was conducted. Player characteristics, preinjury and postinjury performance, and overall efficiency were analyzed.

Results A total of 31 players were deemed appropriate for inclusion, with an average age of 26.2 ± 4.3 years and a mean of 5.2 ± 3.6 years played before injury and 4.1 ± 3.1 years played upon return. Operative management was pursued in 48.4% of players. Players demonstrated a significant decrease in win shares before injury (mean: 24.3 ± 31.5) compared to after return from injury (mean: 9.6 ± 19.6) (p < 0.032). Multivariate regression demonstrated that increased points per game before injury (standardized β: 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2–8.5, p < 0.011) and increased win shares before injury (β: 1.0; 95% CI: 1.4–9.5, p < 0.001) were both independently predictive with increased win shares after return to play. Player position, age, management type, and all other statistics were not significantly associated with any other findings upon return.

Conclusion Overall efficiency following return to play in the setting of basketball-associated wrist joint fractures appears to be decreased in athletes. However, preinjury performance as captured through win share efficiency and points per game appears to be predictive of increased productivity after successful return.

Keywords

athlete - basketball - fracture - sports - wrist

Informed Consent

Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.




Publication History

Article published online:
18 October 2022

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