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Low Return to Play Rate After Extensor Mechanism Ruptures in NFL Athletes

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from Mercy Health-St. Vincent Medical Center conducted a study to determine the return to play (RTP) rate after extensor mechanism ruptures in National Football League (NFL) athletes. The study analyzed 74 extensor mechanism injuries, including 45 patellar tendon (PT) tears and 29 quadriceps tendon (QT) tears. The results showed a low RTP rate of 56.8% with a median time to return of 11.3 months. The study also found that athletes who returned played significantly fewer snaps and had lower approximate value in the first full season after return compared to 1 season before injury.

Key Takeaways:

  • The overall return to play (RTP) rate after extensor mechanism ruptures in NFL athletes was 56.8%, with a median time to return of 11.3 months.
  • No differences in RTP rates or timing were observed between PT and QT tears.
  • Higher body mass index, lineman positions, and longer preinjury careers were significantly correlated with QT tears.
  • Preseason injuries were associated with significantly lower RTP rates.
  • Athletes who returned played significantly fewer snaps and had lower approximate value in the first full season after return compared to 1 season before injury.
  • PT tears were associated with worse deficits in approximate value at 1 season after injury compared to QT tears.
  • Extensor mechanism ruptures in NFL athletes are associated with a low rate of RTP and an extensive recovery period.
  • Athletes and staff should expect reductions in game play and performance in the first season after return, with worse performance deficits after PT tears compared to QT tears.

Statistics:

  • 74 extensor mechanism injuries were identified, including 45 PT tears and 29 QT tears.
  • The RTP rate after extensor mechanism ruptures was 56.8%.
  • The median time to return was 11.3 months.
  • Athletes who returned played 24.6% fewer snaps in the first full season after return compared to 1 season before injury.
  • Athletes who returned had 12.1% lower approximate value in the first full season after return compared to 1 season before injury.

Sources:

  • Return To Play and Performance Outcomes After Extensor Mechanism Ruptures In National Football League Athletes. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 2025;13(5).
  • Authors: Samuel G. Eaddy, Mercy Health-St. Vincent Medical Center; Hassan Choudhry, Fortunato G. Padua, Gabriel Skrobot, Ryan Falbo, Jason W. Levine, and Anthony Pacewicz.

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