Return-to-Play Times and Player Performance After Medial Collateral Ligament Injury in Elite-Level European Soccer Players

Strategic Insights -

A recent study has shed light on the impact of medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries on professional soccer players. The research, conducted by a team of experts from the Rush University Medical Center, found that participation in elite-level soccer significantly increases the risk of MCL injuries, resulting in substantial time lost from sport. The study aimed to determine the rate of return to play (RTP) and timing after MCL injuries, investigate MCL reinjury incidence after RTP, and evaluate the long-term effects of MCL injury on future performance.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study identified 59 athletes who sustained 61 MCL injuries between 2000 and 2016 across the 5 major European soccer leagues.
  • 86% of injuries were classified as moderate to severe, and surgical intervention was performed in 14% of athletes.
  • After injury, athletes missed a median of 33 days (range, 3-259 days) and 4 games (range, 1-30 games).
  • Overall, 71% of athletes returned successfully at the same level, with multivariable regression demonstrating no athlete characteristic predictive of RTP.
  • Midfielders demonstrated decreased field time after RTP when compared with controls (P
  • MCL reinjury was reported in 3% of athletes.

Statistics:

  • 59 athletes sustained 61 MCL injuries between 2000 and 2016.
  • 86% of injuries were classified as moderate to severe.
  • 14% of athletes required surgical intervention.
  • Athletes missed a median of 33 days (range, 3-259 days) after injury.
  • Athletes missed a median of 4 games (range, 1-30 games) after injury.
  • 71% of athletes returned successfully at the same level within 2 seasons of injury.
  • MCL reinjury was reported in 3% of athletes.
  • Midfielders demonstrated decreased field time by 15% (P

Sources:

  • Return-to-play Times and Player Performance After Medial Collateral Ligament Injury In Elite-level European Soccer Players. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 2021;9(9):232596712110339.
  • Rush University Medical Center. Contact: Brian Forsythe, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, United States.
  • Sage Publications Inc. Contact: 2455 Teller Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA.