Effects of Use of Prophylactic Knee Orthoses among Ice Hockey Players in Switzerland

Abstract

Introduction: The use of prophylactic knee orthoses is very common among Swiss ice hockey players to prevent recurrent lesions of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). However, their effects are still widely discussed in the literature. Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of a given protocol (recruitment, resources, data management, surveys...) for a future national study and to present the preliminary results of the prophylactic orthotics effects on recurrent injuries. Methods: Retrospective epidemiological pilot study. Inclusion criteria: all team players of the second and third divisions in Wallis, except for goalkeepers and underage players. Exposure times correspond to the number of played matches, with an estimation of 0.3 hours of actual play time per game. Feasibility was assessed based on criteria previously defined. Recurrent injuries were divided into three groups: (GA: without orthosis; GB: periodic orthosis; GC: permanent orthosis). Quantitative data, incidence of recurrent injuries and incidence ratio were calculated per 1000 hours of game using the Stata® software programme. Results: Four out of five feasibility criteria were fulfilled. Quantitative data shows that 66.2 % of the summoned players (n=80) were present and all of them took part in the study. Twenty-five MCL and ACL injuries (68 % orthosis wearers) have been included, among which 28 % were recurrences. Incidence rate ratio (IRR) of GA on GB=0.153 (p=0.021); GA on GC = 2.34e-08 (p = 0.00). Discussion and conclusion: A national study is feasible by including minor changes. Recurrent injuries can be prevented in a significant way by wearing an orthosis. However, due to the small sample size, these results must be taken with caution.