Complications of tibial shaft soccer fractures

Tibial shaft fractures in football players

“…The Edinburgh study period was from 1988 to 1990 with an incidence of 24.7% [4] whilst, Leeds looked at the period from 1990 to 1994 and quoted an incidence of 17.6% [6]. This corresponded to an introduction of shinguards by FIFA in 1990 as part of the compulsory basic equipment of a player [10].…”

“…Delayed union and non-union were defined as absence of callus on radiographs at 4 and 6 months respectively [6]. …”

“…One study described football-related tibial diaphyseal fractures as low-velocity injuries, and very rarely associated with severe soft tissue damage [4]. Other studies [5,6], suggest that lower leg fractures in footballers are serious and potentially high-energy injuries. Nevertheless an interesting observation is that studies carried out in the late 80's and early 90's had relatively higher numbers [3,4], as compared to recent studies where numbers are noted to be relatively lower [5,6].…”

Asymmetry in gait pattern following tibial shaft fractures – a prospective one-year follow-up study of 49 patients

“…The evaluation of bone union was defined as: i) visible callus formation on at least three of four sides, no visible fracture line and no pain from fracture at weight-bearing and following clinical examination (defined as: union); ii) visible callus formation on at least 1 of 4 sides, with a visible fracture line (defined as: partial union); and iii) visible fracture lines and no visible callus formation (defined as: no union). The evaluation of union was performed in agreement with other studies' evaluation of union after tibial fractures [17].…”

Femur, Tibia, and Fibula Fractures Secondary to Youth Soccer: A Descriptive Study and Review of the Literature

“…FIFA made shin guards a required basic equipment for players in 1990 and a study from 1990 to 1994 showed a decrease in incidence of soccer-related tibia fractures compared to a study from 1988 to 1990 [27,28]. However, wearing a shin guard does not eliminate injuries.…”