Background Injuries to the elbow are frequent in judo combat, but
studies on down-time and effect on performance after conservative treatments are rare. This
issue is particularly relevant for elbow dislocations in high-performance patients such as
elite athletes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate (1) time-loss and (2) the regained
level of performance in judoka after conservative treatment of simple elbow
dislocation.
Methods In cooperation with the European Judo Union, judoka
were asked to complete a 139-item survey regarding elbow injuries they suffered during their
career. Besides demographics, injury data, diagnosis and treatment options, the athletes were
asked about down-time and reductions in performance level. This study enrolled 108 judoka
with conservative treatment of elbow dislocation out of a population of 5426
volunteers.
Results 69% (n=74) reported a time-loss of less than three
months; 6% reported a time-loss of more than six months. The majority (68%, n=73) reported
that they had returned to their previous performance level, while 22% (n=24) suffered from a
slightly reduced level of performance. In the subgroup of international and national athletes
(n=54), 63% returned to judo after less than three months, with 72% achieving the same level
and 15% reporting a slightly reduced performance level. Level of performance and time lost
after conservative treatment for elbow dislocations were comparable for male and female
judoka.
Conclusion Approximately two out of three judoka returned to
the same level of performance after three months of down-time after undergoing conservative
therapy for simple elbow dislocations. Despite the high performance level of the study
population, conservative treatment of simple elbow dislocation resulted in satisfactory
outcomes. The presented data can guide medical professionals and competitive-level
contact-sport athletes with respect to expectations in the process of returning to
sport.