Return to Play and Player Performance After Meniscal Tear Among Elite-Level European Soccer Players: A Matched Cohort Analysis of Injuries From 2006 to 2016

Abstract

Background: Meniscal injuries are extremely common in soccer athletes, and little is known about postrecovery performance. Purpose: To (1) identify characteristics associated with return to play (RTP) to the same league level and (2) evaluate long-term effects that injury and management approach may have on player performance. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Using publicly available records, we identified athletes who sustained meniscal tears across the 5 major European soccer leagues (English Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, Ligue 1, and Serie A) between 2006 and 2016. Injured athletes were matched to controls 1:2 by demographics and performance. Investigations included rate of RTP to the same league level, reinjury, player characteristics associated with RTP within 2 seasons, long-term availability, field time, and performance metrics standardized to 90 minutes of play during the next 4 seasons. Results: A total of 250 players sustaining meniscal tears were included, of which 106 (42%) received surgical management. Median absence was 57.5 days (interquartile range [IQR], 35-92) or 7 games (IQR, 4-12). Rate of RTP was 70%, and the reinjury rate 5% if a player could RTP. Age greater than 30 years was a negative predictor for RTP (odds ratio [OR], 0.62; P = .002), whereas higher preinjury goals per game (OR, 2.80; P = .04) and surgical management (OR, 1.38; P = .002) were positive predictors for RTP. Surgical management was associated with higher long-term availability ( P < .01). As compared with the control, there were no significant differences in field time or performance metrics after RTP, either overall or by player position. As compared with nonoperative management, defenders undergoing surgery demonstrated decreased field time. Attackers and midfielders demonstrated similar field time and performance regardless of management. Conclusion: RTP of elite soccer athletes sustaining meniscal tear is contingent on age, preinjury performance, and management approach. Those who RTP to the same league level can be expected to demonstrate equivalent field time, performance, and long-term availability as noninjured athletes.

Efficacy of Electromyographic Biofeedback in Muscle Recovery after Meniscectomy in Soccer Players

“…These findings have great practical implications. When an injury occurs, not only does it bring the athlete's activity to a stop, but it may cause a reduction in muscle tone and functional capacity [26,27], affecting their adaptation and subsequent performance [43][44][45]. It is therefore important to apply techniques that allow a more rapid but also more effective recovery.…”

“…Loss of muscle mass or small variations in postural aspects may result in less effectiveness in their actions. In addition, this could give rise to a loss of confidence, affecting the athlete's performance [43][44][45][46]. For these reasons, one of the objectives, when athletes are injured, is to try to restore their biomechanical capabilities and musculoskeletal functionality.…”

Return to Play in the Professional Athlete

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“…14 Meniscal tears can also be debilitating injuries, potentially requiring up to 58 days for RTP in one study, with players often having to return the following season if meniscal surgery is performed. 15…”

Meniscus tears in professional soccer athletes: resect or repair?

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