ABSTRACT
Background: An updated National Hockey League (NHL) concussion protocol (NHLCP) was established in the 2016-2017 season to mitigate the negative outcomes of sport-related concussions. However, few studies on the effects of implementing the NHLCP have been performed. Purpose: To define concussion incidence and investigate differences in NHL player performance after a concussion during periods before and after NHLCP implementation and assess the financial impact on NHL teams associated with NHLCP implementation. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This was a retrospective review of NHL players who sustained a concussion before (2000-2001 to 2015-2016 seasons) and after (2016-2017 to 2020-2021 seasons) implementing the NHLCP (pre-NHLCP and post-NHLCP groups). For each group, multiple performance metrics-including 30 days, 1 season, and 3 seasons before and after concussion-were compared for both groups. Return to play, total concussion cost, and association of return to play with cost were investigated using regression analysis. Results: A total of 452 players (423 skaters, 29 goalies) sustained concussions during the study period, including 331 players (315 skaters, 16 goalies) in the pre-NHLCP group and 121 players (108 skaters, 13 goalies) in the post-NHLCP group. For both groups, no significant differences in standard performance were observed during the 30-day and 1-season periods before and after concussion. The mean return to play was significantly higher in the pre-NHLCP group than in the post-NHLCP group (20.1 vs 15.7 days; P = .022). The mean adjusted player salary was not different between groups; nonetheless, the mean adjusted replacement player salary was significantly higher in the post-NHLCP group ($744,505 vs $896,942; P = .032). The mean cost of time missed did not differ between groups. The mean return to play time significantly decreased over the entire study period (R2 = 0.33; P = .005), and the mean return to play time was positively associated with cost R2 = 0.215; P = .030). Conclusion: Concussion incidence did not change after implementation of the updated NHLCP; nonetheless, players had significantly less missed time from injury after protocol implementation. Changes in player performance 30 days and 1 year before and after concussion injury were not different before and after NHLCP implementation. No differences were found in the financial cost of concussions between the pre- and post-NHLCP groups, and missed time was significantly correlated with mean cost from missed time.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Large data analysis of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) short-term complications on age will help surgeons stratify and counsel at-risk patients. The purpose of this study is to assess if older patients are at greater risk for short-term complications after ACLR. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent elective ACLR with or without concomitant meniscal procedures in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from 2005 to 2017. Patients were divided into age groups 16-30, 31-45, and > 45. Modified fragility index-5 (mFI-5), demographics and short-term outcomes were examined with bivariate and multivariate analysis to determine if age was a risk factor for complications. RESULTS: A total of 23,581 patients (35.4% female) were included in this analysis. Mean age was 32.1 ± 10.8 years. Older patients had higher mFI-5 scores (p < 0.001), shorter operative times (p < 0.001), lower use of only general anesthesia (p < 0.001). The oldest patients had similar rates of complications as the two younger groups. Older age was an independent risk factor for VTE, but decreased risk of prolonged operations. A mFI-5 > 0 increased risk factors for readmission (Odds ratio 2.2, P = 0.006). Infection was the most common cause 30-day readmissions (40/135, 29.6%). CONCLUSION: In the early postoperative period, older age is an independent risk factor for VTE and younger age is a significant factor for prolonged surgeries. Having an mFI-5 > 0 increased risk factors for readmission.