Female Soccer Players Have High Risk of Concussion

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Wellington K. Hsu, MD Clifford C. Raisbeck, MD, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery Northwestern University Chicago, IL

Dr. Hsu

Wellington K. Hsu, MD
Clifford C. Raisbeck, MD, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Northwestern University
Chicago, IL

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response: Concussions remains a significant problem in youth sports. The recent enactment of Traumatic brain injury laws have certainly heightened awareness regarding this problem. Our study looked at publicly available data regarding diagnosis of concussion in high school athletes. We found that females are more likely to be diagnosed with a concussion than males. We also concluded that girl soccer players and boys football players are at highest risk for a diagnosis of concussion. Since the neck meant of the Traumatic brain injury state laws, the diagnosis of concussion in this patient group increased significantly past decade.


MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: Leaders should realize that although boys’ football received a lot of attention in terms of the incidence of concussion, there are other sports that would benefit from heightened awareness. In particular, girl soccer players are at surprisingly high risk for developing this condition. This awareness may lead to further preventive mechanisms and implementation of heading technique.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: The findings of the study will likely lead to further research in the diagnosis in recognition of concussions in high school athletes. Our collaborators at Northwesstern University also have interest in biomarkers that may provide an objective measure for the diagnosis and treatment of concussions.

MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Response: I have no relevance disclosures other than the fact that this study is one small part of a research effort that has studied performance-based outcomes after orthopedic injuries in athletes. Our research group at Northwestern University has published over 20 peer-reviewed papers on this topic.

MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.

Citation: Abstract presented at the 2017 AAOS meeting March 2017

Sport- and Gender-specific Trends in the Epidemiology of Concussions Suffered by High School Athletes Michael S. Schallmo, BS, Joseph A. Weiner, BS, Wellington K. Hsu, MD

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Last Updated on March 16, 2017 by Marie Benz MD FAAD