Association Between Concussion and Lower Extremity Injuries in Collegiate Athletes (P5.208)

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine concussion and lower extremity musculoskeletal injury rates across a diverse array of sports among collegiate student-athletes at the conclusion of their athletic career. Background: Emerging evidence is suggesting that concussions have been associated with elevated musculoskeletal injury risk; however, these studies are largely delimited to short time periods and the focus has been on a limited set of sports. Furthermore, the role of frequent unreported and unrecognized concussions has not been investigated potentially skewing the existing data. Design/Methods: Student-athletes (N = 335; 62.1% women; mean age, 21.2 ± 1.4 years) from 13 sports completed a reliable injury history questionnaire. Respondents indicated the total number of reported, unreported, and potentially unrecognized concussions as well as lower extremity injuries including ankle sprains, knee injuries, and muscle strains. Chi-square analyses were performed to identify the association between concussion and lower extremity injuries. Results: Overall, 46.3% of respondents reported at least one concussion during collegiate career. There were significant associations between concussion and lateral ankle sprain (P = 0.012, OR: 1.79), knee injury (P =0.002, OR: 2.13), and lower extremity muscle strain (P = 0.031). There were also significant associations between reported concussions and knee injury (P = 0.003, OR: 1.61), unreported concussions and knee injury (P = 0.002, OR: 2.87), and unrecognized concussions and lateral ankle sprain (P = 0.001, OR: 2.08) and lower extremity muscle strains (P = 0.006, OR: 1.90). Conclusions: There was a positive association between concussion history and lower extremity injuries (odds ratios, 1.6–2.9 elevated risk) among student-athletes at the conclusion of their intercollegiate athletic careers. The nature of the injuries suggests these could be secondary to lingering deficits in motor or postural control. Clinicians may consider injury prevention programs prior to or concurrent with concussion return to participation protocols. Disclosure: Dr. Buckley has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gilbert has nothing to disclose. Dr. Joyner has nothing to disclose. Dr. Burdette has nothing to disclose. Dr. Llewellyn has nothing to disclose.