There are a range of upper limb injuries that a prone to occur in Australian Football.
Trainers need to understand what each injury means, how a player will present for each type of injury and the best way to manage the injury following the event.
SHOULDER COMPLEX:
Because of its inherent bony instability, the shoulder is prone to injury in football.
Dislocation -Anterior (90%):
This is a common injury.
Mechanism:
- Forced abduction and external rotation (ie tackle)
Presentation:
- Player feels shoulder “pop out”
- Prominent Humeral head, hollow beneath Acromion
Management:
- Reduction but only if player can self reduce. There is the potential for bone or nerve damage)
- R.I.C.E.
- Sling
- Medical follow up -X Ray
Dislocation - Posterior:
This injury is rarely seen.
Mechanism:
- Direct blow to the anterior of the shoulder. For example, a player falls onto an outstretched arm.
Presentation:
- Arm held in internal rotation
- Loss normal rounded appearance of shoulder
Management:
- Reduction but only if player can self reduce. There is the potential for bone or nerve damage)
- R.I.C.E.
- Sling
- Medical follow up -X Ray
Acromio-clavicular joint:
Most commonly injured by direct blow or fall onto point of shoulder. There are three grades of sprain.
GRADE 1:
- Localised sprain of joint capsule
Presentation:
- Localised pain, no disruption
Management:
GRADE 2:
- Subluxation
- Tear of capsule and acromio clavicular ligament.
Presentation:
Management:
- R.I.C.E.
- Immobilisation (tape) for comfort
- Pain relief
- Medical follow up – X Ray.
GRADE 3:
- Complete rupture of all stabilising ligaments.
Presentation:
Management:
- R.I.C.E.
- Immobilisation (tape) for comfort
- Pain relief
- Medical follow up – X Ray.
Ligaments generally take 6-8 weeks to fully heal. However, surgery is rarely required.
Clavicular Fractures:
Probably most common fracture in AFL.
Presentation:
- Obvious palpable deformity.
Management:
- Medical follow up
- X-ray
- Sling for 2-3 weeks
- Surgical repair sometimes required, but often managed conservatively
ELBOW INJURIES:
Hyperextension:
- Direct result of tackle or fall. May involve anterior or commonly medial structures.
Presentation:
- Joint line pain and or swelling
Management:
- R.I.C.E.
- Bandage/ tape
- Medical follow up
