Abstract
Rugby union is the second commonest cause of sporting fracture in the UK. Yet little is known about patient outcome following such fractures.
All rugby union fractures sustained during 2007–2008 in the Lothian were prospectively recorded. Patients were contacted by telephone in February 2012 to ascertain their progress in returning to rugby.
There were 145 fractures in 143 patients, including 122 upper limb and 25 lower limb fractures. 117 fractures (81%) were followed at mean 50 months (range 44–56 months). 87% returned to rugby post injury, with 85% returning to rugby at the same level or higher. 77% returned by three months and 91% by six months. In upper limb fractures 86% returned by six months and 94% by six months. In lower limb fractures 42% returned by three months and 79% by six months. 32% had ongoing fracture related problems. 9% had impaired rugby ability secondary to fractures.
Most patients sustaining a fracture playing rugby union will return to rugby at a similar level. While one third of them will have persisting symptoms post-injury, for the majority this will not impair their rugby ability.
