Ice hockey

Abstract

Ice hockey is one of the most exciting and fast-paced team-sports played, however it also involves a high risk of injuries. Although injuries of the lower limb are common, injuries of the foot and the ankle are relatively rare, yet due to the long period of recovery not neglectable. Eleven to twelve percent of all injuries documented in ice hockey affect foot and ankle. Injury of the lateral ligament complex is seldom due to the protective design of the ice skates and because the typical pathomechanism of plantarflexion and inversion are lacking. In contrast, the syndesmotic injury ("high ankle sprain") is a typical injury in ice hockey due to the common pathomechanism of dorsiflexion, eversion and external rotation. If the radiograph proves evidence of syndesmosis widening, operative treatment is indicated. Usually high ankle sprains need up to 12 weeks to heal and cause the longest absence from practice and game due to injury in ice hockey. Bruises of foot and ankle are second most common after ligament injuries in ice hockey. Especially exposed bony parts like the malleoli as well as the navicular and the base of the fifth metatarsal bone are at risk for bruises and fractures. The skate bite (also known as "lace bite") is characteristic for ice hockey. It is an inflammation of the anterior aspect of the ankle due to wrong lacing technique or lack of padding. The latter and so called "boot-top-injury" can easily be prevented by wearing proper protection equipment.