12.11 Clinical and financial implications of concussive injuries sustained in U.S. rugby-7s

• Published in: British journal of sports medicine 2024-01, Vol.58 (Suppl 1), p.A155-A156
• Main Authors: Singh, Som, Ma, Richard, Strong, Jasmine, Borthwick, Kiera, Sero, Ericjon, Disanto, Giulia, Allen, Answorth, Lopez, Victor
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Concussion; Head injuries; Rugby; Second Round Abstract Submissions; Terminology; Tournaments & championships
• ISSN: 0306-3674; 1473-0480
• DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2023-concussion.406

ObjectiveTo investigate the medical diagnosis and procedural coding cost of concussions in U.S. rugby-7s.DesignProspective descriptive epidemiological study.SettingUSA Rugby rugby-7s geographic union tournament series (79 tournament-days, 2010–2015).ParticipantsTournament players (n=164; female=27%; male=73%) sustaining acute head injuries during matches in the RISERugby Injury Registry.Assessment of Risk FactorsInjury diagnosis and medical billing coding for concussion diagnosis, and the financial cost of tournament-treatment interventions.Outcome MeasuresInternational Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) were computed after player concussion injury encounters. Financial cost (US$=dollars) was calculated after initial encounter, evaluation/recommendation for further treatment and follow-up were made for each player.Main ResultsTournament series encountered head injuries (15.1%; n=164) most often coded as a wound and/or laceration (74%), followed by fractures (9%). Costs were most often in the form of sideline evaluation, first aid/wound care, ice/compression, and post-match cephalic imaging (n=153). Meanwhile, 13.4% (n=22; male=15, female=7) of all head injuries which were coded by the ICD-10 system as an acute concussive injury without any additional co-diagnosis. Concussions at 18.2% (n=4) needed hospitalization and further imaging studies. The total estimated direct medical costs of concussive injuries was US$4,332 (US$197 per player concussion).ConclusionsHead injuries were common in our US Rugby-7s cohort, with men being treated for concussions more than women players. Concussed players needing higher institutional care supports tournaments series will need quality acute sideline treatment to address these injuries.