Hockey Injuries Analysis

Introduction

• Discussion on the severity and types of injuries in hockey.
• Emphasis on diagnosing and understanding the impact of these injuries.

Common Injuries and their Impact

Groin and Testicular Injuries

• Zach Kassian Incident: Possible testicular rupture due to blunt force trauma.
  • Requires immediate surgery.
  • If repaired within 3 days, 90% chance of saving the testicle.
  • Worst case: orchiectomy (removal of the testicle).
  • Fertility and testosterone generally unaffected with one testicle.

Leg Injuries

• Gregory Campbell Incident: Broken fibula from a 90 mph shot.
  • Discussion on fibular head dysfunction causing pain.

Abdominal and Eye Injuries

• Brayden Schenn Incident: Skate cut across stomach.
  • Highlights risk of deeper cuts affecting intestines.
• Bryan Berard Incident: Eye injury from a stick, leading to retinal detachment.
  • Requires immediate ocular surgery.
  • Returned to play after recovery.

Head and Neck Injuries

• Temple and Head Hits: Risk of severe damage due to location near balance center.
  • High risk of concussion.
• Example of Craig Ludwig: Multiple injuries including broken thumb and jaw.
  • Discussion on macho mentality in sports.

Concussions

• Importance of immobility after a hit to prevent further damage.
• Long-term effects of concussions and repeated brain injuries.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

• Marty McSorley Incident: Assault charge in sports violence.
  • Discussion on the boundary between sport and crime.

Severe and Life-threatening Injuries

Cardiac and Seizure Events

• Jiri Fischer Incident: Cardiac arrest on the bench.
  • Importance of CPR and use of defibrillators.

Lacerations

• Eric Karlsson Incident: Achilles tendon laceration.
  • Discussion on how quickly athletes can return post-injury.
• Clint Malarchuk Incident: Jugular vein laceration.
  • Critical response required; pressure applied and rapid evacuation.
  • Survived after significant blood loss and surgery.

Psychological Impact

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Discussion on its seriousness and symptoms.
  • Importance of not trivializing PTSD in public discourse.

Conclusion

• The resilience and survival of hockey players post-injury.
• Encouragement to stay happy and healthy.