Prevalence of Shoulder Labral Injury in Collegiate Football Players at the National Football League Scouting Combine

Labral tears confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are a relatively common injury among collegiate athletes and can influence a player’s ability to compete at the professional level. Shoulder instability events in athletes, which commonly cause a shoulder labral tear, reportedly occur at a rate of 0.12 per 1000 exposures.11 Athletes in contact and collision sports have a higher risk of shoulder instability because of exposure to repeated traumatic loads on the shoulder. In rugby, for example, the shoulder has been reported to be the third most common site of injury. Yet the prevalence of injuries to the glenoid labrum in football has not been well documented in the literature, particularly in the context of football players entering the National Football League (NFL) Scouting Combine in an attempt to make a professional NFL roster. An understanding of the prevalence of labral tears has financial implications, as labral tears may negatively affect player draft order, which in turn lowers the value of the drafted player’s first contract. To date, limited epidemiological data are available in this specific patient population.

In addition to studying the prevalence of labral tears, studying the pathoanatomic characteristics of labral tears based on anatomic location and their association with foot- ball player position may be important. Such study may also assist with musculoskeletal evaluation and assessment, as anterior, posterior, and combined anterior and posterior labral tears may represent different mechanisms of injury, different spectrums of symptoms, and different effects on performance.

The NFL Scouting Combine is a weeklong showcase where collegiate football players are tested and evaluated. Because thorough injury evaluations are conducted by skilled medical teams, with supplemental imaging, the event provides a unique opportunity to collect and analyze injury data among an elite, high-demand athlete population. This study therefore aimed to characterize the epidemiological characteristics of labral tears, including anterior tears, posterior tears, combined anterior and posterior lab- ral tears, and superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) tears, in elite football players by analyzing the records of NFL Combine participants. We hypothesized that certain tear patterns would be more prevalent in certain player positions due to the repetitive movements exerted during play, the loads to which the shoulder is subjected, and position-specific training. We also hypothesized that line- men, both offensive and defensive, would have a higher incidence of posterior labral tears because of the at-risk shoulder orientation that their position requires, whereas SLAP tears would be more prevalent in quarterbacks owing to the overhead throwing motion of their position. Anterior labral tears were hypothesized to be more prevalent in wide receivers, tight ends, and other skill positions in which the player uses the arm in a more outstretched position, which increases the risk of traumatic anterior dislocation during tackling, collisions, or forceful landing.

Full Article: Prevalence of Shoulder Labral Injury in Collegiate Football Players at the National Football League Scouting Combine

Peter Millett, MD

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39 reviews

Alexandra Thompson

Mar 23, 2024

by Alexandra Thompson on Peter Millett, MD

110%

Dr. Millett and his team did a SLAP tear repair and bicep tenodesis on my left shoulder. I use my arms as an artist, and love to swim in the ocean, surf, paddle, and telemark ski. So regaining full use of my shoulder and keeping my bicep attached was very important to me. Now, over two years later, my shoulder has the equivalent range of motion as my other arm and as before the injury, and no pain. After the first three months it felt so good and was so strong that - to my horror - I completely forgot my six-month follow-up.

Not only did Dr. Millett and his team make my arm as good as new, but having had the experience of such kindness and expertise throughout the process of surgery and recovery is like an added shoulder superpower.

Thank you Rita, Brooke, Jason, Sarah, Camille, Olivia, Dr. Millett and everyone! And see you soon when my husband comes in for his knee...

Jeff Chandler

Jan 31, 2022

by Jeff Chandler on Peter Millett, MD

Flawless procedure, Easy recovery

Dr. Millet's repaired my knee and tibia, following a botched operation by a different surgeon. That procedure was virtually pain free and I was weight bearing within a few days. That was 18 years ago and the knee is still strong. A few years after the knee incident, Dr Millet repaired my shoulder. My insurance company approved me for 3 months of disability following that surgery. I was off pain medication in 2 days and had 90% range of motion within a week. I withdrew my disability claim and returned to work within two weeks of surgery. I’m not a famous athlete—just a regular guy. Nonetheless, I was treated like an NFL at the Steadman clinic. Most notable was the time for recovery. Other surgeons perform their hour-long task in the OR and don’t involve themselves in the other functions. Peter and his team manages the entire process from diagnosis, anesthesia, nursing care, and therapy. He takes a holistic approach to patient care and doesn’t skip any steps.

Jenn West

Jul 2, 2021

by Jenn West on Peter Millett, MD

Saved My Life

I went to Dr. Millett after 7 knee surgeries (6 on my right and 1 on my left) and had seen 11 different surgeons who all refused to remove femur metal from my right leg. I am highly allergic to metal and the chronic pain was leaving me bedridden for 3.5wks out of a month. He personally wrote me back on my inquiry, listened to my concerns, scheduled my surgery within a week (due to insurance issues) and personally followed up with my recovery. The level of patient care from Dr. Millett and his ENTIRE team is above any care I have ever received in my 20 years of dealing with orthopedic surgeons. There are not enough words to describe the level of care, dedication and professionalism you receive from Dr. Millett and his staff.
My only disappointment is that I did not find him sooner!!!

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Prevalence of Shoulder Labral Injury in Collegiate Football Players at the National Football League Scouting Combine

About the Author: Peter Millett, MD