Lower Extremity Hockey Puck Impaction Fractures in Professional Hockey Players: A Case Series and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Hockey is a contact sport notorious for injuries. The hockey puck is a projectile that can impart substantial energy when it impacts a player. Hockey puck impact is a frequent and underreported cause of injury. This case report describes the clinical course of 3 professional hockey players who sustained injuries to the lower leg and ankle from projectile hockey pucks. Each player sustained a unique injury with associated complications affecting return to play. We aim to bring attention to this injury mechanism that can cause significant morbidity among players. Levels of Evidence: IV