Use and Outcome of Local Anesthetic Painkilling Injections in Athletes: A Systematic Review

Background: The injection of local anesthetic analgesics is often used in elite sports to increase player availability and manage pain from injuries. These injections can provide immediate relief, allowing athletes to continue competing despite discomfort. However, the long-term safety and effectiveness of these injections remain a topic of debate. This systematic review aims to document the patterns of use, outcomes, and complications associated with local anesthetic injections in athletes, providing a comprehensive overview of current evidence. Methods: This study focused on a systematic review of published studies up to ۲۰۲۳ that reported on local anesthetic injections in athletes. A total of ۱۰ studies were included in this review, encompassing ۱,۹۷۰ injections performed on ۵۴۰ athletes from various sports such as rugby league, American football, and soccer. This review analyzed the types of treated injuries, injection sites, reported complications, and any follow-up data regarding long-term outcomes. Results: The review found that the most common sites for local anesthetic injections included the acromioclavicular joint, hand (including fingers), sternoclavicular joint, rib injuries, and iliac crest contusions. Evidence indicated long-term safety for specific injection sites, such as the acromioclavicular joint. However, there were also reports of immediate complications and potential harmful long-term effects. The overall quality of evidence was considered low due to limited long-term data and a lack of independent verification regarding the outcomes of these injections. Notably, only two studies provided long-term follow-up data, primarily focusing on safety rather than efficacy. The findings suggest that while local anesthetics can effectively manage pain in the short term, their safety profiles can significantly vary depending on the injection site. Conclusion: This systematic review indicates that while local anesthetic injections are widely used in sports medicine for pain relief and to facilitate continued participation in sports activities, their safety cannot be guaranteed overall. There is evidence supporting their long-term safety at specific sites. However, many procedures lack comprehensive follow-up data. Athletes and medical professionals should exercise caution when using these injections due to potential complications and varying safety profiles at different anatomical sites. Further research is also essential to establish clearer guidelines on the use of local anesthetic injections in sports.

کلیدواژه ها:

Local anesthetic injections ، sports medicine ، athlete injuries ، pain management ، acromioclavicular joint