CATASTROPHIC INJURIES TO THE EYES AND TESTICLES IN FOOTBALLERS

Objective: To report the occurrence of uncommon but catastrophic eye a nd testicle injuries to rugby league and rugby union footballers in Ne w South Wales, Methods: A retrospective review of players who had perm anent football-related injuries and who claimed financial compensation from a voluntary sports injury insurance scheme from 1978-1994, Resul ts: An average of 100 000 rugby league and rugby union players per yea r were registered with the insurance scheme in NSW. As a consequence o f playing football, 15 players lost 90%-100% vision in one eye, five l ost 75% vision in one eye, four lost 50% of vision in one eye and two lost 75% vision in both eyes, Eye injuries were caused by ''gouging'' with fingers, kicks, or blows from fists, elbows and knees; five cases appeared to be intentional, Fourteen players had testicular injuries: in 11 players this resulted in complete loss of one testicle, and in three partial loss of one or both testicles. The immediate cause of th e injuries to the testicles was kicking and kneeing, usually during ta ckles; at least three of the injuries appeared to be intentional, Reco mmendations: Rules relating to tackles, kicks and other assaults to th e head or groin should be strengthened and policed, Officials, players , parents and the public should be educated to support this,