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Combined Tool Approach is 100% Successful for Emergency Football Face Mask RemovalObjective: To compare the effectiveness of two techniques for removing the face mask from used football helmets (cutting tool (FMX) - FMXtractor® or combined tool (CT) –cordless screwdriver plus FMXtractor® as needed). Null hypotheses: 1) no differences in face mask removal success rates, removal times or difficulty between techniques; 2) no differences in face mask removal failure, removal time and difficulty between helmet brands. Design: Retrospective, cross-sectional. Setting: Two NOCSAE-certified helmet reconditioning plants. Participants: 600 used high school football helmets. Interventions: Face mask removal was attempted with two techniques. Main Outcome Measurements: Trial success, removal time, rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Results: The CT approach was 100% (300/300) successful. The FMXtractor® was 99.04% successful (298/300). Mean removal time was 44.51±18.79s (CT: 37.84±15.37s, FMX: 51.21±19.54s; P<0.001). RPE was significantly different between techniques (CT: 1.83±1.20, FMX: 3.11±1.27; P<0.001). 57/300 (19%) CT trials required the use of the FMX. Conclusions: The CT technique was 100% successful, faster and rated less difficult than the FMX technique. Most (81%; 93% at Plant 2) CT trials were completed with the screwdriver alone. Clinically, these findings are important because this and other research has shown that compared to face mask removal with cutting tools, screwdriver removal decreases removal time, difficulty and helmet movement (reducing the potential for iatrogenic injury). The combined-tool approach captures the benefits of the screwdriver while offering a contingency for screw removal failure. Clinical Relevance: Sports medicine professionals must be prepared with appropriate tools and techniques to efficiently remove the face mask from an injured football player’s helmet. 2007, Copeland AJ, Decoster LC, Swartz EE, Gattie ER, Gale SD: Combined Tool Approach is 100% Successful for Emergency Football Face Mask Removal. J Athl Train (Suppl). 42(2): Suppl. This project was partially supported by NOCSAE grant 04-05. | |
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Hampshire Musculoskeletal Institute
35 Kosciuszko Street | Manchester | NH | 03101
Phone: 603-627-9728 | Email: info@nhmi.net
35 Kosciuszko Street | Manchester | NH | 03101
Phone: 603-627-9728 | Email: info@nhmi.net