It was an honour to deliver the Presidential international keynote lecture at the 2024 American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) Annual Meeting in Minneapolis.
My talk, “When Can I Play, Doc?”, focused on the complex decisions and ethical challenges involved in allowing athletes to return to sport following hand and wrist injuries.
Drawing on my experience working with elite athletes for over 20 years, I shared insights into the intricate balance between the physical, psychological, and social factors influencing recovery. Every athlete’s journey is unique, shaped by the nature of their injury, their sport’s demands, and their career goals. I highlighted how tailored treatment plans are essential, illustrating this with case studies of athletes facing divergent challenges in their return-to-play journey.
I emphasised the ethical dilemmas often faced, such as navigating competing priorities between athletes, team management, and sponsors. These situations demand that we, as surgeons, prioritise the athlete’s long-term health over immediate performance pressures.
Emerging technologies, including advanced imaging, wearable technology and motion analysis, can provide objective data to inform decisions. I also discussed the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and integrating mental health support into rehabilitation, as psychological readiness is just as vital as physical recovery.
In closing, I called on my colleagues to advocate for patient centered care and to continue refining our approach to return-to-play decisions. It was inspiring to share my perspectives and engage with peers dedicated to advancing the field of hand surgery in sports medicine.