Oztag finger injuries worry doctors

[Jazzy]

For a low-injury, non-contact sport, Oztag is causing a significant concern in medical circles.



The 40,000 Australians who enjoy the game have been warned not to ignore a common injury known as rugger jersey finger.



During the contest, which is similar to touch rugby, players pull a velcro tag from an opponent's shorts. But many are also pulling a finger tendon.



A Sydney hand surgeon, Richard Lawson, and his colleagues are so worried about the injuries that they have written a letter to the Australian Medical Journal.



They say people who are treated within 10 days are likely to recover fully. Those who wait can expect a less satisfactory outcome, possibly involving difficult surgery.



Primary-care doctors and Oztag participants should be aware that hand injuries sustained while playing the sport may be serious, and early expert evaluation is advisable, says the letter.

Oztag, also known as tag rugby, is played by over 40,000 people around Australia and is considered a low-injury, non-contact sport.

Source



I've never heard of this sport before. Have you?



Have you ever played tag rugby?

 

[Evil Eye]

The name sounds somewhat familiar... vaguely. Haven't played it.



Maybe they need to wear special gloves