Epidemiology of Foot and Ankle Injuries in NCAA Jumping Athletes in the United States from 2009-2014

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiology of foot and ankle injuries in men’s and women’s NCAA basketball, women’s volleyball, and women’s gymnastics during the 2009-2010 through 2013-2014 seasons. Methods: Injury surveillance data was obtained from the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program (ISP) for the 2009-2010 through 2013-2014 seasons. Injuries were examined by mechanism, activity during injury, participation restriction time, and recurrence. Injury rates per 1000 athlete-exposures (AEs), injury rate ratios (IRRs), and risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Reported sex differences were calculated for men’s and women’s basketball. All 95% confidence intervals not containing 1.0 were considered statistically significant. Results: During the study period, 1136 players sustained foot and ankle injuries (483 male, 653 female) over 612,680 AEs. In total, these injuries resulted in a combined rate of 1.85/1000 athlete-exposures (AEs; 95% CI 1.75 -1.97). Ankle sprains were the most common injury overall (63.7%), with lateral ligamentous complex (LLC) injuries comprising 77.1% of all ankle sprains. The most common foot injury varied based on sport and sex. Ankle injury rates were higher in male vs female basketball players (IRR=1.33, 95% CI 1.13 -1.57), but foot injury rates did not differ. Foot injuries occurred at half the rate of ankle injuries, but were significantly more likely to be severe (time loss over 30+ days) (IRR=3.37, 95% CI 1.91-5.949). Among basketball and volleyball athletes, player contact was the most common mechanism of injury and occurred most often while engaging in team jumping activities (rebounding, shooting, blocking, spiking). Surface contact was the most common mechanism in gymnasts. Female gymnasts had higher chronic injury rates than all other sports examined (0.485/1000 AEs, 0.304-0.735, p<0.002). Overall, female basketball players were 1.98 times more likely to suffer an overuse injury than male athletes (95% CI 1.14-3.45, p=0.005). Conclusion: Athletes participating in jumping sports have a higher rate of lateral ligamentous complex ankle sprains than other NCAA sports. Deterring player contact during jumping and landing by way of coaching and/or rule changes may reduce injury rates and improve player safety. The increased prevalence of chronic injuries in female collegiate athletes competing in jumping sports necessitates further investigation in order to identify opportunities to reduce injury rates through prevention and training programs. [Table: see text]

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Epidemiology of Foot and Ankle Injuries in NCAA Jumping Athletes in the United States During 2009-2014

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967121998052 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 232596712199805

Author(s):

Joseph B. Lytle ◽

Kisan B. Parikh ◽

Armin Tarakemeh ◽

Bryan G. Vopat ◽

Mary K. Mulcahey

Keyword(s):

Overuse Injury ◽

Injury Rate ◽

Injury Surveillance ◽

Ankle Injuries ◽

Ankle Sprains ◽

Foot And Ankle ◽

Basketball Players ◽

Injury Rates ◽

Foot Injury ◽

Women's Basketball

Background: Foot and ankle injuries comprise a significant proportion of all injuries sustained by National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletes. In particular, sports that combine jumping and rapid changes in direction are associated with increased lower extremity injuries. Purpose: To describe the epidemiology of foot and ankle injuries in men’s and women’s jumping sports, including NCAA men’s and women’s basketball, women’s volleyball, and women’s gymnastics, during the 2009-2010 through 2013-2014 seasons. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: Injury-surveillance data were obtained from the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program for the 2009-2010 through 2013-2014 seasons. Injuries were examined by mechanism, activity during injury, and participation restriction time. Injury rates per 1000 athlete-exposures (AEs), injury rate ratios, and risk ratios with 95% CIs were calculated. Reported sex differences were calculated for men’s and women’s basketball. All 95% CIs not containing 1.0 were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 1136 players sustained foot and ankle injuries (483 male and 653 female) over 612,680 AEs. These injuries resulted in a combined rate of 1.85 per 1000 AEs (95% CI, 1.75-1.97). Ankle sprains were the most common injury (63.7%), with lateral ligamentous complex injuries making up 77.1% of all ankle sprains. The most common foot injury varied based on sport and sex. Ankle injury rates were higher in male versus female basketball players (injury rate ratio, 1.33 [95% CI, 1.13-1.57]), but foot injury rates did not differ. Among basketball and volleyball players, player contact during jumping was the most common injury mechanism. Female gymnasts had higher overuse injury rates than other athletes (0.49/1000 AEs [95% CI, 0.30-0.74]; P < .002). Overall, female basketball players were 1.81 times more likely to sustain an overuse injury than male basketball players (95% CI, 1.02-3.20; P = .02). Conclusion: The most common foot and ankle injury sustained in collegiate jumping sports was a lateral ligamentous complex ankle sprain. Injury-prevention programs focusing on ankle flexibility, strength, and proprioception may help to alleviate the injury burden and lessen severity. Improving the anticipation of contact during jumping and landing may reduce injury rates and increase player safety. The increased prevalence of overuse injuries in female collegiate athletes competing in jumping sports necessitates further investigation to reduce injury rates through prevention and training programs.

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Epidemiology of Foot and Ankle Injuries in National Collegiate Athletic Association Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967119865908 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (8) ◽

pp. 232596711986590 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Steven G. Crowley ◽

David P. Trofa ◽

J. Turner Vosseller ◽

Prakash Gorroochurn ◽

Lauren H. Redler ◽

...

Keyword(s):

National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽

Injury Surveillance ◽

Ice Hockey ◽

Ankle Injuries ◽

Surveillance Program ◽

Ankle Sprains ◽

Foot And Ankle ◽

Time Loss ◽

Injury Rates ◽

Hockey Players

Background: Ice hockey is a high-speed contact sport in which athletes are prone to many different injuries. While past studies have examined overall injury rates in ice hockey, foot and ankle injuries among collegiate ice hockey players have yet to be analyzed. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to elucidate the epidemiology of foot and ankle injuries among collegiate ice hockey players utilizing data from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Injury Surveillance Program. We hypothesized that male ice hockey players would sustain more injuries compared with female ice hockey players and that the injuries sustained would be more severe. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: Data on all foot and ankle injuries sustained during the academic years 2004 through 2014 were obtained from the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program. Injury rates, rate ratios (RRs), and injury proportion ratios were reported with 95% CIs. Results: Over the study period, the overall rate of foot and ankle injuries for men was higher than that for women (413 vs 103 injuries, respectively; RR, 4.01 [95% CI, 3.23-4.97]). Injury rates were highest during the regular season for both men (358 injuries; RR, 64.78 [95% CI, 58.07-71.49]) and women (89 injuries; RR, 38.37 [95% CI, 30.40-46.35]) compared with the preseason or postseason. The most common injury in men was a foot and/or toe contusion (22.5%), while women most commonly sustained a low ankle sprain (31.1%). For men, foot and/or toe contusions accounted for the most non–time loss (≤24 hours ) and moderate time-loss (2-13 days) injuries, while high ankle sprains accounted for the most severe time-loss (≥14 days) injuries. For women, foot and/or toe contusions accounted for the most non–time loss injuries, low ankle sprains accounted for the most moderate time-loss injuries, and high ankle sprains accounted for the most severe time-loss injuries. Conclusion: Foot and ankle injuries were frequent among collegiate ice hockey players during the period studied. For men, contusions were the most commonly diagnosed injury, although high ankle sprains resulted in the most significant time lost. For women, low ankle sprains were the most common and resulted in the most moderate time lost. These findings may direct future injury prevention and guide improvements in ice skate design.

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Trends in Pediatric Skateboard Related Foot and Ankle Injuries Presented to US Emergency Departments from 2009-2018: A Descriptive Epidemiology Study

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics ◽

10.1177/2473011420s00431 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 2473011420S0043

Author(s):

Devon Scott ◽

Stephen P. Canton ◽

MaCalus V. Hogan ◽

Dukens LaBaze

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Emergency Departments ◽

The United States ◽

Ankle Injuries ◽

Urgent Care ◽

Ankle Sprains ◽

Foot And Ankle ◽

Injury Surveillance System ◽

Hospital Size ◽

Time Period

Category: Ankle; Sports; Trauma; Other Introduction/Purpose: Skateboarding has been a part of American culture since its origins in the 1960s. ESPN’s X Games debuted in the 90s and popularity soared. In 1996, there were an estimated 5.8 millions children that participated in the sports with some 750,000 involved weekly. In 1999, there was approximately 51,000 pediatric skateboard related injuries seen in United States emergency rooms. Most injuries happen when the skateboard comes into contact with irregularities in the riding surface. A previous study showed that from 1987-1998, ankle sprains/strains were the most common injury seen in the emergency department (ED). The purpose of this study is to examine the updated trends of skateboard related foot and ankle injuries (SFA) from the years 2009 to 2018. Methods: Data was obtained from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). Injury data is obtained daily from the emergency departments of approximately 100 hospitals across the United States and its territories. This serves as a probability sample of over 5000 hospitals across the country. Each case recorded is given a statistical weight based on the study design. CPSC analysis has the ability to make adjustments to more accurately represent the entire U.S. population. Hospitals are grouped into five strata mostly based on hospital size and number of ED visits they receive per year. The database was set with query inputs of patients aged 2-17 that presented to the ED with skateboard related lower leg, ankle, or foot (fracture and/or sprain. Time period queried was between January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2018. Results: An estimated total of 107,712 pediatric patients had a SFA injury between 2009-2018. With a mean age of 13.8 years. There was approximately 644,030 total skateboard related injuries. SFA injuries accounted 18.4 % in 2010 and 14.8 % in 2018. There was an estimated total of 4,263,682 foot and ankle sprains and/or fracture, of which 3.4% were SFA in 2010. The annual rate of injury per 100,000 children has decreased 72.1% from 23.3 to 6.5. Skateboard participation was approximately 7.35 millions riders above the age of 6 in the U.S in 2009, this number has declined 12.4% to 6.44 in 2016 with the lowest year being 2011 at 5.83 million. Since 2012 to 2016 this participation figure has ranged from 6.35 – 6.63 million. Conclusion: The decline in the number of participants in the sport has been far outpaced by the decline in injuries being seen in the ED. For the time period of this study, the style and structure of the footwear have not varied significantly. A study showed that shoe height did not change ankle inversion angle. Another possible factor is increase urgent care usage. The number of centers has increased 43.8% from 2013 to 2018. In 2016 these centers saw 4% of all their claims be sprains or strains. Further research is needed to trend data for other points of care.

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Ten-Year Epidemiology of Ankle Injuries in Men's and Women's Collegiate Soccer Players

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-144-18 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 54 (8) ◽

pp. 881-888

Author(s):

Matthew Gulbrandsen ◽

David E. Hartigan ◽

Karan A. Patel ◽

Justin L Makovicka ◽

Sailesh V Tummala ◽

...

Keyword(s):

National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽

Injury Rate ◽

Injury Surveillance ◽

Ankle Injuries ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Lateral Ligament ◽

Deltoid Ligament ◽

Surveillance Program ◽

Ankle Sprains ◽

Injury Rates

Context Data from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Injury Surveillance Program (ISP) have indicated that ankle injuries are the most common injuries among NCAA soccer players. Objective To review 10 years of NCAA-ISP data for soccer players' ankle injuries to understand how the time period (2004–2005 through 2008–2009 versus 2009–2010 through 2013–2014), anatomical structure injured, and sex of the athlete affected the injury rate, mechanism, and prognosis. Design Descriptive epidemiology study. Setting Online injury surveillance. Main Outcome Measure(s) The NCAA-ISP was queried for men's and women's soccer ankle data from 2004 to 2014. Ankle-injury rates were calculated on the basis of injuries per 1000 athlete-exposures. Rate ratios (RRs) were used to compare injury rates. Injury proportion ratios (IPRs) were used to compare injury characteristics. Results When compared with the 2004–2005 through 2008–2009 seasons, the 2009–2010 through 2013–2014 seasons showed a similar rate of injuries (RR = 0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.85, 1.04) but fewer days missed (P < .001) and fewer recurrent injuries (IPR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.41, 0.74). The 4 most common ankle injuries, which accounted for 95% of ankle injuries, were lateral ligament complex tears (65.67%), tibiofibular ligament (high ankle) sprains (10.3%), contusions (10.1%), and medial (deltoid) ligament tears (9.77%). Of these injuries, high ankle sprains were most likely to cause athletes to miss ≥30 days (IPR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.24, 2.90). Men and women had similar injury rates (RR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.94, 1.11). Men had more contact injuries (IPR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.16, 1.41) and contusion injuries (IPR = 1.34, CI = 1.03, 1.73) but fewer noncontact injuries (IPR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.78, 0.95) and lateral ligamentous complex injuries (IPR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.86, 0.98). Conclusions Although the rate of ankle injuries did not change between the 2004–2005 through 2008–2009 seasons and the 2009–2010 through 2013–2014 seasons, the prognoses improved. Among the 4 most common ankle injuries, high ankle sprains resulted in the worst prognosis. Overall, male and female NCAA soccer players injured their ankles at similar rates; however, men were more likely to sustain contact injuries.

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The Snowboarder's Foot and Ankle

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/03635465980260021901 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 26 (2) ◽

pp. 271-277 ◽

Cited By ~ 136

Author(s):

Douglas P. Kirkpatrick ◽

Robert E. Hunter ◽

Peter C. Janes ◽

Jackie Mastrangelo ◽

Richard A. Nicholas

Keyword(s):

Injury Rate ◽

Soft Tissue Injuries ◽

Fracture Pattern ◽

Ankle Injuries ◽

Anterior Talofibular Ligament ◽

Ankle Sprains ◽

Foot And Ankle ◽

Foot Injuries ◽

Lateral Process ◽

Ski Resorts

We undertook a prospective study to determine the type and distribution of foot and ankle snowboarding injuries. Reports of 3213 snowboarding injuries were collected from 12 Colorado ski resorts between 1988 and 1995. Of these, 491 (15.3%) were ankle injuries and 58 (1.8%) were foot injuries. Ankle injuries included 216 (44%) fractures and 255 (52%) sprains. Thirty-three (57%) of the foot injuries were fractures and 16 (28%) were sprains. The remaining injuries were soft tissue injuries, contusions, or abrasions. There was no significant correlation between boot type (soft, hybrid, or hard) and overall foot or ankle injury rate. There were significantly fewer ankle sprains in patients wearing hybrid boots and fewer fractures of the lateral process of the talus in patients wearing soft boots. An unexpectedly high number of fractures of the lateral process of the talus were noted. These 74 fractures represented 2.3% of all snowboarding injuries, 15% of all ankle injuries, and 34% of the ankle fractures. Many of these fractures are not visible on plain radiographs and require computed tomography imaging to be diagnosed. Diagnosis of this fracture pattern is paramount; the physician should be very suspicious of anterolateral ankle pain in the snowboarder, where subtle fractures that may require surgical intervention can be confused with anterior talofibular ligament sprains.

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Landing-related ankle injuries do not occur in plantarflexion as once thought: a systematic video analysis of ankle injuries in world-class volleyball

British Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1136/bjsports-2016-097155 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 52 (2) ◽

pp. 74-82 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Christopher Skazalski ◽

Jacek Kruczynski ◽

Martin Aase Bahr ◽

Tone Bere ◽

Rod Whiteley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Case Studies ◽

Video Analysis ◽

Surveillance System ◽

Injury Surveillance ◽

Ankle Injuries ◽

Ankle Sprains ◽

Injury Surveillance System ◽

Centre Line ◽

World Class

BackgroundAnkle injuries are prevalent in elite volleyball and suggested to result from player contact at the net. Traditionally, ankle sprains are thought to happen in a plantarflexed position, but case studies suggest plantarflexion may not be involved.AimDescribe the injury situations and mechanisms of ankle injuries in world-class volleyball based on systematic video analysis of injuries reported through the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) Injury Surveillance System.MethodsVideos of 24 injuries from major FIVB tournaments were included for analysis (14 men, 10 women). Five analysts reviewed the videos to determine specific situations and mechanisms leading to injuries.ResultsThe majority of injuries occurred during two volleyball situations, blocking (n=15) and attacking (n=6). Injuries to blockers were the result of landing on an opponent (n=11) or teammate (n=4). Attacking injuries most frequently occurred when a back-row player landed on a front-row teammate (n=4 of 6). When landing on an opponent under the net, the attacker landed into the opponent’s court in 11 of 12 situations but without violating the centre line rule. Injuries mostly resulted from rapid inversion without any substantial plantarflexion.ConclusionsThe majority of injuries occur while blocking, often landing on an opponent. The attacker is overwhelmingly to blame for injuries at the net secondary to crossing the centre line. Injuries while attacking often result from a back-row player landing on a front-row teammate. Landing-related injuries mostly result from rapid inversion with the absence of plantarflexion.

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Accompanying Injuries of Ankle Joint Among the Fifth Metatarsal Basis Fractures

Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association ◽

10.7547/19-032 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ali Turgut ◽

Melikşah Uzakgider ◽

Ozan Altun ◽

Ercüment Egeli ◽

Serkan Erkuş ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Marrow ◽

Ankle Joint ◽

Bone Marrow Edema ◽

Ankle Injuries ◽

Common Finding ◽

Common Mechanism ◽

Ankle Sprains ◽

Accompanying Injuries ◽

Ligament Sprain ◽

Marrow Edema

Background: Fifth metatarsal basis fractures are the most commonly seen fractures of the foot. Ankle sprains occur with inversion and plantar flexion mechanisms, like most of the fifth metatarsal basis fractures. Our aim was to investigate the possible accompanying ankle injuries about the fifth metatarsal basis fractures.Methods: Hospital's digital database was searched for the ICD 10 codes of the metatarsal bone fractures such as 'S92.30 and S92.35' between January 2015 and January 2018. Thirty nine patients with fifth metatarsal basis fracture who had an ankle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 14 days of the injury were included in the study. MRI findings were evaluated and comparison was performed according to the fracture zones, gender and age.Results: The most common finding on MRI was talocrural joint effusion (TTJE) which was observed in 28 patients (71.8%). Bone marrow edema was observed in 16 patients (41%). Chondral injury at the medial dome of talus was observed in three patients (7.7%). Grade 1 ligament sprain was observed in 6 of the patients (15.4%). Lateral ligament sprain was observed only in two patients, while four of the sprains were about the deltoid ligament.Conclusions: Although most of the fifth metatarsal basis fractures and ankle sprains occur as a result of a common mechanism, physical examination and patients' complaints are very important. Routine MRI imaging should be unnecessary for most patients. If a patient with a fifth metatarsal basis fracture has complaints about his/her ankle joint, one should be aware of bone marrow edema which was observed in 41% of our study population.

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Risk Factors Influencing the Incidence of Ankle Sprain Among Elite Football and Basketball Players: A Prospective Study

Foot & Ankle Specialist ◽

10.1177/1938640020921251 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 193864002092125

Author(s):

Mohammad Hosein Pourgharib Shahi ◽

Maryam Selk Ghaffari ◽

Mohammad Ali Mansournia ◽

Farzin Halabchi

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Ankle Sprain ◽

Ankle Injuries ◽

Ankle Sprains ◽

Basketball Players ◽

Balance Test ◽

Intrinsic Factors ◽

Generalized Joint Laxity ◽

History Of ◽

A Prospective Study

Introduction. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether certain intrinsic factors (foot hyperpronation, generalized joint laxity) and clinical tests (anterior drawer and talar tilt tests, single-leg balance test and star excursion balance test, ankle and first metatarsophalangeal range of motion) could predict the incidence of lateral ankle sprains among elite football and basketball players during a full year. Method. In a prospective cohort study, 106 elite basketball and football players were recruited. During the preseason period, players underwent baseline measurements. Team physicians in following year reported occurrence of new ankle sprains. Results. Ankle sprain was more frequent among basketball players ( P = .01). The history of recurrent ( P = .001) and acute ankle sprain ( P = .01) and each 5-year increase in age ( P = .039) were predictive factors for ankle sprain. No evidence for relationship between other risk factors and occurrence of ankle sprain were achieved. Conclusion. In our study, the history of recurrent and acute ankle sprain was the strongest predictor for ankle injuries. Considering the limitations of this study, it seems mandatory to conduct more prospective studies with a larger sample size and longer follow-up period. Levels of Evidence: Level II: Prognostic

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Persistent Disability Associated with Ankle Sprains: A Prospective Examination of an Athletic Population

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/107110079801901002 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 19 (10) ◽

pp. 653-660 ◽

Cited By ~ 523

Author(s):

J. Parry Gerber ◽

Glenn N. Williams ◽

Charles R. Scoville ◽

Robert A. Arciero ◽

Dean C. Taylor

Keyword(s):

Physical Examination ◽

Ankle Sprain ◽

The United States ◽

Ankle Injuries ◽

Return To Sports ◽

Ankle Sprains ◽

Residual Symptoms ◽

Athletic Population ◽

Early Return ◽

Hop Test

The purpose of this study was to examine a young athletic population to update the data regarding epidemiology and disability associated with ankle injuries. At the United States Military Academy, all cadets presenting with ankle injuries during a 2-month period were included in this prospective observational study. The initial evaluation included an extensive questionnaire, physical examination, and radiographs. Ankle sprain treatment included a supervised rehabilitation program. Subjects were reevaluated at 6 weeks and 6 months with subjective assessment, physical examination, and functional testing. The mean age for all subjects was 20 years (range, 17–24 years). There were 104 ankle injuries accounting for 23% of all injuries seen. There were 96 sprains, 7 fractures, and 1 contusion. Of the 96 sprains, 4 were predominately medial injuries, 76 were lateral, and 16 were syndesmosis sprains. Ninety-five percent had returned to sports activities by 6 weeks; however, 55% of these subjects reported loss of function or presence of intermittent pain, and 23% had a decrement of >20% in the lateral hop test when compared with the uninjured side. At 6 months, all subjects had returned to full activity; however, 40% reported residual symptoms and 2.5% had a decrement of >20% on the lateral hop test. Neither previous injury nor ligament laxity was predictive of chronic symptomatology. Furthermore, chronic dysfunction could not be predicted by the grade of sprain (grade I vs. II). The factor most predictive of residual symptoms was a syndesmosis sprain, regardless of grade. Syndesmosis sprains were most prevalent in collision sports. This study demonstrates that even though our knowledge and understanding of ankle sprains and rehabilitation of these injuries have progressed in the last 20 years, chronic ankle dysfunction continues to be a prevalent problem. The early return to sports occurs after almost every ankle sprain; however, dysfunction persists in 40% of patients for as long as 6 months after injury. Syndesmosis sprains are more common than previously thought, and this confirms that syndesmosis sprains are associated with prolonged disability.

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Sex Differences in Reported Concussion Injury Rates and Time Loss From Participation: An Update of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance Program From 2004–2005 Through 2008–2009

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-51.3.05 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 51 (3) ◽

pp. 189-194 ◽

Cited By ~ 97

Author(s):

Tracey Covassin ◽

Ryan Moran ◽

R. J. Elbin

Keyword(s):

Sex Differences ◽

National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽

Female Athletes ◽

Epidemiologic Studies ◽

Injury Surveillance ◽

Ice Hockey ◽

Surveillance Program ◽

Time Loss ◽

Basketball Players ◽

Injury Rates

Epidemiologic studies have identified differences in concussion incidence between the sexes. However, few authors to date have updated injury rates (IRs) and time loss between male and female concussed athletes.Context: To examine sex differences in IRs and time loss in concussed National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletes.Objective: Descriptive epidemiologic study.Design: National Collegiate Athletic Association athletics.Setting: A total of 1702 concusssed NCAA athletes, consisting of 903 females and 779 males participating in soccer, basketball, ice hockey, lacrosse, softball, or baseball over a 5-year period from 2004–2005 through 2008–2009.Patients or Other Participants: Using the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program, athletic trainers reported concussions, athlete-exposures (AEs), and time loss across 10 NCAA sports. An IR is the number of injuries in a particular category divided by the number of AEs in that category.Main Outcome Measure(s): During the study period, 1702 concussions were reported during 4 170 427 AEs for an overall total of 5.47 per 10 000 AEs. In sex-comparable sports, females had a 1.4 times higher overall concussion IR than males (IRs = 4.84 and 3.46, respectively), with greater rates in women's baseball/softball, basketball, ice hockey, and soccer than men. Female soccer and basketball players also displayed more time loss after concussion compared with male basketball and soccer players.Results: Female athletes sustained a higher rate of concussion and, in all sports except lacrosse, had greater time loss from concussion than male athletes. Additional research is needed on sex differences in time loss after concussions.Conclusions:

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