scholarly journals Progress in Cheerleading Safety: Update on the Epidemiology of Cheerleading Injuries Presenting to US Emergency Departments, 2010-2019

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 232596712110388
Author(s):  
Amy L. Xu ◽  
Krishna V. Suresh ◽  
R. Jay Lee
Keyword(s):  
Hospital Admission ◽  
Emergency Departments ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Head Injuries ◽  
Injury Rate ◽  
The United States ◽  
Annual Number ◽  
Hospital Admission Rate ◽  
Closed Head Injuries ◽  
Closed Head

Background: Although the athleticism required of cheerleaders has increased, the risks of cheerleading have been less studied as compared with other sports. Purpose: To update our understanding of the epidemiology of cheerleading-related injuries. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: We analyzed the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) for cheerleading-related injuries presenting to nationally representative emergency departments (EDs) in the United States from January 2010 through December 2019. Extracted data included patient age and sex, injury characteristics (diagnosis, body region injured, time of year, and location where injury occurred), and hospital disposition. Using patient narratives, we recorded the cheerleading skills, settings, and mechanisms that led to injury. NEISS sample weights were used to derive national estimates (NEs) from actual case numbers. Results: From 2010 to 2019, a total of 9868 athletes (NE = 350,000; 95% CI, 250,000-450,000) aged 5-25 years presented to US EDs for cheerleading injuries. The annual number of injuries decreased by 15%, from 982 (NE = 35,000; 95% CI, 27,000-44,000) to 897 (NE = 30,000; 95% CI, 18,000-42,000) ( P = .048), corresponding to a 27% decline in the injury rate per 100,000 cheerleaders ( P < .01). The annual number of injuries caused by performing stunts decreased by 24%, from 240 (NE = 8700; 95% CI, 6700-11,000) to 216 (NE = 6600; 95% CI, 4000-9200) ( P = .01), with a 36% decline in the corresponding injury rate per 100,000 cheerleaders ( P < .01). Despite these decreases, annual incidence of concussions/closed head injuries increased by 44%, from 128 (NE = 3800; 95% CI, 2900-4700) to 171 (NE = 5500; 95% CI, 3400-7700) ( P = .02), and patients requiring hospital admission increased by 118%, from 18 (NE = 330; 95% CI, 250-410) to 24 (NE = 720; 95% CI, 440-1000) ( P < .01). The hospital admission rate increased by 9.0% ( P = .02). Conclusion: The number of cheerleading-related injuries presenting to US EDs decreased from 2010 to 2019. However, the incidence of concussions/closed head injuries and hospital admissions increased, suggesting that further measures are needed to improve safety for cheerleaders.

scholarly journals A Retrospective Analysis of Softball-Related Head and Facial Injuries Treated in United States Emergency Departments, 2013-2017

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 232596711982566 ◽  
Author(s):  
John S. Strickland ◽  
Marie Crandall ◽  
Grant R. Bevill
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Head Injuries ◽  
The United States ◽  
Weighted Estimate ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Facial Injuries ◽  
Closed Head Injuries ◽  
Closed Head ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Race Ethnicity

Background: Softball is a popular sport played through both competitive and recreational leagues. While head and facial injuries are a known problem occurring from games, little is known about the frequency or mechanisms by which they occur. Purpose: To analyze head/face injury diagnoses and to identify the mechanisms associated with such injuries. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiological study. Methods: A public database was used to query data related to head/facial injuries sustained in softball. Data including age, sex, race/ethnicity, injury diagnosis, affected body parts, disposition, incident location, and narrative descriptions were collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 3324 head and face injuries were documented in the database over the time span of 2013 to 2017, resulting in a nationwide weighted estimate of 121,802 head/face injuries occurring annually. The mean age of the players was 21.5 ± 14.4 years; 72.1% of injured players were female, while 27.9% were male. The most common injury diagnoses were closed head injuries (22.0%), contusions (18.7%), concussions (17.7%), lacerations (17.1%), and fractures (15.1%). The overwhelming majority of injuries involved being struck by a ball (74.3%), followed by colliding with another player (8.3%), colliding with the ground or a fixed object (5.0%), or being struck by a bat (2.8%). For those injuries caused by a struck-by-ball incident, most occurred from defensive play (83.7% were fielders struck by a hit or thrown ball) as opposed to offensive play (12.3% were players hit by a pitch or runners struck by a ball). Although helmet usage was poorly tracked in the database, female players (1.3%) were significantly more likely to have been wearing a helmet at the time of injury than were male players (0.2%) ( P = .002). Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that a large number of head and face injuries occur annually within the United States as a result of softball play. A variety of injuries were observed, with the majority involving defensive players being struck by the ball, which highlights the need for more focus on player safety by stronger adherence to protective headgear usage and player health monitoring.

Pediatric Cheerleading Injuries Treated in Emergency Departments in the United States

2017 ◽  
Vol 56 (11) ◽  
pp. 985-992 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nada Naiyer ◽  
Thiphalak Chounthirath ◽  
Gary A. Smith
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Emergency Departments ◽  
Closed Head Injury ◽  
Injury Rate ◽  
The United States ◽  
Common Mechanism ◽  
Injury Surveillance System ◽  
Injury Mechanisms ◽  
States Data ◽  
Closed Head

This study investigates the epidemiology of cheerleading injuries to children in the United States. Data were analyzed from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System for children 5 through 18 years of age treated in US emergency departments for cheerleading injuries from 1990 through 2012. An estimated 497 095 children ages 5 to 18 years were treated in US emergency departments for a cheerleading injury during the 23-year study period, averaging 21 613 injured children per year. From 1990 to 2012, the annual cheerleading injury rate increased significantly by 189.1%; and from 2001 to 2012, the annual rate of cheerleading-related concussion/closed head injury increased significantly by 290.9%. Falls were the most common mechanism of injury (29.4%) and were more likely to lead to hospitalization (relative risk = 2.47; 95% confidence interval = 1.67-3.68) compared with other injury mechanisms. The rising number and rate of pediatric cheerleading injuries underscore the need for increased efforts to prevent these injuries.

Select Isolated Pediatric Closed Head Injuries can be safely managed on a Nonsurgical Service

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 65-69
Author(s):  
Dan Parrish ◽  
Shannon Rosati ◽  
Malkit Singh ◽  
Andrew Green ◽  
Jeffrey Haynes
Keyword(s):  
Injury Severity ◽  
Social Issues ◽  
Head Injuries ◽  
Closed Head Injury ◽  
Pediatric Neurosurgery ◽  
The United States ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Closed Head Injuries ◽  
Closed Head ◽  
Gcs Score

ABSTRACT Introduction Annually in the United States, there are an estimated 474,000 traumatic brain injury (TBI) related Emergency Department (ED) visits in children under age 15 years. While their evaluation and management are not standardized, guidelines generally include a neurological examination and head computed tomography (CT) with neurosurgical and/or pediatric surgical consultation, and admission generally based on imaging as well as persistent neurological symptoms. The primary purpose of this study was to review our experience with admitted isolated closed head injuries in children. We evaluated the safety of their management on a nonsurgical service after ED pediatric neurosurgical consultation deemed the injuries nonoperative. Study design A retrospective review was conducted of pediatric patients with closed head injuries between 2008 and 2013 (n = 837). Inclusion criteria were isolated closed head injury, discharged within 48 hours of admission, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score greater than 13, and admission to a nonsurgical service. A total 272 patients met the inclusion criteria. These patients were divided into two groups based on whether or not they received a neurosurgical consult. Results Of the 272 patients, 221 received a pediatric neurosurgery consult while 51 did not. Those that received a neurosurgical consult had a higher Injury Severity Score (ISS) (7.5 vs 3.6), younger age (4.4 vs 6.9), longer length of stay, higher admission acuity, and were more likely to receive a repeat head CT. There was no difference in GCS score (14.9 vs 15), and the most common discharge symptom was a headache. With admission to nonsurgical services, no complications, readmissions, or missed injuries occurred. Conclusion As pediatric neurosurgery is a limited resource, we evaluated the safety of admitting patients deemed nonsurgical to a medical service for management and follow-up of the TBI, as well as the social issues which are often present. The practice resulted in no morbidity or mortality with efficient management of ancillary consult services. How to cite this article Parrish D, Rosati S, Singh M, Green A, Haynes J. Select Isolated Pediatric Closed Head Injuries can be safely managed on a Nonsurgical Service. Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2016;5(2):65-69.

scholarly journals Epidemiology of Cheerleading Fall-Related Injuries in the United States

2009 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 578-585 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brenda J. Shields ◽  
Gary A. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Head Injuries ◽  
The United States ◽  
Severe Injuries ◽  
Closed Head Injuries ◽  
Wood Floor ◽  
Closed Head ◽  
Serious Injury ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Fall Height

Abstract Context: Over the past several decades, cheerleaders have been performing fewer basic maneuvers and more gymnastic tumbling runs and stunts. As the difficulty of these maneuvers has increased, cheerleading injuries have also increased. Objective: To describe the epidemiology of cheerleading fall-related injuries by type of cheerleading team and event. Design: Prospective injury surveillance study. Setting: Participant exposure and injury data were collected from US cheerleading teams via the Cheerleading RIO (Reporting Information Online) surveillance tool. Patients or Other Participants: Athletes from 412 enrolled cheerleading teams who participated in official, organized cheerleading practices, pep rallies, athletic events, or cheerleading competitions. Main Outcome Measure(s): The numbers and rates of cheerleading fall-related injuries during a 1-year period (2006–2007) are reported. Results: A total of 79 fall-related injuries were reported during the 1-year period. Most occurred during practice (85%, 67/79) and were sustained by high school cheerleaders (51%, 40/79). A stunt or pyramid was being attempted in 89% (70/79) of cases. Fall heights ranged from 1 to 11 ft (0.30–3.35 m) (mean  =  4.7 ± 2.0 ft [1.43 ± 0.61 m]). Strains and sprains were the most common injuries (54%, 43/79), and 6% (5/79) of the injuries were concussions or closed head injuries. Of the 15 most serious injuries (concussions or closed head injuries, dislocations, fractures, and anterior cruciate ligament tears), 87% (13/15) were sustained while the cheerleader was performing on artificial turf, grass, a traditional foam floor, or a wood floor. The fall height ranged from 4 to 11 ft (1.22–1.52 m) for 87% of these cases (13/15). Conclusions: Cheerleading-related falls may result in severe injuries and even death, although we report no deaths in the present study. The risk for serious injury increases as fall height increases or as the impact-absorbing capacity of the surfacing material decreases (or both).

scholarly journals Psychological and neuropsychological correlates of postconcussional disorder

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joy Helena Wymer B.S.
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Head Injury ◽  
Brain Injuries ◽  
Spinal Injury ◽  
Head Injuries ◽  
The United States ◽  
Emergency Room Visits ◽  
Closed Head Injuries ◽  
Closed Head ◽  
Risk Takers

Each year approximately 2 million people in the United States suffer closed head injuries (CHI); approximately 500,000 are severe enough to require hospitalization (Brown, Fann & Grant, 1994). Other researchers have estimated the incidence of CHI in the United States at over 9 million (Miller & Berenguer-Gil, 1994). CHI account for about 10% of all emergency room visits (Sherer, Madison & Hannay, 2000). This number has recently decreased, possibly due to decreased hospitalization of individuals with mild brain injuries. According to the National Head Injury and Spinal Injury Survey of 1980, the typical male is four times more likely to experience a head injury than a female (Kalsbeek, McLaughlin, Harris & Miller, 1980). Men are believed to sustain more head injuries because they have been found to be greater risk-takers, more likely to be engaged in potentially dangerous work, more impulsive, and more likely to abuse alcohol or drugs. Alcohol is reported to be involved in 30% of head injuries suffered by males and 10% of those suffered by females (Bennett, 1987).

scholarly journals Epidemiology of Cheerleading Stunt-Related Injuries in the United States

2009 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 586-594 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brenda J. Shields ◽  
Soledad A. Fernandez ◽  
Gary A. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Head Injuries ◽  
The United States ◽  
Epidemiologic Studies ◽  
Main Outcome Measure ◽  
Closed Head Injuries ◽  
Lower Back ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Closed Head

Abstract Context: Cheerleading-related injuries are on the rise. To date, no epidemiologic studies of cheerleading stunt-related injuries have been published. Objective: To describe and compare cheerleading stunt-related injuries by type of cheerleading team (All Star, college, high school, middle school, or recreation league) and event (practice, pep rally, athletic event, or cheerleading competition). Design: Prospective injury surveillance study. Setting: Participant exposure and injury data were collected from US cheerleading teams via the Cheerleading RIO (Reporting Information Online) surveillance tool. Patients or Other Participants: Athletes from enrolled cheerleading teams who participated in official, organized cheerleading practices, pep rallies, athletic events, or cheerleading competitions. Main Outcome Measure(s): The numbers, types, and rates of cheerleading stunt-related injuries during a 1-year period (2006–2007) are reported. Results: Stunt-related injuries accounted for 60% (338/567) of the injuries sustained by US cheerleaders who participated in the study and 96% (22/23) of the concussions and closed head injuries (CHIs) reported during the study. Collegiate cheerleaders were more likely to sustain a concussion or CHI than were cheerleaders on other types of teams (P  =  .02, odds ratio  =  3.10, 95% confidence interval  =  1.20, 8.06). Most injuries occurred while the cheerleader was spotting or basing another cheerleader (34%, 115/338), and these injuries comprised 32% (51/161) of all stunt-related strains and sprains. Four cheerleaders (1.2%, 4/335) were admitted to the hospital, and 9 cheerleaders (2.7%, 9/335) required surgery. Conclusions: Cheerleading stunts pose an increased risk for injury, especially in terms of sustaining a concussion or CHI. Spotters and bases were most likely to be injured during the performance of cheerleading stunts and were at risk for sustaining strain and sprain injuries. The ankle, lower back, and wrist were the sites most likely to be reinjured while performing cheerleading stunts.

Closed Head Injuries in Athletes

1990 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 247-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lawrence B. Lehman ◽  
Steven J. Ravich
Keyword(s):  
Head Injuries ◽  
Closed Head Injuries ◽  
Closed Head

The glial reaction in closed head injuries

1991 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 407-414 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. A. CROOKS ◽  
C. L. SCHOLTZ ◽  
G. VOWLES ◽  
S. GREENWALD ◽  
S. EVANS
Keyword(s):  
Head Injuries ◽  
Closed Head Injuries ◽  
Glial Reaction ◽  
Closed Head

Airway complications in patients with closed-head injuries

1987 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peggyann Nowak ◽  
Arnold M. Cohn ◽  
Mary Ann Guidice
Keyword(s):  
Head Injuries ◽  
Closed Head Injuries ◽  
Airway Complications ◽  
Closed Head

Inappropriate Discharge Instructions for Youth Athletes Hospitalized for Concussion

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 95 (2) ◽  
pp. 216-218
Author(s):  
Frank J. Genuardi ◽  
William D. King
Keyword(s):  
Head Injury ◽  
Injury Severity ◽  
Head Injuries ◽  
Closed Head Injury ◽  
Medical Society ◽  
Discharge Instructions ◽  
Youth Athletes ◽  
Closed Head Injuries ◽  
Closed Head ◽  
Grade 3

Objective. To evaluate the medical care, especially the discharge instructions regarding return to participation, received by youth athletes hospitalized for a closed head injury. Methods. We examined the records of all patients admitted over a 5-year period (1987 through 1991) to The Children's Hospital of Alabama for a sports-related closed head injury. Descriptive information was recorded and discharge instructions reviewed. Injury severity was graded according to guidelines current during the study period, as well as those outlined most recently by the Colorado Medical Society, which have been endorsed by a number of organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics. Discharge instructions recorded for each patient were then compared with those recommended in the guidelines. Results. We identified 33 patients with sports-related closed head injuries. Grade 1 concussions (least severe) occurred in 8 patients (24.2%), grade 2 in 10 (30.3%), and grade 3 (most severe) in 15 (45.4%). Overall, discharge instructions were appropriate for only 10 patients (30.3%), including all with grade 1 concussions, but only 2 with a grade 2 (20.0%) and none with a grade 3 concussion. Conclusion. All who care for youth athletes must become familiar with the guidelines for management of concussion to provide appropriate care and counseling and to avoid a tragic outcome.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document