Sports Injuries Presenting to the Emergency Department: Mostly a Pediatric Problem

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of all sports injuries presenting to our emergency department over a year's time (2002-3), the demographics and disposition of the sports injured group, and the association of particular injuries with particular sports. Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of all emergency department patients that presented with documented sports injuries.. Results: 3% of all our patients had sports-related injuries [mean age = 21+15, 72% male ,71% Caucasian]. Most of the injuries were in children and males, and from basketball and biking. 5% were admitted to the hospital, mostly for head and extremity injuries. Conclusion: Our emergency department sees a significant number of sports injuries in a young population with injuries primarily to the extremities and the head. The admitted sports injured patients were primarily involved in biking, basketball, and playground/backyard activities. Perhaps more protective gear should be recommended.