Epidemiological Profile of Musculoskeletal Injuries Among Youth Athletes During the 2024 Brazilian School Games

Sports injuries are common among young athletes and may negatively affect health, performance, and sports participation. However, epidemiological data on injury patterns in large Brazilian school sport events remain limited. To analyze the epidemiological profile of sports injuries among athletes participating in the 2024 Brazilian School Games (JEBs). This cross-sectional observational study was conducted during the 2024 JEBs in Recife, Brazil. Injuries requiring physiotherapy evaluation or treatment during training or competition were recorded using a standardized surveillance system. Variables included sex, sport modality, injury type, anatomical location, clinical outcome, hospital referral, and withdrawal from competition. Descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies and percentages. A total of 974 injuries were recorded. Muscle injuries were most frequent (55.7%), followed by joint (23.7%), bone (8.7%), ligament (6.9%), and tendon injuries (5.0%). Female athletes accounted for most consultations (n=525), with similar injury distribution between sexes. Most athletes returned to competition after evaluation (n=701), while 48 were withdrawn, including 11 hospital referrals. Muscle injuries predominated in Swimming (90.8%), Athletics (72.0%), and Badminton (69.6%). Futsal had the highest number of injuries (n=206), followed by Athletics (n=143) and Basketball (n=107). Sport-specific patterns were observed, including thigh injuries in Athletics, ankle injuries in Basketball, knee injuries in Handball, Karate, and Wrestling, and shoulder/neck involvement in Swimming and Wrestling. Muscle injuries were the most common type during the 2024 JEBs and were generally associated with favorable short-term outcomes. Joint and ligament injuries showed greater severity and were more often linked to withdrawal from competition.