A Community Based Study of Sport and Recreation-Related Injuries Treated in Hospital Emergency Department in Finland

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and characteristics of sport and recreation (SR)-related injuries treated in an emergency department (ED). This paper is the first community based study on SRrelated injuries in Finland in a defined geographic region. Material and Methodology: Prospective observational study based on injury information recorded in the injury data base in ED. From June 1, 2004 to May 31, 2006 of a total of 4 844 unintentional injuries (in 4 407 patients) leading to treatment in ED), 414 (in 404 patients, 9%) were SR-related. Results: In SR-related injury patients the median age of females was 25 years (SD 21) and that of males 25 years (SD 13) (range: 5 to 88 years). Patients aged 10 to 19 years had the highest injury rates. Most of the injuries were fractures (35%), sprains (28%) and wounds or contusions (27%). 38% of all injuries were located in the upper and 40% in the lower extremity. 14.5% of the patients were hospitalized. Patients with SR-related injuries had relatively more fractures and dislocations than those with other unintentional injuries (2 = 31.67; d.f. = 10, p = 0.0005). The annual rate of SR-related injuries attended to hospital ED was 251 per 100 000 persons. Conclusion: In order to prevent SR-related injuries, the knowledge of preventive methods should be improved among residents and athletes.

Epidemiology of Sport and Active Recreation Injuries Presenting to a Tertiary Emergency Department in the Sultanate of Oman

“…We found that most injured people were young men in the second and third decade of life. This finding is in agreement with the data from Finland [13], Sweden [14], Australia [15], Canada [16], and Germany [17]. The fact that the majority of affected patients are in these young age groups, who are productive members of society, likely, has a direct negative impact on the country's economy from the associated loss of productivity.…”

“…Similarly to previous studies [3,6,11,13,[16][17][18], the most frequently occurring injuries were sprain/strain 36.9% (n=375), contusion 30% (n=312), and fractures 18.6% (n=189). These injuries were reported more in the lower extremities.…”

“…Our data are based on the electronic medical records, therefore there was missing data. Other studies in sport related injuries had the same limitations [11,13,15,21]. This should be kept in mind when interpreting the results.…”

A Retrospective Analysis of Major and Significant Injuries and their Consequences Reported by Retired Australian Baseball Players

“…14,26]. Given that all sports have inherent risks associated with them that may result in injury the issue of how the more severe injuries impact on sport participants later in their life, once their sporting involvement ceases, is an area worthy of more detailed investigation [25]. Of particular interest to governments and health agencies will be the additional cost such injuries place on the public health system.…”

“…Injuries sustained from sport and recreation activities can place significant costs on the health systems of countries [25]. For the injured participant there is also the potential for ongoing medical costs.…”