Comparison of Volleyball-Related Injuries at US Emergency Departments Between High School and Collegiate Athletes: A 10-Year NEISS Database Study

Skiing Injuries in the US Pediatric Population: An Analysis of National Injury Trends and Mechanisms Between 2012 and 2022

Background

While prevention protocols have been implemented, skiing-related musculoskeletal injuries and concussions continue to present to emergency departments in the United States. Previous literature has suggested the pediatric population may constitute up to 40% of skiing-related injuries.

Purpose

To assess injury trends and the underlying mechanisms of skiing injuries in pediatric patients seen at emergency departments in the United States.

Study Design

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods

The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was queried for pediatric (age ≤18 years) skiing injuries between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2022. Injury mechanism, location, disposition, and diagnosis were recorded, and the statistical sample weight assigned by NEISS by hospital was used to calculate national estimates (NEs). Injury trends were evaluated with linear regression analysis.

Results

Overall, 2951 pediatric skiing injuries were included (NE = 123,386). The mean age of the patients was 12.4 ± 3.5 years, with 61.3% of the injuries occurring in male patients. Impact with the ground was the most common injury mechanism (NE = 87,407; 70.8%). Fractures were the most common diagnosis (NE = 38,527, 31.2%), followed by strains/sprains (NE = 22,562, 18.3%), contusions/abrasions (NE = 16,257, 13.2%), and concussions (NE = 12,449, 10.1%). The lower leg was the most common fracture site (NE = 9509, 24.7%), followed by the shoulder (NE = 7131, 18.5%) and lower arm (NE = 5876, 15.3%). Analysis of annual injuries revealed no significant trend between 2012 and 2022 (P = .17), with fluctuations apparent throughout the study period. Significant decreases were seen in strains/sprains (P < .01) and contusions/abrasions (P < .01), but not in concussions (P = .57) or fractures (P = .70).

Conclusion

Impacts with the snow/ground made up 70.8% of all injuries. Fractures were the most common injury diagnosis, followed by strains/sprains, with the lower leg being most frequently fractured. While strains/sprains and contusions/abrasions showed a significant decline, there were no significant trends in fractures and concussions between 2012 and 2022.

The Finger, Wrist, and Shoulder are the Most Commonly Injured Areas in Youth Volleyball Players but the Incidence of Injuries Decreased Overall Between 2012 and 2022

Purpose

To analyze epidemiology, mechanisms, and diagnoses of upper extremity volleyball injuries in youth who present to United States emergency departments.

Methods

Data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System were analyzed for upper extremity volleyball injuries in patients ≤18 years old from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2022. Data were collected for body part, diagnosis, mechanism of injury, and disposition. Weighted national estimates were calculated using the hospitals' corresponding statistical sample weights. Linear regressions were used to analyze annual trends. χ2 tests were used to analyze categorical variables.

Results

A weighted national estimate of 131,624 upper extremity volleyball-related injuries occurred in the study period. Average age was 13.9 ± 2.3 years. Female patients constituted 77.6% of patients; 99.3% of patients did not require admission. The most common body parts injured were fingers (43.0%), wrists (22.8%), and shoulders (12.2%). The most common identifiable mechanisms of injury were impacts with the floor (19.4%), impacts with the ball (14.7%), and spikes/serves (5.7%). Most common diagnoses were strains/sprains (42.6%) and fractures (19.5%). Most common locations of fracture were fingers (57.4% of all fractures), wrists (16.6%), and lower arms (12.4%). There was a decrease of 544 overall injuries per year (P = .03, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1031 to -58). Female players experienced more contusions/abrasions (16.0% vs 9.9%, P < .001) and strains/sprains (46.1% vs 30.4%, P < .001) compared with male players. Female patients had decreases of 513 overall injuries (P = .01, 95% CI -881 to -144), 349 strains/sprains (P = .002, 95% CI -530 to -168), 102 contusions/abrasions (P = .008, 95% CI 170 to -34), and 92 fractures per year (P = .03, 95% CI -175 to -10).

Conclusions

Youth volleyball players are at risk of upper extremity injury, particularly involving the fingers, wrist, and shoulder. Despite increasing national participation in youth volleyball, there is a decreasing incidence of upper extremity injuries.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, prognostic case series.