Nearly 3 Million ER Visits Each Year Due to Sports Injuries in Youth
Youth sports, particularly football, basketball, cycling, and soccer, are responsible for a significant number of emergency room (ER) visits across the United States, with nearly 3 million ER visits annually linked to sports injuries.
Top Sports Causing Injuries Among Young Athletes
According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 2.7 million sports-related injuries occur every year among individuals between the ages of 5 and 24. This research, based on data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (2010-2016), highlights the most common activities leading to ER visits. Football, basketball, cycling, soccer, and skating (including ice or roller skating and skateboarding) top the list for injuries in youth sports.
While these sports consistently lead to injuries, the types of injuries and the age and gender of the affected individuals vary.
Injuries by Age and Gender
- Males are more frequently injured in football and basketball, while gymnastics and cheerleading are more common among females.
- Playground injuries account for nearly 24% of ER visits for children ages 5-9.
- For individuals 15 and older, basketball is the most common cause of injuries, while football and basketball are the leading culprits for those between 10 and 14 years old.
Most Common Injuries
The data reveals that sprains, strains, and dislocations are the most prevalent injuries across all age groups, making up 28% of all ER visits. Upper and lower extremity injuries (affecting areas like the arms, legs, shoulders, and knees) account for the majority of these visits, with head and neck injuries being more common in younger children.
- Upper extremities: Injuries to the arms, shoulders, and hands were more common in younger children but declined with age.
- Lower extremities: Injuries to the legs and feet became more frequent as patients aged.
Top 10 Activities Behind Youth Sports Injuries
| Sports or Recreational Activity | % of Emergency Department Visits |
|---|---|
| Football | 14.1% |
| Basketball | 12.5% |
| Cycling | 9.9% |
| Soccer | 7.1% |
| Ice or Roller Skating/Skateboarding | 6.9% |
| Playground | 6.3% |
| Other or Unspecified Activity | 6.2% |
| Running or Jogging | 5.5% |
| Gymnastics or Cheerleading | 5.4% |
| Baseball or Softball | 5.1% |
Pain Management and Opioid Use
Interestingly, nearly two-thirds of ER visits for sports injuries involved the use of pain medications, including both opioids and nonopioids. Nonopioids, such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), were the most commonly prescribed. However, opioid prescriptions were still notable, particularly among older individuals:
- 41.4% of visits involved nonopioid pain medications.
- 22.5% of visits resulted in opioid prescriptions, with opioid use increasing with age. Almost 50% of 20-24-year-olds received opioid prescriptions for sports injuries.
This pattern is concerning due to the rising issue of opioid misuse among adolescents in the U.S.
Study Limitations and Implications
While the study focuses solely on emergency department visits, which may result in either over- or underestimations of injury rates, the findings still offer valuable insight. These insights can help shape prevention strategies aimed at reducing sports injuries and improving treatment outcomes.
The data also provides crucial information to enhance the quality of care for young athletes, potentially leading to better management of sports-related injuries in the future.
Source: US News
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