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.