Citation

Keene JS, Albert MJ, Springer SL, Drummond DS, Clancy WG. J. Spinal Disord. 1989; 2(3): 190-195.

Affiliation

Division of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Wisconsin Clinical Science Center, Madison.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1989, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

2520075

Abstract

Frequency and types of back injuries sustained by intercollegiate athletes were determined by examining medical records of 4,790 athletes that competed in 17 varsity sports over a 10-year period. These athletes sustained 333 back injuries, an injury rate of 7 per 100 participants. Injury rates were significantly higher in American football and gymnastics, and 80% of the injuries occurred in practice, 6% in competition, and 14% during preseason conditioning. Muscle strains occurred with much greater frequency than other types of injuries, and acute back injuries were much more prevalent (59%) than overuse injuries (12%) or injuries associated with pre-existing conditions (29%).

Language: en