Citation

Zupon AB, Kerr ZY, Dalton SL, Dompier TP, Gardner EC. Res. Sports Med. 2018; 26(1): 13-26.

Affiliation

Yale School of Medicine , Yale University , New Haven , CT , USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15438627.2017.1365295

PMID

28869402

Abstract

This study describes the epidemiology of back/neck/spine injuries in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men's and women's ice hockey. Data from 66 NCAA men's and 29 women's ice hockey programmes (total of 147 and 67 team-seasons, respectively) were analysed from the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program during the 2009/2010-2014/2015 academic years. In the study period, 226 and 97 back/neck/spine injuries were reported in men and women, respectively, for injury rates of 0.56 and 0.65/1000 athlete exposures. Injury rates were higher in competitions than practices in men (injury rate ratio [IRR] = 4.22; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.24-5.49) and women (IRR = 2.49; 95% CI: 1.67-3.70). Most injuries occurred in the lower back/lumbar spine (men: 52.2%; women: 48.5%). There were notably low rates of fractures and severe spinal injuries for both sexes. This study enhances our understanding of the incidence, mechanisms and factors influencing these injuries and can ultimately lead to more effective injury prevention.

Language: en

Keywords

Epidemiology; injury surveillance; spinal; sports