Get word out about most common summer injuries
August 1, 2002 2 minutes read
Get word out about most common summer injuries
Sports top list of childhood injuries
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) of Rosemont, IL, issued its 2002 list of the top activities resulting in injuries of children during the summertime, and bicycling and basketball are at the top.
The other top three sports most often causing injuries to children during the spring and summer are roller sports, soccer, and baseball/softball.
Children are more susceptible to injury because their bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments are still growing, and they tend to be more active in sports and physical activities in the summer, according to the AAOS.
In 2000, there were about 2.2 million fractures, dislocations, and soft-tissue injuries related to recreational activities among children who were treated at U.S. hospital emergency rooms, doctor’s offices, and clinics. This carried an estimated cost of $33 billion.
Bicycling tops the list, with about 415,000 injuries among children ages five to 14 in 2000. These include fractures, dislocations, strains/ sprains, and contusions/abrasions to the extremities and trunk.
Basketball follows with 407,000 injuries, and roller sports resulted in more than 297,000 injuries in 2000. In other sports, there were 160,000 injuries from baseball and softball, 185,000 injuries from soccer, and 135,000 injuries from trampolines.
A rise in the number of reported injuries was seen in volleyball, gymnastics, and scooter activities, as well.
The statistics are derived from estimates of hospital emergency room-treated injuries reported through the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System.
Rehab providers are encouraged by AAOS to urge children and their guardians to follow these safety guidelines:
- Know and abide by the rules of the sport.
- Wear appropriate gear, such as shin guards for soccer, a hard-shell helmet when facing a baseball pitcher, and a helmet for bike riding.
- Check equipment and know how to use it.
- Warm up before playing.
- Abstain from playing when tired or in pain.
More information about summer sports injuries can be obtained by downloading Prevent Injuries America! information from AAOS’ web site at www.aaos.org or by calling (800) 824-BONE.
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