Ice hockey: a team physician's perspective

Ice hockey is an exciting sport that is growing in popularity in the United States. Injuries are a common part of the sport, with more injuries occurring in games compared with practice. Higher levels of competition have been shown to correlate with increased frequency of injury. Most frequently, injuries occur to the face, head, and neck, including concussions, contusions, lacerations, and dental injury. Lower extremity injuries include medial collateral ligament injury, meniscus tear, and high ankle sprains. Upper extremity injuries include acromioclavicular joint injury, glenohumeral dislocation, and various contusions and sprains. Groin and lower abdominal strains also are common. Women's hockey participation is increasing, with data that suggest injuries similar to those seen in men's hockey.