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Lumbar Spine Injuries in National Collegiate Athletic Association Athletes: A 6-Season Epidemiological Study
Jeffrey D Hassebrock1, Karan A Patel1, Justin L Makovicka1
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine
|February 6, 2019
Summary
Lumbar spine injuries are common in NCAA athletes, with men more affected than women. Noncontact injuries during preseason and competition are frequent, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and reconditioning programs.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Epidemiology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Lumbar spine injuries in collegiate athletes remain understudied.
- Understanding injury patterns is crucial for athlete safety and performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology of lumbar spine injuries in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletes.
- To analyze injury rates, mechanisms, and outcomes from 2009 to 2015.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive epidemiological study using the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program (ISP).
- Data collected from a voluntary sample of NCAA varsity teams across 25 sports.
- Calculated injury rates per 1000 athlete-exposures (AEs) and analyzed injury characteristics.
Main Results:
- An estimated 37,435 lumbar spine injuries occurred, with an overall rate of 6.01 per 1000 AEs.
- Men had higher injury rates (4.94/1000 AEs) than women (3.94/1000 AEs).
- Highest injury rates were observed in men's football and women's gymnastics; preseason injuries were most common.
Conclusions:
- Lumbar spine injuries are prevalent in NCAA athletes, with a significant recurrence rate (20%).
- Men are more susceptible than women, and noncontact mechanisms are frequent.
- Enhanced prevention and reconditioning programs are recommended to mitigate these injuries.
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