A Temporal Comparative Study of Women’s Rugby Injuries Presenting to an Emergency Department

Aim We aimed to examine the change in injury patterns, diagnostics and treatments provided to female rugby players in an emergency department between two separate seasons ten years apart. Methods A search was carried out on attendances from 01/07/2007 to 30/06/2008 and from 01/07/2017 to 30/06/2018. The records of females presenting following rugby injuries were studied to establish demographics, investigations used, injury suffered and definitive care. Results There was a 242.9% increase in attendances with women’s rugby injuries. There were increases in high impact injuries: dislocations (0% vs 2.8%), wounds (4.8% vs 6.3%) and concussions (2.4% vs 10.4%). Ct scans are utilised more (2.4% vs 6.9%). Follow up has changed with increased specialist opinion with team physicians (0% vs 7.7%), hand clinics (4.8% vs 9.0%) and concussion clinics (0.0% vs 6.9%). Discussion Women’s rugby injury presentations are increasing. We have seen a rise in significant injuries. Patients now require first level diagnostics and specialist follow up care.