Scratch…Descriptive epidemiologic study of billiards-related injuries

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Sports Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Billiards is a popular recreational activity with potential for injury.
• Understanding injury patterns is crucial for prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the epidemiology of billiards-related injuries presenting to U.S. emergency departments from 2000 to 2020.
• To identify common injury types, causes, and patient demographics.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive epidemiological study utilizing secondary data.
• Data source: National Electronic Injury Surveillance System - All Injury Program (NEISS-AIP).
• Analysis included patient age, gender, injury characteristics, and disposition.

Main Results:

• An estimated 78,524 patients visited emergency departments for billiards injuries.
• The average age was 24.9 years, with males accounting for 69.9% of injuries.
• Common injuries included soft-tissue contusions/abrasions (24.2%) and lacerations (22.3%), often caused by being struck by a ball or cue (51.1%).
• While most patients were discharged, 3.2% required hospitalization.

Conclusions:

• Billiards-related injuries, though less common than other sports, can necessitate significant medical care.
• Findings highlight the need for targeted injury prevention efforts in billiards.
• Further research can inform safety guidelines and reduce emergency department visits.