A Substantial Increase in Injuries and Hospitalizations Associated With Playing Pickleball From 2020 to 2022

To report the estimated number and the types of pickleball-related injuries stratified by sex and age presenting to U.S. emergency departments from 2020 to 2022, as estimated by the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database.

Data from the NEISS database were queried to characterize pickleball-related injuries that presented to 96 NEISS-affiliated emergency departments across the United States between 2020 and 2022. The estimated numbers of injuries and hospital admissions were calculated using weights assigned by the NEISS based on geographical location. Narratives for each emergency department visit were manually reviewed to categorize injuries by type and site. Multivariable analyses were used to determine risk factors associated with pickleball-related hospital admissions.

The estimated number of annual pickleball-related injuries presenting to U.S. emergency departments increased by 91% from 2020 to 2022 (8,894 injuries vs 16,997 injuries). Pickleball-related hospital admissions increased by 257% from 2020 in 2022 (992 hospital admissions vs 3,541 hospital admissions). Most injuries (73%, 9,932 estimated injuries per year) were sustained by patients aged between 60 and 79 years (mean ± standard deviation, 63.9 ± 14.7 years). The most common types of injuries were fractures (29%, 3,990 estimated injuries per year) and strains/sprains (21%, 2,808 estimated injuries per year). Multivariable analyses controlling for age, sex, injury type, and injury site showed that patients aged 65 years or older were at an increased risk of hospitalization (odds ratio, 2.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.54-4.11; P < .001) compared with those younger than 65 years.

The estimated number of pickleball-related injuries presenting to U.S. emergency departments and subsequent hospital admissions has increased by 91% and 257%, respectively, from 2020 to 2022. Patients who were aged 65 years or older at the time of injury were at an increased risk of hospital admission.

Understanding the current trends and types of pickleball-related injuries presenting to U.S. emergency departments is critical toward the development of injury prevention measures and understanding the U.S. health care system, particularly as participation in pickleball continues to grow.