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Comparing Sports-Related Orthopedic Injury Trends on Artificial Turf and Natural Grass: A 20-Year Nationwide Analysis
Timothy A Reiad1, John D Milner2, Peter V Dinh3
1Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, R.
Objectives:
The impact of playing surfaces on sports- related injuries remains a subject of debate, with limited research comparing injury patterns across various sports and competition levels.
Methods:
This study utilized the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database from 2004 to 2023. Sports-related injuries that occurred on artificial turf and natural grass playing surfaces were identified and analyzed.
Results:
Of 21,868 injuries, 76.3% occurred on grass and 23.7% on turf. Rugby (OR: 8.35) and lacrosse (OR: 8.42) injuries were more common on turf, while soccer and softball injuries were more frequent on grass. Dislocations (OR: 4.73) and lacerations (OR: 5.41) were more likely on grass, while strains/sprains (OR: 1.16) and contusions (OR: 1.96) were more common on turf.
Conclusion:
This study reveals significant variations in injury patterns that occur on artificial turf and natural grass playing surfaces across various sports and age, providing valuable evidence on the potential risks and differences in injury patterns associated with each surface.
