Craniofacial Trauma in Cheerleading: National Trends and Injury Patterns Among Youth Athletes (2014-2023)

Cheerleading integrates dance, gymnastics, and acrobatic maneuvers. It has significantly grown in popularity, particularly among female athletes. Overall injury rates in cheerleading are mounting. Risk of sustaining severe craniofacial injuries remains notably high. Limited research specifically addresses craniofacial injuries within this sport, highlighting a critical gap in knowledge and potential to initiate appropriate safety measures.

This retrospective study utilized data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) between January 2014 and December 2023. Database was filtered for cheerleading-related craniofacial injuries among athletes aged 5 to 19 years. Analysis included estimates to evaluate injury types, locations, and demographic trends.

Between 2014 and 2023, cheerleading resulted in an estimated 85,102 craniofacial injuries requiring emergency department visits. Predominantly, females (98.2%) were affected. Adolescents aged 15 to 19 accounted for the majority (56.0%) of cases. Internal organ injuries (30.3%) and concussions (25.9%) were the most common injury types. Fractures, despite being less common (3.5%), resulted in the highest hospitalization rates (5.5%). Head injuries predominated (59.4%), followed by injuries to the neck (21.1%). Injury rates notably decreased in 2020, correlating with reduced participation during the COVID-19 pandemic, with gradual increases thereafter.

These findings underscore the ongoing risk of severe craniofacial injuries in cheerleading, despite overall lower injury frequencies compared with other sports. Enhancing safety regulations, particularly for high-risk stunts, and further targeted research on injury prevention and mechanisms are essential for safeguarding pediatric cheerleaders.