Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 10, 2026

Assessing Changes in Synaptic Plasticity Using an Awake Closed-Head Injury Model of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: January 20, 2023
Epidemiology of Boxing-Related Upper Extremity Injuries Presenting to Emergency Departments in the United States from
Michael N Megafu1, Noelle Nerenberg2, Hirshal Pandya2
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut, Farmington, Connecticut.
Background:
The epidemiology of boxing-related upper extremity injuries in the United States (US) has been minimally described, with only one prior study examining data up to 2016.
Objective:
To update and extend national estimates of these injuries through 2023, highlighting post-2016 trends and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods:
The National Electronic Surveillance System database was queried for upper extremity boxing-related injuries presenting to US emergency departments from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2023. Injuries were categorized by body part, diagnosis, and disposition. National estimates (NE) were calculated based on each hospital's assigned statistical sample weight. Linear regression assessed trends over time.
Results:
A total of 106,903 boxing-related upper extremity injuries were identified. The hand (48.3%), wrist (18.9%), and shoulder (14.2%) were the most commonly affected areas. Fractures were the most frequent diagnosis (26.4%), followed by strains/sprains (24.1%), other injuries (21.3%), and contusions/abrasions (17.9%). Only 3.3% of cases required hospital admission. Injury counts dropped sharply in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic (NE = 7282; p < 0.01 compared to pre-COVID years of 2014-2019), followed by a rebound in subsequent years, peaking in 2023 (NE = 13,258). Linear regression showed a nonsignificant annual decrease of 76 injuries over 10 years (p = 0.70; coefficient = -75.6; 95% CI: -508.7 to 357.5).
Conclusion:
Boxing-related upper extremities most commonly involve the hand, with fractures representing the most common diagnosis. In conclusion, the rebound in injury rates in 2023, which diverges from the pre-COVID trend of gradual decline, warrants attention.
More Related Videos
07:06Block Building Task Identifies Distinct Groups of Left/Right-hand Choice Patterns After Unilateral Peripheral Nerve Injury
Published on: March 21, 2025
11:28A Coupled Experiment-finite Element Modeling Methodology for Assessing High Strain Rate Mechanical Response of Soft Biomaterials
Published on: May 18, 2015
Related Concept Videos
Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus
Arteries of the Upper Limbs
Flail Chest-I
Flail chest is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the fracture of three or more adjacent ribs in multiple places. It is most commonly caused by direct impacts and trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or injuries from a steering wheel impact. It can also occur due to falls in elderly individuals with osteoporosis, or assaults involving sharp objects.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of flail chest is complex, involving fractures of...
Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History: