Profile of Sports Injuries: Retrospective Analysis from a Single Centre

Participation in sports has increased across North-East India, bringing important physical and psychological benefits. However, region-specific data on sports-related injuries remain limited, making it difficult to develop targeted prevention strategies.

This retrospective descriptive study analysed data from sportspersons presenting with sports-related injuries between January 2020 and December 2023. The aim was to describe the demographic characteristics, patterns, and modes of sports-related musculoskeletal injuries presenting to a regional tertiary-care teaching hospital. Information on age, sex, type of sport, anatomical site of injury, and mode of injury (contact vs. non-contact) was collected and analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests.

A total of 156 sportspersons were included, with a marked male predominance (134 males, 22 females; male-to-female ratio ≈6:1). Most injuries occurred in the 20-29-year age group (56.4%). Football was the most commonly associated sport (36.5%), followed by cricket and basketball. The knee was the most frequently injured anatomical site, particularly among football players. Contact sports accounted for 62% of all injuries. Significant associations were observed between the type of sport and anatomical site of injury, as well as between sport and mode of injury (P < 0.001).

Sports-related injuries in this region predominantly affect young adult males, with football-related knee injuries being the most common. The findings highlight the importance of sport-specific injury prevention strategies, particularly in contact sports such as football.