[The influence of sports injuries on sport participation and work]

The incidence and complications of sport injuries in athletics, basketball, gymnastics, hockey, netball, cricket, tennis and soccer were analysed from questionnaire responses of 239 sport participants in Pretoria. Lower limb injuries were most common (73%). Torn tendomuscular organs represented 29,3% of the total number of injuries; sprains, strains and dislocations 35,9%; and fractures 20,5%. Medical treatment was sought by 62,8% of the patients. A total of 60,7% of the subjects was advised to suspend further participation in sport, but 30,6% failed to do so and more than half of these again sustained injuries. Those who were booked off from work totalled 18,0%, but a further 4,5% stayed away from work voluntarily.