For Immediate Release
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Adrian J. Wright847-384-4034, [email protected]
Joanne Swanson847-384-4035, [email protected]
Todd Schuetz847-384-4032, [email protected]
Survey results prove kids better sports with injury prevention
ROSEMONT, Ill. --Safety first seems to be top on the list for young sports enthusiasts. In an on-line survey conducted by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, over 81 percent of youth who did not have a sports related injury, also indicated that they were aware of the safety risks and guidelines. Additionally, 78 percent said they use safety equipment all or most of the time while engaged in a sports or recreational activity.
The seven week survey was designed to identify self-reported data related to sports activities with a higher than average potential for injury. Specific areas of interest in the survey included:
-- Participation in specific high risk activities-- Knowledge of injury risks associated with these activities-- Use of safety equipment available for specific activities-- Incidence of sports activity related injuries-- Identification of injury type, treatment, and behavior modification as a result of a sports activity related injury.
The survey gave each participant the opportunity to respond for themselves or a family member. More than 75 percent of those reporting for their family say that someone in the family has sustained a sports-related injury.
Among the adults who participated, the highest rate of injury is associated with track/jogging (16 percent), while basketball came in second at 14 percent.
Among participants under 17 years of age, soccer caused more injuries; one out of four respondents or 25 percent reported sustaining an injury due to soccer. Reports for all family members were slightly higher (30 percent), than reports for individuals answering for themselves (22 percent).
Knee, foot and leg injuries were the most common injuries to adults, and the second, third and fourth most common to youth. In youth 17 years and under, wrist injuries took first place among youth under 18; 47 percent reported such an injury.
The on-line survey also revealed that more than half of injuries occurred during non-structured activities in an outdoor setting. Both adults and youth reported about one-fourth of sports injuries had occurred in or around school.
According to Robert Stanton, MD, pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, in Pensacola, Florida, sports injuries in children and adolescents can be minimized by a combination of protective equipment and proper coaching. "Children do listen to their parents when instructed to use proper protective devices (i.e. wrist splints for skating, and helmets for bicycling)," said Dr. Stanton. "Adults who are involved with organized sports for youths should be familiar with the protective equipment that is appropriate for that sport. Adults admit to using protective equipment less often than children, in spite of being aware of the advantages of the devices."
Adult fractures are more difficult to treat and take longer to heal than the comparable injury in a child, and therefore adults should be strongly encouraged to take advantage of the safety equipment that is recommended for their sport.
According to Dr. Stanton, the health advantages of sports participation far outweigh the risks of serious injury. "Children and adults alike should be encouraged to lead a healthy and active life; this includes intelligent sports participation," he said. "With a combination of proper training in safe sports technique, and the use of available protective devices, serious injury can be minimized."
Information about various sports/recreational activities can be found on the AAOS Web site at http://www.aaos.org. Go to the Public and Media Relations tab, and click on Prevent Injuries America!-- You'll find fact sheets for various sports and recreational activities including tips on prevention.
An orthopaedic surgeon is a medical doctor with extensive training in the diagnosis and nonsurgical as well as surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves
The 25,500 member American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (www.aaos.org) or (http://orthoinfo.aaos.org), is a not-for-profit organization that provides education programs for orthopaedic surgeons, allied health professionals and the public.
An advocate for improved patient care, the Academy is participating in the Bone and Joint Decade (www.boneandjointdecade.org), the global initiative in the years 2000-2010 to raise awareness of musculoskeletal health, stimulate research and improve people's quality of life.
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