Field Hockey–Related Injuries Treated in US Emergency Departments, 2000 to 2020

Abstract

Objective: To describe the epidemiology of field hockey–related injuries of patients aged 6 to 24 years who were treated in US emergency departments from 2000 to 2020. Design: The researchers conducted a retrospective analysis using data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). Setting: The NEISS collects data on recreational activity–related and consumer product–related injuries treated in US Eds. Patients: Patients aged 6 to 24 years who were treated for field hockey-related injuries in Eds from 2000 to 2020. Independent Variables: The researchers analyzed characteristics that included age, body part injured, injury diagnosis, disposition from the ED, injury locale, injury mechanism, contact, and equipment type. Main Outcome Measures: All cases of field hockey–related injuries were identified using the NEISS product code for field hockey (1295). Results: There were an estimated 82 639 (95% CI = 45 536-119 742) field hockey–related injuries for patients aged 6 to 24 years treated in US emergency departments from 2000 to 2020. The rate of field hockey–related injuries per 100 000 population did not significantly change from 7.4 in 2000 to 7.4 in 2011 (slope = 0.048; P = 0.581) but significantly decreased from 7.4 in 2011 to 3.7 in 2019 (slope = −0.40; P = 0.018). As player age increased, the risk of injury due to contact with equipment increased ( 13 years: RR = 0.90; 95% CI = 0.82-0.98, 19-24 years: RR = 1.17; 95% CI = 1.06-1.29). Concussions or traumatic brain injuries accounted for 9.2% of injuries and were most associated with contact with the ball. Conclusion: Although there was a decrease in the field hockey–related injuries, field hockey remains an important source of injuries for children and young adults.