Epidemiology of Musculoskeletal Injuries in the Navy: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to critically review the results of recent studies that investigated the epidemiology of noncombat-related musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) in the Navy.Methods: A systematic search was conducted of three major databases (Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane) to identify epidemiological studies on MSIs in the Navy. Study selection and risk of bias assessment were conducted.Results: The overall prevalence of MSIs ranged from 12.69% to 48.81%. And the prevalence of head and face injuries, upper extremity injuries, spine injuries, chest injuries, and lower extremity injuries were 0.11%–0.66%, 0.53%–11.47%, 0.75%–12.09%, 0.43%–0.95%, and 0.4%–21.17%, respectively. For the specific MSIs, the incidence ranged from 0.03/1000 person-years to 32.3/1000 person-years in the Navy and Marines. The ankle-foot, lumbopelvic, knee and lower leg, and shoulder were identified as the most frequent location for MSIs.Conclusion: This systematic review summarized that the Navy population had a high prevalence of MSIs. And different risk factors for MSIs varied from different anatomic locations. This systematic review also provided valuable information on MSIs for sports medicine specialists.