Epidemiology of Injuries in National Collegiate Athletic Association Women's Lacrosse: 2014–2015 Through 2018–2019

Abstract

Context Lacrosse is an increasingly popular sport; the number of teams participating in collegiate women's lacrosse has increased by 21.4% in the past 5 years. Background The growth of National Collegiate Athletic Association women's lacrosse, coupled with the ongoing discussions surrounding protective equipment, necessitates further epidemiologic studies in this population. Methods Exposure and injury data collected in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance Program during 2014–2015 through 2018–2019 were analyzed. Injury counts, rates, and proportions were used to describe injury characteristics, and injury rate ratios with 95% CIs were used to examine differential injury rates. Results The overall injury rate was 4.99 per 1000 athlete exposures. Less than 30% of injuries were time-loss injuries; injuries were most commonly attributed to noncontact (26.6%) and overuse (25.2%) mechanisms. The most commonly reported specific injuries were lateral ligament complex tears (ankle sprains; 9.1%), concussions (7.2%), and hamstring tears (3.8%). Summary Findings from this study were consistent with the existing epidemiologic evidence in previous studies. Injury incidence in practices, in preseason, and as a result of player contact warrant further attention in this population.