Trauma injuries sustained by female footballers

Abstract

Soccer is becoming the leading sport for women worldwide with 21 million females registered with the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). It is now the top female sport in England with 131 678 registered players and 9600 registered clubs. Several studies have looked at the injury rates amongst female players. Some injuries have been highlighted as more common in women. This article looks at the epidemiology of injuries in women's soccer and in particular anterior cruciate ligament injuries, ankle injuries and concussion. It will discuss the diagnosis and management needed for these injuries in female soccer players. With this increasing popularity, clinicians will see more female players sustaining trauma through playing soccer. Early and appropriate management of these injuries is essential if women are to continue to enjoy soccer at a recreational level and succeed at a competitive level, perhaps with a podium finish in 2012.