62 - 85: Gridiron Football Injuries

Objective: To review the available football epidemiology literature to identify riskfactors, facilitate injury prevention and uncover deficiencies that may be addressed by futureresearch. Data Sources: A literature search of Sports Discus (1940-2003), Eric(1967-2003), EMBASE (1988-2003), MEDLINE (1966-2003), CINAHL (1984-2003),and Web of Science (1993-2003) identified the published articles on American football inathletes of high school age and younger. Main Results: Injury rate increases with the levelof play (grade in school), player age, and player experience. The lower extremity (knee andankle joints) is most frequently injured. Football injuries are much more common in gamesthan in practice, and occur to players who are being tackled, tackling or blocking. Mostinjuries are mild, including contusion, strain and sprain. Rule changes with the prohibitionof initial contact with the helmet or face-mask reduced catastrophic head and neck injuries.Conclusion: Although no sport or recreational activity is completely risk-free, footballepidemiology research is critical to injury prevention. The existing medical literatureprovides some valuable insights, but an increased emphasis on prospective research isrequired to test the efficacy of preventative measures. Quality research may contribute to areduction in football injury risk by defining the role of player conditioning and strengthtraining, coaching of safety fundamentals, avoidance of dangerous activities, as well asproper medical supervision and care. Sports medicine personnel, coaches, and officials muststrive to minimize injuries through progressive education, improved coaching techniques,effective officiating, and equipment modifications.