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Br J Sports Med 2003;37:498-501 doi:10.1136/bjsm.37.6.498
  • Original article

Severe soccer injuries in amateurs

  1. I E Goga,
  2. P Gongal
  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Natal, Durban, South Africa
  1. Correspondence to:
 Mr Goga
 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Natal, Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, Private Bag 7, Room 403, 179 Umbilo Road, Congella, Durban 4013, South Africa; gogainu.ac.za
  • Accepted 16 June 2003

Abstract

Objectives: To ascertain the number and type of severe soccer injuries admitted to King Edward Hospital in South Africa over 42 months.

Methods: This was a retrospective study of all patients admitted for treatment or observation to the orthopaedic unit only. Patients treated as outpatients, irrespective of severity, are also presented for comparison.

Results: Thirty two patients were admitted with severe injuries. The injuries included 18 fractures of the tibial and femoral shaft. Two tibial shaft fractures were compound. Four tibial plateau fractures and five epiphyseal injuries were identified. One patient had a fracture-dislocation of the hip. One patient with a popliteal artery injury presented 48 hours after the injury had occurred. He had an above knee amputation. In the same period 122 patients were treated as outpatients. The types of injury in this group were similar to soccer injuries reported in other countries.

Conclusions: Very serious injuries are sustained by casual soccer players in South Africa. Urgent measures need to be taken to prevent such injuries.

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