Study Reveals Surge in Pickleball-Related Fractures Among Older Players, Presented at AAOS 2024 Annual Meeting
The Rise of Pickleball-Related Fractures: New Study Highlights Growing Concerns
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Pickleball, the popular sport that has taken America by storm, is not without its risks. A new study presented at the 2024 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has revealed a concerning trend – a significant increase in pickleball-related fractures over the past two decades.
According to the study, there has been a staggering 90-fold increase in fractures associated with pickleball since 2002. The most affected demographic? Players aged 60-69, with women over 65 being particularly vulnerable to upper extremity fractures following a fall.
Yasmine Ghattas, a fourth-year medical student involved in the study, emphasized the importance of understanding the risk factors associated with pickleball injuries, especially fractures that can lead to hospitalization and surgery. The research team analyzed data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database to identify trends, mechanisms of injuries, anatomic locations, and gender distributions related to pickleball fractures.
Key findings from the study include a noticeable surge in fractures since 2020, with men being 2.3 times more likely to be admitted for a fracture compared to women. The severity of fractures in men, often involving lower extremities, may explain this discrepancy. Interestingly, age differences in hospital admissions were observed in men but not in women.
Dr. Kurt P. Spindler, an orthopaedic surgeon, highlighted the importance of addressing bone health and injury prevention in pickleball players, especially those at risk for weakened bones due to conditions like osteoporosis. Building bone mass through proper nutrition and weight-bearing activities can help reduce the risk of fractures.
As pickleball continues to grow in popularity, players are urged to be mindful of the potential risks involved and take proactive measures to protect their bone health. With the findings of this study shedding light on the increasing incidence of pickleball-related fractures, it is essential for players to prioritize safety and injury prevention while enjoying this beloved sport.
For more information on the study and the AAOS, visit their website and follow them on social media for updates.
SOURCE: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
