Study Shows 90-Fold Increase in Pickleball-Related Fractures Among Older Adults
The popularity of pickleball has been on the rise in recent years, with millions of Americans taking up the sport. However, a new study presented at the 2024 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has revealed a concerning trend – pickleball-related fractures have increased 90-fold over the past 20 years, with more than 87 percent of those affected being age 60 or older.
The study, conducted by Yasmine Ghattas and her team at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, analyzed data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. They found that there were about 24,000 pickleball-related fractures nationwide over the study period, with a noticeable surge in fractures from 2020 onward.
Interestingly, while women were more prone to sustaining pickleball injuries, men were more likely to be hospitalized following a fracture. The study authors speculated that this could be due to the severity of fractures among men, which often included fractures of the hip and femur.
Dr. Michael Fredricson, director of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Sports Medicine at Stanford University, noted that the rise in injuries among older pickleball players could be related to factors such as diminishing bone health after menopause and underlying osteoporosis. However, he also emphasized that exercise like pickleball can be beneficial for bone density and balance, if approached with caution.
Overall, the study is not meant to discourage older adults from playing pickleball, but rather to encourage them to consult with their healthcare provider and engage in proper physical conditioning before taking up the sport. By taking these precautions, older adults can continue to enjoy the benefits of pickleball while reducing their risk of injury.
