title: Soccer injuries in childhood.
abstract: A prospective study of soccer injuries, involving 287 male youth players, from the ages of 12-15 was conducted in 24 Greek soccer clubs, during the course of one year. A total of 193 players sustained 209 injuries. The incidence of injuries was 4.0 injuries per 1000 h of soccer time per player, and the most common types of injuries were sprains and strains. Surprisingly, it was found that an increase of injury incidences occurred during practice. Fifty-eight injuries required medical assistance. The majority of injuries (80%) were located in the lower extremities. Collision with other players was the most common activity at the time of injury, accounting for 40% of all injuries. The conclusion of this study and the evidence from other studies suggests that youth soccer is a relatively low risk sport. However, a substantial amount of injuries could be prevented. It is necessary to identify the risk factors, which are associated with these types of injuries.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Surgery, Medical School, University Hospital of Heraklion, University of Crete, Voutes 71110, Crete, Greece.
authors.forename: K N
authors.initials: KN
authors.lastname: Kakavelakis
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vlazakis
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Vlahakis
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Charissis
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015984:Causality; D002648:Child; D003288:Contusions / Q000453:epidemiology; D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000453:epidemiology; D006115:Greece / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012916:Soccer / Q000293:injuries* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013180:Sprains and Strains / Q000453:epidemiology; D052256:Tendinopathy / Q000453:epidemiology