Epidemiology and clinical profile of sports injuries treated in the Douala General Hospital and the Douala Laquintinie Hospital

Abstract

Abstract Background A sport injury is any body tissue damage that results from the practice of sports or exercise. Despite the number of cases treated at hospitals, very little is reported. Regarding the rising participation in sports and as a consequence sports injuries, this study aimed to present the epidemiology and clinical profile of sport injuries treated at two tertiary hospitals in Douala Cameroon. Methods This was a hospital based cross sectional descriptive study during nine months, carried out in the Douala General hospital and the Douala Laquintinie Hospital. Medical records of patients who were treated for sports injuries from January 2012 to April 2022 were included in the study. Severe injury was considered to be an injury score of greater than or equal to three according to the abbreviated injury scale of the injured body region. Results Among 72 consecutive eligible records, there was a male predominance (86.1%) with a 6.2 M:F sex ratio. The mean age 24.97±13.8 years and the modal age range was 11-21 years. The prevalence of sports injuries was 1.12% amongst all trauma cases. 48.6% of injured persons were students, 36.1 % employed, 8.3% athletes and 6.9% unemployed. 59.7% of injuries occurred during recreational sports while 22.2% occurred during physical education, 11.1% during trainings and 6.9% during competitions. Football accounted for 66.7% injuries, running 13.9% and 12.5% in jumping. 59.7% of injuries were fractures, 6.9% dislocations, 27.7% soft tissue injuries and 5.6% head injuries. 47.2% of injuries occurred on the lower extremities, 29.2% on the upper extremities, 6.9% on the face, 5.6% abdominopelvic, 4.2% on the thorax, 5.6% head injuries and 1.4% on the neck. Overall 73.7% of sports injuries were severe injuries. Conclusion Sports injuries treated in hospitals are severe injuries. The majority of sports injuries treated in hospitals are fractures. Most sports injuries occur in the lower extremity. Football records the highest number of injuries.