Epidemiology of Injuries Treated Among Male Youth Football Players During the 2021 Top Cup in Cameroon

Abstract

Objective To investigate the epidemiological profile of injuries sustained during the 2021 Top Cup in Dschang, Cameroon, in order to inform prevention strategies and rehabilitation measures. Methods In this retrospective epidemiological study, we recorded the daily number of injury occurrences among male youth football athletes based on the medical staff reports from the 2021 Top Cup held in Dschang, Cameroon. Results A total of 128 male players were expected to participate in the tournament; however, only 117 players were present and sustained at least one injury. The mean age of the players was 11.9 ± 1.9 years. Most participants were enrolled in secondary school (93.16%). The overall injury incidence was 279.4 injuries per 1,000 player-hours (95% CI: 229.2-330.6). Muscle contusions were the most frequent injury type, accounting for 78 (66.7%) cases, followed by lacerations, 28 (23.9%). Muscle/tendon injuries represented 85 (72.6%) of all injuries. Most injuries were minor, 112 (95.7%), and the majority resulted from contact, 103 (88.0%). The lower limb was the most affected region, 82 (70.1%), particularly the knee, foot/ankle, and leg. Treatment was predominantly conservative, with only one case requiring surgery for a tibial fracture. Conclusion This study highlights a high incidence of football-related injuries among male players during a youth tournament, with most injuries being minor, contact-related, and affecting the lower limbs. Muscle contusions were the predominant injury type. These findings underscore the need for targeted injury prevention strategies, improved playing conditions, and access to medical supervision in youth sports settings to enhance player safety and support early rehabilitation.