Abstract

The literature on handball injuries is reviewed. Next to localization, incidence, also the most important risk factors and potential prevention are discussed. The handball injury incidence rate appears to be substantial. The injuries are localized mostly in the upper and lower extremities. Finger injuries and distorsion of the ankle joint are the injuries reported most frequently. Although several risk factors are mentioned and some preventive guidelines are formulated, as yet no consensus exists in the literature. The use of a control group is rare, no representative population is chosen and the definition of an injury was mostly not given. Therefore it needs further studies with an adequate design to determine the most important risk factors, so that effective prevention of handball injuries leading to a decrease of the injuries becomes feasible. Verf.-Referat