Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine whether pediatric sport-related injuries were a significant clinical problem in our community. All children presenting to the emergency room of the five major hospitals in Calgary in March 1988 with a sport injury were prospectively evaluated with a standardized form. The form assessed the demographics of the child, and the sport, the injury, and the patients outcome. There were a total of 367 sport-related injuries over this time, with boys presenting more frequently than girls. The most commonly observed injury was that of a lower extremity sprain although fractures occurred in 27. There were two life-threatening injuries. The majority of injuries required treatment in the emergency department only, 19 involved specialist consultations, and 7 required hospitalization. Downhill skiing was the most commonly related sport and in combination with other winter sports accounted for >50 of the total. In conclusion, pediatric sports-related injuries, particularly those resulting from winter sports, are a significant clinical concern in our community. Verf.-Referat