Permanent sequelae in sports injuries: a population based study
Alberto G Marchia, Daniela Di Bellob, Gianni Messia, Giuseppe Gazzolab
a UO
Pronto Soccorso e Primo Accoglimento, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Via
dell'Istria, 65/1, 34137 Trieste, Italy, b UO Ortopedia e Traumatologia, IRCCS Burlo
Garofolo
Correspondence to: Professor Marchi. email: marchi{at}burlo.trieste.it
Accepted 16 June 1999
AIM
To identify
permanent sequelae after sports injuries in children and adolescents.
METHODSIn 1985, a
prospective register was drawn up of all sports related injuries
reported that year by the residents of Trieste, Italy aged 6-15
years. Moderate to severe injuries (scoring 
2 on the abbreviated
injury scale (AIS)) were the object of a longitudinal clinical study.
In 1988, 30.9% of the 220 subjects enrolled had sequelae. A further
follow up was undertaken in 1997.
RESULTSThe follow up
in 1997 involved 54 subjects (26 girls; average age 24.5 years).
Subjective and objective sequelae, by now considered to be permanent,
were found in 61.1%, corresponding to 15% of the AIS 2 injuries
recorded in 1985. The prevalence of sequelae was similar in the two
sexes, in relation to the child's age at time of injury, and in the
different sports practised. It was higher in relation to the severity
of the lesion (89% of AIS 3 injuries examined, 56% of AIS 2 injuries)
and to the type of lesion and its location. With regard to AIS 2
injuries, permanent sequelae were found in 50% of ankle fractures,
43% of elbow fractures, 33% of leg/foot fractures, 25% of knee
sprains, and 23% of ankle sprains.
CONCLUSIONSThe
frequency of sequelae in sports injuries in children and adolescents is
high. The risk appears to be connected to certain anatomical and
functional age characteristics. Prevention strategies should include
specific assessment of physical fitness and adequate follow up after
the accident, particularly rehabilitation.
Keywords: sports related injuries; permanent sequelae; adolescents; longitudinal clinical study
© 1999 by Archives of Disease in Childhood
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