Introduction
As rock-climbing increases in popularity, the number of rock-climbing-related injuries also increases. Despite the available literature, there remains a paucity of information about upper extremity injuries sustained by climbers and no studies to date focus on sex-specific injuries in climbers.
Objective
To investigate demographics and patterns of upper-extremity injuries among rock climbers, specifically examining differences in climbing practices, experience levels, and postinjury treatment between male and female rock climbers.
Methods
A 24-question online survey was designed and distributed to rock climbers about upper-extremity injuries sustained during rock climbing. Statistical analysis was used to study associations between participants' demographics and the nature of injuries.
Results
A total of 397 participants responded to the survey with men comprising the majority of respondents. No significant differences in demographics or climbing behaviors were found between men and women. Three hundred fifty-seven participants reported sustaining an upper-extremity injury. Fingers were the most commonly injured area, followed by the shoulder/arm and the elbow/forearm. Of those reporting tendon injuries, the majority were reported as a flexor tendon/pulley injury. Our study found women to be significantly more likely to report shoulder/upper arm injuries compared with men, with the odds of sustaining a shoulder/upper arm injury for women being twice that for men after adjusting for climbing frequency and years of climbing. Among respondents who reported a shoulder/upper arm injury, women were more likely to undergo surgery.
Conclusion
Female rock climbers were significantly more likely to report a shoulder/upper arm injury and also were more likely to report undergoing surgery compared with male rock climbers. These differences were not due to age or climbing behaviors. Further investigation is warranted into the association between shoulder injuries and female athletes to determine how sex differences relate to extent of injury as well as health service utilization behaviors.