Incidence,nature,and causes of ice hockey injuries

Abstract

In this prospective study, we have investigated inci dence of injuries of different severity, types of injury, and mechanisms of injury during ice hockey practice and games. One Swedish elite hockey team was closely observed during three seasons (1982 to 1985). There was a total number of 95 injuries and 29 facial lacera tions. The majority of injuries were minor (73%) and only 8% were classified as major. Seventy-six percent of the injuries occurred during games and 24% during practice. The incidence of injury during practice was 1.4 per 1,000 player-practice hours and 78.4 per 1,000 player-game hours. In comparison with other sports, the incidence of injury during hockey practice is very low, while that during games is high. Eighty percent of the injuries were caused by trauma and 20% by over use. The most common types of injury were contusions, strains, and sprains. Complete tear of the medial col lateral ligament of the knee was the most common severe injury. Most injuries resulted from body contact, predominantly tackling (checking), and from puck or stick contact. A reduction of the number of minor and moderate injuries should be possible by stricter en forcement of the hockey rules, especially against stick violations, and more widespread use of visors.