A study of shoulder injuries incurred by high school ice hockey players was conducted for the 1982-1 983 and 1983-1984 competitive seasons. Data from 480 players (73%), who competed on 12 teams within a 30 mile radius, were included in the analysis. Among these players, shoulder injuries accounted for a rate of 9.4 injuries per 100 players; separation of the acromioclavicular joint was the most common injury. Although 39% of the reported injuries were of mild severity, 44% were moderate in severity, and 18% were major in severity; moreover, 59% of the injured players reported residual persistent symptoms. Of the total injuries, 88% occurred in games or under game-type conditions. The greatest proportion of injuries occurred to players engaged in play in the forward position while in the offensive zone. Over 54% of the injuries were caused by contact with the boards surrounding the ice surface and, reportedly, 43% of the injuries were associated with illegal activities. Based on the study findings, strategies for injury prevention include the following: consideration of techniques of coaching and of play; enforcement of the current rules to decrease the number of injuries related to illegal activities; research relevant to board design and materials to determine if a more yielding barrier can be placed around the playing surface; and utilization of the latest equipment, incorporating unique design and materials, that facilitates dissipation of forces. In addition, there is a need for further comprehensive research efforts relevant to ice hockey injuries that can enable the identification of other risk factors so that preven#on and control of injuries can be managed more readily.
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