Surfing-Related Craniofacial Injuries: A NEISS Database Study

Abstract

Introduction: Surfing is a popular pastime in coastal areas around the world with increasing numbers of participants. There is a lack of detailed data in the literature regarding surfing-related head and neck (HN) injuries. Materials and Methods: We queried the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database to characterize patient demographics, injury types, injury subsite, and emergency department (ED) disposition status associated with surfing-related HN injuries between 2009 and 2020 in the United States.Results: A total of 54,978 estimated national cases were reported from 2009 to 2020. Injuries to the head (36.0%) and neck (35.8%) were most common. Young adults (ages 18-35) made up most ED visits, whereas older adults ( > 35) made up most (63.5%) admissions. Laceration (46.1%) was the most common injury among ED visits, whereas fracture (30.5%) and internal injury (29.2%) were most common in admitted patients. Concussions represented 7.5% of injuries overall, 9.1% of pediatric injuries, and 9.9% of young adult injuries. Conclusions: When treating a patient who presents with injury suffered during surfing, a thorough examination of the HN should be performed. Specific attention should be given to evaluation of lacerations, fractures, internal ear injuries, and concussions. Pediatric and young adult patients are at increased risk of concussion. The majority of surfing injuries can be treated in an outpatient context.

Sources of Facial Injury Across Age Groups: A Nationwide Overview Using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System Database

“…Concurrently, a robust body of NEISSbased literature discusses injury incidence within specific sports settings, such as volleyball, rugby, and soccer. 6,[18][19][20][21][22] However, this study's result demonstrates a critical burden of at-home injuries across all age groups, with a higher incidence with increased age. For example, even among the 10 to 20-year group, 24.4% of injuries occurred at home, closely matching the incidence of sports-related trauma (25.1%).…”

“…A relative paucity of literature focuses on the incidence of at-home injuries for adolescents and young adults, particularly, as there is a high prevalence of injury during recreational activities within this age group. Concurrently, a robust body of NEISS-based literature discusses injury incidence within specific sports settings, such as volleyball, rugby, and soccer 6,18–22 . However, this study’s result demonstrates a critical burden of at-home injuries across all age groups, with a higher incidence with increased age.…”

“…The mechanism is likely more variable in injuries resulting from recreational or athletic activities. However, the magnitude and nature of transmitted force in commonly engaged contact sports contextualize the frequency of facial injury in these settings 18–22 …”

“…However, the magnitude and nature of transmitted force in commonly engaged contact sports contextualize the frequency of facial injury in these settings. [18][19][20][21][22] The current literature on the incidence of at-home facial injury focuses on the geriatric or pediatric population. 23,24 Fall prevention campaigns are predominantly targeted toward nursing home facilities or home care for the elderly.…”

Musculoskeletal injuries during trail sports: Sex- and age-specific analyses over 20 years from a national injury database

“…Existing studies have used NEISS to describe activityspecific injury patterns and report epidemiological trends among US EDs. [13][14][15][16][17][18][19] Specifics regarding the source of NEISS data and updates are available through the US Consumer Product Safety Commission website. 10 Because this database includes publicly accessible, de-identified data that are freely published through a government website, this study was exempt from review through the institutional review board.…”