Incidence, characteristics and cost of head, neck and dental injuries in non-professional football (soccer) using 3 years of sports injury insurance data

AimThis descriptive epidemiological study aimed to quantify the incidence, characteristics and costs of head, neck and dental injuries in non-professional football players. MethodsInjury data were coded (using Orchard Sports Injury and Illness Classification System) from a de-identified insurance database containing three seasons (2018-2020) of data. Cost data included direct and indirect costs presented by type of injury, age group and sex using means & PLUSMN; SD, range of costs ($AU) and total costs & PLUSMN; SE. Chi-squared tests were used to analyse the data (significance level p < .05) with injury incidence rates (IR) calculated per 1000 match hours and per 1000 injury insurance claims. ResultsA total of 388 injuries affecting 240 players were sustained. Of these, 43% (n = 102) of players also sustained one or more secondary injuries, mainly to the head or neck area. Dental injuries (n = 143, 39%, IR = 0.008) accounted for the highest number of primary and secondary injuries and the highest mean direct cost per injury ($AU1152), while head and facial injuries accounted for the highest proportion of total costs ($AU434,101). Players who sustained one or more secondary injuries had the highest direct and indirect mean cost per injury. ConclusionsGiven the frequency and cost of dental injuries in non-professional football players, injury prevention initiatives warrant further investigation.

Automated summary

This descriptive epidemiological study aimed to quantify the incidence, characteristics, and costs of head, neck, and dental injuries in non-professional football players. The study found that dental injuries accounted for the highest number of primary and secondary injuries and the highest mean direct cost per injury. Given the frequency and cost of dental injuries, further investigation and injury prevention initiatives are warranted.