Increasing Incidence of Pickleball Injuries Presenting to US Emergency Departments: A 10-year Epidemiologic Analysis of Mechanisms and Trends.

Abstract

Background: Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. It is popular among seniors but has recently grown across all age groups. As pickleball has gained interest, its corresponding injury burden has also increased.

Purpose/hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to identify pickleball-related injury trends and underlying mechanisms across different age groups presenting to US emergency departments. It was hypothesized that (1) pickleball-related injuries would increase significantly between 2013 and 2022, (2) older age groups would have the greatest frequency of injury, and (3) falls would be the most common mechanism of injury.

Study design: Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was queried for pickleball injuries between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2022. The demographic information, injury site, and diagnosis were recorded, and case narratives were reviewed to identify the injury mechanism. The statistical sample weight assigned for NEISS cases by hospital was used to calculate national estimates (NEs). Injury trends over time were evaluated by linear regression.

Results: A total of 1110 NEISS cases representing 66,350 nationally estimated pickleball-related injuries were included. The mean age was 64 ± 14.7 years (range, 4-93 years). Most injuries occurred in those aged 65 to 80 years (NEISS cases = 643; NE = 40,507 [61.1%]), followed by those aged 35 to 64 years (NEISS cases = 349; NE = 20,785 [31.3%]). Falls were the most common injury mechanism overall (NEISS cases = 699; NE = 43,434 [65.5%]). However, being hit with a paddle and a twist/inversion were the most common mechanisms for ages 0 to 17 and 18 to 34 years, respectively. Fractures were the most common diagnosis (NEISS cases = 363; NE = 21,703 [32.7%]), followed by strains/sprains (NEISS cases = 327; NE = 20,419 [30.8%]). Also, 69.1% of all fractures occurred in female players. The wrist was the most injured, accounting for 12.7% of all injuries. Significant increases in pickleball injuries were seen over time (P < .001) and across all age groups (P < .05).

Conclusion: There was a significant increase in pickleball-related injuries presenting between 2013 and 2022, with most injuries arising from a fall. Notably, injuries decreased by 14% between 2019 and 2020 but rose again by 41% between 2020 and 2021 during the coronavirus 2019 pandemic. Older players disproportionately presented to the emergency department with pickleball-related injuries. Increased awareness and comprehensive injury prevention initiatives may be warranted to address the considerable prevalence of fractures and overuse/strain injuries.