Epidemiology of Golf-Related Injuries: A 10-Year Analysis of the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System Database and the Impact of Alcohol Consumption.

Abstract

Objective: The study purpose was to examine epidemiology of golf-related injuries and impact of alcohol consumption.

Design: Descriptive epidemiologic study.

Setting: Emergency department injury reports in the United States.

Participants: Individuals reporting to emergency departments for golf-related injuries.

Methods: Data (2011-2021) were obtained from National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. Examined trends with pivot tables. Incidence rate ratios and confidence intervals were calculated using χ2. Three hundred seventy-one injuries were removed for not being golf related.

Independent variables: Age, gender, alcohol use.

Main outcome measures: Injury type, injury location, injury narrative.

Results: Mean age 46 years. Men (n = 7605, 71.03%) were injured more frequently. Most common injuries were sprain (n = 1699, 15.87%), laceration (n = 1544, 14.42%), and fracture (n = 1340, 12.52%). Most common locations were trunk (n = 2,417, 22.57%) and head (n = 1866, 17.43%). Most common lower extremity was knee (n = 610, 5.70%), and upper extremity was shoulder (n = 447, 4.17%). With alcohol, the rate of injury being a fracture increased from 12.39% to 18.11% [incidence rate ratio (IRR)], 1.46 [95% CI, 1.05-1.97]; P = 0.018), syncope increased from 2.63% to 9.47% (IRR, 3.51 [95% CI, 2.19-5.38]; P = 0.0001), and internal injury increased from 9.48% to 23.05% (IRR, 2.43 [95% CI, 1.82-3.18]; P = 0.0001). Injury location most common with alcohol was the head, increased from 16.95% to 37.86% (IRR, 2.23 [95% CI, 1.79-2.75]; P = 0.0001).

Conclusions: Common golf injuries include sprains, lacerations, and fractures. Alcohol is a known risk factor, significantly increasing the risk of severe injuries in golfers, such as fractures and internal injuries. In addition, notable increases in head injuries and syncope were identified.