Epidemiology of pickleball injuries by age group treated in emergency departments in the United States.

Abstract

Purpose: Pickleball's rapid rise in popularity in the U.S. has led to a surge in injuries, particularly as younger players have begun engaging in the sport at greater rates. Understanding injury trends across age groups is critical for guiding prevention strategies. This study aims to examine pickleball-related injuries in different age groups, specifically comparing injury mechanisms and types between older (≥65 years) and younger players to identify age-specific risk factors.

Methods: Using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), we identified pickleball-related injuries from 2012 to 2021. Cases were stratified by age, and analyses included demographics, injury types, mechanisms, and emergency department dispositions. Comparative risk analyses were performed to assess differences between older and younger players.

Results: 53,649 weighted cases (95% CI: 28518 -78,780) were recorded. Older players accounted for 83% of injuries, though the younger group experienced a higher annual rate of increase (older: 50.08%, younger: 69.93%). The most common injury mechanisms were slips, trips, falls, and dives (64.3%, 95% CI: 34.17%-94.42%), with older players three times more likely to sustain fractures (OR 2.96; 95% CI: 2.79-3.15) compared to younger players, and nearly three times as likely to be injured by a slip, fall, trip, or dive (OR 2.75; 95% CI: 2.63-2.88). Younger players were more likely to sustain strains or sprains (OR 1.86; 95% CI: 1.78-1.95) from 'otherspecified mechanisms' such as sudden stops and lunging (OR 2.13; 95% CI:2.03-2.23).

Conclusions: Distinct injury patterns between younger and older players suggest the need for age-specific prevention strategies. Older players face higher fracture risks, while younger players are more prone to strains and sprains from dynamic movements.