An Epidemiological Analysis of Wrestling-Related Injuries: A 10-Year Analysis of National Injury Data.

Abstract

Background: Wrestling is a high-impact sport characterized by rapid, forceful movements, posing a considerable injury risk to athletes who are often evaluated in emergency departments (EDs) across the United States. This study examines the principal mechanics, distributions, and epidemiological trends of wrestling-related injuries.

Hypothesis: (1) Upper extremity injuries would be the most common, (2) young men would be the most affected group, and (3) sprains/strains would be the most frequent diagnosis.

Study design: Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods: Patients evaluated at US EDs for wrestling-related injuries between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2024, were identified using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database. Patient characteristics, injury location, diagnosis, disposition, and mechanisms of injury were recorded. Data analysis was calculated using national estimates (NEs) and linear regression to assess trends and associations.

Results: From 2015 to 2024, US EDs reported approximately 10,508 cases (NE, 370,089) of wrestling-related visits. Of these, 88.4% involved males (NE, 326,985). Pediatric patients (≤18 years of age) accounted for the majority of injuries, accounting for 84.9% of all cases (NE, 314,166), with a mean age of 15.9 ± 6.2 years for the entire cohort. The lowest number of wrestling-related injuries occurred in 2020 (NE, 20,270), while the highest number was reported in 2024 (NE, 57,026). The most commonly injured body regions were the shoulder (15.2%; NE, 56,150) and head (13.1%; NE, 48,619). Sprains and strains represented the most frequent injury type at 27.6% (NE, 102,253).

Conclusion: This study showed that males constituted the predominant majority of ED visits from wrestling injuries, with shoulder and neck strains being the most prevalent. The significant rise in injuries from 2020 to 2024 highlights the necessity for preventative measures and heightened awareness of wrestling safety, especially in recreational environments, where occurrences are notably elevated.