Breast Injuries In Female Collegiate Athletes

Abstract

In 2015-2016, over 214,000 female athletes competed at the collegiate level in the U.S. The NCAA collects injury data; however, breast related injuries do not have a specific reporting category. The exact sequelae of breast injury is unknown; however, a relationship between breast injury and fat necrosis, which mimics breast carcinoma, is documented outside of sport participation. Breast injuries related to motor vehicle collisions, seatbelt trauma, and blunt trauma have been reported. For these reasons, it is important to investigate female breast injuries in collegiate sports. PURPOSE: The objectives of this study are to report the prevalence of self-reported breast injuries in female collegiate athletes, explore injury type and treatment, and investigate breast injury reporting and impact on sports participation. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of female collegiate athletes at four U.S. Universities participating in basketball, soccer, softball, or volleyball. The main outcome measure was a questionnaire regarding breast injuries during sport participation. RESULTS: Almost half of the 194 participants (47.9%) reported a breast injury during their collegiate career, less than 10% reported their injury to health personnel with 2.1% receiving treatment. Breast injuries reported by sport include softball (59.5%), basketball (48.8%), soccer (46.7%), and volleyball (34.6%). CONCLUSION: The long-term effects and sequelae of breast injuries reported by female collegiate athletes during sport play is unknown. Nearly 50% of participants had a breast injury during sport. Although 18.2% indicated that breast injury affected sport participation, only 9.6% of the injuries were reported to medical personnel with 2.1% receiving treatment. From a clinical perspective, this information can be used to heighten the awareness related to female breast injuries and encourage health professionals to create an environment that encourages disclosure of injures that may be perceived as personal or embarrassing to discuss. Supported by an Internal Grant - University of Michigan-Flint Physical Therapy Department